Preparing for my Tibi Styling Appointment

I had one of my standard anxiety dreams last night. It’s always that I’m in college and I’ve arrived at the final exam. Panic sets in when I realize that I haven’t been to class all semester, read the book at hand, or some combination thereof. This time it was an English class, which is surprising because I loved all of my English classes and always did the reading, bangers like Jude the Obscure notwithstanding. The anxiety this week is twofold. In the first case, my summer is nearly over. For me, school starts tomorrow and that means I’m back in my office in Real Clothes talking to people about things besides shopping. But I’m actually not that anxious about school starting. I’m kind of excited in that new Trapper Keeper way. Readers, I think my nerves are about my Tibi Styling appointment with Amy which is TOMORROW!

At first, it looked like I was going to miss my chance to meet our hero because I’ll be moving Daughter Two into college. But then! My friend who owns The Hive offered me an appointment a day early - essentially fitting me into Amy’s busy schedule the moment she arrives from the airport and before her book talk at the boutique. So, it’s all happening and I’m preparing like it’s the Met Ball.

I’ve never been to a Tibi styling appointment but I’ve done my research. I believe the goal is to go in with an idea of what I would like to try on and then Amy will give me feedback about styling, sizing, how to wear it, etc. Simple, right? Nothing to worry about. But I am me, so I will make a six course tasting menu out of a snack. I’ve peeled off my gel manicure in a fit of nerves, tried on everything in my closet in my head, and read Almost Reckless cover to cover. Narrowing down what to try on is the first challenge. This is obviously not the day to haul every piece of Tibi inventory in the shop into the dressing room in two sizes per garment and photograph myself from three angles as per usual. I need to respect Amy’s time and be organized. Gah.

I’ve memorized the lookbook of items that will be available at the styling appointment and unfortunately my two top choices for fall - the Aleda Jeans and the Gwinnett heels - will not be included.

I hope to try the following items at my appointment. Just a few things, the bare minimum really. Along with whatever else Amy suggests!

Circular Fine Rib T-Shirt Tank - an excellent base layer and, notably, not a body suit.

Slinky Viscose Perfect Men’s Pullover - soooooo pretty. I like that it’s called "slinky.”

Papery Wool Plaid Double Apron Skirt - so curious to try this!

Herringbone Suiting Trouser Short - I love a trouser short. Not sure about the styling above with the heels though.

Bonded Viscose Crewneck - Love the drama!

The second challenge is obviously what to wear to the appointment, which will be followed by a book talk. I want to look incredible, obviously, but not like I’m trying. Head to toe Tibi is wrong, certainly. It seems like a moment for my pleated shorts to shine but I’ll need to work out a top and shoes and a bag. My Kamara skirt is also a possibility. Or I could go with one of the many trouser skirts in my collection because that’s a good base to try on the new tops. I could also wear my new brown Winslows from the fall collection. At the end of the day, I know it’s not that deep, as my kids would say. But I can’t help but feel that I need a stylist to prepare for the stylist!

And then there’s The Thing that gives me the most anxiety of all. I’m worried that Amy might ask me my three Style Words. Readers, I DO NOT KNOW MY STYLE WORDS. I toss and turn at night thinking about this. Whimsical? Creative? Collected? Feminine? Obsessed With Skirts? I asked my daughters on our weekend road trip and the car fell silent with contemplation.

“I’ve got it!” said Daughter Three, Charlotte, the most Tibi-fluent. I paused our podcast detailing the Lindsey Clancy trial and the other two girls snapped to attention.

“Let’s hear it,” I said.

“Baddie, baddie, and baddie,” Charlotte said.

I guess that’s what I’m going with. If Amy asks. Which hopefully she won’t.

Last week, I wrote about my little collection of T-shirts, bags, and fabulous vintage that will launch soon. I’m over on Instagram yapping about the process of creating things and opening an online shop and I’ll link the website here when it launches. This weekend I took all of the daughters for a last summer hurrah at the beach and I forced them they generously volunteered to model a few pieces from the collection. In truth, they demanded a fair wage which in this case meant that I treated them to blowouts and one new bikini each. Watching them style my creations turned out to be really fun because 1) Now I know what it feels like to be Patrick Demarchelier. Scouting locations, worrying about catching the light, and dealing with temperamental, hangry talent is not for amateurs. 2) I am really interested in the intersection of Gen X and Gen Z style and personal expression. For example, at 51 I love a graphic tee and can’t stop won’t stop hoarding collecting vintage.

So do they. The difference is that I’m wearing graphic tees with a trouser skirt and they prefer theirs with a miniskirt, or, even better, the illusion no pants at all.

I’ve also created my first piece of Almost Scarlett merch, with more to come. I love a branded tote bag as much as the next girl, if not more, but I want mine/ours to be elevated. I started with an Extra Large version of my Almost Scarlett logo (just the image, no writing) and after some trial and error, decided to print on a Los Angeles Apparel bull denim tote. This is premium fabric, folks, not some flimsy situation, and the color is divine! Even better, the bags are made in house in Los Angeles by workers earning a living wage. Even better, look how cute they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish me luck tomorrow night with Amy and I will be back here with a full write up of the experience. If you are local and attending, please say hello!

I really appreciate all of you!!! Your support makes it possible for me to keep building this column.