My ‘diet’ became a topic of discussion at a couple of BBQs this weekend. My female friends looked at me incredulously, responding with ‘no way,’or ‘ I could never do that.’ You could see the question in their eyes: Why? It was the same response I had when Sally first approached me. I completely ignored the question, dismissing the idea. The husbands and other male friends, well for the most part, ignored the subject all together; completely disinterested in the topic. I mean, they do not get involved in our complimentary female discussions after greeting each other; ‘oooh, where did you get that top?’ or “wow, you look great.” So, why would they care about my not adding to my wardrobe for a year?
What is it about women and our clothes? We love to discuss it—admiring each other or admonishing another’s choice. My sister and I can spend hours talking about what we want to buy, getting advice, or showing each other our new purchases. And, I spent a significant part of my Saturday afternoon on www.boden.com deciding on just the right items to send to my niece for her 10th birthday this coming week. We’re already helping her to think of clothes as important. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I mean, we say we want to help her recognize her many talents outside of being gorgeous (confirmed by many non-family members without being prompted, I swear!) so, we fawn over her intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, and singing voice. And yet, we also make sure she has the cutest clothes at all times.
As little girls, we played dress-up and admired ourselves in the mirror. As grown-ups, I guess that is part of the fun of shopping for new clothes, seeing how we change in the mirror from a little bit of fabric and color. Perhaps that is what my girlfriends are not willing to give up for a year: the reinvention. I get it. I’m just trying it on for size.
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