But I have to admit that I love the holiday. I adore any excuse to be wined and dined and receive extravagant floral displays. I love hearing Valentine's day engagement stories, and catching a Lifetime Move Network marathon of cheesy romantic movie, and helping my kids construct cards out of stickers and Elmer's Glue. I even love those chalky conversation hearts.
Unfortunately, Valentine's day is also marketed as an occasion for us to dress like underage sex-workers. The holiday brings about an overabundance of polyester-blend, satiny, scratchy-lace embellished lingerie to department stores, discount stores, mall stores and catalogs. Seemingly every day for the last month, my inbox (and mailbox) has been flooded with lurid images of lingerie - pink French Maid's outfits, red and black teddy sets, and see-through negligees. There are "outfits" so complicated they practically require a master's degree in engineering just to put on, with open backs, halter tops, satin ties and wrist cuffs.
Let's take a closer look at some of these fetching ensembles:
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| This cut-out teddy is a study in geometry, perfect for that architecture or graphic design major. |
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| Truss both yourself and that cornish game hen in this little concoction. Non-functional apron included. |
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| This one is just plain confusing. What are we supposed to do with that continuous line from cleavage to crotch? Is it some kind of instructional device for men who cannot otherwise find their way to a lady's bits? |
I understand that, for some of us, Valentine's is merely a day we're supposed to get laid. Pre-fornication trinkets in the way of perfume and candy and lacy strips of material are purchased specifically for this reason. I'm not opposed to spending money on a pretty bra and panties for the occasion. But when I do, I am clear that my comfort and taste comes first. Personally, I hate the idea that women are supposed to dress solely for the pleasure of men, in a uniform of black and red, sheer and lacy. I am sure men are as susceptible to social pressures as anyone, but, in my opinion, it's basically useless to consider what a man's lingerie preferences are. Mostly they just don't care, unless they're entertaining an adolescent fantasy inspired by late-night programming on Cinemax.
Here's my proposal: This Valentine's Day, wear what you want and makes you feel best. Maybe you prefer cotton boy-shorts and a white tank. Or perhaps you're more into silk negligees and thigh-highs. Whatever your taste, wear what makes you feel good - whether that means sexy, or comfortable, or ultra-feminine. Let's dress for ourselves first. Call it empowerment, or self-love. While it's good to pay attention to your partner's needs, it's even more important to incorporate your own. Because when you feel confident and beautiful, everyone wins.
You know what makes me feel my best? Not having plastic/metal/other stiff things poking me in weird places. Not having straps digging into my shoulders. Not having red marks on my skin from elastic bands. And feminine, soft, pretty outfits like today's. What I'm wearing underneath is for only me and my husband to know.
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| One Girl Who cashmere sweater; Gap camisole; Anthropologie skirt; Target belt; thrifted vintage boots; Nordstrom necklace |
