Sunday, August 24, 2008

What Not To Wear



Although I almost never watch television these days, I do have one show I watch anytime I can— TLC’s “What Not To Wear.” I relate on a deep level to those girls who can’t seem to put together an outfit and are frustrated with a body that clothes just don’t seem to fit right.

So, last summer when my boss asked me and my co-worker Kelsey what kind of incentive we wanted to complete an enormous training project, I convinced Kelsey that what we really wanted a What Not To Wear shopping spree with my sister Anna acting as Stacy and Clinton.



This took a little longer than initially anticipated as we worked to get down to a
size we wanted to buy clothes for, but in April we were finally ready. I did some pre-shopping in Park City and came home completely depressed because none of the new styles looked good on me.



Enter Anna and her magic.

She’d been collecting coupons and analyzing my existing wardrobe for months, and called me one day saying the sales were on and she’d already had clothes on hold for me at the mall. I took an early lunch and met her there. As I tried on the stacks of clothes she had waiting for me and looked in the mirror, I gasped . I was stunning! She chose exactly the right styles and colors and put them together like a work of art. We’d go through stores and she would run her fingers through the racks of clothes and come up with the perfection. And she did the same thing for Kelsey.



This went on for several days. One of those days, Anna had to bring all 4 of her boys (5 and under) with her. My co-worker and I would take turns entertaining the boys in the dressing room or playing hide and seek in the shoe store while the other tried on and got the approval nod or disapproval shake from Anna. Another day, we brought our entire closets to her house, tried on every piece of clothing we owned, and she told us what we had to get rid of. I could tell that there were things she’d been dying to have me get rid of by the look of satisfaction on her face when they hit the discard pile.

The whole thing was like a college-level education in fashion merchandizing with classes in ensemble, the rules of shoes (my worst subject) and what you should and shouldn’t match. I was one of the most purely fun experiences of my life and I’m so grateful to have such a talented and giving sister. Everyone I told about it wished they had an Anna!




17 comments:

Joni said...

I definitely wish I had an Anna too.

Naoma said...

I should have Anna do this for me too... But I don't have the $ to do it, maybe someday. You do look AMAZING by the way.

Aim said...

Very nice, I could totally use some help. But then, I'm a mom of 4, I'm supposed to look frumpy right?

anna said...

Sarah,
That made my day. It is intresting to have a talent in the fashion industry (clothes and hair),sometimes I don't quite know what to do with it, but I love when I can help someone feel pretty. Every girl should know how beautiful they are. I had a great time too! Thanks for letting me be apart of it.
Anna

anna said...

Oh, by the way, you look fabulous!

Holly said...

You look fabulous! Sounds like Anna needs to make this career. I would love some advice too and to learn how to get the coupons and time the sales. You have been very busy girl. I haven't checked your blog for sometime and a lot has happened in your life. We need to catch up sometime. Love ya.

Jen Heward said...

You look gorgeous!

Meggen said...

You have always been gorgeous, but the clothes certainly flatter and bring out your best! Aren't sisters wonderful!

Blondie said...

I am so jealous! I would love a wardrobe makeover. (I have secretly wished I could go on that show. Except my current wardrobe is merely boring and dated, not ghastly and comical as is often the case with the folks on TLC)

You look saucy! (You've known me long enough to know that is the highest of compliments)

Jamie said...

Lucky girl! You ARE fabulous!

Emmie said...

Having tried on several of these new wardrobe items myself, I can vouch for their fabulousness. You look gorgeous!

Annalisa said...

that is so nifty. you look very good. i only wish i trusted my sisters enough to dress me.

LauraLee said...

Sarah,
You are awesome and I am so blessed by your great friendship. Glad to see Anna is sharing her TLC.
LauraLee

Postfamily5 said...

you know, I've always wanted to go on that show. I would love a new wardrobe...but I too need to get down to a size I'm happy with... Kids just ruin a body I tell ya...

drb42 said...

I like the green shirt!

Ryan and Lori said...

I love the black and white frock! You look great! :) So fun to have talented and loving sisters share their strengths! Lori

Nick and Ashley said...

I have an Anna too! Dicy is my fashion critic. LOVE IT! She was down a few weeks ago and hooked me up with a white dress shirt with a big red belt, and a silver belt to switch it out. Anyway, she knows whatz up. (My mom takes care of me too in the fashion department) I really don't every know what looks good on me.
You really do look amazing in the poka dot dress! And LOVE the green shirt, where did you get it? Does it come in Ashley size?