The Southwest Voice

Since my daughter has been born I’ve aged significantly. I also completely acknowledge the fact that I’ve been somewhat removed and sheltered since I’ve been married. At one time in my life, well actually for most of my life, I was the one that had to have the latest fashion. Had to have hundreds of shoes giving former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcosa a run for her shoe collection. Being voted Best Dressed and Most Popular were titles I had to live up to. My previous limited experiences prohibited me from seeing what was important in the world, in my life.

Since I am now currently considered unfashionable, I had to go shopping today. I was set to pick up a couple of items I had to get for my upcoming trip. Visiting a local big brand store, I noticed Jelly Shoes aka Jellies littered the shoe department. You know the ones, made of PVC plastic, transparent, no support shoes. In the back of my head I couldn’t help but ask, did Jelly Shoes pave the way for Crocs. That is a whole other discussion in itself. As I have a strong opinion on those plastic rubbery concoctions. Am I too old, or refined to think shoes need to be made of natural material and with some support? Not plastic. Can someone say Bisphenol A and feet absorption? Just a thought for a scientist to consider.

Then to top off my shopping extravaganza, I noticed in the woman's (not juniors department) that Mini Skirts hung on racks so playfully. As if I could get my fat 30 plus year old, dimply butt and legs in shred of that fabric and pull it off. Naturally, for a laugh and self amusement I had to try it on. Just as I figured, unless you’re a teenager, a stripper or if you haven't grown more than 3 pounds since high school you can’t pull of a mini skirt. That eliminates me wearing mini skirts on multiple levels.

When did Jelly Shoes and Mini Skirts come back into style? Did they ever go out of style? Did I miss the fashion boat again? Maybe seeing and wearing Jelly Shoes evoke some deep rooted childhood memory for some. For me and I would venture to say other woman who footed a pair in the 80s, the memory is painful. I can attest to a month long break in period. Accompanied with the reminder of the multiple red blisters covering your feet. Fashion over function!

For non-serious contemplation should I go back to my ol’ ways, declaring fashion over function? If I only saved my broken in Jelly Shoes and my Mini Skirt collection I would be an in style diva! What's next leg warmers and Madonna lace?

Back to being a married unfashionable mom.....