Hey guys,
There will be no December issue because I will be going on vacation soon and won't have time to make one. However Issue #4: "Ultra Fem" will be published in January and will contain some really interesting articles including the debate: Feminism: Long Haired, Dress Wearing Women Need Not Apply? We will basically be discussing what makes a feminist and how clothing comes into play. For example would a woman that takes extra care in her appearance, or one that is a stay-at-home mom, or a girl that participates in beauty contests be considered a feminist by today's standards? I know where I stand. How about you? I am considering submissions on this topic from everyone and anyone! Please share your opinion with me. I'm hoping to get more than two voices for this. :)
Submissions should be sent to: thatgirl a t girlispoison d o t net
Showing posts with label debate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label debate. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Debate: The 80's totally sucked...or did they?
Why The 80's Sucked
By Emily Buresh
The 1980’s were an interesting time to be alive. Though I did see the entirety of the 80’s, I was still a kid. What I do remember was vibrant and full of color. It was the time when whites could dance and still look cool, punks began to hit the scene, life was full of hope to help the world, and the horror movie genre brought some scary creatures. However, not all of the 80’s were fun and games, in some major ways, it truly sucked.
I do stop and think back now and again when I hear a song on the radio. I remember Saturday morning cartoons and wanting to actually get up early to see them. I wanted to be like Cyndi Lauper while the other girls wanted to be like Madonna. I use to watch Breakfast Club over one of my friend’s house. It wasn’t always so fun. I remember the hardship my family went through, having problems with school, and not having enough money to afford the decadences that the 80’s brought about.
One major thing I do not miss from the 80’s is the hairstyles. Don’t remember? Allow me to begin with the Mullet. I know it was all the rage in the day, but frankly I never cared for it. It looked like you could only afford half a hair cut. Yes a mullet is "All business up front and a party in the back (include hair toss)", but wow. Granted the Mullet has been around for a while now, but the 80’s took it to another level. Some regions of the US, it is still popular and "in style". I think it needs to be retired in a deep black hole, never to see the light of day again. The bouffant of the 80’s got more and more outrageous as time passed. The amount of Aqua Net needed just to carry out a look I personally feel attributed to several holes in the atmosphere. If you didn’t sport the proper hairstyle, then you were considered uncool.
The 80’s also brought about the lifestyle "You can never be too young, too rich, or too thin". Money made this world go round. Everything and everyone could be bought, just depended on how much. Drugs propelled many in the modern world of technology. Anyone could get rich so long as you’re willing to pay the piper. This entire lifestyle didn’t take too long to burn out and completely crash.
The music and media of this time were very eclectic, bringing the end to disco and the beginning of the Kings of Metal, Michael Jackson began to become white and disturbed, and Milli Vanilli had just begun their scandalous journey. Pee Wee’s Playhouse was hysterical and entertaining. Unfortunately these icons of the media we all looked up to had a tremendous downfall. Some of the Kings of Metal still are out there rocking hard. However, the time for a lot of this is long gone. Stadium rock was beginning to bud and the artists who use to rock, for the most part still do. The newer artists somehow don’t carry the deifying qualities that the old school rockers did.
The biggest event I remember is the Challenger Space Shuttle that exploded in 1986. It was the first to have a teacher in space who was a local hero for us since she was from New England. It was absolutely devastating and had grounded the shuttle fleets for the next two and a half years. It did fuel a generation to explore space travel and space exploration, but that tragic day still holds a place in our souls.
After all is said and done, it was an interesting time to be alive, but I wouldn’t want to repeat it ever again. So when you hear the scintillating thrill of an early synthesizer or a tune that makes you want to break down and dance, think of the 80’s and just see how far we have come from the days of the Mullet and such tubular radness…Not!!
Check out Emily's gorgeous accessories here!
The 80's Totally Ruled!
By Lux
Twenty years ago today you would have found me watching The Smurfs and eating Cap’n Crunch in my Barbie pajamas while the musical stylings of Easy E wafted in from the other room. The year was 1988 and what is probably one of the greatest decades for creativity was still going strong even though it was supposed to be winding down. The 80s were so significant to various types of art and culture in fact, that they actually ended up continuing into the early 90s! Headbanger’s Ball ring a bell?
