Yesterday, I wore a black dress with tights and heels. It was by no means an evening gown (that would have been absurd), but it's made of a fabric that covers up flaws and hangs nicely on me. It has pleats down the front and ties at the waist to show that I have one. Nevermind that there are unflattering rolls above and below it. I had my make-up done prettily (smoky eyes, glossy lips), my conditioned and (newly grayless) black hair pulled back with a shiny clip. For a splash of color, my new brick red Harvey's handbag was slung gracefully over my shoulder, (this, a present from Kris for Christmas and the most expensive purse I've ever owned) and a black and white checkered retro-style jacket over my dress while I ran errands. I looked sharp and I felt attractive.
I don't usually go around feeling ugly. I take a little time with my appearance every morning and don't leave the house in sweats and slippers. I always have my hair nicely styled, though I'm aware that it's hard to screw up one length straight hair and bangs. I do my make-up everyday. I'm by no means high-maintenance when it comes to what I look like, but it's important to me that I look finished when I walk out the door. It has very little to do with what people think of me or expect from me. It has a lot more to do with taking care of myself and feeling ready to face the world around me everyday. I'm more prepared to deal with flat tires, car pools, long lines and too many errands if my clothes match, my eyelashes are visible and I'm wearing jewelry.
I dressed up yesterday for really hardly any reason at all. I mean, really, how many days in a row can one wear jeans and still feel feminine? Sometimes I miss working. Well, not so much the working part, the needing-to-look-somewhat-nicer-than-a-stay-at-home-mom part. I love to feel pretty. If I could wear a dress or skirt and tank top everyday of the year with little strappy, heeled sandals, I would. It really is when I feel the most attractive. I can't though, which is why yesterday I put on my new, black dress and picked up kids from school, went to Old Navy and bought toilet paper with sore feet and a sexy strut. It was time to feel cute, like I had more exciting things to do than drive around in my old minivan with its funny noises. I enjoyed myself all afternoon yesterday. I think I'll do it again soon.
