Making up for lost time, I'll move on to Topic #3: fashion. One of the first things I noticed about DC was that people dressed up a lot more than I was used to. For work here, many people wear a suit every day. Any sort of professional office environment is going to be dressier than Seattle. But, you must also recall that when I lived in the Emerald City, I was working for a little start-up hippie coffee company. Since we rarely interacted with customers in person, no one really cared what we wore. In the summer, when it was "hot," I would definitely wear shorts and a tank top to the office. Hey, no A/C, what are you supposed to do? However, I have a group photo from one of my last days of work where I am wearing jean shorts, a polo shirt, and tennis shoes with socks. I kind of cringe now when I see that picture. What was I thinking?? Can we chalk it up to being young and inexperienced in the ways of shopping?
I guess my point is that I've kind of kicked my wardrobe up a notch, but I'm still not completely east coast. I kind of enjoy dressing nicely from time to time, and I'll try to keep it up on the west side. I'm proud to say I do not (currently) own any flannel, and it will be my goal to keep it that way.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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4 comments:
Great topic - one that I think Seattlites love to discuss. I work in a business casual environment. I don't like spending too much time or money on my wardrobe, so majority of the time I'm wearing either black or gray slacks (Express, I just like the way the Editor fits) and one of about 10-15 tops. Some are better for warmer weather (sweaters), some are better for cooler weather. I really only have a handful of tops that anyone would consider fashion forward. Majority of the time I'm wearing Danskos (cute wedge sandals today - but oh so comfy - I've done pub crawls in these). Or my Keen mary janes.
I do think fashion in general is picking up in Seattle. I feel like I see more and more "put together" folks walking these streets - even when they're not downtown corporate.I know for me, function trumps fashion. I like to feel cute - but not if it means sacrificing comfort. I can't say I'm not brand conscious. I just tend to prefer brands that care a lot about comfort and function.
And I guess my REI purse, fleece and rain jacket pigeonhole me a bit into "Seattle fashion."
For what it's worth, I am an east-coaster by birthright (!) but when I started working in DC (moved from NC) I too had to spruce up my wardrobe considerably and I did enjoy it. When I moved to Seattle it was an adjustment to all the casual, but in the end I really like it. Now when I see all the dressed-up east coasters I'm so glad that I can spend my pennies on things besides work clothes. It's all jeans and vests and clogs...
NO FLANNEL? HBF! HOW WILL YOU STAY WARM IN THE SEATTLE BREEZY WINTERS? HA HA........
Dressed up East Coasters? Huh? Clearly nun-uh-yall been to Dallas. Or Houston. Where the high end fashion clothes are only the beginning.
Signed,
Former East Coaster who chose Austin
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