I’m going through a phase. I’m sort of obsessed with my wardrobe. This is a little inconvenient as I am unemployed and short of funds. Nevertheless…

This started with vacation and watching “What Not to Wear.” This led to the discovery of a new favorite show “Making Over America with Trinny and Susannah,” also on TLC. I LOVE this show. I don’t like WNTW because I think Stacy and the guy who’s name I can’t remember seem to really like making fun of the participants and their lack of fashion sense. This bugs me. But “Making Over America” isn’t like that. The hosts, Trinny and Susannah, can be harsh but they tell you face to face. They also are incredibly supportive and feel like their goal is to make you feel good about your body and then help you look fashionable. Plus, they are hysterical. They have no boundaries.

The first episode I saw was in Annapolis, which is almost like home to me. Part of the makeover process includes the participate getting their hair done and they went to a salon I knew. Actually, it’s the salon that my old hairstylist, Luc, started. I love Luc. He is/was the best! I discovered him by accident but he did my hair for about 6 years. I followed him to his new salon, Hudson & Fouquet, which was a great salon. It was just a bit of a hike from my house. Anyway, Bill and I were so excited that Luc’s salon was featured on the show.

I have not had a good stylist since Luc. Until now. I got my hair permed in the beginning of the summer after a moment of temporary insanity. Two months later, I had about 4 inches chopped off to make it chin length. And while it was an improvement, I still wasn’t loving it. So I decided to go short. I found a hairstyle on a knitting pattern of all places. I used yelp to find a new salon, asked for a person who could do a short cut, and found my new stylist, Katie. I like it because it looks longish (chin length), but actually it is pretty short in the back. It’s fun, is stylish, and I am finally happy.

I also splurged on some new makeup from Bobbi Brown. I’m a little bit of a makeup snob. I don’t like to do the drugstore thing, mainly because nothing I buy there looks good on me. I might spend a little more, but at least I know the colors will work for me and I get tips on how to put it on. I didn’t do anything super drastic, but when I do my hair in the morning and I put on my makeup, I feel pretty darn good. So I’m doing this a bit more often. I had gotten into the habit of not really putting myself together every day. Bill really doesn’t care and the mailman hasn’t complained. Now I do it for myself. Not every day (don’t talk crazy talk) but more days than not.

And this leads to my wardrobe. I went through my closet and pulled out all the stuff I haven’t worn, doesn’t fit, I don’t like etc. It helped me figure out what I really need and I bought myself a few new things. I’m also making myself a few new things. I’m having fun, trying to add some color into my wardrobe. I found some great satin on sale at Joann and my mom bought me some silk fabric in NYC and some cotton fabric at a store that was going out of business.

The whole process has been a lot of fun. Now I still have a long wishlist for once I am employed. And I need some accessories, but thankfully I know how to make jewelry and knit!