If I could choose just one word to describe the 80s it would be: fun. I grew up in the 80s and like anyone’s childhood, mine was a mixed bag of highs and lows and many things that were the complete opposite of fun. But even during the lows, living in a broken home, enduring abuse and all the other negative events that happened during that time I could always escape to my Care Bears. An imaginary world of characters with names like Apple Dumpling and Orange Blossom was only a short roller skating trip down the street to my friends house. Saturday mornings were, of course, the best though. A marathon of cartoons would play. One after the other from She-Ra to The Muppet Babies to Ghost Busters and they were all rad!
Later, movies and music would capture the interest of Generation Y kids like me. How can one not love the decade that gave us John Hughes movies and New Wave? The 80s saw the advent of Hip Hop which would go on to inspire artists across the board. The 80s brought us one of the greatest science fiction trilogies of all time! No, not that one, I’m talking about Back to the Future. Doy! And only in the 80s could Whitney Houston, Madonna and Guns N’ Roses co-exist at the top of the charts. Such diversity in all areas of pop culture were rampant during this time as would never be seen in quite the same way again and goddamit I miss it!
Let’s also not forget one of the most explosive elements of the 80s: fashion. Ok I know what you’re thinking, “Come on Lux, shoulder pads? Workout wear? Acid wash jeans??!” I won’t lie, a lot of experimenting was going on, to put it mildly. There were a lot of crazy trends. (Anyone remember the Hair Bear?) There were a lot of misses and a whole lot of WTF is that and who let you out of the house? But there were also a lot of hits. How many 80s revivals have there been in fashion in just the last ten years? Think about it, as far as trends go how many times have we seen the off the shoulder top? Or how about leggings? How often have today’s designers looked to the past, specifically the 80s, for inspiration? More times than I can count. While the most recent revival seems to be winding down, rest assured it will be back. Fashion in the 80’s was so wide-ranging that it will be a while before we finally run out of ideas tosteal borrow. It may be hard to imagine the rainbow striped tracksuit coming back in style, but hey that’s what we thought about unflattering high waisted jeans with (shudder) tapered legs. Say what you will about fashion in the 80s, but it was never boring.
So in short, if you grew up in the 80s you were a part of one of the most interesting and fun times in history as well as one of the most visually and musically creative. If you were an adult in the 80s, you were probably still recovering from the 70s. And if you missed them completely you are now the consumer of a pop culture that is so desperately trying to re-create the glory that once was.
By Emily Buresh
The 1980’s were an interesting time to be alive. Though I did see the entirety of the 80’s, I was still a kid. What I do remember was vibrant and full of color. It was the time when whites could dance and still look cool, punks began to hit the scene, life was full of hope to help the world, and the horror movie genre brought some scary creatures. However, not all of the 80’s were fun and games, in some major ways, it truly sucked.
I do stop and think back now and again when I hear a song on the radio. I remember Saturday morning cartoons and wanting to actually get up early to see them. I wanted to be like Cyndi Lauper while the other girls wanted to be like Madonna. I use to watch Breakfast Club over one of my friend’s house. It wasn’t always so fun. I remember the hardship my family went through, having problems with school, and not having enough money to afford the decadences that the 80’s brought about.
One major thing I do not miss from the 80’s is the hairstyles. Don’t remember? Allow me to begin with the Mullet. I know it was all the rage in the day, but frankly I never cared for it. It looked like you could only afford half a hair cut. Yes a mullet is "All business up front and a party in the back (include hair toss)", but wow. Granted the Mullet has been around for a while now, but the 80’s took it to another level. Some regions of the US, it is still popular and "in style". I think it needs to be retired in a deep black hole, never to see the light of day again. The bouffant of the 80’s got more and more outrageous as time passed. The amount of Aqua Net needed just to carry out a look I personally feel attributed to several holes in the atmosphere. If you didn’t sport the proper hairstyle, then you were considered uncool.
The 80’s also brought about the lifestyle "You can never be too young, too rich, or too thin". Money made this world go round. Everything and everyone could be bought, just depended on how much. Drugs propelled many in the modern world of technology. Anyone could get rich so long as you’re willing to pay the piper. This entire lifestyle didn’t take too long to burn out and completely crash.
The music and media of this time were very eclectic, bringing the end to disco and the beginning of the Kings of Metal, Michael Jackson began to become white and disturbed, and Milli Vanilli had just begun their scandalous journey. Pee Wee’s Playhouse was hysterical and entertaining. Unfortunately these icons of the media we all looked up to had a tremendous downfall. Some of the Kings of Metal still are out there rocking hard. However, the time for a lot of this is long gone. Stadium rock was beginning to bud and the artists who use to rock, for the most part still do. The newer artists somehow don’t carry the deifying qualities that the old school rockers did.
