ASK SUSIE

[timemeddler]

Anyhow, with regards to pants vs skirts for warmth I would still love to see someone stuff four or five yards of fabric layers under pants and not have this problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqQWg30BtdE&t=33s

[Faldaguy]

Drab clothes are a valid choice in the same way that wearing a skirt or bright colours is a choice. All choices are valid.

Fundamental, simple well chosen words --"All choices are valid"

My view is that clothing only serves two significant purposes: Protection from the 'elements' and decoration. Seasons, moods, and activities change --thus so may clothes.

Femininity is a social construct and has been imbued with the ideas of weakness and fragility. If women wanted to stake their claim to a more equal place in the world then they are going to bring out their masculine side either through clothes or behavior because it's seen as more powerful and worthy.

More 'true' words but the connotations with which they are imbued is patently wrong. Strength of mind better defines a virtue than the insecurity that drives weak men to assert femininity is weak or fragile; or anyone to accept such a notion. Those men may act like a 'barbarians' but that only emphasizes their own insecurity and weakness -- not worth or power.

It is equally fallacious to think that dressing or behaving in the same reprehensible fashion is going to bring one worth or power -- that only aids the absurd notion that clothing or behavior create worth and power -- the emperor has no clothes! Hopefully women will not further succumb to the same false sense of how to be a decent human being.

Unfortunately for men they still have that fight on their hands. And in some ways it's harder because they are seen as diminishing themselves by embracing their feminine side. Why should the feminine be seen as bad? ...when in fact no one fits in one box.

Embracing traits of femininity or masculinity should bear no value judgment --but being able to embrace a full range of these traits will allow one to be a more complete, and likely, more competent, productive and happy individual.

In another post you mentioned a personal physical characteristic that gave you greater comfort in pants -- that reflects my notion above that clothes protect us from the elements and might also be used for decor. If it had not been for man's perverted quest for power that required more effective killers (solidiers) to ride horses, human anatomy probably would have kept men in robe & skirt-like garments and women would have moved to pants when the technology allowed -- perhaps eliminating this battle for dominance via our clothing choice! We are indeed full of contradictions -- thank you for helping us focus on the real issues regardless of the attire!

[Jim]

Currently I hate all clothes because I hate my body.

You sound like a potential naturist. Going clothes-free and being accepted by everyone around, whatever your shape, is very healing.

[Mouse]

You sound like a potential naturist. Going clothes-free and being accepted by everyone around, whatever your shape, is very healing.

I guess that gets around the Skirt V Trouser problem and also colour matching your top to your bottoms. You still need to match your handbag to your shoes, because you won't have pockets......

[Myopic Bookworm]

I can't really comment entirely negatively about drab, because many of my skirts (and assessories) are black, and my favourite colours include brown and olive green.

[STEVIE]

I can't really comment entirely negatively about drab, because many of my skirts (and assessories) are black, and my favourite colours include brown and olive green.

My own palette has broadened in unexpected ways over the past few months, thanks to a certain person's influence.
However, I will always be more in favour of muted shades, except red, my go to bright.
Neon lurid is just not, and never will be, to my taste.
That's not to say it doesn't have a place, just as drab does, the key factor is the wearer's preference and comfort, nothing else.
One element for the painting has arrived, comment from my stylist "stunning", challenge now is to complete the look.
Steve.

[rivegauche]

I had been mystified by the number of women who choose to wear trousers on a hot, muggy day instead of dresses or skirts. I asked women why, and the answer was usually chub rub. There is also the ironing factor. The natural fabrics that are more comfortable in warm conditions need ironing. I have a sleeveless dress in very light cotton that is outstandingly comfortable in the heat, but I hesitate to wear it as it needs ironing after washing and the skirt part is about 2ha of cotton. My own answer is a short linen dress that is loose without being flared. Because it is sleeveless, it is easier to iron than a shirt - even a short-sleeved shirt takes more ironing. In the cold, I find tights (including sheer tights) under trousers most uncomfortable at any time, but especially when spending any time indoors in heated rooms. A long, thick skirt, slip, opaque tights and knee-high boots gives you warmth with more comfort if you have to move indoors. I dislike tights above 40d but would go above this in extreme cold. I have a woman friend who loves her skirts and dresses and wears them at least half the time she is out and about. I asked her how often she would wear a skirt or dress if she was at home and not expecting any visitors. She looked at me as if I was mad and said she would never wear a skirt or dress in such circumstances.

[Coder]

There is also the ironing factor. The natural fabrics that are more comfortable in warm conditions need ironing. I have a sleeveless dress in very light cotton that is outstandingly comfortable in the heat, but I hesitate to wear it as it needs ironing after washing and the skirt part is about 2ha of cotton.

I abhor ironing - so I bought a steamer (used, for $100): https://jiffysteamer.com/jiffy-clothing-steamer/

It works so so well. Not great on linen - I steam from the inside so it doesn't change the sheen of the fabric - but gets the majority of wrinkles out. Cotton and other fabrics it's wonderful on. Quick and simpler than ironing... if the item has creases I use a board (I have the metal head).

[Modoc]

Just say no to ironing. I buy wash and wear fabrics and don't worry about wrinkles.

[Faldaguy]

There is also the ironing factor. The natural fabrics that are more comfortable in warm conditions need ironing. I have a sleeveless dress in very light cotton that is outstandingly comfortable in the heat, but I hesitate to wear it as it needs ironing after washing and the skirt part is about 2ha of cotton.

I abhor ironing - so I bought a steamer (used, for $100): https://jiffysteamer.com/jiffy-clothing-steamer/

It works so so well. Not great on linen - I steam from the inside so it doesn't change the sheen of the fabric - but gets the majority of wrinkles out. Cotton and other fabrics it's wonderful on. Quick and simpler than ironing... if the item has creases I use a board (I have the metal head).

Coder: Who would have thought -- you, a Metalhead! Or perhaps, it is only an Iron Maiden you have in service?

But then, Metalheads are said to be characterized by a disinterest in materiality, opposition to authority; a tendency to focus on individualism and resent limited options for growth -- maybe we've got you pegged after all?

[Susie]

Discussing THE portrait.

"These shoes will do"

Will do?
Will do?!?!?

WILL DO!?!?!?!??

Proof positive that wearing a skirt does not make you feminine!

[crfriend]

WILL DO!?!?!?!??

Proof positive that wearing a skirt does not make you feminine!

Precisely. Just because we decide to shove both legs down one pipe does not alter our personalities or intrinsic mannerisms one iota.

Just because I'm wearing a skirt doesn't mean I'm "becoming somebody else".

Witnessing a personality change is painful, traumatic, and terrifying. I know. BTDT with what I regard as my "late ex-". The body looks the same, but the personality is that of a complete and utter stranger. Clothing does not do that to one.

[Mouse]

I am loving the build up to the portrait. All quite exciting.

[STEVIE]

I am loving the build up to the portrait. All quite exciting.

How do you think I feel Mouse?
All my Christmases at once, cat at the cream and richer than Croesus all in one.
That just about covers it I guess.
Until I get suitable footwear that is, thanks Susie, I don't know what I'd do without you!
Steve.

[Ozdelights]

I've missed the build up to the portrait but eagerly await the outcome. I'm glad you're enjoying it Steve.

Barry