With so many “styles” of dressing, I thought to touch base on one that I created just this weekend. I call it “The Refined Slob” style of dressing.
Now hear me out on this one. I’m not speaking of the pigs who travel in pajama bottoms and bare feet. Lord knows, how and why the airlines allow this sort of slovenly mode of underdressing to be acceptable on flights. I don’t care if it’s domestic or transatlantic. I don’t want to see the bottom of your pjs, with skid marks passing me by as I sit in the air, nor do I want to see your fungus-laden feet anywhere near my person.
I don’t care if you are Snooky, or a fellow traveler or Britney Spears–if you are out in public dressed like this you are not a refined slob. You are a disgusting slob. There IS a difference.
Shakira–honey, I’m usually barefoot as well. But my feet are clean. Unfortunately, I am the airline passenger who is seated either next to or across from the traveler with unwashed and fungus laden feet.
And we are all aware of that next level of “office casual” style and how it’s been thrown down the toilet. I, as well as many others, still dress up for work.
And even with Office Casual, I manage to dress appropriately!
No. I’m talking about home style. And I don’t mean homestyle cooking or home décor. I’m opining on how I, and perhaps you dress within the confines of your dwelling.
This is not about my home decor!
Inasmuch as I love dressing when I exit my home, the second I arrive from where I’ve been, I transform into a slob.
It’s true. The bra comes off as I close the front door. And as I run up the stairs, the hair comes off. And as I run of the second flight of stairs the wig cap comes off. And finally, as I enter into our bedroom, the drawers come off—which, I might add is far easier when I’m wearing a skirt or dress!
Look closely. It’s inside out!
And in the place of the clothing I stripped, on goes, as of the present, a dirty, loose and out-of-shape, old midi dress that I purchased some years ago at Gap. Bonaparte, by accident, put it in the dryer and it shrunk in length.
Hair and undies come off and the slob attire is donned!
The dress is a navy frock with thin white stripes and short sleeves. It is stained with everything from toothpaste to last week’s dinner. There are makeup smears on it too.
And I usually wear it inside out because I’m too damned lazy to turn it to its rightful side. That’s the way I am.
Spilled upon, stained, out-of-shape, shrunken in length and inside-out. My favorite “at home” frock!
On one hand, I’m fastidious about the way my tee-shirts are ironed and folded and on the other hand, my at-home mode of dress should be condemned!
I’ve had this “Fold Away” for over 20 years. It helps me to fold shirts perfectly….
….and look how perfectly folded they are–and yet, I’m a slob!
But that’s changed. And I have now invented a new style of dressing: The Refined Slob
Yes. It’s casual and super-comfy and inexpensive. But yet, it isn’t the modern slob look of filthy pajama bottoms worn out in public. There are no bodily fluids on display to thoroughly disgust spectators.
No spit that’s traveled across the room and unto my clothing! I’m a refined slob!
It’s all good!
While at Walmart last week, I had an epiphany of sorts. It happened when I spotted a pair of plaid leggings for the price of $4.44. Yes. Under five bucks. PLAID!! Plaid leggings that I could not resist.
$4.44 at Walmart! Can you believe it?
And hanging on display next to the plaid gorgeousness, a pair of leggings in an oversized black and white houndstooth print. I was shook!
And these classy leggings were the same price!
I purchased both pairs for a grand total of $8.88 (Thank you, Walmart for pricing your products so well that those of us not gifted in math can figure out the price of multiples in our heads)
The Refined Slob can be barefoot at home–as long as she’s clean and looks lovely enough to cook messy foods in!
Now, I realize that many would look down upon me for giving into the fast fashion notion. However, this is not about fashion. Rather, this is about how I dress—or undress, in the comfort of my own home.
Seriously. I dig my Refined Slob look! I would even venture outside of my home in this getup!
This is for me when I’m cooking or cleaning or relaxing. I’m certainly not going to wear my leopard Number Two Pencil Skirt from J. Crew whilst baking with flour, butter and sugar.
This is for the office. Not for home attire!
Nor am I going to put a good dress on to whip up a liquid sauce. I spill. A lot.
June Cleaver, Harriet Nelson and Donna Reed may have worn this to cook and clean but Cathe Lartigue does not! This was my Birthday suit!
These are outfits I can mess up, wash and wear again around my home until they fall apart at the seams.
I made Weight Watcher–OOPS–I mean, WW 2-Ingredient bagels while dressed like this today!
These are outfits I can sit comfortably on the loveseat in my sunroom while reading a book.
And there ain’t nuthin’ wrong with buying the cheap goods to mess around your house in.
