Maybe it's because I once unknowingly spent 30 minutes talking to the guy I was hoping would invite me to the junior prom with poppy seeds polka-dotting my teeth that when it comes to beauty and fashion mishaps, I'm downright paranoid.
While you think you may have it (and yourself) totally together, there are days when things definitely fall through the cracks.
If you live alone, some of these are more understandable. But even if you have a full house, you can't always count on someone else to have your back. Quick side note: my mom was folding laundry one Sunday morning before leaving for church, and it wasn't until she had walked down the center aisle and returned to her seat that she noticed her newest accessory — a lone, black dress sock flung over her shoulder that she'd been hoping to match before she left the house! (Not the look she was going for!)
The following are 7 of my biggest fashion nightmares:
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What's your biggest fashion phobia?
Image via Corbis/64/Ocean
Lipstick on Teeth
Do you ever find yourself in such a rush that you're applying lipstick on the fly without a mirror? Or maybe you aim for a quick swipe in a car or other mode of transportation? Lipstick on the teeth can make you instantly feel like someone's Great Aunt Sally.
Tucking Your Skirt Into Your Underpants
This is my ultimate fashion nightmare! Leaving a ladies' room, I obsessive-compulsively check to make sure everything is where it should be. Nothing's worse than mooning friends, family, colleagues, or complete strangers unintentionally!
Price Tag Showing
Even though you may have gotten a great deal, you might not want to let everyone else know about it! How many times are you rushing to a special occasion only to find that your price tag is dangling from your waist or neckline? Or how about when you forget that big, red $29.99 sale sticker still adorning the bottom of your shoe? Cross your legs and bam! Now everyone knows you're a bargain-hunter. Embarrassing!
Lost an Earring?
Last year, thanks to coat collars and scarves, I lost two of my favorite earrings. Of course it didn't happen simultaneously, so I lost one in each pair. As I went about my day, no one mentioned my pseudo-pirate style until the evening when my mom asked, "Is this single earring thing a new look?" (Thanks, Mom.) When you're wearing a favorite pair, double- and triple-check that your backings are securely fastened.
Your Spanx Are Playing Peek-a-Boo!
It's bad enough you feel like you may be risking intestinal damage by stuffing yourself into Spanx in the hope of looking svelte. But what happens when you sit down and find that the skin-tight skivvies are peeking out below your hemline? Is it acceptable to pretend you're going biking later in the day? Hey, whatever works!
Food in Teeth
This is when you hope you can count on a good friend to do the right thing and tell you a little bit of your lunch is still lingering! Why does it seem like tasty herbs such as parsley, basil, and dill are the worst offenders and also the most noticeable thanks to their colorful hue? I've learned the hard way that a hand mirror can be invaluable!
Toilet Paper Stuck on Shoe
Whether you're on a job interview or you're on a blind date, toilet paper stuck to your shoe is a cringe-worthy moment for all involved. So, when you finish making sure your skirt is safely out of your underwear and your Spanx are staying in place, take a quick look to make sure you're not leaving a paper trail in your wake. (You're welcome!)