Rule #3:Never wear anything that takes alot of effort to be functional (or makes you walk stupid).
Shop baby gear, apparel and gifts at NORDSTROM. Plus, get free shipping and returns on every order.
At our clothing exchange this weekend, a friend reminded me of the above concept. She had heard a similar guideline expressed by a celebrity regarding what is worn on the red carpet:
If you have to tug at it constantly, don’t wear it.
The most common offender I see is the strapless dress. Second is the mini. What ruins functional elegance for the people in your world?
I love to look unencumbered. Imagine the conflict when I keep pawing at/in my handbag and yet I hate the kind of thing that you pop in or some purses come with, where there is a little designated pocket for everything. Friend gave me one. I gave it right back after the first time I tried it. Possibly a handbag that stands up on its little feet could be an answer but there isn’t always that surface and sometimes you want to nonchalantly reach into your purse. The appearance of nonchalance is a big attraction to me. Note that I said “appearance of” since I’m pretty darn awkward.
That influences my general style in a positive (to me) way, though. I love classic ladylike traditional clothing worn slightly haphazardly.
Oh goodness! Some time we should talk about the whole awkwardness after you pay. Kwim? I can look all elegant while paying – I have a little wallet/purse with a chain that hangs on me so I don’t have to fuss with my whole purse – but then they dump your receipt and so on in your hand and everything is awkwardness! So frustrating! It is a little easier when using a credit card than cash. Have you figured out the solution for that? I hate being in the way of the next person. The whole thing just feels inhuman and inhospitable! /end rant
My husband has lost his debit card more than once in this situation, cramming it in his pocket quickly, instead of back into his wallet. And he still does it, too. I think the only solution is what I read recently about people who have power taking their time to speak, speaking more slowly, since they are accustomed to folks being willing to wait to hear what they will say. We could treat ourselves as being just as important as the person behind us. And if we stayed around to watch, I’ll just betcha plenty of them would take their time to arrange their things!
This reminded me. Ages ago, a friend was playing some records for me that he thought I’d like and hadn’t heard. (this shows how long ago) And I was amazed to watch him take his time and patiently and calmly put each back into its jacket and reshelve it. Now he wasn’t some kind of nut about the pristine condition of his records. This is just how he conducted the small things of his life, honoring what he was doing. I never forgot this sight but do honor it more in the breech and ought to begin again.
My own mother used to do housework like this, with some kind of pride in being the householder. I don’t know where I got my hurried-up-ness. I easily lapse into a Beat The Clock feeling (tv show before your time, I’m guessing)
Well, I am pretty decent at small talk. Likely the person behind me would get annoyed if I just stood there and chatted up the cashier, but I would certainly feel better about taking the time to put myself back together if I was politely engaged. And we really should allow ourselves that time. What is it, 10 seconds? 🙂