Gen X Journey

I have a guilty secret lurking in my wardrobe. It’s my inspiration clothes and they hold a special place my wardrobe where they may never again see the light of day.

Yes, that’s inspiration clothes not inspiration quotes. What are inspiration clothes I hear you ask? Well an inspiration piece of clothing is something that you buy now (usually because it’s on sale) usually at least 2 sizes too small, knowing that it will be the just the motivation that you need to lose weight.

Of course it never does and that is why I have half a wardrobe full of clothes that do not fit me. And I’m not throwing them out, giving them away or ebaying them because I’ve never worn them and I intend to one day fit into them.

My internal conversation goes something like this.

I love it. I have to have it. Looks like it might be a bit tight across the hips. I should try it on. Nuh, can’t be bothered. It’ll fit…and if it doesn’t it will when I lose 5kg next week.

And of course that 5kgs stays right where it was and my Have to Have piece of inspiration clothing gets its own satin covered hanger where it can hang around enjoying it’s retirement for the next three years.

Never mind that none of the items will probably no longer be in fashion by the time I eventually get around to fitting into them. I am keeping them as a motivational tool.

I can’t tell you what the lovely silk top looks like on me because I’ve never gotten it past my boobs. The blue dress I bought the other day is maybe a tad too short but I can’t tell because I can’t wriggle it over my hips. My worst crime was a tankini in size (Australian) 10. What was I thinking? Not a lot apparently. A size 10 hasn’t graced this body since well …never.

My daughter used to encourage me in this pursuit in the hope that she could wear my way too small clothes, but I am adamant that there is no lending of the inspiration item until I have worn it first. Now she encourages me on inspiration shopping trips by saying things such as it’s too short or mutton lamb  but more recently with for god’s sake just buy the bigger size. I don’t take her shopping with me anymore.

However there is one group of people who do not wait to wear their inspiration clothes and these are cyclists. I’m never sure if I should be admiring them for their gall or cringeing for their lack of a full length mirror.

What other group of people, and yes they are mainly men, despite being a good 20kg and 20 years past their prime, confidently mince into a coffee shop (and mincing is all you can do wearing those cycling tap shoes), clad neck to knee in body-hugging, form fitting lycra. They haven’t waited to fit into their inspiration clothes. They wear that lycra asap.

Perhaps I should take up cycling.

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