Desperately seeking a snowman sweater for a winter party? Earrings for a luau? A pair of shoes stitched to resemble baseballs?
If you were Kit Dale, you'd own all this -- and lots more creative, occasionally eccentric clothing and accessories.
The 40-year-old mother of two (and pet owner of three) is so well-known for her one-of-a-kind wardrobe that her Ruxton neighbors often raid her closet for special events.
She's happy to oblige, she says, and dreams of one day having a store selling the sorts of things she searches for in Baltimore.
What sets your style apart from others?
There's a sense of whimsy and fun. I have to like whatever it is I'm wearing. My sweaters, sweat shirts and T-shirts are special because they're either great colors or hand-painted. For work clothes or a cocktail party, I like wonderful silks or outfits with neat buttons. And my earring collection is kind of crazy.
What are some highlights of that collection?
I have a pair of Christmas earrings: One says, "I might be naughty," and the other says, "I might be nice." I have people bowling, little Hawaiian dancers, hand-painted cats and fish, cows in sunglasses, mermaids and outrageous little cowgirls in rhinestones. Everything is colorful.
How many do you have?
Easily a hundred pairs.
And how did this get started?
When I lived in New York, I had this friend who gave me earrings shaped like sushi -- California rolls. Other friends saw them and started giving me different pairs.
Friends say you also have a memorable sweater collection.
With sweaters and T-shirts, you really can have fun. I have several dog sweaters: one has all these dogs dressed up for Christmas, another has a shawl collar with silver buttons and black and white dogs on it.
Is there a message in all this?
It makes me happy wearing them. I love all the laughs I get.
What's your family's reaction?
When I've worn something fun, my husband, Tony, has been embarrassed and said, "Don't go out like that." But he's always been conservative. He's adjusted to me over the years.
And your children?
My daughter, Kelly, is kind of crazy. The other night she wore her
bathing suit to bed under her pajamas. She has a definite sense of humor. She won't let me dress her and hasn't for years. My son, Teddy, is more easygoing. He'll wear whatever.
Where do you shop?
For sweaters, I go to Irresistibles in Cross Keys. For basics, I like Nordstrom. I'll also shop at a Dressy Affair in Ruxton. I find earrings at craft fairs. They're the toughest to find.
What in your closet will you never wear again?
My bathing suit? No. My longer skirts. The shorter style is more flattering. I'm 5-foot-2. I look like I'm drowning in clothes when I wear something long.
What would you change about your wardrobe if you could?
My budget. I think I have incredible self-control, but my husband would disagree.
How does your style change for dressy occasions?
I try to find clothes that don't go in and out of style, but that are simple and classic. I try to add something interesting -- a really pretty belt or some detail. But it's toned down. I don't know if it's appropriate to wear something silly for a cocktail party.
In the depths of winter, how do you keep a sense of humor in your clothing?
Even my mittens have cats stitched on them. They're from this store in New York called Mabel's on Madison Avenue.
Do you know some dressers? Let us know. Write to Mary Corey, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore 21278.