I have a good reason for posting these pictures. I’ll tell you in a minute.
First let me say that one of the major roadblocks for me when I was deciding to homeschool was what I’d like to call the denim jumper road block. Or what I call the ‘buns and jumpers’ factor. I do not own a denim jumper and if I did, trust me, I would not wear it well. I envisioned that everyone who homeschools wears denim jumpers and tight librarian buns and grows their own wheat and takes vows against electronics and laughter and makeup; none of which I was willing to do. Imagine my surprise when , after reading a few hundred blogs, I realized that it takes all kinds.
And ex-doctor/ADD/obsessed with all things fashion and decorating/ moms like me have our little niche in the homeschooling world. I found that there are in fact plenty of fun-loving, hip, classical- book loving women who have journeyed out into the homeschooling wilderness with nothing but our dry erase boards, laptops, lip gloss, a lot of good books.
First let me say that she often mistakes my closet for the dressing room of Target. She shops, she tries things on, she leaves things lying on the floor, and never brings the number back. So when she meandered in to ‘try on’ a few things and came out wearing part of my ‘uniform’, I was aghast. My uniform is not a denim jumper, but it is a pair of lounge pants from Victoria’s Secret; the boyfriend pants with the bedazzled ‘PINK’ on the rear. And a stretchy mock turtle neck and wooly warm sweater from Target. I often vary the color of the mock turtle. But the rest stays the same. I wash it, of course—maybe twice a week. But that is what I LIVE in people. Everyday, until I have to leave the house.
So when Caiti said to me, “You can’t wear these EVERYDAY!” I say,
So I don’t judge anymore. I’ve lost every judging right there is. I wear a loose (fairly fun and fancy free) bun almost everyday and my own special ‘uniform’—–lounge pants with a limited variety of tops. My very own version of buns and jumpers.
So scroll back up to the top and see my bun and then take a gander at the top half of my uniform. There you have it. Maybe I’ve just given up. Or at least given in—-to comfort.
Please advise…… before I start selling all my clothes and boots on Ebay. Is this a phase? Am I just taking advantage of wearing lounge pants because I can. Will I grow weary of lookin’ like a lazy college student who doesn’t understand that PINK flannel PJ bottoms does not constitute proper outerwear? BTW, there is nothing more disappointing to any husband than to see a Victoria Secret bag that houses oversized lounge pants and a hoodie. Look on the bright side, it could be worse. It could be a matching track suit. I see a good new years resolution coming on here.
And if I seem a little over-dressed for church…..well, cut me a little slack. I’m making up for a weeks’ worth of lounge pants. If it’s any consolation, I’m still wearin’ plenty of makeup. And all manner of hair products. When that ceases, by all means, intervene.
If you keep this up, Kaiti might nominate you for What Not to Wear, if for no other reason than to raid the trash can for herself. You would be a hoot on that show by the way!
Yes, I miss my old homeschool uniform of jeans and a sweatshirt–must admit that 15 years ago, I did don the famous denim jumper–rarely a bun though. What impresses me about your uniform, or lack of it, is that you still accessorize. Jewelry and lip gloss snazzies up anything. I wore the same earrings for 20 years before I went to work. Pitiful. I didn’t know how much fun it could be.
Denise, I am laughing so hard……the thought crossed my mind that I may very well get nominated for WNTW. And I do in fact wear the same pair of earrings. Everyday. Oh you make me laugh.
Oh Edie, we are one in the same! I too was under the impression that all homeschool moms sported buns and denim jumpers. I remember my friend and I laughing about what kind of women I might find when I was leaving for my first LDS homeschool group mom’s night. I was relieved to report to her we were wrong. I too sport the same lounge pants but mine are Abercrombie and I rock a pony tail. I figure as long as I’m clean and my make-up is done I’m not that bad. I also just switch my bottoms to jeans when venturing out and I do kick it up a notch around 4 or 5 for Kimball. I think we should just be glad we can wear our comfy clothes and that we aren’t in a dress suit and pumps from 9-5!! I find that date night’s are when I attempt to make up for it. I love what you said about the Victoria’s Secret bag, so sad. š
One more thing…my mom used to wear this big ugly moo moo (tent dress) around the house. My brothers and sisters and I ended up throwing it in the fire when she was out of town. I’d say girly lounge pants are a BIG step up!
I usually wear lounge pants around the house all day, too. I even wear them out of the house, occasionally! If I’m going to the gym, there’s no sense in putting my jeans on. My hair is usually in a pony tail around the house. I don’t accessorize if we’re staying home. Makeup is only a once in a blue moon event for me. I am lazy!
I also wear lounge pants and a ponytail when I am home with my boys all day. Date nights or dinner out are more fun and I look forward to dressing nicer, but I just don’t see a point in dressing too much to mess in play dough and fingerpaint. I probably sport a baseball cap more than I should, but it is so practical. I figure if I ever start wearing “Mom Jeans” and Disney tops my girlfriends will intervene, atleast I hope they will!
Sorry about the k instead of the c. I knew that! š About two hours after the post, I suddenly thought, “Oh my goodness, I did not spell Caiti right! YIKES! We all have our issues. That little mistake has driven me crazy all day. There now, I feel much better.
Thank you for the “denim jumper roadblock” comment! You made me laugh out loud and I just read the comment to my husband too…who wants to know about the “fanny pack factor” in homeschooling. Ha! š One of my best friends is homeschooled, and she is one of the most well-rounded people I know, and her mother is trendy and cute and wears makeup. IT CAN HAPPEN! I so appreciate your perspective and I am cheering you on! š
Carrie
Ok, I just wish I could wear a pair of sweats from Vicky’s! And wear them all day! You look great! I get so tired of dressing up for work everyday. I’m in flannel pants all weekend but I do have my face on and I too have an obsession with lip gloss! X0
Oh, Holy Hannah! This is such a great post! I am so glad to have found you (through Nester, btw). I have not made the leap into homeschooling as of this exact moment but I am always researching and in prayer about this matter. Can’t wait to do my “research” on your blog! š
this post is hysterical on so many levels–and I can relate to most of them!!
I do want to tell you that when God was calling me to be a children's ministry director a few years ago I was so hung on the image I had in my head of a DENIM JUMPER with apples or animals or seasonal stuff appliqued on. Seriously thought I couldn't be the one. Then God (cause he understands women) reminded me of the cute, fashionable and chic children's ministry director at the church my kids preschooled at…and I was finally able to be at peace. And say YES. I've never looked back OR worn a denim jumper. Apparently it's not a requirement.
i'll raise my hand to let you know that i am with you in the anti-buns and jumpers boat. i don't have a standard uniform, but i'm definitely not shopping for jumpers anytime soon.