October 28th, 2008 | by Elizabeth Amber |
Lyon, The Lords of Satyr
An author I know, who is also good friend and sometimes crit partner, has an interesting philosophy about life versus career. She has one set of clothing for her “author life” and another for her “real life,” as she calls it. When I heard this, I was reminded of the series about London call girl Belle Piper titled Secret Diary of a Call Girl, which aired on Showtime this past summer. I don’t know about you, but I was riveted. More to the point, Belle has separate wardrobes for her “call girl” side and her “real life” side.
A few weeks ago, my friend and I went out and bought wigs on a lark. Long and sultry, multi-hued. I’d never owned a wig, so I went grocery shopping in mine, to give it a test run. I went from mildly embarrassed to confident when the check-out clerk asked me (in an admiring tone) where I’d gotten my hair done. I replied, “It’s a wig. Can you tell?” She said it looked amazing and wanted to know where I’d gotten it. How fun! I could hardly wait to tell my author friend. Afterward, we did a book signing together and had a hoot wearing our twin wigs. It’s amazing what a pick-me-up such outer trappings can be.
Now my author buddy is after me to go clothes shopping at some resale shops. Who knows what kind of trouble we’re going to get into with that? For some reason, she really envisions me in boots. As with the wig, I’ve never worn boots. And I’m not really enthusiastic about them. But that’s my “real life” side talking. If you see me in boots sometime, you’ll know my “author life” took over on a shopping jaunt.
I think I’d define my ideal “look” for both real and author lives as professional-sexy. I don’t think I achieve that, but I’m working on it. My “author” side thinks sexy, but my inner core—the one that allows me to meet deadlines and outline books—is all professional. When I go shopping, the two are at war.
How about you other authors? Do you cross-dress? How do your “author clothes” differ from your “real life” ones? Higher heels? Boots? Tighter? Lower-cut? Higher-cut? Corsets with jackets? Poofy hair? That is, are your “real life” clothes the same as your “author life” clothes? If not, what are the differences?
Elizabeth Amber
NICHOLAS, THE LORDS OF SATYR
RAINE, THE LORDS OF SATYR
LYON, THE LORDS OF SATYR (Aug 2008)
DOMINIC, THE LORDS OF SATYR (March 2009)
erotic historical paranormal romance
Kensington Aphrodisia
www.elizabethamber.com
Hi, Elizabeth!
My real life clothes is all about comfort. I change it up if I’m going out and want to be more trendy sexy. And actually, that can also be my author clothes. I tend toward more trendy/flirty for conferences and signings. But when I’m just hanging out…wow, so not impressive! LOL. I love the idea of buying a wig for fun!
Shelli
by Shelli Stevens · October 28th, 2008 at 1:41 amhttp://www.shellistevens.com
I have a writer wig too. I love it!
by Alynn Parr · October 28th, 2008 at 2:42 amI love the idea of a wig. Sounds like great fun. As for clothes, my bottom line is, I’ve got to be comfortable. I love boots and heels, but if I’m doing a signing or conference, I’m going to be on my feet for hours. If the shoes aren’t comfortable, I’m going to start getting grouchy.
And it’s hard not to let my face reflect it. I figure, the best thing a writer can wear in her author persona is a friendly smile. 
As for “sexy” clothes, I think it’s fun to wear something a little sexy, but not something you have to worry about – like a neckline that’s so low you wonder how much of a peep show you’re giving when you bend down to autograph a book. Yup, professional is always a good guideline!
by Susan Lyons · October 28th, 2008 at 11:22 amI slouch around in jeans at home most of the time and have a whole section of my closet simply for writerly things when I have to make an effort to look professional. I love dresses and as I live in California, I rarely get the chance to dress up and go out any more-that’s why I love going to conference!
by Kate Pearce · October 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pmWow! Interesting. I’ve never really thought about it. You’ve given me something to think about.
I think it is a good idea to have different clothes for your professional writer life and your seperate personal life. Super idea! I wonder how the hubby is going to feel when I tell him I’m going shopping. 
by Lyric James · October 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pmIts amazing how a wig can transform you! An ex used to have this wonderful long straight black one for fancy dress parties and the transformation was incredible.
I love the idea of changing persona with outfits too.
As a guy its like your getting two for one and with the right pair of boots you can conquer the world right! Perhaps the answer to your internal shopping dilemma is too go firmly into one charactor when you go out.
To the saying clothes make the person is very true as the reaction I get when Im in a suit is very different to when im in jeans and a T is very different.
by daniel · October 28th, 2008 at 8:02 pm