The biggest event I remember is the Challenger Space Shuttle that exploded in 1986. It was the first to have a teacher in space who was a local hero for us since she was from New England. It was absolutely devastating and had grounded the shuttle fleets for the next two and a half years. It did fuel a generation to explore space travel and space exploration, but that tragic day still holds a place in our souls.
After all is said and done, it was an interesting time to be alive, but I wouldn’t want to repeat it ever again. So when you hear the scintillating thrill of an early synthesizer or a tune that makes you want to break down and dance, think of the 80’s and just see how far we have come from the days of the Mullet and such tubular radness…Not!!
Check out Emily's gorgeous accessories here!
The 80's Totally Ruled!
By Lux
Twenty years ago today you would have found me watching The Smurfs and eating Cap’n Crunch in my Barbie pajamas while the musical stylings of Easy E wafted in from the other room. The year was 1988 and what is probably one of the greatest decades for creativity was still going strong even though it was supposed to be winding down. The 80s were so significant to various types of art and culture in fact, that they actually ended up continuing into the early 90s! Headbanger’s Ball ring a bell?
If I could choose just one word to describe the 80s it would be: fun. I grew up in the 80s and like anyone’s childhood, mine was a mixed bag of highs and lows and many things that were the complete opposite of fun. But even during the lows, living in a broken home, enduring abuse and all the other negative events that happened during that time I could always escape to my Care Bears. An imaginary world of characters with names like Apple Dumpling and Orange Blossom was only a short roller skating trip down the street to my friends house. Saturday mornings were, of course, the best though. A marathon of cartoons would play. One after the other from She-Ra to The Muppet Babies to Ghost Busters and they were all rad!
Later, movies and music would capture the interest of Generation Y kids like me. How can one not love the decade that gave us John Hughes movies and New Wave? The 80s saw the advent of Hip Hop which would go on to inspire artists across the board. The 80s brought us one of the greatest science fiction trilogies of all time! No, not that one, I’m talking about Back to the Future. Doy! And only in the 80s could Whitney Houston, Madonna and Guns N’ Roses co-exist at the top of the charts. Such diversity in all areas of pop culture were rampant during this time as would never be seen in quite the same way again and goddamit I miss it!
Let’s also not forget one of the most explosive elements of the 80s: fashion. Ok I know what you’re thinking, “Come on Lux, shoulder pads? Workout wear? Acid wash jeans??!” I won’t lie, a lot of experimenting was going on, to put it mildly. There were a lot of crazy trends. (Anyone remember the Hair Bear?) There were a lot of misses and a whole lot of WTF is that and who let you out of the house? But there were also a lot of hits. How many 80s revivals have there been in fashion in just the last ten years? Think about it, as far as trends go how many times have we seen the off the shoulder top? Or how about leggings? How often have today’s designers looked to the past, specifically the 80s, for inspiration? More times than I can count. While the most recent revival seems to be winding down, rest assured it will be back. Fashion in the 80’s was so wide-ranging that it will be a while before we finally run out of ideas to
So in short, if you grew up in the 80s you were a part of one of the most interesting and fun times in history as well as one of the most visually and musically creative. If you were an adult in the 80s, you were probably still recovering from the 70s. And if you missed them completely you are now the consumer of a pop culture that is so desperately trying to re-create the glory that once was.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Debate: Sexy Halloween Costumes-If you've got it flaunt it?
Flaunt it!
By Sheika
Growing up, I was one of those jeans and t-shirt girls with a no-nonsense ponytail. I had skinned elbows and chapped lips and all I cared about was wrestling with the boys. Video games? Check. Plastic swords? Check. Skateboard sketched all over with Sharpies? Definitely check, dude!
But I had a dirty little secret. I enjoyed the silly teen movies my girly cousins made me watch, especially the ones where the dorky girl everyone laughed at took her glasses off and became a beauty. I joined the boys in throwing bugs at the prissy preppy girls at school but secretly envied their pretty braided hair. All too soon, high school came and one by one my guy friends fell prey to feminine wiles.
I was left all alone to traverse the jungle, unskilled at the weapons of lipstick and eyeshadow. Black nail polish was a familiar friend but beyond that loomed the mysteries of mascara. The first time I picked up a pair of tweezers, I almost poked my eye out! No way was I trying that again. In fear, I ran back to my comfort zone and staked out the only style I could pull – natural, “bare faced” beauty (aka. I have no clue how to put on make up so I won't even try!) and comfortable clothes (read: jeans and a plain hoodie.)
