These are the Things that Weigh
1. The possibility of opening my own personal checking account. Will it remove all guilt to spend My Own Money on seemingly frivolous things, or will it just make it more obvious that my yearly income is paltry? (Gwyneth Paltry!!! Laugh, Clown, Laugh!)
2. Summer clothing. For the past five years, Summer has meant "stop wearing long-sleeved t-shirts under my short-sleeved t-shirts." Should I purchase some legitimate summer clothes? On a similar note, I'll be 38 in less than two weeks (WTFFTW!). Is my shorts window closed? Because whenever I put shorts on, I feel a bit silly. And exposed. Am I a Wearer of Skirts? Oh my God. It's once again time to sit down and get to know myself. Wait a second. Are people still wearing capri pants?
3. Is it time to take a break from podcasts and start reading books again? Yes. It is. Mostly. (I'll always make time for Ira Glass, Grammar Girl, and Lime and Violet.)
4. Eyeliner—for top lid only, bottom lid only, or strictly for those videos during which I write all over my face?
Submitted by
Kathy
at 5/1/2008 11:24:56 AM- I feel silly in shorts, too. Capris are a nice compromise.
Eyeliner: Top only. And powder (or dark eyeshadow) instead of pencils. Trust me on this one.
Submitted by
Meghan
at 5/1/2008 11:49:55 AM- I am all about the capri pants. From Target. I have three pair that I bought there that I rotated through all summer. I went shopping with my (50 year old) mother last weekend and she bought two pair of very nice shorts that look lovely on her. She is much skinnier than I am, so she can pull them off. So yes, shorts are ok if you're comfortable in them, but capri pants are great if you're just not sure.
As for eyeliner, it scares me. I always ended up looking like I'd been in a fight after applying it. When I put on makeup I do a dusting of light shadow over the whole lid, and then use one of those eye liner brushes to put a bit of darker shadow just above my eyelash line. I'm a faker, what can I say.
Submitted by
Stephanie
at 5/1/2008 11:54:00 AM- I like the long tee under short tee look. If it's good enough for Jennifer Garner, then it's good enough for me.
I am turning 29, and I also cannot negotiate the shorts/capris conundrum. I too feel exposed. It may have something to do with the mayonaise-colored legs of mine, but what can I do, I live in the north where the sun only teases us with its presence.
I'm thinking of a long, skinny short this year, you know, the kind that go to the knee? These are supposed to be all the rage now, I hear.
Submitted by
giddy
at 5/1/2008 12:08:52 PM- I think you could pull off the long, skinny shorts (Bermudas, I guess) because you look pretty slim, but they look silly on me--very hourglass shaped. So I find I am going mostly with capris and A-line skirts these days. I am also 38. One nice thing about skirts is that they are actually cooler (I mean "less sweat-inducing") than shorts.
But about the tops--what are legitimate summer clothes if not short-sleeved T-shirts? Granted, the Hanes Beefy-T was enver all that flattering on a woman's body, but your T-shirts are all those flattering kind, aren't they? You're good.
Eyeliner and mascara on top only.
Submitted by
jen
at 5/1/2008 12:14:25 PM- 1. Do it. It will indeed remove all guilt.
2. I wear shorts, but they hit me at the knee. I also wear capri pants.
3. Easier to knit when listening to podcast. Book on tape? Perhaps the complete LotR series. Oh wait, that's Tempe...
4. Top lid only.
5. STITCHES in August! Woo hoo!
Submitted by
Monkey loves Kitten
at 5/1/2008 12:14:41 PM- Gwyneth Paltry! Hahaha indeed! I love that you are insane like I am insane. The kind that - for me - elicits much eye rolling from the husband.
I too am staring down the barrel at 38. I'm doing long shorts and capris. Old Navy tanks are a summer staple as well as some flowy tops for I live in the desert and air flow is key to avoiding unsightly under-boob sweat marks.
Eyeliner (I use eyeshadow with a small brush) on top, mascara on both.
Submitted by
Sara
at 5/1/2008 12:16:38 PM- I love skirts in the summer 'cause they feel like pajamas and are easy to put on. I am lazy.
Submitted by
Nichole
at 5/1/2008 12:43:42 PM- I've been thinking about the checking account thing, too. But then I wouldn't even be able to buy chewing gum, because that's how little money I'm bringing in.
Submitted by
Jaynee
at 5/1/2008 1:02:46 PM- Checking account = freedom
I wear shorts only when I have to. And that's rare. I don't wear capris either - capris are not good for short fat people.
YES to reading books again - there's nothing like turning the page and marking your progress with a bookmark as you get further and further along.
I generally use eyeliner on upper with a tiny little bit on lower. Occasionally I'll clear of all remnants from my lower lashes and put concealer on them to make them disappear a bit and go for an old-fashioned 1940s top-only look.
Submitted by
Jessie
at 5/1/2008 1:05:53 PM- I say yes to capris. I wear them all the time, even though my husband objects. Skirts now are also cute, and knee-length, so pretty much anyone can wear them without looking ridiculous. I hate shorts with a hot fiery passion, and only wear them for activities like camping, hiking, or gardening.
