Fashion Therapy: A Turn in the Day

Wendy Plumb

Owner, The Cottage

Fashion Therapy:   A Turn in the Day

"The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside.  That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world."

                     - Alicia Keys

 I woke up the other morning like any ordinary morning and, as always, lay in bed for a few minutes just contemplating the day and praying for my life condition to be strong & positive.  I had my coffee in bed, opened my laptop and began to write.  I always write in the morning before my daughter wakes up.  It is my personal time; the only time I am really alone throughout the day.

 As you know, once we have our children, from the time they wake up till they go to bed, it’s all about them… no matter how many times you may say, “Mommy needs just a few minutes, I’ll be right there?”  I have come to realize that it will always be this way.  So instead of regretting having no time to myself, I ‘create’ personal time and feel so much happier. Creating personal time for us is essential. For some it is a natural instinct to take time for them to do what makes them happy, for others like myself, it was something I had work at creating. It allows me the time to read, write my blog or even take notes in my journal. Something that is just for you! It really makes a difference.

 Once Vienna woke up that morning we had some breakfast, applied our sun block and got dressed for camp.  I dropped her off at the beach and took my morning run.  While on the beach I realized how fortunate my life was that I could be on the ocean every single day.  I can look at the mountains and the Pacific all in the same instant.  This is truly a gift and I appreciate my environment greatly.

 When I got back home to change for work, I felt amazing.  I had a great workout and all my thoughts were organized toward what I was going to accomplish throughout the day.  I washed up, threw on a vintage caftan with a Spanish motif and grey leather boots from Old Navy.  (My latest purchase … $40, I couldn’t believe it!)

 I was in such a good mood; I felt confident and stylish.  As I left the house, Mr. Wolf said, “You’re not going to wear that today are you?”  “Well of course I am!” I said.  “You’re going to wear a Mexican shirt and leather boots and its summer, and you call yourself a Fashion Therapist?”  This was all in good humor I assure you and off I went.

 That day in the store I got so many compliments on my outfit.  I actually had a woman follow me into the store because she wanted to find out what I was wearing.  Another woman saw me from across the street and said to herself, “Now that woman has style”, and came into the store to tell me.  I sold a lot that morning and was so grateful for all the compliments.  They were very unexpected; but I find that’s when those type of comments feel the best.  I also realized, as I mentioned last week, I was giving off such a positive energy that others felt it.  It was a true test to feeling beautiful from the inside out.  I had no special make-up on or anything expensive - just a priceless spirit!

 Halfway through the day I received a phone call at the store.  It was one of my closest girlfriends.  She is a twin and her sister was pregnant.  She was crying hysterically, explaining that her sister had been rushed off to the hospital and it looked like the baby was going to be delivered early.  

 Obviously she was terribly frightened and emotional.  I did my best to calm her down and assured her I would get there as soon as I could.  This meant I had to close the store as soon as possible and pick up my daughter from camp.  In a matter of seconds my day had been totally redirected.  My focus went from the business of the store to an intense high-alert with someone very close to me. 

 Within an hour I was able to get under way.  The twin girls are very dear friends whom I’ve known for 10+ years. They are fashion designers from Australia and I feel a special closeness to them, especially with their family so far away.

 It was a very tense time that afternoon; we had no idea the condition of the baby and a C-section had to be performed.I was grateful my life condition was strong and positive that day.  It helped me help others get through a trying time.  When the news came the baby was fine we all felt a huge sense of relief and finally could relax.

My daughter was so excited she was going to see a brand new baby only a few hours old.  She had no idea what we all had just been through - nor should she have.  

 There is an age of innocence that should be protected for young children.  And as parents, I feel it is our responsibility to keep them in that precious world for as long as possible.  We have the power to do that when we are taking care of ourselves from the inside.  The healthier I am spiritually and emotionally the happier my daughter’s life will be.  She never sensed the fear I had experienced for a good part of that day.  She stayed positive and excited; and as I watched her I learned to do the same.  

That evening we were finally able to see that brand new life, just hours old.  With her first child, my girlfriend’s life had changed forever, as all our lives do once we have children.  It brings forth all your internal strengths, ones you may not even know you have.  It makes your heart sing louder than you ever thought it could and it tests your spirit continually.

 My day ended at about 10pm that night holding a new life.  We never know what to expect when we wake up… and the only thing to do is be prepared for the unexpected.

 Welcome to the world baby Felix…Get ready to rock the world!

 Have a great week,

Wendy