Then it hit me like a 2 pound hairdryer. I scoured every store I could find for the perfect outfit. This turned out to be a gaudy sparkly thing in red and gold. To match was a pair of raggedy gold foil pompoms. That's right. I was a blond, pigtailed cheerleader for Halloween! My knobby knees stuck out from under the short pleated skirt and my awkward stick arms looked ridiculous waving the pompoms around. I got some funny looks and a few good laughs. Some said I looked weird, others crazy and some even called my outfit slutty. I was something completely opposite of what I was. I had transformed into someone I'd always been terrified to be, just like my little brother who chose to be Dracula that year.
To this day, I have worn fairytale outfits like Red Riding Hood or classic favorites like Dorothy from Oz. Who can resist those glamorous red shoes? Even tight vinyl Catwoman suits and spandex Wonder Woman costumes have seen their share of spotlight. I couldn't pull off a down-to-there cleavage shirt while grocery shopping and 6 inch heels would kill my feet. Fishnets have a tendency to snag on my toes and there is no way I'd go in to work with long red vampire nails. I may still be that awkward tomboy who wouldn't know lipgloss from blush, but for just one day I can be as silly and goofy or even slutty as I dare!
Learn more about Sheika here. :)
Dressing Up For Halloween: You’re Doing It Wrong
By Lux
Maybe I’m wrong on this one but isn’t it a bit disturbing that adult Halloween costumes appear to be getting skankier and skankier every year? I can’t be the only one bothered by this. Since when did a holiday that is so child oriented turn into a porn fest? Why did Halloween become an excuse to flaunt your body parts? True, there are places and times for such attire. Exotic Erotic in San Francisco is one example. If you’re going to a place like that then shit, do what you want. Private parties are another. But someone tell me why I’m seeing women wearing this crap to work on Halloween. Someone please explain to me when it became OK for moms to take their school age children trick-or-treating in these poorly made, mass produced getups. It just reeks of low self esteem and no self respect. I guess I’m just old fashioned. I guess I’m just a person that believes one doesn’t have to put oneself on display in this way to get noticed. It is a far more confident, interesting and intelligent person who can command attention while dressed modestly. Just look back through history. A great example of such a person was Jackie O. She never looked anything less than classy and put-together. Now she is remembered as a fashion icon. I’d be willing to bet money that it would have never occurred to her to put on a 5 inch long plaid skirt with a white crop top and try to pass it off as a legitimate costume.
Shouldn’t we strive to be like Jackie O.? Shouldn’t that be the example we set for young girls? Instead, one can walk into any Halloween store and see the same cheap costumes available for mass consumption. Choose from slutty cop, slutty maid, slutty school girl, slutty nurse, slutty angel, slutty mermaid, slutty girl scout (OK that’s just wrong!), slutty Alice, etc, etc, etc! Basically any profession/fairy tale character/archetype can turn into some perv’s fantasy. But wait, there’s more! If that isn’t enough to get your eyes rolling or your stomach turning, take a stroll over to the pre-teen section and see the same freaking costumes. Sure they’re a bit toned down and made to fit underdeveloped bodies, but they are basically cut from the same cloth so to speak. We’re training them young these days aren’t we? Training them to believe that attention from the opposite sex is the most important thing and that to obtain this they must present themselves as sexual objects. You may say: “But Lux it’s only once a year. Shouldn’t people be allowed to live a little?” Wrong, it’s not just once a year. This garbage is all over the media year round. We have some celebrity or other’s coochie making headlines every few months. What does that have to do with slutty costumes? Well the costumes may be a once a year occurrence, but they are symptomatic of a bigger issue. One that sadly doesn’t end November first.
But let’s put this aside for a minute. Let me now ask what do these mediocre rags have to do with Halloween? How do they celebrate the spirit of the holiday? Halloween is supposed to be about having fun with friends. It’s supposed to be about enjoying the sensation of being frightened. It’s about trick-or-treating, telling scary stories, watching horror movies and spending hours on a costume you’re sure no one else will be wearing because you put so much time into it. It’s not about uninspired hooker uniforms that would be better off left on the rack. Although, seeing 30 chicks in a row showing off their panties in the same slutty Snow White costume is kind of scary. I do not need or want to see your ass cleavage. If your nipples are this close to popping out of your top, you’re doing it wrong. If one can clearly make out the line where your thighs meet your butt cheeks, you’re doing it wrong. If the trim of you bikini line can be seen through your outfit, you’re so doing it wrong.
