Am I biased?

I've been a champion, some say an obsessive advocate, for women of all ages, sizes and shapes, for more than 25 years. Probably if I'm honest it probably started a lot earlier than that, in seeing what and how people were treated unfairly and inappropriately. But let's say for 25 years and more.

It saddens me however, and at times I get frustrated - not at other people, but at my naivity, in thinking that plus size women particularly have every opportunity of making more of themselves, if only they took the time to do so.

That's not to say I don't understand (and I do because I've been in that "place" of insecurity and no self-confidence too many times not to have learned from the experiences), but why in this modern day and age, have so many just lost interest in themselves.

If you think I'm being judgemental and unfair myself, and a hypocrite, then that's your prerogative. But it's not the genuine woman who is suffering low self-esteem that I'm referring to. It's the woman who seems to be at the peak of her profession, whatever that is, confident in her intelligence, her abilities and capabilities in coping with everyday living, who doesn't seem to care too much.

Back in the 60s, or the "hippie" years, women embraced the idea of dressing how they chose. Many chose gypsy style clothing which suited them, and then they gradually expanded their preferences to take in other styles of clothing. Some have even remained with that style of clothing and it still suits them! Others have become less flambouyant and a little more conservative over the years. It comes back to most of us dressing how we like, knowing that we feel good and usually looking good in that style of dress.

It is my honest opinion that quite apart from today's world being obsessed with the young, slim, trim and sexy woman, that it is the woman in her late 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and even beyond, who should be showing great imagination and panache in dressing to suit her age, her size and her personal preferences. Particularly if she can find clothing that suits her.

I went shopping this morning, and as usual I observe women as they go about their business. Walking to work; doing a bit of shopping; pushing prams; walking with toddlers; chatting with other women; small groups of older women catching up on yesterday's news and planning what to do today. All part of life.

But I am dismayed when I realise that the majority of women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, walk and sit around as though they've just come inside from working the garden. Dirty hands, a cigarette hanging from the corner of their mouths. Grubby clothes do not make a woman look feminine. Misshapen tee shirts, torn jeans, down at heel shoes and thongs (which were invented to be worn at the beach but somehow are now worn everywhere!). Have women given up?

I'm old fashioned. I'll admit it. My circle of girl friends all love dressing up - even with budget constraints. The local Op shops around our major cities and suburbs and even out in rural areas, have a steady customer base with me and my friends. Beautiful brand names bought for a song, and we pride ourselves in our ability to find a bargain to make the others a little bit envious! That's part of the game. We even wear hats whenever we can! I can almost hear and feel the sounds of shock and horror at those ladies reading this blog - hats? Yes, beautiful hats. Of course we make every effort to hold special little coffee mornings or luncheon dates where we dress up and make an impression, but again it's a wonderful and fun game.

I wonder if the women I saw this morning have such fun. I wonder if they look in the mirror sometimes and ask themselves where their youth and dressing styles have gone. For many of them are wearing the same style and sort of clothes that they wore in their late teens. You may say again that I am being hypocritcal here, but I realise that many women can't afford to spend much on clothes. With the down-turn inthe economy and many womenj havinv to face further constraints in their budget as well as pensioners having to go without so many things, there are still ways and means of improving your wardrobe. I wonder whether many of these women even have a mirror in their home? I suspect not.

But there's more to "dressing up" than wearing your very best clothing. Just getting in the car and going shopping should be a celebration so why not dress accordingly? Look in your wardrobe and see what I mean. Have you "around-the-house-and-garden" clothes? Have you "picking-up-the-kids-from-school" and "going shopping" clothes? Have you "nightclub", "after-work" and "Sunday" clothing? You don't have to have a wardrobe full of clothes you know. You can use one category of clothes and dress up or dress down to meet the need. This is where accessories come into their own.

Am I being biased? There have been times when I thought - yes. But the more I think about it, and the more I look around, I think I'm right.