Mirror Image

I love mirrors.. It's mostly about reflecting light in places that are short on windows, but it's also, in my place, about seeing myself as I am, where I am. I'm not interested in staring at the face staring back, but in seeing who is living there with all those familiar furnishings. Do I fit in? When you think of it, how can you better know the scene in which you exist? You can decorate your abode however you wish: in the latest colours and styles, keep the old and true or mix up a whole set of collectibles from interesting places, but you have to see yourself , the "me" that you have created. About the only way you can do that, is with mirrors. Of course, you can ask someone to come and photograph you  and then gaze at the effect on your computer, but the easiest way, is to put up big mirrors. I love that mirrors create space where it is not. I love that they tell the truth. Regarding the latter, a friend of mine who is about my age, shuns full length mirrors. She doesn't want the truth, she says, looking at her older self. "Ugh" is her assessment. In my new abode, I have been searching for a full length mirror just to check how things look, before I go out. Since I have little space available with my present arrangement of furniture, I can't find a spot to hang a long mirror on the wall and spin in front of it. A problem. The solution was to find a mirror that will attach to the closet door, one that is not visible to guests. Voila! I did locate a mirror to purchase, on-line. When it arrived (I adore on-line shopping that comes directly to my door), up it went. My friend who abhors full-length mirrors would love this one. It's light and can be relocated if you happen to shift things around or move. Full length mirrors are essential. First, when you are going out, casual or not, you really ought to see what others shall. You don't want to go with a thread hanging from your hem, your belt missing a loop or your hemline drooping. Also on those days when you can't decide what to wear, it helps nail the final choice. Wear it, see it, bear it, is my motto. I am no size five. A full look is imperative. Second, if you sew or hem something, you want to check your efforts, and what  is better in accomplishing that, than a full length mirror. Not all mirrors work well, however. One of the major department stores, in its women's wear department, places the mirrors, very narrow ones, in the corners. To view your choices, you have to contort yourself between the chair  and the wall where all the garments hang. It's uncomfortable, and I am not one of those free thinkers who run out into the hallway half-dressed to take a look in the bevy of mirrors there: "Honey, does this look good on me", sorts. I prefer to assess myself, faults and all, privately. Mirrors at home, do it.