Scarves are the new black

Lately I have been in a bit of a clothing rut. I have bemoaned my frustrations here and I am certain you could care less whether or not I find the perfect pair of pants or a shirt that doesn't show my less than favorable waistline.

That being said, I am still not done moaning about this. Today I have to make a presentation to a non-profit board. We live in pretty casual times and I know that this means I don't need to dig out the funeral/wedding/church-going dress or suit. But I also realize that it means I can't be sporting a polo and khakis. So, I had to come up with something in between.

Easy, you think? Well, you thought wrong. As I showered I got to thinking about what I'd be wearing today. (I do my best thinking in the shower, must be the free-flowing water.) I was stumped. So, towel on head, I walked toward the closet and started flipping through article of clothing after article of clothing. Nothing. Nada. Ugh.

I finally found a white shirt that seemed presentable. You can't go wrong with a crisp white shirt, right? And then, there are always khakis, my newest best friend in the clothing world. So, I donned my picks and stood before the mirror. B-O-R-I-N-G. Not that I needed sequins or an eye patch (it had worked so well for Yin), but I did need something to spice it up. In a moment of sheer genius (or so I thought), I remembered my extensive scarf collection.

Now, now, before you start screaming, "Don't go there. Don't go there." It's too late, I already went there, bought a postcard and took lots of pictures. Early in my professional career, scarves were all the rage and I bought into the fashion trend hook, line and sinker. I had them in all shapes and sizes and color schemes. Some were humorous, such as the one sporting bumble bees. Others were demure and sophisticated with pretty stripes and subtle patterns.

So, I dug through the neatly folded scarves and pulled out an old favorite, a striped, fun kinda scarf. It said, "I am a professional with a creative side." Perfect!

I trotted down the steps, fussed with it in front of the mirror for a few minutes and headed out the door. (I had long ago learned that too much messing with the scarf resulted only heightened obsessive-compulsive tendencies, so I now leave well enough alone.)

I noticed that I got a little bit of a "look" from Cynical, but I tend to get those all the time, so I dismissed it.

As I moved through my day, my friends seemed supportive of my choice, but didn't say much. Then a self-proclaimed fashion guru approached, nose crinkled. I knew then that this hadn't been a good decision.

So, now here I sit. On one hand, it's a scarf, easily removed and tucked in my purse. It's not as if I wore floral pants and didn't have a change of clothes with me. But, on the other hand, it's one of the few brave fashion attempts I have made lately and should I let the opinion of one person make me second guess myself. And, maybe I will single-handedly help bring back the scarf trend. (Watch for them on "Project Runway" and maybe even "Oprah" and then remember you heard it here first.)

I haven't taken it off yet and am not sure if it will make it through the day. I am tempted to snap a photo and send it to Queen of Cool. She's certainly on top of all that is fashion. And she's honest. Or I could just be a big brave girl and wear my scarf proudly. Isn't fashion all about confidence and carrying something off?

Or am I dilusional and shouldn't be allowed to dress myself?

Another shot from the garden adjacent to the cafe we dined outside of on Saturday.