From the Beginning
I thought it might be nice for some of the newer readers who perhaps have not gone all the way back to the beginning, to hear the story of why I’m here doing this…and what exactly a “fashion schlub” is!
So, this is a repeat of my very first post, back on Valentine’s Day, 2016. In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago.
Let’s go back…wayyy back 🙂
I’m a fashion schlub. I never quite have it altogether. I can have a great dress but not the right shoes. Or a lovely outfit but on a cold day I’m putting my orange dog walking jacket over it. Or everything is pulled together…and my hair is 6 months overdue for a grey-covering color. It’s been like this for my entire life. But It. Stops. Now. Or at least it *starts* to stop. My life is more than half over and I want to finish up better than I started out. So, I’m going to pay attention to things I really never paid attention to before.
I’ve always loved fashion – fashion magazines, fashion blogs, searching out the big fashion week runway shows on some obscure cable channel. But it never seemed like it was something for ME. I was “too fat.” I didn’t have disposable income for things like trendy clothes. Even as a young (slim!) girl, I was not about fashion. I was a “horse girl.” I wore corduroys and flannel shirts and docksiders. As I grew up and out of “barn style,” I became a Mommy. Not like today’s Fashionista Mommies. Nope, just a nightgown-wearing, pony-tailed, socks-and-slippers, stay at home mom.
Once my daughter was in school and I found that my full-time job was not enough to cover the costs of a single-parent home, I started selling on ebay. First “stuff,” and eventually narrowing my niche down to clothing, and then to vintage clothing. And I was in LOVE!!! The best part was styling models for photo shoots to show the goods off in listings. I discovered I had more of a knack for styling *other* people than I did for myself! I developed my photography skills at this time, so I was both stylist and photographer, and that became another side business.
I don’t do much with the ebay store anymore, and I’ve started trying to style *myself*! It’s *way* more challenging to make ME look nice than a 5’9″, slim, young adorable model, but…I’ve accepted the challenge. The challenge of moving from “schlub” to…well, not exactly “fashionista,” but certainly something in that direction. I want to be able to be proud of and confident in the way I look. And there are many lessons and skills to be learned to get there! And that is what this blog will be about. My journey from frumpy to fabulous (ha, I can barely say the F word without cringing!), one step at a time. Maybe you can learn some things from me, maybe I can inspire you to take some step, however small, as well…and maybe you can help me, too!
There’ll be outfit posts, health and beauty, maybe even some (gasp) fitness! And just general lifestyle of a 55-year old, plus size, budget-conscious, single woman. I hope you’ll join me!
So, what are these pictures about?? Last fall after seeing picture after picture of bloggers in whimsical tulle skirts, I declared on Facebook that I would like a tulle skirt but I had nowhere to wear such a thing. A photographer friend responded, “get it and we’ll do a photo shoot!” So, this is that shoot. Totally out of my comfort zone, but that’s the whole point, isn’t it? I felt silly but it was really kinda fun…and she was such a good sport and her pictures make me look way better than I thought I would! So thanks to JennyBean Photography for the wonderful pictures – give her a call if *you* want to
feel beautiful!
I’ve updated the links in case you’re interested in anything.
What I’m Wearing:
* Pink tulle skirt, old. Comparable here in plus and here in straight size.
* Grey tee shirt, old. Comparable here in plus and here in straight size.
* Cropped denim jacket, old. Comparable here in plus and here in straight size.
* Taupe faux-suede wedge booties by CL by Laundry. Still available here.
* The ring was a Christmas present from my beautiful daughter
* The brooch on my jacket lapel is a vintage moonstone pin that my sister gave me at my bridal shower many moons ago.
* Red scarf
See ya next time!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you buy something as a result of clicking that link, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate you shopping through my links.
jodie filogomo
Tell me you still have that tulle skirt, Bettye?? Because it’s so fun and carefree. I think you need to pull it out more…even with just a t-shirt!!
XOXO
Jodie
bettyewp
I not only still have that tulle skirt, Jodie, I have another one that’s even better! Of course I’ve never worn it 🙁 I don’t have THAT many tulle occasions 🙂
Deborah Stinedurf
My friend…nowhere to wear a tulle skirt?? Throw it on with a tee shirt and sneakers on a random Tuesday and go get groceries!!! xo
Debbie
PS…So glad that I’ve been around since just about the beginning…you are one of my very favorite blogger friends and I’m so glad that we found one another!
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
bettyewp
Ha ha! This was before I knew YOU and all the wonderful outfits you could build around a tulle skirt!
I think the best part of blogging IS the people you meet, the friends you make and the community you create!
Sonja
Lovely post to see and read how it all started!
bettyewp
Thanks, Sonja. It feels like so long ago! I had No Idea what I was doing…or how to do it. It’s been a slow learning curve for me but…I’m still going.
Iris
I’ve known you (online) for a number of years and I’ve never considered you a schlub. Love the memories.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Thank you, Iris 🙂 I think probably 15 years or more!
Iris
I think it’s more. Chuck’s been gone for 14 years 🙁 and it was a few years before that. You’ve been a great friend and I appreciate you!
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Wow. Time does march on, doesn’t it.
Chuck <3
xoxo
Daenel T.
I love this! I’m not even sure how I found your blog, but you’ve been one of my faves since. And, Miss Bettye, I’m with Debbie, put on that tulle skirt and go get yo’self some groceries. *heart eyes*
bettyewp
I’ll try to get it on (you know what I mean) soon!
Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com
What a beautiful post, Bettye, and how I enjoyed learning about how you got started with blogging! Oh my, that tulle skirt is gorgeous and you look gorgeous wearing it! I can really identify with you about not always getting everything “right” with style but we keep on trying don’t we and the journey is lots of fun! I started my blog just four years ago and am celebrating my blog anniversary and it is so fun to “look back” to how it all started isn’t it?! Keep blogging my beautiful bloggy friend!
bettyewp
Happy Anniversary, Debbie!
Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
I love this post, your story and these wonderful pictures. You are fashion Bettye! What a luck you start a blog. You can wear a tulle skirt all days not only for events. 🙂
XO Tina
bettyewp
Thanks, Tina!