"Snazzy"

Usually we post once a day, but I couldn't help but throw in a thing or two to emphasize Diane's point in her last post - to be good-lookin' in this Industry, you do have to look like "all that."

Funny story...when Diane and I were happy-go-lucky college girls, we always talked about upping our style sense. We dreamed about it more than we actually worked on it our junior year; but when senior year rolled around we amped up our style like we planned. We loved looking back at our photos and seeing how much we'd grown. We took a few shopping trips to places other than our usuals, and when we'd see a style we liked on someone, we'd mentally jot it down and save the idea for later. Diane taught me the powers of accessorizing and matching.

We couldn't help but gravitate back to comfort most times, though; after all, going comfy is fast, easy, and totally acceptable. Paired with the right make-up, a girl can still be a girl, and not feel closeted by the modern-day corset (whatever that may be for you).

And that's okay for going to the store, your local classic car show, or the post office to mail your headshots out. But when auditioning? The powers that be do expect a certain look, and I must say, my room looks like an absolute mess every time I have to dress for an audition. I try on a million things, and still, I never think I have enough stylish clothes...I have clothes coming out of my ears, but most of them are the comfy-girl clothes we love so much...jeans, boots, long tees...now though, I know...I have to be wearing a dress and heels, I have to do my hair nicely (no gym-ponytails!), and I always wear heels or shiny flats. I spend too much time on make-up, but that's because I'm not so pro at that yet. My speed is improving, though!

I had to teach myself how to walk in heels this summer. Yep, you heard that right. If I had it my way, I'd wear flats or boots all the time. Heels are too much trouble. But I know that to look "snazzy" it is the must-have accessory for your feet, so I started wearing heels every week to church (at least if I fell in church I wouldn't be judged, haha). I'm comfortable enough in them now. Proof? They have a place next to my flats. They aren't just kept in the laundry room anymore.

Over the summer, I have also learned to lay drywall, drive a stick, and change car oil. I have two brothers (enough said, right?). I remember Diane told me over the phone one night as I was regaling all my summer conquests, "Cat! Construction? Driving a stick? Do you still dress up?"

I laughed so hard at this, because she was so right. Was I neglecting my sense of style because I was around my brothers full-time again (since coming home from school)? Probably. Was it affecting my girly snazz? I'd have to say it was. I told myself that no matter what I was doing from then on, I'd be doing it in better style. Changing the oil? I'll be in a white tee and cute overalls. Working out in step class? A neat pony tail and just enough lip gloss to match my cheeks. Out to the store? Summer dress and boots. Audition? SIGH. As much work as it is, it'll have to be a dress and heels.

But you know what? I kind of like it. Like Diane pointed out, the confidence boost it gives you is matchless in many ways. So, your clothes may have a price tag...but getting that callback, booking that job, getting that face-to-face with an agent...priceless.

At the risk of sounding like an Mastercard commercial...

The point is, snazzy is great. What is it for you? I've always heard that if you are confident in what you wear, you can wear old curtains and still you'd shine (Maria from Sound of Music, anyone?). Some of us, though, need it the other way around. We need the style to make us confident. And that's totally okay. Because celebrities eventually launch their own clothing line anyway once they're established, right?

For now, though, we play the game.