Feeling Shallow for Wearing Vintage

Studying; a few months ago

     So, I don't know if anyone else deals with this, but sometimes I feel embarrassed by my adoration of vintage clothing. I know that there are people who consider any interest in clothing shallow, and it can be hard to deal with those feelings sometimes. I am a Theatre and History major, and if I move on in my education, I plan to get my Masters/PhD in Fashion History. I hate telling people that. They always give me this look that means "Really, you're going to waste your money on that?". I feel the need to justify myself for not wanting to be a mathematician, nurse, teacher, or something 'worthwhile'. It is ridiculous to feel this way, but it is true. The really sad part is that if I just say 'Theatre and History', they think it's great. Somehow, getting a Masters in Fashion History sounds worse than just a bachelors in Theatre and History. Dear me. Of course, I am preaching to the choir right now, but it is good to write things out sometimes.

    

      My clothing is a big deal to me. I have so many reasons why I dress the way that I do. My clothes make me feel pretty, this is the most obvious reason. I find that if I try to wear modern clothing I feel awful. The reason for this is that modern clothes are catered to curve-less people. I have nothing against girls who are built like this, but I feel that the lack of attention to such a huge part of the population is ridiculous. It is my personal opinion that vintage clothing is a million times more flattering; and to every body type at that. Another reason I wear vintage is that I want the world to see that I am a woman, and I am not ashamed of it. I am getting into dangerous territory now, but here goes. Everyone wants to empower women; great, but they go about it all wrong. For starters, I fail to see how acting and dressing like a man makes a woman better. Isn't that the exact opposite of what empowering women should be about? I have no issues with women wearing jeans, working, getting equal pay, or anything like that; but what about homemakers? What about the women who want to be old-fashioned? The fact of the matter is that men and women are different, and this has nothing to do with equality. The problem is that people have equated equality to be sameness.

Not creepy, just my Greek theatre mask! (I made it myself)

     Women are nurturers, and as such it is a natural desire within us to want to take care of our families. Likewise, men have the desire to provide. The problem is that society has dictated to us that this model of living is somehow not good enough; that in order for a woman to have any worth she has to be like a man. When I wear my vintage clothing I am declaring to the world that I am a woman, I am old-fashioned, and I am not afraid to go against the flow. I will be who I am, I will believe what I believe, and I will not back down. I have been realizing recently that I am far too easily silenced. For the sake of avoiding conflict I do not voice my opinion. I realize that there is wisdom in silence, but only when it does not declare that you agree with the opposite side of an issue from your true convictions.

My new Navy trousers, fixed! More on them later.

      Please understand that I am not against women's rights. I am against the notion that women should talk, think, and act like men in order to be their equals. As far as I can see, that is far more degrading to women than thinking that they should be subservient to men; because it makes the statement that women can only be equal to men if they become like them. Personally, I am going to be equal on my own terms. (I am not a 'skirts only', 'all women should stay in the home' type of person; I do believe in women being women though, wherever they are).

One of my most worn outfits since I've been here. 

 
     Well, this became a bit of a rant! I apologize if I have offended anyone, but please believe me when I say that I am not opposed to women's rights. I also realize that the wisdom of writing a post like this is somewhat questionable, but some things need saying sometimes. I would love to hear from you in the comments, just keep things polite :)