Poppy Power!

Today’s outfit was inspired by Lyn*. This was not a specific commentary on what she wore, I was more inspired by how she wears her clothes. So this is an appropriate interpretation on what Lyn* would do on my body. I once wrote on one of her posts that her style makes me want to unleash my inner girl. Inner girl is on the loose and running free today ;-)

Also I find this look empowering because of an incident that happened to me yesterday. I’ll have to start with a little background. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I work at a boutique law firm that does estate and tax planning (yes this would be my dream job – I’m strange like that). There is only one woman attorney and the rest of the women are support staff. Needless to say the style quotient in the office hovers around zero.

Yesterday I was informed by the office manager (a woman) that I would need change cubicles. I didn’t think anything of it until I walked over to the new cubicle to find it… well, there’s no nice way to put this--a MESS! There were files, and papers stacked higher than my head when I sat down. Everything was covered with dust and nearly every inch of the desk top on three sides was covered with clutter and the keyboard made me want to sanitize my hands frequently. Needless to say this was a far cry from my old cubicle.

At first I was overwhelmed by the idea that I was expected to perform complex research in this environment. My eyes could barely focus on the tasks I had to complete for fear that something would come out of the mess and give me germs. I dutifully finished out the day and even completed one of my research assignments. I later became resentful once I got home. Then I woke up this morning with the perfect solution. Thursday morning I’ll just ask if I can volunteer to clean up that cube because of my allergies. Problem solved.

Needless to say my “deserve quotient” was pretty high this morning as I tried to figure out what to wear today. (Deserve Quotient is my little expression for how we soothe ourselves when things don’t go our way). So I am wearing a Lyn* inspired outfit to remind myself of a couple of things, you catch more flies with honey; anger is OK as long as it doesn’t blind you from finding a solution; and finally, we are all unique flowers with unique beauty and that uniqueness must find expression.

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

28 Comments

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    WHOOT!!! I LOVE this story. Way to turn it around. Although in my view, they should be cleaning that cubicle for YOU. However, you are every inch the lady.

    Now, please post your picture!

  • K. Period. replied 11 years ago

    I love you DV! I hope they appreciate what a phenomenal attitude you bring to your work.

    ETA: Holy moley! Yet another fantastic outfit. Very fun. Love!!!

  • deb replied 11 years ago

    Fight them dust bunnies!!! Great story.

  • replied 11 years ago

    I love what you wrote here and I can't wait to see the outfit that goes with it.
    ETA; The outfit was as powerful as the words that came with it. You are so chic!!!!!

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    Thanks for all of your encoragement!

  • Jules replied 11 years ago

    Cleaning cubes seems to be women's work at any level of the coporate ladder. SIGH. Last desk change I made I had to scrub scum off the phone keys... nasty.
    LOVE your poppies! I already have so many in my home decor but I would still jump at the right clothing item...

  • adorkable replied 11 years ago

    Looooove the outfit. Can we get Lyn* to post her interpretation? :)

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    Fab story and KILLER outfit, little Unique Flower :)

    I love the fullness of that skirt!

  • Vildy replied 11 years ago

    Boy, do you look great - again! And again and again... What an inspiration *you* are!

  • Inge replied 11 years ago

    The full skirt and that happy poppy cardigan are stunning on you, Day Vies. You have such flair, and I always enjoy looking at your outfits. Sorry to hear about the cubicle situation, but good for you for thinking of such a positive, proactive solution!

  • Debbie replied 11 years ago

    Love your attitude and love your outfit!

  • amiable replied 11 years ago

    Wow! Fabulous story, and fabulous outfit! What fun!

  • abc replied 11 years ago

    Excellent story AND outfit. I admire your ability to keep such a positive attitude in the face of a not-so-great situation. Inspiration on all accounts!

  • Ingunn replied 11 years ago

    I love your attitude, your ability to tell a story, and that gorgeous outfit! What a gem you are - I really hope you get some appreciation for volunteering. It is a lot more than they should expect. The skirt is fantastic, and I love the flowers on that cardigan! The fit is impeccable as always, too. Well done!

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    WOW. That is stunning!!

    How do you do it, day after day? SO fab.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    LOVE this post DV - there really is a "power" to dressing well and feeling confident isn't there? It's so much more than just clothes.

    Your outfit is even better than I had anticipated - absolutely gorgeous!

  • replied 11 years ago

    You are truly beautiful, inside AND out!!

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    Shannon -- You hit the nail on the head I was realizing that power this morning. There is something magical in being able to authentically express who you are in a very visible way. I think of this as every day art. I am just so glad I have this outlet and all of you to share it with.

    Suz -- this is my only creative outlet ;-) I got my bachelor's degree in fine arts -- I miss my studio classes and I don't have space in my home now to paint. (it's kind of messy) so this is how I express myself artistically (when I'm not tired or distracted).

  • jayne replied 11 years ago

    this cannot be the same lady? You are all girl! Way to have a great attitude and bust into spring!

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    Love the color, the length and fullness in the dress and the softness in the hair! What a way to take on a work challenge. I hope Thursday is stellar.

    BTW --- I carried my vacuum into my teaching studio last semester. They hadn't cleaned the air intakes or the acoustic panels even though they painted the room! They don't clean the piano, the mirror, or the table top. So I climbed up on the table in my dress and heels and cleaned that puppy, with a smile on my face. I expect I'll have to do it again, but I'll feel and breathe better!

  • siniestra replied 11 years ago

    love the fullness of the skirt, the cardi print, your attitue, all of it ;)

  • JulieJohn replied 11 years ago

    Jazzy and feminine! You definitely have the Lyn* vibe, you could probably assist her in surgery or something. I love the colored stockings to pick up the colors of the flowers. And thanks for the story.

  • Thistle replied 11 years ago

    I love the backstory, really puts it in perspective. Love, love, love the outfit. Those poppies are just utterly amazing on you.

    I am awed by your style. You have iit bathe oodles full!

    Beware dust bunnies, your days are numbered!

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    I love your inner girl - what a beautiful story and outfit to match!

  • Mochi replied 11 years ago

    LOL, my reaction was "Dangnabbit, I'm going to WILL springtime into being!" It's that unwintery and springlike. What a girly-girl look that is yet sophisticated with the silhouette, the belt and unexpected use of color.

    I am really happy for your way out of a difficult situation. It's great. I have very recently become very solution-oriented. You would think that is a given, but at least for me not so much....I was always stuck in feeling emotional and reactive, but I am so much more ready to let go, move on and just calmly figure out what can be done. So your post resonates with me so much. You are NOT being a victim; you're helping the office and yourself both. Kudos!

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    I could not have said it better Mochi. Kudos on your new perspective!

  • Tanya replied 11 years ago

    First of all, you look stunning! Another amazing and creative outfit from you, love the feminine retro shape.

    As for the cubicle situation, you are one very classy lady approaching the problem the way you did.

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    First of all you look breathtakingly gorgeous in that outfit and that hairstyle! Since I looked before I read that was my first reaction. I was appalled that they gave you that dirty cubicle - isn't there a cleaning staff in that office?! But I am absolutely impressed how you handled the situation - you are such a role model Day Vies!

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