This Refined Slob look can also be brought up a notch to wear while out and about to run errands.
This Refined Slob is a headed out!
If you are like me, you might like to keep an outfit in the family of similar hues or color. I don’t like too much color going on when I’m out. I like my denim jeans paired with a navy blazer. I usually wear olive green with camel. I stick to what’s safe and what makes a leaner line.
This fabulous Scout Jacket from Old Navy. It was $15 on Friday. On Saturday it was $34.99 and no matter which price, it’s a great casual running-around jacket!
Anyway, I spotted a jacket in an Old Navy ad that I received. Old Navy named this jacket the “Scout” Jacket. It’s a basic utility jacket and comes in an assortment of colors. I was drawn to the Olive green one. Simply because I have olive green pants and a pair of Camo jeans that I picked up at Old Navy last year. I figured it would give both the camo and olive-green pants a bit more of a uniform color look when I am out and about.
This is a wonderfully pulled-together ensemble for the Refined Slob style!
And in this ad, the jacket was advertised for $15 during a one-day sale. I high-tailed it to Old Navy and made the purchase.
I tried on the Medium and the Large and ended up going with the large. Old Navy has inconsistent sizing and this jacket was true to the brand’s sizing. The Medium had an overall more flattering fit but was tight in the arms. The large was a better choice—especially if wearing a heavier top underneath.
I sized up to a Large and am glad I did!
See what I mean about Refined Slob style? You can still be a natural slob but can look refined at the same time!
This may very well be my new “uniform”!
To see these outfits in action, have a look at the fun YouTube video I did earlier today!! What say you? Do you have a bit of the Refind Slob inside you?
I live in leggings when at home. It’s how i live my best life!
Kristen! High five on that!!!! XXOXOXOXO
what is the name of the wig you’re wearing and the color? Loved the video!
Hi Lana. It’s Finn by Estetica Designs. The shade is 26 r 12 CH I believe. XOXOXO
Hi Catherine, I’m totally with you. For starters, fortunatelly, I’ve never seen anyone walking on their pajamas outside the house anywhere in Europe. I’ts disgusting, revolting, and if I see anyone doing it, I would feel like puking on him.
I always dress up to work, but the minute I enter the door, I get rid of high heels, accessories and all sorts of uncomfortable stuff. Still, I hate when someone tells me she’s eager to come home, take a bath and spend the rest of the day in her pajamas. Urgh!!!!
My idea of home comfy is either a light dress or a t-shirt with leggings, loose pants and flip-flops. Or something warmer in winter. And, besides, I hate aprons, that’s why I’m never around the house or go to the kitchen in fancy clothes.
BTW, your at-home style is not sloppy at all. It’s comfortable and quite neat. And it’s always such a pleasure to read your posts.
Cheers
Luísa
Hi Luisa! OMG. I cannot imagine ever going to Paris with my husband and walking out on the street seeing anyone in their PJ’s. It just isn’t done. Here in the US, we take casual to extremes. But…I’m with you! I NEVER wear an apron while cooking. Maybe once or twice I have and I find them cumbersome. I would rather wear “old” clothing that I don’t care will get dirty or stained. Thank you so much! XOXOXOX
Love the “refined slob” look ….. I love to wear leggings and a big sweater while home.
Thanks Wendy!!! Isn’t it the most comfy though?????XOXOXOXO
Omg Cathy! You are adorable! I love how you keep it real! I work from home and have clients coming and going, so I can’t be a total slob! I am always looking for a look similar to your leggings/tees. It is surprisingly hard to find a tee long enough thats not made of some wierd clingy fabric. I’m in Canada, so no 4.44 leggings for me. When i go out to do errands i like to wear jeans, sweater and scarf for a dressier look, along with a jacket or long cardi. Loved the video!
Hi Julie! And thank you! Oh dear Lord if I worked at home, dressing would be my greatest challenge! Thank you so much. I’m so happy you liked the video!!! XOXOXOXO
Love love love the inexpensive leggings @ Wally’s. I’ve got a few for hanging out in too!!! Wish I had known about the jacket on sale
@ O. N. will keep my eyes open for another sale.
I’m glad that the refined slob style has a name cuz that’s how I roll at home too. Love the video!
Becca
Hi Becca! Aren’t those Wally leggings the greatest???? Oh that jacket. It’s really a great deal. Yes. The Refined Slob style is the newest trend! XOXOXOXO
Your “slob” look is adorable! I work out of my home so have adopted the comfortable, but what if a client stops by look. It’s happened a few times unexpectedly and thank god I looked “cute”. At least that’s what I was told. Think it was my Bensimon tennis shoes with holes! I also make sure I brush after every meal. Even though I looked cute think I was caught with food in my teeth and was really embarrassed. But absolutely under no circumstances would I dress like a slob in public and never on an airplane. And it doesn’t go unnoticed by the flight attendants. They’ll go the extra mike if you do too!