Maybe I’m a buzz kill. Maybe I‘m taking this all a bit too seriously. Or maybe I’m a sane person in an insane society. When you’re a mother of two little girls like I am, you tend to think about these things. I sometimes wonder what I will say when the day comes that one of my daughters tries to leave the house in a costume that barely covers her ass. But then I relax knowing that that day will never come because her mama will have raised her better than that.
Where do you stand?
By Sheika
Growing up, I was one of those jeans and t-shirt girls with a no-nonsense ponytail. I had skinned elbows and chapped lips and all I cared about was wrestling with the boys. Video games? Check. Plastic swords? Check. Skateboard sketched all over with Sharpies? Definitely check, dude!
But I had a dirty little secret. I enjoyed the silly teen movies my girly cousins made me watch, especially the ones where the dorky girl everyone laughed at took her glasses off and became a beauty. I joined the boys in throwing bugs at the prissy preppy girls at school but secretly envied their pretty braided hair. All too soon, high school came and one by one my guy friends fell prey to feminine wiles.
I was left all alone to traverse the jungle, unskilled at the weapons of lipstick and eyeshadow. Black nail polish was a familiar friend but beyond that loomed the mysteries of mascara. The first time I picked up a pair of tweezers, I almost poked my eye out! No way was I trying that again. In fear, I ran back to my comfort zone and staked out the only style I could pull – natural, “bare faced” beauty (aka. I have no clue how to put on make up so I won't even try!) and comfortable clothes (read: jeans and a plain hoodie.)
Then it hit me like a 2 pound hairdryer. I scoured every store I could find for the perfect outfit. This turned out to be a gaudy sparkly thing in red and gold. To match was a pair of raggedy gold foil pompoms. That's right. I was a blond, pigtailed cheerleader for Halloween! My knobby knees stuck out from under the short pleated skirt and my awkward stick arms looked ridiculous waving the pompoms around. I got some funny looks and a few good laughs. Some said I looked weird, others crazy and some even called my outfit slutty. I was something completely opposite of what I was. I had transformed into someone I'd always been terrified to be, just like my little brother who chose to be Dracula that year.
To this day, I have worn fairytale outfits like Red Riding Hood or classic favorites like Dorothy from Oz. Who can resist those glamorous red shoes? Even tight vinyl Catwoman suits and spandex Wonder Woman costumes have seen their share of spotlight. I couldn't pull off a down-to-there cleavage shirt while grocery shopping and 6 inch heels would kill my feet. Fishnets have a tendency to snag on my toes and there is no way I'd go in to work with long red vampire nails. I may still be that awkward tomboy who wouldn't know lipgloss from blush, but for just one day I can be as silly and goofy or even slutty as I dare!
Learn more about Sheika here. :)
Dressing Up For Halloween: You’re Doing It Wrong
By Lux
Maybe I’m wrong on this one but isn’t it a bit disturbing that adult Halloween costumes appear to be getting skankier and skankier every year? I can’t be the only one bothered by this. Since when did a holiday that is so child oriented turn into a porn fest? Why did Halloween become an excuse to flaunt your body parts? True, there are places and times for such attire. Exotic Erotic in San Francisco is one example. If you’re going to a place like that then shit, do what you want. Private parties are another. But someone tell me why I’m seeing women wearing this crap to work on Halloween. Someone please explain to me when it became OK for moms to take their school age children trick-or-treating in these poorly made, mass produced getups. It just reeks of low self esteem and no self respect. I guess I’m just old fashioned. I guess I’m just a person that believes one doesn’t have to put oneself on display in this way to get noticed. It is a far more confident, interesting and intelligent person who can command attention while dressed modestly. Just look back through history. A great example of such a person was Jackie O. She never looked anything less than classy and put-together. Now she is remembered as a fashion icon. I’d be willing to bet money that it would have never occurred to her to put on a 5 inch long plaid skirt with a white crop top and try to pass it off as a legitimate costume.
