I read the Wall Street Journal every morning because it is an excellent newspaper, even though a number of the features and articles are not for or about the average consumer. The wines, the foods, the houses, the travel options and the cultural reviews are a little out there, but for the most part the topics are timely and thought provoking. I have always felt that reading newspapers is what keeps us informed about what is going on in the world today. The fashion reporter makes me laugh though. Who are these people who are so ultra concerned with looking “just right”? It boggles my mind that they are more concerned about suit styles and colognes than about the important issues of the day. When was it that people start being judged on how they dress rather than for what resides between their ears? Do 4-5 inch high heel shoes and the right colored necktie make people better lawyers, educators, or business representatives?
I am more drawn to the common sense approach and don’t like being made to feel inferior because I chose to dress comfortably. Still I find that people of all ages persist in dressing for style instead of comfort. It annoys me when bright political figures are judged on what kind of suits they wear instead of what they stand for.
People who are older or have chronic physical problems are forced to be a little more practical. I loved the article by Christine Schwab in the latest Arthritis Today magazine (March-April 2012). She writes about arthritis related styles (www.atmail@arthritis.org) because people looking for clothes that are comfortable want to look nice too. She offered some lovely tips about wearing loose fitting drawstring pants with fitted tops or using accessories to make a fashion statement rather than the clothing themselves.
Doesn’t that make you feel better? Hopefully you are at a time in your life where health is important than extreme style. We all have suffered in the name of fashion. Who among us has not worried about tight neckties, pantyhose, girdles (corsets) and high heeled shoes? The biggest offender, of course, is the shoe. High heels, shoes that are too narrow and shoes without adequate cushioning lurk in our closets as we speak.
I read an article in an old USA Today (April 1991) but felt the news was still relevant. An anonymous author spoke about the bane of tight fitting clothing. She/he mentioned wisely that clothing should never be so tight that it interferes with blood circulation to the skin. If it takes a concentrated effort to get your jeans snapped or pull on your panty hose, they are too tight. Men too, you’ve seen bulging necks struggling for release against tight collars and neckties…they look like they are going to have a stroke don’t they? Well, tight shirt collars and ties can indeed interfere with blood flow to the brain. Is that what you want?
What will it be for you? How far are you willing to go for the sake of fashion? High heels and stilettos give you back and knee problems, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammer toes, calluses and blisters. Tight jeans and corsets lead to muscle pain and bruising, as well as heat retention and subsequent yeast infections. They also restrict breathing and digestion. Your daughter may laugh at your granny underwear but the ever popular thongs can cause chafing and laceration and infections. Fashion overkill is not good for you. Of course you are going to indulge on occasion and that is okay, but think twice about wearing “killer fashions” that could be harmful to your health. I am looking forward to more articles and tips from Christine Schwab as she writes for those of us who want clothing that fits but looks good too.
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