Styling, how?

And you claim to be styling, how?  Many readers might see my blog name and feel a bit puzzled when they don’t see any clothing references in regards to librarians, so here it is:  “In my opinion, books are the best accessory.”  I’ll be staying pretty true to this statement and sharing books, posts about specific genres, etc.

I’ve always maintained my belief about books being part of your style and had that belief validated when I met the love of my life.  I went swing dancing at Norse Hall- a local place that brought in bands with a swing dance class at the beginning.  I have a passion for swing and salsa dancing, along with the more recent Zumba energy outlet.  When I went dancing there, I decided to take the initial dance class since I was early, it was quite easy but I have the attitude that I usually can take away one new idea so that it is worth it.  My husband also decided the same thing.  The women rotate around the room in a circle to practice the dance steps with different men.  My love twirled me twice on a move, which caught my attention.  Then later, after the class, I noticed that he was chilling out on the side of the room reading a tiny pocket copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau.  I was quite jealous (that I didn’t have my own book to read) and intrigued by a guy who obviously had two of my strongest passions- swing dancing and reading.  Conversations and connections went on to a happy marriage of over 11 years.

I think that there are already wonderful librarian related style blogs/tumblrs. I’ll personally blog around one time per month something to do with style.  The following are other options I celebrate.

Librarian Wardrobe Tumblr: “Not always buns and sensible shoes, librarians at various types of libraries have different styles (and dress codes)… Purpose:  To document, organize, and make accessible how a variety of information professionals dress for work and work-related activities (conferences, for example).”@LibWardrobe  http://librarianwardrobe.tumblr.com/

Clothes Karma: Created and maintained by a public library manager:  cute pictures, clothing listings, and inspiring outfits are posted on a frequent basis. @clotheskarma http://clotheskarma.tumblr.com/about%20me

I would be remiss if I skipped mentioning a styling actor who librarians have him styling wonderful quotes, Ryan Gosling.  See the pictures and enjoy!
http://librarianheygirl.tumblr.com/

I would never present myself as a styling individual.  My favorite clothes are flannel pajamas and sweatshirts.  Many personal and work friends can cite that I’ve made hundreds of clothing faux pas over the years.  So, each year, I make goals, simple but ones I can follow through on.  I dislike resolutions since they don’t work for me.  I’ve learned that through the years.  Instead I make personal gifts to myself, like taking on the ‘styling librarian’ persona and writing this blog.  I enjoy outlets for my energy where I can remain mostly private.

My new styling-specific goals are:

1. Continue being the organized neat freak and clear out my closet three times a year for donations.
2. Collect special quality clothes that are “like new” and co-run a clothing swap at my house with some close personal friends.  Donate all “left-over” clothes to the local library thrift shop.
3. Meet sometime in the next few months with a clothing consultant, before my next closet clear out, and get advice about how to redesign or update my wardrobe.  (I already met with my hair stylist for new product- see below- and also met with a talented Clinique consultant –I am a Clinique fanatic.)  I will be contacting this consultant since I appreciate her point of view, blog, and practice: @getputtogether  http://www.puttogether.net/
4. Begin finding specific styles, beyond my love of casual, from brands I can then watch for at thrift stores, eBay, and other wise shopping/sale areas.
5. Never go anywhere without a book, for goodness sakes: no patience for lines, wasted time, or loss of a good opportunity to read.
6. Slow down and actually read the style sections in the magazines I consistently enjoy (Ex: Real Simple and O Magazine)
7. Post on The Styling Librarian blog once a month about style, beyond books.  Address other goals within the posts.
8. Probably the hardest one for me:  actually pull out a skirt or dress (I have a few that are tolerable) and wear to work at least two times per month.  I’ve invested in cute new tights, just need to follow through.

My past year goals were:

1. Wear different earrings every day until I’ve worn every pair I own.  After 10 years of wearing one small pair of hoops, I finally acknowledged that earrings are entertaining for my students to see when I’m teaching.  They are another form of expression.  I have a large amount of earrings due to my wonderful mom who consistently gifted me pairs until she noticed that I wasn’t wearing them.  Students point out when they notice a new pair now.
2. Clear out shoes I don’t wear.  I have a load of shoes.  At least I used to.  Now, I have to justify closet space.  I know my grandmother would not be pleased.  I grew up watching her buy a pair of heels in some incredibly uncomfortable style because they were “beautiful!”  My biggest shoe fault is buying nice quality shoes and then realizing that they’re uncomfortable after I bring them home.
3. Clear out the closet three times per year.
4. Put clothes on wooden hangers.
5. Organize closet.

Style-wise, I’ve invested more in my curly hair than I have in clothing.  I have accepted my thick, spiral curls through the years and from highlights to straightening, I’ve learned that it is best to practice what is healthy and easy to maintain.  I buy a new product line sampler pack called DevaCurl. – http://www.mydevacurl.com/  I have only used it for around a week, but I can honestly say that for the first time, I’ve been able to wear my hair down for the day without it gaining volume and frizz, that’s new and quite a wonderful change.  I do find it a little disconcerting that I’m putting a product called “No-Poo” in my hair instead of shampoo.  I get it, curly hair people shouldn’t use shampoo, but still, it throws me off each morning.  For more on curly hair, I refer to this webpage: http://www.naturallycurly.com/CurlyGirlChallenge

*Thought I’d post with the Levi Strauss gets a bright idea- a fairly fabricated tale by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Stacy Innerst
- Connected with style, clothing, and a wonderful new picture book I just added to the library.  Here’s a good review of the book: http://latibookblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/levi-strauss-gets-bright-idea.html

See some of the pictures from the book here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=Q8X0tnOtXVYC&pg=PT28&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false 

So I’m off to accomplish some goals… til next time, The Styling Librarian.