All dressed up
A few days ago, I was sitting in O'hare, waiting for my plane to arrive. Running around the terminal was a little girl, maybe two years old, wearing a full-out mermaid costume. I'm talking sparkly green skirt with flowy chiffon detail, a purple bikini top fastened over her pink long-sleeved shirt - the works. Everyone was staring at her, smiling and whispering to each other how cute she was. And the little lady (Hannah was her name, I later learned) was totally oblivious to the joy she was creating; she was more focused - much to her mom's chagrin - on ducking under roped-off areas, hiding behind newspaper machines, twirling.
I was so freaking jealous.
Imagine how much fun life would be if we could dress however we wanted, social constraints be damned. Costumes all the time! Tuesday, you might wake up in a princess mood so, instead of pulling on control-top hose and a boring business suit, you whip out your long, poufy gown, white gloves and tiara. Got a hot date Friday? Pull on your Marilyn Monroe dress to channel your sexiness. Or, if it was PMS time and you just felt mean and wanted to punch something (this is me right now), you could ditch the tight jeans and pull on a football helmet, shoulder pads and bloat-forgiving jersey.
OK, so we're adults and Hannah is a two-year-old...she considers hot dog bites fine cuisine and thinks Dora the Explorer is queen of the world. But she's definitely onto something. Wear your emotional state on your sleeve and everyone is happier. Much less confused. (Do I think this was the thought process that went into the toddler's dressing routine that day? Of course not. I'm sure her mom had to bribe her into getting dressed as they hurriedly prepared to catch a plane and lil' H, seizing her moment, screamed "I wanna wear my Ariel outfit!")
If you could wear a costume for today, what would it be? Let me know the fantasy personality of my e-friends here!
Love,
Your Little Mermaid Wannabe
Comments
Dear Wannabe-Having had 2 two year olds in the past and having arrived at an age of "who the f cares" this scenario doesn't seem that remote. BUT, when I was younger with the 2, I was much more constricted and rigid. And I really regret it. I actually don't have a specific costume, but I wear practically anything and love accessories that seem a little out there, flashy, tacky, not age appropriate...the main thing is your comfort zone, including something edgy and unexpected. Sorry about the office dress code, but what you said about matching your mood with your couture is definitely license to play. I guess my fantasy stuff would be like Tabitha (the witch on 'Passions"). I'm a sub teacher so have limitations too, but I can get away with my pink Cinderella watch, or triple strings of pearls, or gaudy rings on many fingers, or fake diamond pins (fleur de li)--it's all good. But if I could go back, I wouldn't have squashed my kids'creativity!--such regret. But they turned out ok anyway.
Hopefully I don't get too much flak for this... But sometimes I would love to wear my old uniform from high school. I went to a private Catholic school and I wore a navy blue skirt, blazer, knee socks, saddle shoes -- think Rory from the first three seasons of Gilmore Girls. Some days I wish I could go back to never worrying about what I was going to wear. But without looking like an extra for a Britney Spears video. :)
Wendy, it's so nice to hear feedback from a mother who has been there...thanks for sharing!
And Nikki, I am ALL about the school uniform ;-)
My ultimate outfit I do occasionally get to wear. I love wearing my "biker" gear. I have the coolest green leather cowboy boots, and a great leather vest, which make me feel tall and strong. The vest really gives you a sense of being encased in a protective shell and ready to do battle with whatever comes my way. I like the chaps too... less acceptable in everyday life, but fun none the less. The whole thing is very empowering. Unfortunately,my hubby crashed the bike a couple of years ago, so now the opportunities are scarce, but I still wear the boots, vest and some snuggish jeans when I get an opportunity. BTW I am by no means a skinny girl, about 40 lbs overwieght, but this makes me feel taller and thinner.... and tougher!
vicki
I completely agree with Nikki - I went to private school as well, and never having to think about what to wear was fabulous. The biggest fashion decision I had to make was what color boxers to wear under my kilt. Sigh. Now you have to make sure that your Spanx are clean before you can decide what skirt to wear.
I remember I went through a period from age 6-8 where There was one skirt that I wanted to where almost everyday, it was twirly with lots of color. I loved it (I still have it.
If I could wear any costume...it would be a matrix-like outfit -- pleather, boots, trench coat; the whole 9
..I remember that when my daughter was 7-8 years old, all she wanted to wear--everyday, was her turquoise blue plether skirt with hot pink blouse and tye died belt--the outfit always put her in a good mood and to this day, she still loves hot pink!!-
Guilty as charged.
Hi mom!!
xoxo,
Leslie in the turquoise leather skirt
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