Monday, February 22, 2010

RE: "Grocery Store Glamour?"

A response to my good friend's recent entry.

I'm a victim of What Not to Wear in that I am VERY aware of how I look at all times these days even if I wouldn't have been in the past. While college might be a bit early to be worrying about these kinds of things, ANYONE (not just women) should seriously consider their appearance before going anywhere, even the grocery store. Unfortunately (and since we don't live in a society of blind people) you WILL be judged you based on how you look, like it or not. You can stand there indignantly in the middle of the produce section in your sweatpants and XL jersey shirt, but people will judge you all the same. Maybe less so than they would have 60 years ago and perhaps more than they would 60 years from now but fashion is always going to matter. In men and in women. Either you can conform to social norms (i.e. look presentable all the time) or act out against them (i.e. wear your running shoes when you're not running) people are going to judge you either way and you will change absolutely nothing either way....just sayin. At the end of the day, it doesn't take ANY more time to throw on a pair of jeans and a cute top with a pair of sparkley flats than it does to throw on your sweats and tennishoes (maybe less without all that lacing of the shoes and the whole socks thing.) So what's the big deal? Make an effort. When you run into your boss in the bakery, you might be glad you did.

7 comments:

  1. I agree! I used to not care in college, but I find myself caring more and more as I get older!

    Also, thanks for the comment about pants on my blog! I get my jeans at the Gap right now, but I am definitely going to be trying the brands you mentioned! I'd love to have pants that fit my waist, hips, and butt! :P

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  2. It's not 1950 anymore. Women have busy schedules and don't necessarily have time to stop home and make sure their outfit is cute or touch-up on the makeup all the time. Sure, some women will still judge us for that, but I suppose we've got more important things to worry about to even notice anyway.

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  3. If you're stopping by the store on the way home from work, that's fair enough. But a makeup touch-up? Less than 60 seconds. Leaving for the store from home? No extra time to make an effort than to be sloppy, unless you're going in your pjs which I think speaks for itself. LOL As far as makeup vs. no makeup goes, it takes MAYBE 2 minutes to sweep on foundation and a coat of mascara and it makes a world of difference. It's not a femenist issue, it's about taking pride in your appearance and being well groomed. There's a lot of hot single guys at whole foods, I can see why it'd be news worthy that young single women aren't making an effort!! That's just me!

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  4. I dunno, I guess "constantly criticize other women" was never on my grocery list. Sure, doing things like wearing your PJs to the store is a bit of a faux pas, but when I see someone do that I don't immediately assume she has no pride in herself. Sometimes we just get in a frumpy mood for various reasons (i.e. it's the time of the month, just had a bad breakup, etc.), and if I want to grab a gallon of milk in my sweatpants then that's my choice. Even if it doesn't take long to change clothes, I shouldn't have to feel pressured to do so because other women might judge me for it.

    Plus, I also believe that projecting negative views about others has a funny way of coming back and plummeting your own self-esteem. So I've tried to get out of that business. :)

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  5. That's the endless fashion debate I suppose, those who care and those who couldn't! We shall remain baffled by the other until the end of time. lol

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  6. I always look awful at the grocery store. I get up at 6 to get the kids ready for school (refuse to get up earlier than 6). Get them to the bus at 6:40. I come home and grab the keys and head for a workout. I take the grocery list with me. After the workout, still sweaty and gross, I stop at the grocery store. If I go home I'll do this and that and not grocery shop for hours. I shop stinky, sweaty, and in my workout clothes. Come home, unload and put away, and then I shower and dress for the day. Alot of times my shoes are always tennis shoes because I walk to the bus stop, do homework, eat quick and then have soccer or basketball practice to attend - and you don't want cute flats on the basketball court or soccer field. I love my shoes - but, life happens and everyone's is different. I always hope I don't see anyone I know at the grocery store - and if I do that they don't stand too close.

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  7. Good point... I maintained myself better in college than now! Last night was the 1st night I wore make up in about a month and a half, and it felt good!

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