Meant to say “extra mile”. Hate autocorrect sometimes.
Hi Cathe Those Bensimon tennis shoes look incredibly comfortable! LOL. I think at ome time or another, we’ve all been caught with a bit hiding between the teeth11 Oh, I get so grossed out when I see people dressed as true slobs when out and about and airplanes–especially on flights. It’s just so disrespectful to the other passengers and so self-important. I’m not a fan of that at all!!! XOXOXOXO
I must admit, I just can’t do ‘slobbing’ no matter how hard I try. Your slob-style isn’t bad at all. You can still receive visitors 🙂 I just don’t ever completely relax my style until the evening, but it works for me. I love looking and feeling put together all the time, not that my style is posh. By no means, but even in jeans and a tee, I can’t be ‘slobby’.
I adore that dark, floral skirt with pockets xo
And that’s what style is all about! We wear what we are comfortable in. Whether it’s dressing up or down, we make style our own!! XXOXOXOXO
I just watched your video and it was awesome!! Yes please do more. You are so real and I love the way you dress. I can never go out without looking put together but when I get home everything comes off and the big pants and big t-shirt come on. I will be going to Walmart to look for those leggings. Something about leggings and a warm sweater. So cozy!!
Have a great day!
Thank you Denise!! Those leggings–right? I certainly hope that you found them at Walmart because it’s so true. Those leggings and a warm sweater are the perfect cool-to-cold weather at home dressing! And it keeps the good clothing lasting longer! XOXOXOXO
I live in a very small casual country: New Zealand. Luckily people out and about in their pjs would be a rarity. I love your new house looks. Who wants to use expensive clothes mucking around at home? Not I. But as I said, casual country so I don’t really need to change when I come home.
Hi Ratnamurti! Thank you! Isn’t it true though? Who wants to wear “good” clothing while doing the housework or cooking? Ten minutes ago I started a sauce for tonight’s dinner. I splattered cream on my tee shirt and thank goodness I’m wearing a very old shirt!!! XOXOXOXO
Love your jacket and the video. I personally think there is “slob” and there is “slob” when I am home I want comfy – doesnt mean I drop my personal standards (nope, never ever could imagine going out in my PJs), but I wear relaxed fit type gear – the same sweaters and cardigans from work but getting a bit older, jeans and some tees that were worn to work but are just getting a bit less pristine.- the trainers are still clean, etc.. when I am doing housework/digging/pruning stuff then the really old jersey comes out. However, if I am having a work day at home – I like to dress smartly – still relaxed fit (Im a pudge) but a wee bit of eye make up, some jewellery, a wee spritz of perfume and I do it for me, I dress to make me happy, you know an old cashmere V neck and some jeans and some earrings and Im happy as a clam – no one sees me but me and I am happy as Im clean and well mended and wearing what makes me happy – still relaxed and comfortable but presentable. I think it is the hygeine thing isnt it? Think English upper classes or the French – they wear and wear and wear things,
As for the wearing a dress inside out – the daughter/brothers used to wear a jade green sweatshirt for school uniform (utterly vile), it showed EVERY stain, so Monday – worn as it should be, Tuesday she would INSIST on back to front, WEednesday Im begging to wash it but nope – inside out but right way round, Thursday, still inside out but wrong way round and Friday – she’d wear anyold way she wanted as she said no one cares mummy”. The teachers thought she was hysterical – she is so pernickety these days, nothing too perfect.
Count me as a refined slob – Im in the club
LOL! Juliet we are definitely on the same page here! What you wrote that you dress to make YOU happy is so important. I think that may come with the wisdom we acquire with age. When I was very young, it was so important do almost dress for the approval of others. These days–it’s purely for me! And that’s a good thing! I LOVE the sweatshirt story. That’s greatness and very pragmatic if you ask me!!! XOXOXOXO
I bought that same jacket in the spring! I top it over everything…white, blue, black jeans, t-shirt dresses and my workout pants (covers the Heine). It’s the perfect layering piece for most of our seasons out here. You look great!! And, I love your “refined slob” look!
Renee. I think that jacket is such a great deal and looks very good. You’re correct on the fact it is the perfect layering piece. Thank you!!!! XOXOXOXO
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Those plaid leggings are absolutely amazing! 👍🏼👍🏼