Shouldn’t we strive to be like Jackie O.? Shouldn’t that be the example we set for young girls? Instead, one can walk into any Halloween store and see the same cheap costumes available for mass consumption. Choose from slutty cop, slutty maid, slutty school girl, slutty nurse, slutty angel, slutty mermaid, slutty girl scout (OK that’s just wrong!), slutty Alice, etc, etc, etc! Basically any profession/fairy tale character/archetype can turn into some perv’s fantasy. But wait, there’s more! If that isn’t enough to get your eyes rolling or your stomach turning, take a stroll over to the pre-teen section and see the same freaking costumes. Sure they’re a bit toned down and made to fit underdeveloped bodies, but they are basically cut from the same cloth so to speak. We’re training them young these days aren’t we? Training them to believe that attention from the opposite sex is the most important thing and that to obtain this they must present themselves as sexual objects. You may say: “But Lux it’s only once a year. Shouldn’t people be allowed to live a little?” Wrong, it’s not just once a year. This garbage is all over the media year round. We have some celebrity or other’s coochie making headlines every few months. What does that have to do with slutty costumes? Well the costumes may be a once a year occurrence, but they are symptomatic of a bigger issue. One that sadly doesn’t end November first.
But let’s put this aside for a minute. Let me now ask what do these mediocre rags have to do with Halloween? How do they celebrate the spirit of the holiday? Halloween is supposed to be about having fun with friends. It’s supposed to be about enjoying the sensation of being frightened. It’s about trick-or-treating, telling scary stories, watching horror movies and spending hours on a costume you’re sure no one else will be wearing because you put so much time into it. It’s not about uninspired hooker uniforms that would be better off left on the rack. Although, seeing 30 chicks in a row showing off their panties in the same slutty Snow White costume is kind of scary. I do not need or want to see your ass cleavage. If your nipples are this close to popping out of your top, you’re doing it wrong. If one can clearly make out the line where your thighs meet your butt cheeks, you’re doing it wrong. If the trim of you bikini line can be seen through your outfit, you’re so doing it wrong.
Maybe I’m a buzz kill. Maybe I‘m taking this all a bit too seriously. Or maybe I’m a sane person in an insane society. When you’re a mother of two little girls like I am, you tend to think about these things. I sometimes wonder what I will say when the day comes that one of my daughters tries to leave the house in a costume that barely covers her ass. But then I relax knowing that that day will never come because her mama will have raised her better than that.
Where do you stand?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Debate: How Old Is Too Old?
Here is the first debate for Girl Is Poison: The Zine. How old is too old for lolita-ish clothing?
Never Too Old!
By Lux
I know one day I’ll hang up my maryjanes. Let’s face it as we get older pretty shoes give way to orthopedic comfort. Buttons and bows are replaced with Velcro and sweatshirts proclaiming one the “World’s Greatest Grandma”. At the age of 26 this seems a long way off now, but the thought of retiring my Alice headbands, petticoats, vintage dolly dresses and, yes, maryjanes for good leaves me with a certain amount of wistfulness. I didn’t exactly give them up in adulthood did I?
I was told once that I am a young soul. I not only believe this, I live it day to day. And thank goodness I have the opportunity to express it how and when I choose. (God bless America!) I’ll admit my skirts are less full these days, I haven’t worn peter pan collars in ages and I’ve taken to picking out more solid colors rather than the wacky colorful prints I was once known for. But every now and again I feel like having a little fun. What is life without fun? I believe we are only here for a short time. If donning a ruffled party dress makes a 65 year old woman (or man for that matter) feel good then let ‘em! They’ve sure as hell earned it. The truth is anyone who has the cojones to go against the norm and endure the inevitable stares, comments and sometimes laughter has earned it twice over.
You’re never to old to live each day to the fullest. You’re never too old to have spirit and appreciate life…right down to your maryjanes. As silly as it may seem to some, clothing is a huge part of life to people like me. Clothes will always equal art no matter how old we get. Just ask all the people who crowd New York venues during Fashion Week. Or ask the seamstress who spends weeks constructing a single couture garment. To fashion junkies like us, clothes are part of who we are. A coat does not just keep us warm, it says something about us. Those of us who will leave the house in babydoll dresses and knee socks are saying that we are truly young at heart and don’t care who knows it.
You might ask: “But Lux, who really wants to see a 65 year old woman in a jumper?”. My answer to you is the 65 year old. And I counter with: “Would you rather see her in a micro mini and fishnets?”. The fact is Lolita fashion represents more than just youth, it represents a time when people had a little more modesty. Clothing was more conservative and people dressed with just a bit more care. Appearance was more about the fine details. The beading, the lace! It’s high time the pendulum swings back! If you see that 65 year old on the street just know that she understands this and a lot more. Before judging her as an old lady with a couple screws loose, take note that you are witnessing someone who is truly free. Do I read too much into it? Perhaps, but I personally prefer cute, sweet and fun to messy, slutty or boring any day. It’s for damn sure 100% better than that “World’s Greatest Grandma” sweatshirt.
