Jeans — A Uniform or Clothing for Real Women?
I really love uniforms. They can be quite sexy and stunning. These women are adorable in their red Chinese dresses, white berets and — dare I say? — go go boots! But, the “having to look like everyone else around me” when you’re over the age of consent is ridiculous. At dinner last night, out with my husband and youngest son, I wore an adorable Theory dress, black tights, Stuart Weitzman booties and a Nanette Lepore fabulous, sweater-coat. I carried a large Prada nylon/gold black bag (with and extra sweater for layering in it, in case it got a bit chilly). Needless to say, I felt quite lovely.
But, as I looked around the dining room, I could have sworn I entered the enclaves of the Russian Proletariat. EVERYONE was in lousy fitting and bland looking jeans with even blander looking t-shirts and sweater tops. Men and women included. And, they did not look as cute as the real Proletariats, pictured below. At least these men and women tipped their hats and did their hair.
A lovely friend of mine, who is always beautifully coiffed, manicured and dressed once said to me, quite frankly, “You know, jeans were invented for the workers. They are the uniform of labor.” Okay, I’m fine with that. Jeans have gone beyond their initial use of clothing for the San Francisco 49′s (not the football team). But, I get where she was coming from. Jeans are not meant to be our only form of dress. They are great to have for those days when you are just hanging, great for students and for taking walks, doing gardening, etc… And, they can be quite good looking for going out in — but you have to “rock those jeans”. Not add a worn out Gap t-shirt and call it a day.
I thank Beyonce and Rihanna, both pictured here looking awesome. I thank them because they don’t have the needle thin legs of models and boyish-figured girls, but they wear their jeans and they wear them the right way — with panache. I feel that I don’t have to be built like a boy to wear jeans, but I better wear my jeans so it’s clear there’s a women in those denims. Show your figure, accentuate your curves and add a top, jewelry and accessories that give the outfit some ‘Pow’.
Millions of people across the globe have fought to unleash themselves from the grip of Communism and the visions of a world where literally “everyone is the same”. They shook off their uniforms and looked to us, the West, to give them an idea of style that emerges from being free. Please, let’s utilize our freedoms and let ourselves understand that emulating your neighbor down to wearing everything she does is only a good thing if your neighbor happens to look like Salma Hayek. Otherwise, find your own style, make an effort and call me, your personal stylist and fashion consultant. I can lead you down the path of individualism, beauty and fashion fun!