dress

boy in a dress

What’s So Bad About a Boy Who Wants to Wear a Dress?

This weekend’s New York Times Magazine cover story had the same name as this post. I recommend it to you. Click here for the article. (their photo too.)

When you read it, note the hundreds and hundreds of comments it generated in its first days. That should give you an idea of how sensitive this issue is.

It is astounding to see how the world has changed, and also to see a pattern of commentary that shows some folks stuck in the past and others racing ahead of where we are.

Any sea change in social structure tends to follow the same course. Think of the resistance to women wearing pants, or becoming capable leaders, or showing their elbows in public, or getting the vote.

The most amusing thing about all this is that people look at what their life was like, what their parents did, and perhaps what their grandparents did and think they know all of history – enough for sure to judge what’s normal and socially acceptable.

The truth is that boys wore frilly tops and skirts, the same as girls, for many years and in many cultures in previous centuries.

Read More»

My Idea of Sexy

The way I see it, sometimes the simplest things are the sexiest.

You can put on a corset and collar, low-cut bustier, micro-mini skirt and fishnet stockings, spiked thigh-high boots and dramatic makeup and you’ll have something screaming sexy, no doubt.

But, in my view, that’s trying too hard.  And the results are more shrill than “sexy” should be.

Sexy is a mood, a feeling… it is something sensual and deep rather than painted on superficially.  Its subtlety is what makes it so powerful… it is almost an ambush the way it overwhelms its prey…

Read More»

Wardrobe Malfunction

So there I was, getting out of my car in my coolest and loveliest sundress.  I locked the car and put my keys in my purse.  Then, hoisting my purse onto my shoulder, I walked behind the car, preparing to cross the street.

I heard a metallic clank and looked down and back to see a sewer grate.  What could have made the noise, I wondered.  I knew my keys were in my purse.  So was my cellphone.  And, my sunglasses were on my head.

Oh well, could have been anything…  I had to pee, so I went on my way.

Read More»

Being Different Comes in Many Flavors

According to a local paper, many of the attendees at the Rockabilly Festival enjoy the freedom the group gives them to express their individuality in musical and fashion terms.  They do not follow what is considered mainstream or popular and go their own way.

People at these events wear vintage fashions, or modern spins on those, along with two-tone shoes or colorful brogues.  The men slick their hair back while the women have their hair intricately styled into 40s dos, often in jet black, platinum blond or bright red.  Many are heavily tattooed.

The newspaper quoted one person saying how she loved coming to this event because, at least for one weekend a year, she can dress as she likes and not feel like an outcast.

Read More»

First Christmas Picture

Well, just in under the wire, here’s a shot of me in my favorite Christmas dress.
Red Christmas Dress worn by Janie Black
I hope you like it.

Merry Christmas!