So Many Shades of Black

Why is there an inverse relationship between the indoor and outdoor temperature? It's summer outside, but inside you would think that Minnesota winters last longer than five months. The air conditioning where I work is constantly blasting, but wearing tights in June just feels a little depressing. So I went to the GAP in hopes of finding a pair of black slacks.

I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did find the perfect black skirt. I've been looking for one like it ever since I bought the same style at Martin & Osa in dark blue. It's just a basic short, straight fit, and literally no one sold one when I was in the market for it. I had given up and settled on a bubble skirt from Urban Outfitters instead.

I love it. It's perfect. It fills the hole in my closet that I didn't know existed. BUT it's my fifth black skirt. Is this crazy?

Number one is a knee-length cotton-knit skirt from Target. It's a little old-school, which is I suppose what I like about it.

Number two is a lined suit skirt from Ann Taylor Loft. It's pretty much reserved for mock trial and job interviews.

I got this on clearance from Express for $10 and never looked back! It has thin layers of ruffles up to the band, it's a pretty subtle way for me to explore nostalgia for the '20s.

This one is the Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise closest-thing-to-what-I-really-want skirt. But actually, it's kind of grown on me. It's a good mix of indie and girly; appropriate for both the stodgy department store I work in and for shows.

Here it is, the holy grail of black skirts! It fits perfectly, it goes with everything, and it's exactly what I've been looking for. So why do I have buyer's guilt like nothing else over this?

I'm interested in the psychological process of buying; the buyer's happiness and how some people become addicted to it. I have to admit, after a bad day at work, nothing calms me down like buying groceries. Getting the power back from my position at work sometimes feels like a necessity.

Buying this skirt made me realize that I usually maximize the tension and release of a purchase by thinking about it for at least four days. I check for it online, I plan outfits around it, or sometimes I forget about it altogether. By the time I buy, I feel knowledgeable and in control. Getting the skirt was something that I didn't expect, so it felt like it wasn't my decision.

Yeah, I know that it's kind of crazy.

Seeing Red

Red is the ultimate color of female power. It's seductive and passionate; associated with women who are assertive and no-nonsense. In the Matrix, the "Woman in the Red Dress" represents sexuality. On Lost, Jack's wife leaves him wearing red slingbacks. And on House, Dr. Cuddy is often seen in red, low-cut camisoles.

So why is there no red in my closet (save one ill-fitting cardigan)? True, my personality doesn't exactly scream "assertive, aggressive, and powerful". But recently I've been wondering if I should dress slightly against my personality, and add elements that stretch my persona, if only a little bit.

Red near my face makes me look like a tomato, but a red belt or shoes could work well.

Ideally, I dress to reflect my feelings, which are always slightly unpredictable. I like the idea of giving a hint of something beyond the relatively placid facade, just a nudge towards "don't mess with Marina".