First order of business

Fashions have changed since I was last gainfully employed. And so has my body--for better or for worse. So when I was invited by Photographer Friend to a media networking event last night in San Francisco, I sadly struggled with what to wear. After several outfit changes--complete with a list of expletives to match--I found a compromise that would work for the night, but I felt so outdated that I might as well have shown up in a shiny blazer with shoulder pads.

Over the last four years, my career has shifted from full-time writer/editor/managing producer to full-time parent/activity coordinator/household executive. As a result my wardrobe has shifted. Instead of cute and sassy business-type outfits, I have Capri pants and tank tops. Instead of financial-conference-type slacks, I have sexy dance outfits. Instead of comfortable but fashionable shoes and boots, I have Crocs or candy-red dance shoes. I have held onto some stodgy business-type outfits. But do not have any cute business casual outfits that say I'm smart, talented, somewhat stylish, and I've been shopping at least once this century. That said, I did wear my smart-girl glasses.

Lesson learned. As part of my effort to get back into business as a professional writer/freelancer/author, I need to look the part when the opportunity arises. I will go out and get two outfits that make me feel just sophisticated enough and just hip enough to fit in and feel confident, like I belong. Because as they saying goes: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. And while my primary job is parent, I don't want that to be the primary impression I give when I'm out mingling with the natives. At least I didn't have any crusty spit-up on my shoulder or breast milk leaking down my front. So I guess it could have been much, much worse.