While on the topic of simplifying the wardrobe, my sister, Christa, has been reading Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being A Well-Dressed Wife by Anne Fogarty. This is a cute little book re-published from the 50′s but has a lot of practical advice for today. She wanted to share some cute little ideas that she has gleaned from the book with my readers! Thanks deary!
Wife dressing is many things:
An art.
A science.
A labor of love.
A means of self-expression.
And, above all, a contributing factor to a happy marriage.
Wife dressing begins with the traditional rings for your third finger, left hand. But the wedding ring is only the beginning. When your husband’s eyes light up as he comes in at night, you’re in sad shape if it’s only because he smells dinner cooking.
Most men claim to be indifferent to fashion, if not down-right afraid. They can contemplate outer space without blinking an eye, sacrifice their very lives in defense of our country, or even explore the dark cellar where you’ve heard noises-yet the mention of a shopping trip turns them pale and trembling.
So how can you serve your husband through your dress?
You will need:
- A frank understanding of yourself
- A healthy attitude toward your new responsibilities
- A willingness to learn and
- A buoyant elation about being alive.
All this can be boiled down to one word: Discipline.
Discipline makes you the woman you are. You are you. Not the model in that photo, or the girl beside you in the elevator, or even the gal sitting at the next lunch table. Discipline is the secret to good grooming, no matter your budget. Discipline prevents you from being deluded about the squishing into the wrong size, or buying something just because it’s on sale.
Stay tuned for part 2…
Dear Lindsay,
what an interesting topic I wish to hear more about! You look always very neat and pretty and you are so very slim although you are cooking delicious dishes. Like to read more about it… Blessings, Madeleine
Hi! Ok, I had to comment. Er, confess. I saw the title to this post in a friend’s blog reader thing and scoffed. But I had to click on it anyway. I guess I didn’t like the title because I know I need some help in that area and I’ve been working on it. Kind of. My husband SAYS he doesn’t care what I wear, but I know that isn’t true because when I make an effort he appreciates it. I’ll stay tuned for Part 2…and any tips on looking nice on a budget, which is my biggest problem. I’d shop and dress the part if I could afford it. I gave it up when it was too stressful to think about how I couldn’t have new clothes…
I can’t wait to hear more. This is interesting!
Thanks for bring a wide range of topics.
Thanks Christa! Looking forward to #2!
It is a difficult line for a husband to walk – appreciate his wife “as she is”, and yet liking her to look nice…I’m still figuring this out, that’s for sure.
Oh I can’t wait for part 2. I have been thinking a lot about this lately and am actually going to do some shopping tomorrow. It’s so hard when you have kids to stay well dressed because your body goes through so many changes and you end up buying so much clothes for the kids it doesn’t leave much time or money to shop for yourself.
Oh! Intriguing….
I am rather a frump, myself. This sounds like it will be interesting.
I have to admit…sweats and jeans rule my daytime wardrobe. I’m sure my husband would appreciate a little more put together wife when he gets home (of course he wouldn’t dare say a word). I look forward to learning some new tips!