For months now, I've been debating how to get my blog to feel/look how I want it to...I have finally settled on this new layout [and the new address...abcsoffemininity.blogspot.com]. I think it improves readability and will make it easier for readers to browse and interact with the site. You may notice the new tabs under the blog title ["Random Thoughts," "Fashion," "Manners," etc.]. These tabs will be update weekly with new & quick tips, links to articles, or entertaining thoughts pertaining to their denoted contents---the goal is to develop a list in each page that will be a quick and helpful reference on important topics pertaining to femininity [especially random thoughts]. The "Home" page will remain the place of all blog posts; pages under tabs will be used for shorter length thoughts and ideas.
I am also playing with the idea of having guests blog occasionally...Let me know if you're interested in sharing your thoughts!
Finally, be on the lookout for a new blog post in the next few days...I hope you enjoy the new look : - )
07 May 2011
13 March 2011
Happy 100th Birthday, International Women's Day!
As I browsed the news for feminist-inspired stories, I came across several editorials where the authors reflected on precisely how they came about to realize and embrace their feminist identities. Many women reflected on how they have had to defend their feminist status in light of their religious affiliations; others reflected on how they understand the modern idea of a feminist to greatly stray from the meaning of "feminist" at the liberation movement's inception. While I could ramble about my own feminist struggles, I feel like this blog does most of that for me. So, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day (March 8), I am simply going to share the details of another woman whose life journey I find to bee oozing with feminism, femininity, and faith (three parts of my own life that I find to be inseparable and integral to my personality and perspective). Understanding the struggles and lives of preceding women can be a source of strength and knowledge for ladies today trying to sort out their ideals and determining what to do next.
Edith Stein's life and works are truly inspirational and thought-provoking, and I believe she can serve as a source of strength to all young ladies today.
13 February 2011
In defense of Willow
Whether her hair is too wild or her makeup too mature, it seems most people have some kind of beef with the 9-year-old sensation and daughter of beautiful people [Will and Jada], Willow Smith. With her late-2010 debut of "Whip my Hair," Willow went to the top of the charts, becoming one of the most-played artists at clubs and on the radio. [If you've been living under a rock, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, so check out her first music video here.]
Many have raised concerns about her age, saying that her parents let her enter show business at too early an age. Others have raised concerns about her age-inappropriate makeup and hairstyles. All of these concerns are somewhat understandable, but I generally don't get why people are hating on such a cute girl [after all, she's really not very different from your "average" girl playing dress up and wearing her mom's makeup]. If you watch the video for "Whip my Hair," you realize several things: One, Willow wears very appropriate clothing for her age; Two, she has an absolute blast performing; Three, she's actually pretty talented [at dancing and singing]; Four, there is nothing at all inappropriate about the song or the performance [come on...there's a BABY dancing in it].
So, what's the deal with people hating on the glamorously cute Willow? I think, for the most part, people are envious of Willow Smith's general life situation--her parents are blessed and connected enough to let their 9-year-old [adorable] daughter do fun things, like dress up, sing, wear fun makeup and make a hit song. I can't really think of any 9-year-old girl who wouldn't want to make a hit song.
Personally, I find Willow to be a glimmer of hope in the world of Hollywood. She's a girl with actual talent who [for now, at least] dresses and performs appropriately for her age. In a sense, she's the realization of every little girl's dreams of stardom. She's a fascinating girl who loves, loves, loves being a girl, as obviated by her fun dress-up like wardrobe, fantastical hair, and theatrical stage makeup.
So, what's wrong with loving being a girl? Nothing. In fact, I wish more girls [and women in general, for that matter] loved their femininity as much as Willow is right now. Perhaps Willow Smith can teach us all something about embracing who we are. Maybe we all just need to take a chill pill, start enjoying who we are, and joyously whip our hair.
Many have raised concerns about her age, saying that her parents let her enter show business at too early an age. Others have raised concerns about her age-inappropriate makeup and hairstyles. All of these concerns are somewhat understandable, but I generally don't get why people are hating on such a cute girl [after all, she's really not very different from your "average" girl playing dress up and wearing her mom's makeup]. If you watch the video for "Whip my Hair," you realize several things: One, Willow wears very appropriate clothing for her age; Two, she has an absolute blast performing; Three, she's actually pretty talented [at dancing and singing]; Four, there is nothing at all inappropriate about the song or the performance [come on...there's a BABY dancing in it].
