Mother knows best.
In my early 20’s my ‘look’, such as it was, could best be described as either non-existent or lesbian-grunge depending on how charitable one was feeling. I wore jeans that were too big for me, wife-beaters that I purchased in the Jockey store that at the time only supplied men’s under-garments, and my feet were always encased in my beloved Doc Martens. To complement my get-up I wore my hair super short and no make-up. This was my idea of fashion and I would foist it upon the city of Bangalore every weekend when I went out to party.
At the time I lived with my parents. My mother – a patient and generally polite person – would cringe every time she saw me get ready to go out.
So this is the latest style is it? She would inquire.
Mistaking her sarcasm for ignorance I would feel embarrassed for her. Why couldn’t she just be cool and not use words like ‘style’?
It’s a look. I would huff, rolling my eyes.
It’s rather manly don’t you think?
Oh my God! She didn’t know anything. I was too cool to be pretty and feminine.
No it’s not – a lot of women dress like this.
I have never ever seen a woman dressed in a man’s undershirt. She responded primly.
That is because you never go anywhere. I snapped.
That is true – but must you wear those shoes?
These shoes are Doc Martens. Everyone in London is wearing them. Surely this would shut her up,who can argue with London fashion? Apparently my mother could.
They look like orthopedic shoes is all. You wore something like them when you were a toddler and we thought you couldn’t walk.
She knew nothing! And where the hell was my ride? I should be drinking Bacardi and Coke, not listening to her go on about my choice of clothing.
So nowadays you girls don’t wear make-up is it?
‘Nowadays’. Anyone who used that word was a fossil.
Not everyone needs to wear make-up. I replied sanctimoniously.
Hmmm. Maybe you should? Just a little bit – a little lipstick perhaps? You can have some of mine.
No thanks! I would have rather died than wear her lipstick.
Eye-liner? Maybe some eye-liner – it will brighten you up.
By this time her voice would take on a pleading tone.
I don’t need brightening up. I said haughtily.
Why wouldn’t she leave me alone? And then I found out.
So boys like this type of thing is it?
Brilliant. My own mother thought I would be unable to land a boyfriend clad as I was with no make-up on. Of course she had no clue about all the action I was able to pull even without her helpful suggestions – granted the quality was shaky but it was enough to make me believe I still didn’t ‘need’ make-up.
Over the years I have seen the light and acquired lipstick, eye-liner, mascara, foundation (liquid and powder), blush, concealer, gloss, lip-liner, eye pencils, eyelash curlers, and a host of other items to improve my face. It does help brighten me up.
I suppose mother does know best.
You need no makeup, Rad.
hah, funny. imagine the damage you could have done had you heeded mom’s advice back in the day…
right?!!
yes, you did have a certain je ne know what in those awful ganjis. and shaky is a VERY good way to describe the action you got:) but does/did the quality of hitters-on improve if you wear heels? not sure.
the other thing, of course, is that it WAS super uncool to be all feminine. but did you notice how all the ‘uncool’ girls had all the cool guys running after them? we MIGHT have been a little too cool, methinks, hahaha!
to think i have a 12 yr old who thinks makeup is so not cool and All stars are the coolest shoes!!!thank god she hasnt discovered Doc Martens..
Funny, I had the same attitude. My parents were afraid of me
, won’t tell me anything 