Lately I've been bumming around a little more than usual. Barely combing my hair, wearing minimal to no makeup and dressing in workout attire (well some days I wear the oh so trendy lululemon-you could call those days workout professional). There's something to be said for comfortable casual clothes especially when it's about 110 degrees everyday. It's nice to just throw something on and be done. And let's face it, these days people go to parties dressed in what my Grandmother wouldn't even wear to the grocery store. BUT (you knew there was a but coming), when the occasion or activity calls for it or even if I'm just in the mood, I'm all for dressing up.
Maybe you'll disagree, but when you put on nice clothes you look like someone a little more special. I also find that people will take you a bit more seriously when you dress more upscale. You may even be able to smile, click your heels together and get something out of someone that you could never so easily gain in your workout clothes. I find this to be especially true for men in suites. However, a suite on a dud of a guy with no personality and G-d forbid no good looks either--well the dressing up thing just might not help him (but I digress). The point is I like dressing up not just because it helps to charm people but also because it just really makes me happy.
How many times has my sister looked at my outfit on just some run of the mill day and said to me, "Are you going to a party?" Believe me this almost never happens anymore. Apparently I'm the kind of person that would wear high heels to the grocery store just because. I mean my Great Aunt Norma at age 93 still wears them all over, (grocery store included) so why not! In reality, I don't usually dress up for no reason, but I like to find reasons to wear the clothes from the "fun and cute" section of the closet even if I'm not going to a party.
I remember some of the pretty dresses I've worn over the years. My earliest memory of dressing up was when I was five and I was in a fashion show with my Mom. I wore an adorable dress that my Great Grandmother had made for my Mom years before. Now fast forward many years later to my Senior Prom. Some girls would probably want to vomit if they had to wear their Prom dress again, but for me I would welcome the occasion (bearing in mind it just may not fit anymore). In my opinion the dress I wore was beautiful, classic, sophisticated and glamorous. Wearing the dress, I felt distinguished and giddy, and yes I had an above average looking date (Richard you better read this). Hmmm, I just may have to pull that gown out of the closet and play "dress up" the next time I'm in OKC. Oh yes, in the Bendorf house you keep these memorable classic garments!
Besides the happiness and fun they bring, and the charm they help to convey, dressy clothes make everyone look better. Most of the time, when we wear our nicer attire, we take a little more pride in combing our hair for example, or us women spend a few more minutes with the mascara wand and eyeliner. We want our faces and our hair to match our clothes. We want to be a complete package. It does help to be tan, have killer toned arms and legs and a firm butt, however perfection isn't what's important. I'm happy to know that if I try I can clean up nicely. We all can.
Although what's on the outside isn't the end all be all, and whether we wear casual clothes, old workout gear or the most beautiful fancy ball gown, we are still the same person. If you're naturally charming then you're a charmer. If you're classy in the way you live then you're classy. I'm sure you know this but our clothes don't define us, but dressing up just might make us a little more fun, a little happier, and a bit more confident. Dressing up isn't for everyone and that's OK. But, I'll tell you a little secret...
Me, I like to dress up.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Surprises (Good Ones)
Surprise I'm writing...I won't even try to explain my absence. I'm out of practice for sure. The first draft of this post got deleted too. UGH. But, here goes.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
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