Submitted by
Amy in KC
at 5/1/2008 1:40:41 PM- 1. I love my personal checking account. The husband and I have different tastes in frivilous spending, so this helps us out. What's mine is mine, mister!
2. I turn 35 in August. I concur with Jessie re: wearing shorts only for outdoor, sweat-inducing activities. I wear knee-length skirts or capris for social outings. Partly because the boys point at the vericose veins at the backs of my knees and say, "Mommy has a boo-boo."
3. Read books outdoors. Yummy summer!
4. I do eyeliner on top only, mascara lightly on both.
Submitted by
Susan
at 5/1/2008 1:58:49 PM- I'll be 39 this year and I haven't a clue about the latest fashions. I go with comfort. I do prefer capris to shorts though and I'm really not a makeup kind of gal, so it's mascara only on the top for me. If I put it on the bottom, I feel like my top lashes are always sticking to my bottom and one day I won't be able to get my eyes open again. It would just be my luck.
Submitted by
Cheap Like Me
at 5/1/2008 2:36:07 PM- 1. eh. But then I control our money, mostly. Nyah ha ha!
2. "What not to wear" always puts the victims in city/bermuda shorts. I tried some on today and they hit below the knee and looked ridiculous. But maybe just above the knee? But go check out tops! There are at the moment all kinds of lovely flowy tops that don't let all your boobs hang out (unless you like that kind of thing) and are capacious in the midsection, which is most excellent for those of us who have been eating chocolate all winter and are, ourselves, capacious in the midsection. Awesome trend!
3. Sure!
4. Top lid on the outside corner; bottom lid just a little.
Submitted by
Poppy Buxom
at 5/1/2008 2:48:38 PM- 1. Yes to your own checking account. But then, I've always had one. And I just started to bother using our joint one.
2. I have no idea what you young whippersnappers should wear. Giranimals?
3. Yes, start reading books again. But audiobooks for driving, working out, knitting, household chores, and before I fall asleep. Analog books for all the rest of the time. (What rest of the time?) Right now I'm listening to I Am America by Stephen Colbert and cracking up while I'm driving around. I'm sure I make people nervous.
4. Mascara and eyeliner on upper lid only. Black or black-brown mascara, but colored eyeliner is pretty. I use an olive green that matches my iris and I'm stunning. Really.
Submitted by
Amy in StL
at 5/1/2008 3:14:41 PM- 1. Yes to your own account. It will assuage guilt and maybe the money you make will magically multiply when freed from the overbearing influence of your hubby's income!
2. Shorts. I hate capris and feel they really only look good on a very small percentage of the population. But good luck finding shorts that are long enough, a lot of them now are darn near hotpant length!
3. Reading books is lovely. I've even learned to read and knit on a simple pattern while watching boring TV that my male companion picks out. He thinks I'm a superstar for this.
4. Upper and lower. And I second using an angled brush and dark eyeshadow rather than a pencil. It's a softer look and a lot easier to apply close to the lash.
Submitted by
mp
at 5/1/2008 3:54:56 PM- SHIT..black eyeline on the inside bottom is out I guess.. damn..
As long as you aren't wearing daisy dukes I think you are fine..and with a skirt I would suggest underware.
Yes you can still wear capri's!! but don't listen to me I was still wearing eyeline on the bottom/inside.
Submitted by
Laurel
at 5/1/2008 5:56:29 PM- Personally, I only line the top lid but I have a friend who works for MAC who has taken to lightly lining the middle of the bottom lid, just under the iris. It really does have a nice widening affect.
Also, I avoid liquid eyeliner because of the precision required for application.
Finally, you could totally pull of the long shorts, but part of me wonders if there isn't a secret summer skirt-lover lurking in there...
Submitted by
Tara
at 5/1/2008 6:09:05 PM- You'd think at my age (31) I would know how to apply eyeliner. You would be wrong.
However, even i know that eyeliner is top only.
Submitted by
Karen T-H
at 5/1/2008 6:35:36 PM- All this revealing of the chronological truth! Take it back! Take it all back! I've tried so hard not to notice, but nooooooo, you all had to go and hang your youthiness right out there in PUBLIC!
Gheesh, kids! Wear the shorts that make you happy! Don't wear ANYTHING that DOESN'T make you happy!
I have to run off to find some kids my own age to play with.
Submitted by
dee
at 5/1/2008 7:44:05 PM- My eyeliner prefers to be on top. But, that's just what's satisfying to both me and my own eyeliner.
Shorts? Capris? Skirts? I try to leave the house as little as possible thereby making the wearing of pants altogether unnecessary.
I love the video. Too cute. You'd make a mad sexy cat for Halloween. Or whenever.
Submitted by
allison
at 5/1/2008 8:00:12 PM- I enjoy the short/long t-shirt combo so I can wear my old punk rock t-shirts and feel wild and free and 21 again.
