I Am Most Decidedly, Most Definitely...

Un-Vogue.

Now this isn't really news. I mean my love of Old Navy has been made well known along with my enthusiasm for their release of new t-shirt colors each season to add to my collection. I am passionate about sweats and Levi's and live in these as much as I can get away with.

To tell you the truth, I have always been clueless about fashion... my awareness of this reality has just varied over time. There were the earliest years (up until about 6th grade) when I was clueless and couldn't have cared less. I mean Levi's are Levi's right? Be they plaid or plain!

Then there were the years of my awakening which began somewhere around Jr. High. They were the years of trying desperately to fit in... and often even thinking I did... but, in fact, I don't think I ever really got around to wearing anything trendy until it was almost out of style. But, as I always say, ignorance is bliss so these years weren't too horrible fashionwise. Except for maybe the period of zippered ankle jeans with chunky Reeboks and big hair. (Unfortunately for me, size 0 jeans with size 7 1/2 Reeboks made me look like I was ready to hit the slopes but, well, I don't really like to think about those days all too much.)

Then, as I sobered up grew wiser, I became painfully aware of the fact that I just didn't get it and would never have that "IT" factor. I couldn't pull together an outfit to save my life and I was always wearing the wrong outfit for the occasion. Now it's true that I might have had a bit of a self-esteem issue, but I'm pretty confident that I'm not far off here.

There were a couple of good years when I was newly married and had my first credit cards and simply bought the outfits on the mannequins in the boutique shops... but then came pregnancy... and the mommy years... and re-entry into previous out-of-it phase.

Enter Old Navy and the acceptance that I really only feel comfortable in jeans and t-shirts (not to mention the confidence that comes from birthing more children than most of your friends) so who gives a hoot. Right?

Interestingly, I find that exposure to the many knitting magazines out there and the trends seen within has made me much more aware and at least one step above clueless when it comes to this stuff. (Not that it's making a huge impact on my wardrobe... I just see it more.)

For example, if the most recent Vogue is any indication, BIG and over-sized is coming back in a BIG way. Now don't get me wrong, I actually like over-sized sweaters and looser fitting clothes (especially since the same birthing of 5 children that has brought me a certain amount of respect has also left it's mark around my waist), but I'm not sure that any of these sweaters are really my style.

Actually, I rarely find anything I understand (let alone really want to knit) in Vogue Knitting. And it was pretty clear from the cover that this probably wasn't the issue for me (although I think I could make that face... the one on the left)...

But since it was new... and contained knitting patterns... and the new Interweave is still a few weeks away... I bought it.

Now, since I've been too lazy too busy to get my camera hooked up to my archaic desktop computer, I'm relying on what I could find at their website to share which is unfortunately a very mild presentation of what you will find within the actual magazine. Think BIGGER, bolder, and "Oh My!"

But of all the pictures, this one trouble me the most...

No, not the sweater. The sweater is really just fine. It's the poor model... and the fact that she has no shoulders.

Anyway, I want to thank all of you for your kind commiseration and well wishes for my headache. I finally found this...

It would be the only thing that has ever worked for a sinus headache for me. Ever. I highly recommend it. And "SEVERE" sounds so much better than "Extra Strength" or "New and Improved" don't you think?