19 September, 2016

A Tale: The Old Lady and The Leggings

"He She was an old man woman who fished shopped alone..."  
with apologies to Ernest Hemingway.

I have a birthday coming up. But, before that could happen, I had to catch up on a certain birthday that occurred at the end of July, our daughter's; I had promised her a mother-daughter birthday lunch. I made good on that promise last week, we had a delicious lunch together in the Capital City. While we ate she told me that she wanted to take me to her friend's house who sells Lularoe clothing. Lula who? Lularoe. It's big right now, I had heard about it from friends and family. Our daughter has been wearing the cutest skirts and Lucy Ann has shown me some precious dresses from Lularoe. The fabric is oh-so soft. I was excited about going to look at the clothes, any line that advertises "when fashion meets comfort" has my full attention; plus, I hadn't been shopping with Marcia for a very long time, it would be fun!  "I want you to try on a pair of leggings" she told me, that's when I almost dropped my fork. "Absolutely not", I responded. I tried to explain my reluctance abject refusal through logical reasoning: "leggings are not pants, they are not meant to be worn on legs over ~ahem~ a certain age (6?), they are too revealing".  She wouldn't listen, she shook her head and smiled,  "I want you to try a pair on" she said, while smiling. "I would like to get you an outfit for your birthday".  "I'll go" I thought, "I'll try them on" I smiled to myself, "but, no, I definitely won't come home with a pair; not me". Marcia's friend has devoted her living room to Lularoe. She had racks upon racks of tops, skirts, dresses and... oh, yes, the ubiquitous leggings. I chose a really cute top to pair with a straight, black skirt that I had at home. In fact, I bought it and wore it to church yesterday (top photo), I just loved the fabric and the cut the instant I tried it on. It's extremely comfortable and versatile, it will look nice with slacks or jeans too. I also bought a pretty knit skirt with a flared hem that I can wear anytime, it can easily be dressed up or down. Marcia and her Lularoe friend were very convincing about the leggings: "you need to try a black pair first", the friend was putting them into my hand as she explained, "everyone needs a 'starter' pair, see what you think". I chose a plain tunic-style swing top to try on over the leggings, it seemed long enough to satisfy my need to cover*. I knew that the chatter wouldn't end until I took a deep breath and got it over with. I retreated to a bedroom with a full-length mirror to scrutinize the appearance of my aging body in the non-pants. I wasn't hopeful. First of all these tights-without-feet are "one size fits all"; we all know what that means.  I wiggled myself into them and tugged them up. They stayed where I put them. Hmmm. The weight of the knit was substantial enough to not be see-through. Hmmm. And, truth be told, as much as I hated to admit it: the super-soft knit was strong enough to actually be somewhat flattering; they didn't look that bad! Hmmm. The top that I tried on wasn't right though. I went back to the living-room-turned-Lularoe-marketplace to choose some different tops. There were cheers from my daughter and her friend when I entered; "don't you love the leggings?" my daughter asked? She could already tell that I did. I tried on a few more tops and settled on this combination, I honestly did not want to take the leggings off. My now ecstatic daughter told me that she and her family wanted to give me this outfit for my birthday. I felt happy and confident with the choice and agreed.  "I'm not sure I will wear them out of the house though", I told her with a wink. Change is hard for me. I learned a lot last week though this experience; to not be afraid to open myself up to something new and different, to accept the opinions of others as valuable resources that can balance my own and to simply trust more.
She was right; I am now a dyed-in-the-wool cotton-knit-convert. Who knew? 
I have to admit this old dog lady can still learn a trick or two, as long as I keep my mind open. I did assure my daughter though, that these solid black 'starter' leggings are as far as I am willing to step outside my comfort zone. I won't be asking her to pick me up a pair of bright orange hibiscus print anytime soon! I have to draw the line somewhere, right? So, what do you think? Should I leave the house? 
Life is Good!
*For the record: I am no stranger to 'tops' of this length, when I was in high school this would have been considered a dress! That was then. This is now.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

oh Debbie!! You should have no fear to leave the house looking that cute! I want to be like you when I grow up ~ smart and cute and awesome!! ~ Laura

Elita@Busy Needle Quilting said...

That is a most adorable outfit for a lovely lady!! You most certainly can leave the house and would be considered very stylish indeed. Marcia & friend did a good thing convincing you to take them home!! xx

Judy D in Upstate NY said...

Our birthdays are the same day and I believe year (1953 right) so if I looked half as good as you do in the leggings I wouldn't hesitate to wear them outside of the house. Stunning outfit on you! Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

You definitely can leave the house! Nothing about you to be ashamed of. (grin)

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

SOOOOO cute! I got into leggings reluctantly LAST autumn and now have 5 pair!!!! I love 'em.

Paula, the quilter said...

Back in the 80s when I had a better figure, I wore leggings a lot. A favorite outfits was a pair of turquoise leggings itch a long knitted cotton sweater. Loved it! I should investigate some. Thanks for reminding me that anyone can change.

Quiltdivajulie said...

YES! You look fabulous in that outfit (but of course you ARE fabulous all the time). Great post!

(and I had a "dress" that length - my father despised it - giggle)

rondiquilts said...

YES! Very flattering!

Rondi

cityquilter grace said...

very chic and smart looking...but i agree, wait 6-7 years to get the orange hibiscus ones...lol

Ms. Jan said...

Love the look! Go for it!

Cathy Burk said...

I approached leggings with exactly the same attitude that you did. I now LoVe them and own several pair. You look darling in them and should definitely go wherever you want in them! (My age also starts with a 6_)

Janet O. said...

I don't look that cute in them. You can wear them anywhere!! : )

a Matula ikrek said...

Sure you can leave the house in this fabulous set, you styled it perfectly (especially with that big smile) :)

ljgctn said...

You have inspired me, I will pull the ones I have out of the drawer and try on once again. You look great!

Anna said...

You look great!!!!

Tanya said...

Ha-ha! My feelings exactly! Until I read your post (and saw your photo) I didn't think leggings would ever be a style I'd try on! There are certain places I want to stay covered! But you really look cute in those... Dare I give them a try? It took me awhile to get out of flared jeans even... You are tempting me... But i have to remember that I don't look like you...

Debby Dodds said...

Speaking from the same age and same experience with "tunic" dresses (without leggings, mind you!!) your outfit is terrific -- comfort and cute -- can't get better than that!

Dolly said...

I've never run across your blog before, but YOU look ADORABLE !

I agree that most people I see in leggings make me cringe. Too much information !

Seriously, though, you can leave the house in these with this top.

Louise SS said...

You look very good in that outfit! Leggings are wonderful but they need a nice long top and you found a great one! Leave the house!:)