Monday, May 30, 2011

Sassy Lassy (With a Side of Prude)



Let me go on the record and tell you that I love this outfit. Can't you tell? I've got this damn smirk on my face, and I can't wipe it off. Why? Because I'm so happy and comfortable in this outfit. I wore a rehash of this for my first day of work. I can't wait till everyone forgets about it so I can wear it again, I love it so much.

Funny thing is, this? This outfit? This is subversive for most of PR. I'm wearing a lot of black, I'm covered, I'm mixing styles (the crochet belt seems too delicate for these boots, to most), and, deadliest thing of all, my skirt isn't dangerously close to revealing my undies. Look, I'm no saint, and I sure do love my short skirts and shorts, but, this is getting ridiculous. Girls, keep your lady parts in your pants, not out. Or, at least, keep them in while you are out in public. I seriously have no need to be dazzled by them while I go about my business.

I know I sound positively prudish; well, on second thought, no. I don't. There is such a thing as common sense. I'm all for freedom of expression. I love daring clothes. I love low-cut dresses, shorts, skirts, all within reason. But, I feel it becomes disrespectful when you are dressed very inappropriately for a place/situation. And I don't mean by over or underdressed, I mean lack of dress. Why do you have to show it all? There is a time and a place for everything. Bandeau top and short shorts for raving it up at a dance party? Cool! Bandeau top and short shorts for going to pick up your kids at school? No.

The sad truth of the matter is that most people here, both peers and of an older age range, consider me a prude. When I think about it, clothing here is highly sexualized. Too much, for me. Too many women don outrageously tight spandex clothes with exorbitantly high hems and mind-blowingly low necklines. And, in my experience, you receive negative attention in both cases, but sometimes even more so when you dress modestly. People heckle you, make comments, and even assume that you're part of an extremist religious movement because, oh my, you don't want to wear a miniskirt to work. I firmly believe there is a place and a time for everything, and that includes clothes. At work I dress modestly: I keep my crazy colors and garments, but the hemlines are close to the knee and the cleavage is non-existent. When I go out, I showcase one thing at a time. Short skirt? Long sleeves. Deep neckline? Better wear pants or add tights. I firmly believe that there is an allure, an aura, to showing your figure ever so slightly. A hint here and there. I've quite had it with overt sexuality, thank you.

So, let's take it in, girls. Let's keep it classy.

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