So, what's the deal with people hating on the glamorously cute Willow? I think, for the most part, people are envious of Willow Smith's general life situation--her parents are blessed and connected enough to let their 9-year-old [adorable] daughter do fun things, like dress up, sing, wear fun makeup and make a hit song. I can't really think of any 9-year-old girl who wouldn't want to make a hit song.
Personally, I find Willow to be a glimmer of hope in the world of Hollywood. She's a girl with actual talent who [for now, at least] dresses and performs appropriately for her age. In a sense, she's the realization of every little girl's dreams of stardom. She's a fascinating girl who loves, loves, loves being a girl, as obviated by her fun dress-up like wardrobe, fantastical hair, and theatrical stage makeup.
So, what's wrong with loving being a girl? Nothing. In fact, I wish more girls [and women in general, for that matter] loved their femininity as much as Willow is right now. Perhaps Willow Smith can teach us all something about embracing who we are. Maybe we all just need to take a chill pill, start enjoying who we are, and joyously whip our hair.
30 January 2011
Ode to hats
Ever since I was a little girl, whenever my mother would take me into a department store, my focus for the entire shopping trip would be to get to the hat section and try on as many fashion hats as humanly possible. My mom would always chuckle and tell me that I had a good face for donning such hats [hats with feathers, hats with bows, hats with 12 inch brims], but then would tell me to set them aside as we moved on to more important things.
The golden age of fashion hats seems to have come to an end. Even if I owned a hat, I'm afraid my sentiment would be that of Erma Bombeck, who once said, "I have a hat. It is graceful and feminine and give me a certain dignity, as if I were attending a state funeral or something. Someday I may get up enough courage to wear it, instead of carrying it." You just don't see young ladies wearing hats anymore...and I don't really understand why.
Firstly, hats are most practical in the summer time [especially for pale people like me] and when it's colder out [they keep your head warm]. Secondly, hats draw attention to your face and indubitably make whatever you say seem much more important than if you weren't wearing a hat. Thirdly, young men still wear classy fashion hats, so young ladies should, as well [harumph!]. Fourthly, you can wear fashion hats pretty much anywhere [Emily Post says so].
With all of these reasons in mind, I have decided that if/when I go to graduate school, I will expand my accessory collection to include hats...fancy hats. I will wear hats with bows, hats with feathers, hats covered in lace, and hats with ginormous brims. I will wear hats that, today, scream "lady going to hear a Baptist sermon on Sunday," all for the sake of classic femininity and fulfilling my childhood dream.
Who knows? Maybe other ladies will follow suit; after all, with all of the above reasons in mind [especially the visual importance gained from such hats], I cannot imagine ladies not wanting to do so.
I know one thing, though---I absolutely cannot wait to walk into Nordstrom and finally buy a hat.
The golden age of fashion hats seems to have come to an end. Even if I owned a hat, I'm afraid my sentiment would be that of Erma Bombeck, who once said, "I have a hat. It is graceful and feminine and give me a certain dignity, as if I were attending a state funeral or something. Someday I may get up enough courage to wear it, instead of carrying it." You just don't see young ladies wearing hats anymore...and I don't really understand why.
Firstly, hats are most practical in the summer time [especially for pale people like me] and when it's colder out [they keep your head warm]. Secondly, hats draw attention to your face and indubitably make whatever you say seem much more important than if you weren't wearing a hat. Thirdly, young men still wear classy fashion hats, so young ladies should, as well [harumph!]. Fourthly, you can wear fashion hats pretty much anywhere [Emily Post says so].
With all of these reasons in mind, I have decided that if/when I go to graduate school, I will expand my accessory collection to include hats...fancy hats. I will wear hats with bows, hats with feathers, hats covered in lace, and hats with ginormous brims. I will wear hats that, today, scream "lady going to hear a Baptist sermon on Sunday," all for the sake of classic femininity and fulfilling my childhood dream.
Who knows? Maybe other ladies will follow suit; after all, with all of the above reasons in mind [especially the visual importance gained from such hats], I cannot imagine ladies not wanting to do so.
I know one thing, though---I absolutely cannot wait to walk into Nordstrom and finally buy a hat.
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