And if you're short like me (are you? I spelled the word flies wrong today and then made 80 copies of it. My brain is disconnected today), shorts should be slightly above the knee so we don't look like a walking bolt of madras.
Those of you who don't know, I'm an English teacher, for chrissakes. "flys"? WTF?
Submitted by
Jennifer Myszkowski
at 5/1/2008 11:09:04 PM- I don't know if capris are still in, but if you like them and they feel good when you where them, who cares? Wear them!
I had this realization a couple months ago that I'm going to be that lady who doesn't wear the clothes that are in style. The children I'm not having will be relieved to know that I won't be able to embarrass them with my out-of-fashion outfits and what have you.
I remember making fun of people who were stuck in the '80s. I'm not sure I'm stuck anywhere besides stubbornly not wearing something that isn't comfortable. This proves difficult for work sometimes, but that's okay.
Submitted by
Alli
at 5/2/2008 7:58:22 AM- Okay - always just do what feels good (and is legal) regardless of what others think. That said...
1) Own account - much better!
2)Capris and long shorts totally in. I read in Cosmo - no mini skirts after 30 (I'm 38).
3)Read!!!!
4)Eyeliner top lid - unless The Cure is touring and you have tickets.
Submitted by
Heather
at 5/2/2008 8:28:22 AM- Is it too late to make my arms look fierce for summer, a la Sarah Conner from Terminator 2?
Submitted by
Summer
at 5/2/2008 9:26:46 AM- Woohoo! I get to offer my generally unsolicited, unprofessional advice. My heart swells with gladness and glee.
1. We have a joint account. I've decided I like it that way. For me, the "in it together" outweighs the "stuff of my own."
2. I hate shorts, and I hate capris, but I wear them both. Shorts of all lengths make my stumpy legs look stumpier, and capris make my already gigantic calves look gargantuan. You, however, are a lovely, lithe specimen and can wear bottoms of all lengths. So spake the internet.
3. I am of no help here.
4. Unless you're doing a "smoky eye," apply eyeliner right in the lash line on top, sparingly smudged on the outer half (or so) of your eye on bottom. If black is too stark, try a nice, dark plum or (daringly) a dark olive green. (Prestige and Rimmel are two drugstore brands with nice eyeliners.) I wear both of those colors, and my make-up is generally understated. I think I'm pulling that off, anyway. Ha, now I'm filled with doubt.
Submitted by
Em
at 5/2/2008 9:38:16 PM- How about those long shorts that people started wearing last year? Those used to be Just Fer Mormons, but now I think they're pretty cute.
I use a wee angled brush or, more often, the side of a shadow applicator to swipe eye shadow along the edges of both my top and bottom lids instead of liner. It look softer and doesn't get smeary like pencil liner does.
Submitted by
Mizmell
at 5/3/2008 8:14:07 PM- Shorts? If you're comfortable in shorts wear them--whatever the length! I am 49 and I wear shorts. But then again, I live in the boonies.
It's summer dresses or skirts when in the public eye. Good luck shopping for summer clothes... for some odd reason polyester is back in! I long for 100% cotton.
Eyeliner (pencil) on the bottom. Brush for the powder eye makeup. And Revlon long and lush mascara.
And a smart lady always nneds her own cash. A smart man realizes that.
Submitted by
Neb
at 5/5/2008 3:37:41 PM- Short-sleeve T over long-sleeve is still OKAY?!? I rejoice. A few months ago my husband commented that I looked "so 1998" in this combo. Paired with jeans and sneakers, I think it gives me that Sporty Athletic look, and believe me, people with athletic skills of my caliber need ALL the help we can get...
"...capris are not good for short fat people." Seconded. [This is an issue for me, but not for you, FP.] Also, capris are enough of an oddity that I have this sinking feeling I'll look back twenty years from now and wonder, WHAT was I thinking...? (Tantamount to the Stirrup Pants phenomenom of ~20 years ago.) Then again, they ARE cooler than jeans but less revealing of [my] pasty flabby legs than shorts. The world is not ready for the sight of my legs in shorts. I used to wear hippie dresses with sandals before breastfeeding. Now, hippie skirts with sandals.
Eye makeup? I would have no idea what to do with it.
Submitted by
Kim
at 5/6/2008 12:55:31 PM- Eye makeup: there is 100% not one single rule about eyeliner -- it's totally dependent on the shape of your eyes, how big they are and how far apart they are. (And what kind of look you're going for.)
Meaning, someone else might look best with top-liner only but you might need bottom liner to balance it out. Or visa-versa. Or whatevs.
AND, it important to note... some eye shapes are best lined only half-way, but on both top and bottom.
If that wasn't just a throw-away musing and you're seriously wondering... next time you're out somewhere near a MAC makeup counter (or any other higher-end makeup line), ask one of the artists what's best for *your* eyes.
I would like to know when everyone started wearing long sleeves under short. I never noticed it until suddenly everyone in the world is dressed that way.