The Truth About Unwanted Attention

It was a rainy Friday night.  My husband reluctantly agreed to join me to hear Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s, What Not to Wear, speak at a local bookstore to promote her book, The Truth About Style.  He was supportive of attending this event because we were on day 19 of the 21-day Ultimate Reset program.  To keep ourselves on track, we were doing everything in our power to distract ourselves from sneaking off to our favorite restaurant.  Before venturing into the rain, we sought confirmation from each other about our clothing choices.  After unanimous approval, we headed out to the bookstore.

Upon arrival, we were seated amongst the (mostly) female audience.  Some dressed for weather, while others clearly dressed to impress the fashionable author and celebrity speaker.  We saw leopard print pumps, Peter Pan collars and neon-colored blouses adorning the hopeful attention-seekers.  We blended in to the middle row, far left; my husband planted on the aisle seat with his muted iPhone in hand.

The audience was captivated by Ms. London’s lecture as she engaged the audience with her colorful stories about fashion and personal challenges ending in triumph.  I was mesmerized by her charm and wit when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, she stopped talking and shouted, “SIR!  Is something wrong?”  Breathless silence ensued.  My husband looked up, frowning from reading a text message on his phone.  Ms. London was glaring straight at him.   Looking somewhat puzzled, his voice inflected, “No?”  Apparently, his lack of attention didn’t resonate with Ms. London, so she proceeded to publicly insult the color of his sweater–comparing it to the color of porridge.  I’m astounded, thinking “Hey! You’re ridiculing my husband when I approved that sweater!  What’s wrong with a good, solid neutral?”

The lecture continued without missing a beat, and soon it was over.  We took the high road, and stood in line so she could autograph my book.  She kindly offered us peaceable advice, suggesting that he wear the color blue to bring out the beautiful color of his eyes.

If the color is bland, the outfit’s not right, or the style is too revealing, it can be a true test of character to respond appropriately when someone speaks their truth, out loud, about your style.  What would you do if  you were caught wearing something that caused unwanted attention?