Is there an age limit to wearing Lolita?
By Emily Buresh
The Lolita style is a very beautiful fashion that originates from Japanese subculture to look like Victorian dolls. This trend has several subcategories: Gothic Lolita, Punk Lolita, Classic Lolita, Sweet Lolita, Wa/Qi Lolita, Ouji/kodona/dandy Lolita, Manga/Anime Lolita, and other more do-it-yourself Lolita styles. The Japanese tend to wear more conservative ensembles while Americans have taken their spin on things to show off some skin. The style first emerged in the 1970’s, but has gained popularity in the 1990’s and is now a widely known fashion that is sold in many stores worldwide.
The general effect of the Lolita style is to appear youthful and almost fragile, yet alluring. The colors and fabrics vary widely from traditional Japanese kimono silks to plaids and lace. Some feel that this look is ageless and can be worn by anyone, but the truth is that this isn’t so. As we mature, our over all look changes dramatically. Many use products or surgery to get back this appearance. Others hold onto the age of innocence with garments. I’m not implying one should stop wearing this style at say 40 or 50. However, if your look requires diabetic stockings and orthopedic shoes, then it’s time to retire the look.
Over time our skin wrinkles because it loses elasticity, our hair grays, and our overall figure loses to gravity. Some start earlier in life than others, but to see a woman with a cute school girl’s uniform, platform shoes, a parasol, and have a face that time has not forgotten isn’t attractive and defeats the purpose of the whole ensemble. One might also run the risk of having total strangers ask why you are wearing your granddaughter’s dress.
Lolita takes a lot of time to prepare just the right look. One needs to apply their make-up giving it a light appearance, yet draw out the lips, cheeks, and eyes just so depending on what direction of Lolita is chosen. Next is to coif the hair to give a youthful appearance. Some do their hair in ringlets while others pin up their hair with elaborate clips. A corset or bustier can give the waist a young girl’s curvature. Adding stockings or socks elongate the legs. The shirt can be simple or one can add a few layers with a vest or jacket. Bustles accentuate a small tush, then petticoats and generally a knee length skirt. Of course like any other fashion style the look can be simplified or be more elaborated.
I have talked to several maturing women and they have said that they enjoy as few steps as possible when getting ready in the morning. To them the thought of anything more than brushing their hair and putting on pants is way too much. All that bother isn’t really worth it and they find their time is better spent doing other things that are needed to get done or sleep in.
By no means am I saying not to go for it and buy that cute anime style dress, but realize societal norms and how you will be stared at. As time passes there will be less and less of your peers who wear similar fashions. This is a major part of the look to have others who look similar and be able to mix and match with your friends. If all this doesn’t bother you, go for it!
I look forward to growing old gracefully and enjoy wearing such lovely Lolita garments. However, I know that there will be a time in my life when I need put away or give away certain clothes. I say everyone should rock each year to the fullest, wear that purple shirt, be comfortable in your own skin, but please know when to hang up your kitty hoodie.
Best wishes and blessings to you in this journey called life.
What are your thoughts? Should there be an age limit? At what point (if any) should people stop expressing themselves in this way?
Never Too Old!
By Lux
I know one day I’ll hang up my maryjanes. Let’s face it as we get older pretty shoes give way to orthopedic comfort. Buttons and bows are replaced with Velcro and sweatshirts proclaiming one the “World’s Greatest Grandma”. At the age of 26 this seems a long way off now, but the thought of retiring my Alice headbands, petticoats, vintage dolly dresses and, yes, maryjanes for good leaves me with a certain amount of wistfulness. I didn’t exactly give them up in adulthood did I?
I was told once that I am a young soul. I not only believe this, I live it day to day. And thank goodness I have the opportunity to express it how and when I choose. (God bless America!) I’ll admit my skirts are less full these days, I haven’t worn peter pan collars in ages and I’ve taken to picking out more solid colors rather than the wacky colorful prints I was once known for. But every now and again I feel like having a little fun. What is life without fun? I believe we are only here for a short time. If donning a ruffled party dress makes a 65 year old woman (or man for that matter) feel good then let ‘em! They’ve sure as hell earned it. The truth is anyone who has the cojones to go against the norm and endure the inevitable stares, comments and sometimes laughter has earned it twice over.
