I Just Want to Feel Like a Girl
In my mid-twenties I moved out of my mother’s house and into an apartment with my best friend. She had been seeing a considerably older gentleman off and on for some time but it didn’t seem to ever be going anywhere. A young man, Steven (names have been changed to protect the innocent), from the stable where we both worked, had been flirting with her for some time…but he flirted outrageously with every girl, so she didn’t give him the time of day.
Until one evening she came home all aflutter, singing that she was going out that night with Steven. I said, “but, but, but!” and she announced, “tonight I just want to feel like a girl!”
“I want to feel young and wear a pretty dress and go dancing and have fun with someone my own age. I just want to feel like a girl!”
And that became a catch-phrase for the rest of our friendship, when we were being silly or we needed something to lighten the mood. It was usually said in a slightly southern accent. And it always made us crack up.
Guess you had to be there š
But *I*Ā neverĀ really feel particularly girly or feminine. I’m not one for ruffles and pink. Usually. But this Democracy top from Gwynnie Bee, even with it’s pink and ditzy floral andĀ cold shoulderĀ (SO not my thing!) andĀ ruffles…made my heart sing! In a tiny, quiet little voice it sang,Ā I just want to feel like a girl…just a little bit.Ā
I think what saves it for me (beyond the wonderful loose, drapey fit) is that it seems almost grandmothery. Like doilies. Is Grandma Chic a thing? Now it is.
I wore it to work under my pale cream Old Navy duster cardigan. And next time I’ll wear it over white jeans for a different look. Oh. Yeah. I bought it -> Happy Ending.
What I Wore
- Democracy Cold Shoulder Floral Print Ruffle Top, size 3x. I found it in straight sizes here, but can’t find this exact top in a plus size anywhere except Gwynnie Bee.
- Old Navy Cream Fine Knit Duster Length Open Front Cardigan, size 2x. I’m linking to a slightly shorter version of this cardigan.
- Charlotte Russe Refuge skinny jeans, size 22 short. Charlotte Russe announced awhile back that they were closing. I think the stores all closed up. But I see they’re back online, with aĀ veryĀ limited plus size selection. Literally 8 plus size items at this moment. Anyway. When I next need a skinny jean, I’ll probably go the Old Navy route for these.
- White Keds Champions
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Iris
Love the top – and it looks great on you.
“Grandma chic” – I’m keeping that!!!
Hope you have a great weekend.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
Debbie from Illinois
I like being a girl. šš Iāve added some floral tops to my wardrobe too. I love the one you are wearing. So pretty !
Happy Friday!
bettyewp
There are such pretty florals now, it would be easy to fill your wardrobe with them!
Happy Weekend to you!
Nancy
Haha, lovely thoughts! I feel like a girl all the time! Haha, looks good on that jeans. Have a good weekend Bettye, perhaps you have a summer’s eve! Wink wink.
bettyewp
Ha ha, midsummers eve will be here soon enough!
jodie filogomo
That is a happy ending. And in no way, shape or form do I see it being grandmotherly. At least not in the frumpy way. Maybe in the cool grandma look like is all over the internet now!!
I never used to like girly things (ruffles, pink, etc…) because I didn’t consider it serious. And I used to be so serious!! I’m so glad I’m over that! Bring on being a girl!!!
XOXO
Jodie
bettyewp
I knew you’d like that I bought it!
Cheryl Tucker
There is not a women out there that can’t relate to that story! I think about it more as I get older and feel not so girly a lot of the time. I see myself leaning toward more grandma styles too. But I think it is a trend even for the younger people these days. I have noticed lots of midi dresses, ruffles, lace, etc. I love your look and that top is so my style these days as I am liking lighter shades and softer fabrics. Fun post!
Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
bettyewp
Nothing wrong with grandma style! Give me a slouchy mohair sweater and I’m happy š Yes, I do enjoy SEEING all the ruffled frilly fashions…on other people š
xoxo Bettye
Karen
Haha Bettye, We are sooooooo on the same wavelength of late. I bought a pink top with spatters of colors and double hem ruffles online yesterday! Kept thinking this will make me look like a little girl, should I? should I? but then thought I’ll wear with with a cardigan!! as that will cut into some of the frilliness if it is too youthful. But I really think it will be a keeper. And I love your top!!
bettyewp
Cardigans are the great equalizers! I’ll wear almost anything if I can put a cardigan over it…cuz then you’re just getting that little sliver down the front showing through!
julia
Oh, what happened to your friend? Did she marry the old guy or get swept off her feet by the rakish Steven? Bettye, you need to write a book! I was getting so swept up in that story and then a quick halt onto clothing. Do it under a nom de plume if you feel unworthy or an imposter but get your words and stories out there! (Saying all that in a supportive friend voice)
bettyewp
If I recall correctly she did have fun that night but she didnāt go out with him again. she eventually ended things with the older fellow as well. She ended up moving to Virginia when a friend moved there and said they were great opportunities and within about five minutes she met the man she ended up marrying and then she never came back. Which ruined MY marriage but thatās another story š
Elle
Hi Bettye,
I just discovered your blog today. I’m a late 60s retired spec.ed. teacher, size 2x-3x; and just heard today my high school class is planning a get together this summer. I was feeling down because I know I’m the heaviest in my class and I want to go but don’t want to go :[ But, you’ve inspired me. Here’s something for you when you have your next feeling down moment: your positive, funny, fun attitude about clothes inspired me today, and I feel better. Much better. So, thank you.
Elle.
bettyewp
Oh, Elle, thank you for sharing this with me! Now TWO of us feel better š
High school reunion! Gosh, I hate that we go straight to āIām the heaviest,ā and not āI canāt wait to see my old friends.ā So, youāre going? I hope youāll share how it was!
So glad you found us here š
xoxo
Daenel T.
I have a Pinterest board called āGranny Chicā, so, yeah, itās a thing. LOL
That top is pretty. Iām not a cold shoulder girl either, but I do like it on that top. Maybe because itās not an obvious cold shoulder?
bettyewp
OOh, Granny Chic Pinterest board! Must go look!
Ruth Josey
I love that look! It is feminine and pretty and looks wonderful on you. I like the cold shoulder look OK and I really like the look of this one since it’s not overtly so. Granny Chic – LOL! It works, let’s go with that! I enjoyed your story leading up to it, too! I totally get it. I’m a grandmother and I don’t dress up for work (I dress down for work) and on weekends I just like to feel like a girl when I go out.
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Ruth! Yeah, this is sort of a sneaky cold shoulder as opposed to an in-your-face one.