While I was away on vacation last week [I know.. I was only technically gone for a week, yet the cobwebs have reached 1" thick status on the blog. As if any of us were surprised] my aunts and I were chatting on the deck of the family beach house, laughing at the hilarious antics my younger generation got up to in our early years. Of course, mine revolved around fashion. That’s right, I’ve been shallow since I could dress myself. One story involved a young Merl approaching a well dressed woman in the lobby of our hotel to exclaim “I LOVE your shoes, where did you get them?” which left the lady stunned for at least 30 seconds before laughing and replying. Another, also involving footwear, has me begging my mom to carry me over those immeasurably long New York blocks, crying when she refuses. My grandpa turns to me with exasperation and asks “Why did you wear those shoes if they hurt your feet Merrillan?” [yes, back in the day my family actually called me by my real name]  to which I haughtily answered “Grandpa, it is better to look good than to feel good.”

Oh yes, that happened.

I’m happy to say I’ve grown up a bit since then. Though maybe that should be unhappy since I will still wear uncomfortable shoes, but very few people will consent to carry me these days. The rest of that unforgettable quote has actually been reversed these days. I have one golden rule when dressing myself, or others: If you aren’t comfortable, do not wear it. [slight bending of the rules for the shoes. I'm only human.] I don’t care how slamming a dress is, if it’s not your style or pinches slightly, it’s going to read all over your face, and no one, I repeat NO ONE looks good when their expression could be construed as constipated. And really, the bottom line is the clothes you put on your body should make you feel good. Whether they be a shapeless sack for those lovely few days a month or that pair of jeans that would make Jlo jealous, if you are comfortable in your outfit, you will look good. Happiness is always in style.

[x]m.