I took a course a couple of weeks ago on this subject and it was mesmerizing.
I wasn't just a participant either , i was to some degree being interviewed to see if i would be a good collaborator to join in this organization and deliver this program myself
It has been such a busy month with me flying across the globe on business travel, big contracts at work, getting the two boys ready to leave for their work for the summer , having out of twon guests in between at our cottage and home.. That before this trip i barely had time to think.
And then i finally did on my way to this program. On the flight . With my suitcase packed and beneath the plane
I realized then and there - that i also had a style i was bringing didnt I? What was my style? Usually business travel is easy as i have power business suits for each season and power shoes and power purses that alot of time energy and thought has gone into ( especially since i started full time in my own business i have made dress a big priority)
I am often one of the better dressed in a room full of business people given i am most often the presenter . People often comment on my style and clothes in a very positive way
But this time i was thrown offf and in doubt for this trip given the nature and purpose of it and also a phonecall that had thrown me off just a few hrs before i finalized my suitcase the same morning of leaving
I had carefully packed my two best summer business suits and my hair straighter and my funky heels and nice bags. I even had a new white suit suit that i was going to wear with a red top and red lipstick all packed for the trip
Then the owner of the program and who i was going to collaborate on this tells me " no suits " it is not the brand. "And she goes on to tell me that she will wear leggings and a funky pretty top and nice heels.
What??????
This was the oppostite of my business education and experience . For years i was the more funky stylish edgy dresser in business and it served me well . Until it didnt . As i became higher in the organziation and also an entrepreneur i realized that i needed to dress more professionally: more conservatively; less edgy and risky ( though always always professional was my look it needed something more added)
So i changed . And suits have become my trademark now and blaxers and edgiet blouses and less funky jewellery .
And here i had to change yet again ?
Where did i go? Who am i now?
So on this plane ride this all occurred to me . When my suitcase was already packed . Because of that converstaion i had 30 minutes to go from power suits to leggings and ended up with s style somewhere in beteeen . A style that did not belong to me . Professional for sure but not me
I got lost
And i had to stay a little lost for two days
While i was likley being critiqued on my presence and style
And she and i talked about it : my hair, my makeup , my clothes. It was enlighning. Feedack is such the ultimate gift.
( ps also my bronzer makeup was taken at the security at aiport as was 10 mls too large)
Pale. Yup!
Looks have always come naturally to me. Not in a bragging way at all - i just mean to say that i have the kind of looks that are somewhat low maintenance. With good clothes on and some mascara and lipgloss i am good to go. I can brush my hair back into a wet ponytail and be fine. I can wakeup and have 15. Mins to get ready and put on a suit and cool top and look put together and ready for the day. Add a string of pearls around my neck and i look polished and very classy. My looks are very Adaptable: i can get away with many styles
Or so i thought
Until i was called " earth girl"
Oh my...
Yes its time to look at my style and presecence and what i am projecting. Or not projecting. Its time to challenge my assumptions that at my age i can still get away with the low key morning routine.
Its time to shake it up. I love feeling uncomfortable and exposed : its signifies to me that i am learning
It signififes to me that there is more out there just waiting to be uncovered and learnt
It means i am not dead yet !