You’re never to old to live each day to the fullest. You’re never too old to have spirit and appreciate life…right down to your maryjanes. As silly as it may seem to some, clothing is a huge part of life to people like me. Clothes will always equal art no matter how old we get. Just ask all the people who crowd New York venues during Fashion Week. Or ask the seamstress who spends weeks constructing a single couture garment. To fashion junkies like us, clothes are part of who we are. A coat does not just keep us warm, it says something about us. Those of us who will leave the house in babydoll dresses and knee socks are saying that we are truly young at heart and don’t care who knows it.
You might ask: “But Lux, who really wants to see a 65 year old woman in a jumper?”. My answer to you is the 65 year old. And I counter with: “Would you rather see her in a micro mini and fishnets?”. The fact is Lolita fashion represents more than just youth, it represents a time when people had a little more modesty. Clothing was more conservative and people dressed with just a bit more care. Appearance was more about the fine details. The beading, the lace! It’s high time the pendulum swings back! If you see that 65 year old on the street just know that she understands this and a lot more. Before judging her as an old lady with a couple screws loose, take note that you are witnessing someone who is truly free. Do I read too much into it? Perhaps, but I personally prefer cute, sweet and fun to messy, slutty or boring any day. It’s for damn sure 100% better than that “World’s Greatest Grandma” sweatshirt.
Is there an age limit to wearing Lolita?
By Emily Buresh
The Lolita style is a very beautiful fashion that originates from Japanese subculture to look like Victorian dolls. This trend has several subcategories: Gothic Lolita, Punk Lolita, Classic Lolita, Sweet Lolita, Wa/Qi Lolita, Ouji/kodona/dandy Lolita, Manga/Anime Lolita, and other more do-it-yourself Lolita styles. The Japanese tend to wear more conservative ensembles while Americans have taken their spin on things to show off some skin. The style first emerged in the 1970’s, but has gained popularity in the 1990’s and is now a widely known fashion that is sold in many stores worldwide.
The general effect of the Lolita style is to appear youthful and almost fragile, yet alluring. The colors and fabrics vary widely from traditional Japanese kimono silks to plaids and lace. Some feel that this look is ageless and can be worn by anyone, but the truth is that this isn’t so. As we mature, our over all look changes dramatically. Many use products or surgery to get back this appearance. Others hold onto the age of innocence with garments. I’m not implying one should stop wearing this style at say 40 or 50. However, if your look requires diabetic stockings and orthopedic shoes, then it’s time to retire the look.
Over time our skin wrinkles because it loses elasticity, our hair grays, and our overall figure loses to gravity. Some start earlier in life than others, but to see a woman with a cute school girl’s uniform, platform shoes, a parasol, and have a face that time has not forgotten isn’t attractive and defeats the purpose of the whole ensemble. One might also run the risk of having total strangers ask why you are wearing your granddaughter’s dress.
Lolita takes a lot of time to prepare just the right look. One needs to apply their make-up giving it a light appearance, yet draw out the lips, cheeks, and eyes just so depending on what direction of Lolita is chosen. Next is to coif the hair to give a youthful appearance. Some do their hair in ringlets while others pin up their hair with elaborate clips. A corset or bustier can give the waist a young girl’s curvature. Adding stockings or socks elongate the legs. The shirt can be simple or one can add a few layers with a vest or jacket. Bustles accentuate a small tush, then petticoats and generally a knee length skirt. Of course like any other fashion style the look can be simplified or be more elaborated.
I have talked to several maturing women and they have said that they enjoy as few steps as possible when getting ready in the morning. To them the thought of anything more than brushing their hair and putting on pants is way too much. All that bother isn’t really worth it and they find their time is better spent doing other things that are needed to get done or sleep in.
By no means am I saying not to go for it and buy that cute anime style dress, but realize societal norms and how you will be stared at. As time passes there will be less and less of your peers who wear similar fashions. This is a major part of the look to have others who look similar and be able to mix and match with your friends. If all this doesn’t bother you, go for it!
I look forward to growing old gracefully and enjoy wearing such lovely Lolita garments. However, I know that there will be a time in my life when I need put away or give away certain clothes. I say everyone should rock each year to the fullest, wear that purple shirt, be comfortable in your own skin, but please know when to hang up your kitty hoodie.
Best wishes and blessings to you in this journey called life.
What are your thoughts? Should there be an age limit? At what point (if any) should people stop expressing themselves in this way?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
