I have been asked to speak at a conference.
*pause for ‘ooohs!’*
On the 10th of November I will be getting up disgustingly early to go to London for Mumsnet Blogfest to be part of their keynote panel. The theme of the discussion is ‘finding you voice’ – something I don’t normally struggle with – and with me on the panel will be real actual writers like Zoe Williams and Jeanette Winterson.
Real Actual Writers.
*anxious sideways look*
Rather than thinking though about what I might say to appear witty, charming and intelligent, my first thought was ‘what on earth will I wear?’ An elegant, well-tailored outfit, as any woman will tell you, is the key to any occasion. Unfortunately, I am not any woman.
To illustrate my point, I look for Bee. I find her on the sofa, watching TV, sniffing, surrounded by lockets and used tissues.* “If you had to describe my fashion sense in three words,” I ask, “what would you say?”
She looks me up and down and raises her eyebrows.
“Too jazzy,” she starts, but then, realising that means she will have already used up two-thirds of her insults, she begins again. “Jazzy, infantile,” she pauses, struggling to find a word that suitably sums me up, “and uncoordinated.”
Point duly illustrated.
The trouble is that I hate shopping for clothes. I am rubbish at it. Apart from the horror of catching sight of my bottom reflected in four different mirrors simultaneously, I just don’t know what goes with what, and what is appropriate for any given occasion. I thought then that perhaps I could have a little browse online, and you could tell me which outfit would be best for my conference appearance. I want to appear clever and funny, quirky yet stylish.
Dresses are usually a good option, as they eliminate the risk of clashing top and bottom halves. I really like this, (I’m sure I read somewhere that ‘floral’ is a thing), but wonder if it might be a little on the ‘jazzy’ side for a day time conference?
This could be me, turning up a little late – “Oh, I’m so sorry! My train was delayed! It’s such a hilarious story! Mwahahaha!”
Or I could go for a suit? Perhaps too formal – I’m not sure it screams ‘witty, creative writer.’
Can you even imagine my thighs in such light coloured trousers? Oh my goodness me no.
Or I could just do the classic jeans and sparkly top combo, but perhaps that’s not quite jazzy enough?
The jeans are fine, but how on earth do I get my hair to look like that?
Or I could just wear something I own already and rely on my sparkly personality to carry me through?
I’ll get my credit card…
…
*She has a cold, not some sort of fetish.
All images courtesy of Next.