Personal stuff about clothes

I can't make a phone call unless I'm wearing shoes.

Some so-called freelance journalists don't get dressed in the morning. They regard slobbing around in their nightwear as a sign of their freedom. I used to think that people who called themselves journalists who were still in their jim-jams mid-afternoon were physically ill, clinically depressed or just idle timewasters.

Actually, I still do think that, of most of them.

Though I was intrigued that the wonderful Barbara Ehrenreich, superb reporter and author of Nickel And Dimed, says in her recent book Bait And Switch - "Mainly, as a writer, I have no need to dress for work in anything other than gym clothes, or no clothes at all for that matter."

People are different. But I know that I couldn't possibly write, email or phone anyone dressed in gym clothes. And I have a weird thing about shoes.

My morning pattern is this. At the moment, it being spring, I get up at 6.45 and have a short yoga session. Salute to the sun. I make cup of tea and get to the computer to start work around 7.30. That means changing from yoga gear to standard clothes for someone of my age and education - Levi 501s and a shirt with a collar. On my feet are a pair of Birkenstock sandals, handy slip-ons for bedroom & bathroom.

Around 9am I have a relaxed breakfast with my partner. One of the simple pleasures of freelancing. Then I'm back to the desk, possibly to start hitting the phones as people get settled in their offices.

This is the odd thing. I have to put proper outdoor shoes on. They don't have to be formal. A funky pair of Camper, Firetrap or Fly. Or even a supportive pair of Merrells. (Like all blokes, I only ever buy anything on brandname). Doesn't matter. The point is, I can't call someone up on if I'm not shod & properly laced up. Strange.

Les

By the way, I'm thinking of getting sponsorship for this site. Shoe manufacturers will be considered.