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You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” And you can appreciate the sentiment, because something does happen when you feel the corners of your mouth lift. It’s as though your “look” were, indeed, finally complete.

And while you literally AREN’T dressed without your clothes, what you wear becomes the extension of how you feel and thus interact with others.

Perhaps the idea is self-evident for some of you, but in this interview with Nancy Dilts on #thedeliciousstory, I found this connection fascinating: it turns out the garments you carry on your person really do shape your attitude.

For example, if you go into your day frumpy, you’ll feel dull. That state of “blah” is no good for you or the people you encounter. And yes, it will impact how you come across to others.

In this episode of #thedeliciousstory, prepare to refresh your thoughts on the importance of your wardrobe. We meet Nancy Dilts, wardrobe consultant based in Minneapolis, Minnesota who talks about how clothes can inspire you, as well as ways to shop with sustainability in mind.

THE INFLUENCE OF YOUR CLOTHES ON YOU

I’d read some of Nancy’s posts on her website after finding her on the internet and was quickly ready to embrace her business because of her balance of interest in style and a sustainable approach to clothes shopping. It helped that her posts are informative, and her voice is authentic.

The questions around the clothing industry’s impact on the planet is something that is enormously concerning. Over at BBC in the article “Can Fashion Ever Be Sustainable?” we learn that fashion accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, 20% of wastewater, and sucks up more energy than aviation and shipping combined.

Nancy utilizes consignment shops and wardrobe consultations to help people of all genders figure out their personal style.

Personally, while I’m all about the conscientious shopping, I’m not a clothes shopper and don’t usually give what I wear much thought. So, beyond the concept of recycling clothes, my opinion of personal style was ambiguous going into this interview. I mean, what do clothes REALLY do except protect our bodies, our modesty, and create an image to present to others?

Not long into chatting with Nancy, I was blown away by her ideas and the elegance of her thoughts. I vigorously jotted notes and bolded quotable bits as she spoke, and I know you’ll find her just as enlightening.

Whether you appreciate the importance of style or are more indifferent, you’ll be surprised to discover the potential significance of attire to your sense of well-being.

For example, these days as we all spend more time at home, perhaps you’ve noticed a shift in your attitude based on what you wear each day. Maybe you dress more causally and have even opted to relax your personal hygiene routine as well, showering later in the day (or not at all). How have these relaxed changes impacted your mood and your thoughts?

Nancy suggests that, whether it’s just for you or when you’ll be in public view, dress as if it matters because of its influence on how you feel. Nancy goes on to detail an experiment which proves the point, and you’ll doubtless find fascinating, too.

“Using your clothes as a way to feel better actually does work.” Nancy Dilts

DID YOU KNOW YOUR’RE BEAUTIFUL?

When we touched on the idea of flipping the clothes shopping (which includes trying things on and viewing yourself in the mirror) experience away from any sense of shame some of us have, Nancy really started to grab my attention.

The best part was when Nancy said: “The clothes you wear that don’t fit are not about you, but about the garment.”

Nancy works to help her clients understand that every body is beautiful. When trends don’t work, or clothes don’t fit, then it’s the trend that’s not right, or the clothing article that is too large or too small. You are fine. The most important job your clothes take on is to make you feel good, and if they don’t achieve that, then it’s the clothes that are the issue.

“If something is not right, it’s because the clothes are not right for you.” Nancy Dilts

Nancy delved into the subject of fit quite a bit. You’ll be surprised to learn how to turn consignment items into clothes that are a totally perfect fit for you, all while being more environmentally conscious and saving money.

YOUR VICARIOUS MOMENT IN ITALY

Perhaps because travel is off the table for a while (until we figure out how to do it more safely in the time of COVID-19), I’m sure you’ll swoon over Nancy’s memorable meal story. It’s the kind of experience that happens on a trip when people open themselves up to the magic of the unexpected.

The dish that Nancy describes is something called Insalata di Carde Cruda, in Italian of course, which translates to raw meat salad. I couldn’t imagine eating it, myself, but Nancy convinced me with her beautiful story of how her family encountered this dish.

And since it was Italy, and they were on vacation, I get that it probably was even more wonderful in the moment. I was so inspired later that I took a quick look and found this recipe over at Ricetta, which provides an explanation of why the dish is safe to eat and great pictures of how to prepare it.

And since we’re talking meat in the days of a pandemic, I’m kind of on the fence about meat in general. However, I made the decision to at least buy what meat I eat from sources where I have a better idea of how the animals are cared for and the meat is prepared.

Sometimes, it’s more about the action we can take now than the action we hope to take someday. Check in with your local markets and see what you think. Better care of the animal translates into a better cut of meat. And when it comes to raw meat, I would think a happier animal would be a better result for Insalta di Carpe Curda

AND FOR DESSERT CHOCOLATE

Nancy was unapologetic about her comfort food of chocolate, but her favorite combo was particularly delightful. See if you agree. She also mentioned a candy company based in Minneapolis that I had not heard of but has been around for more than a century. I checked out Abdallah and read their fascinating story, and hope you will, too.

DRESS FOR YOU FIRST

I’m convinced that once you hear Nancy explain the influence of the clothes you wear on your personal state of mind, you’ll reconsider how you dress each day. Clothes allow you to express your creativity, but they are also your armor—physically and emotionally. Your attire helps you feel better, more assured, and ready to face the world, even if your reflection in the mirror is the only audience.

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No matter the season, I’ve received Pittman&Davis boxes for several years, and the fruit is always ready to eat, expertly packaged, beautifully displayed, and delicious. In addition to fruit, Pittman&Davis offers smoked meats, cheeses, and confections to mix and match with are scrumptious and of high quality.

If you’re a business and provide gifts to your premier clients, Pittman&Davis offers affordable options, and a box from Pittman&Davis is appreciated and remembered. Check out Pittman&Davis if you need a bit of sunshine for yourself or as a gift.

Sherry is the founder of Storied Gifts a personal publishing service of family and company histories. She and her team help clients curate and craft their stories into books. When not writing or interviewing, Sherry spends loads of time with her grandchildren and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

STORIED GIFTS SHOP

Need a beautiful infusion of inspiration for your storied life? Please check out the Storied Gifts Shop where we offer Wearable Wisdom & Daily Inspirations.

The shop is a mother and daughter venture for Sherry and Alexandra Borzo of Content In Motion. They both work to help their client's stories sing. The shop is their effort to inspire a focus on healthy minds for everyone through positive thought.

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