The Cosmic Treehouse
Got twenty minutes to get ready and nothing to wear? Welcome to life in the fast lane.
Having lived out of a suitcase for quite a chunk of my life, I know a trick or two about quick fixes. Airports and the third world has also taught me how to look and feel clean when I haven't showered in 48 hours. Mind you, it isn't always essential that you look like you've just stepped out of a fashion magazine. But having had to meet some big cheese for the first time in Seoul, Korea, right after a 16-hour flight, having had to do a TV interview on a 10-minute notice in Karachi, being woken up at 4 am in my hotel for my chance to meet my favorite political leader, it was inevitable that I'd perfect this look through the years and here it is now, simplified for your reading pleasure.
So you've only got 20 minutes and need to look like you mean it. Here comes my quick fix. Decide on a pair of pants that are a no-brainer. If it's a somewhat casual dress code, bootcut jeans will do. Otherwise just pick your favorite pair of solid slacks. Don't vacillate for a long time, pick your most reliable pair. Now put on a basic white shirt. You can roll up the sleeves or do whatever you need to, but don't spend much time on this step. A thick belt would be nice but if deciding on a belt takes too long then skip to the next step, the shoes. You will need to wear heels, there is no way around it. Pick your most dressy shoes that you normally only wear to galas or the opera or weddings and such. This is probably the most important part of the quick fix as this is what will make you feel empowered. I cannot stress this enough, do not skimp on the shoes when in a hurry. They're the secret ingredient. They'll transform your hasty steps into the 'I am in control' cat walk.
Any jacket or no jacket will work. 
Sunglasses, purse and you’re good to go. Since you kept the basics solid and simple, whatever purse, watch, sunglasses and other accessories will match. That’s the whole point, you won’t waste precious time worrying about conflicting colors and patterns.
You're done and out the door in under 20 minutes. The most important part of this is no double guessing during the process, just powering through, moving onto the next step. The shoes and the necklace will sell the look. The pants and the shirt don't need to be special at all. The accessories will make the whole outfit look deliberate.
Remember, there is only one first impression.
Agnes
picture credit: Armani sunglasses, JC Penny necklace
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- by Agnes
More articles by Agnes:
Last Minute Wardrobe
or How To Look Like You Know What You’re Doing
Nancy from Reflections gave me this blog prize. I am flattered -- thank you Nancy. Nancy hails from Bangalore India and is living in Dubai. She’s married with two children and I am totally jealous that she gets to live in the wonderful city of Dubai. I always wanted Geoff and I to live there on some sort of semi regular basis...
Reading Nancy’s blog, Reflections makes me feel like I am there.
The rule of the blog prize is apparently that I need to pass it on to the 7 best personal blogs I read.
Unfortunately or fortunately I do not read 7 blogs. I am going to narrow it down to 3.
One is my husband, Geoff’s blog. He’s got this incredible vocabulary and knows how to use it.
The next one is my friend, Lucky’s blog. He’s just got started but I already like it. Lucky’s a world traveller like I am and has awesome photographs from around the world.
The 3rd blog I am nominating is Yosh and Stan’s blog that Lucky is keeping for those die-hard polka fans. Love or hate polka (let me tell you, I do NOT love polka), you just gotta adore Yosh and Stan.
