Not like the other girls...

[graculus]

I've admitted for many years that I am a geek and have no issues where that is concerned. Next week I've got a couple of days off work and admitted that it's time for my biennial shopping trip for clothes since my underwear is starting to fall to bits - in general, if I need a pair of trousers, for example, the fact that a couple of local supermarkets now sell clothes has been sufficient for me.

However, the statement I made at work that provoked the most disbelief was this one: I have never owned a handbag.

Peeps at work - "But where do you keep your stuff?"
Me - "I have a briefcase for work, otherwise I use a daysack or my pockets."
Peeps at work - *stunned silence*
Me - "Do you really need a handbag and a briefcase if you're working?"
Peeps at work - "Probably not, but still... never?"
Me - "Nope."

And then I told them I didn't really care for buying shoes either. ;) E.T.A. Last wore a skirt in 1991, don't own a skirt or a dress and haven't for a similar length of time.

Help me, oh friendslist - surely I am not alone in this lack of slavish devotion to the cult of handbags and shoes? I always knew I was not a 'girl', even when biologically I was young enough, but even so...

Comments

[nakeisha.livejournal.com]

Buying shoes for me when I was a toddler was, apparently, a nightmare - it was the only time I misbehaved in shops. I personally don't remember this, but I've never been a fan of shoe shopping. In fact I don't like shoes. I take them off in the house and my main priority when buying them if comfort.

I always used to carry a handbag (yes and a briefcase for work) because it suited me. And I had two of three of varying sizes/colours. Now I use one that I can put on my back - it's smart, leather, and great as I can't actually carry anything in my hands and loading down pockets isn't that easy either, and I can't have one over my shoulder easily as it slips down.

But slavish devotion? Nope. Never.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

Well, for starters I have wide feet (EE if I recall correctly) so when I was younger my mother always insisted I had Clarks shoes. I think I must have just missed the stage of stupid heels etc. as I never wore them and never wanted to.

I've discovered my general attitude to clothes/shoes/bags/kitchen utensils/electrical goods is apparently 'use till falling apart then replace'.

[nakeisha.livejournal.com]

Yes. My parents too insisted I had Clarks :-) I did wear heels for a bit, but never the really high ones.

Now that's a good attitude, actually.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

It's taken a very long time to get over growing up without any money, to the point where I still look at the reduced price items in the supermarket even though I could comfortably afford full price. If I have to spend money, I will, but I've never been one to 'splurge' for no reason.

[nakeisha.livejournal.com]

I certainly grew up with far less money than a lot of my peers and remember my parents being careful and Mother always used to buy most clothes from the local market, etc.

I too need a reason to 'splurge'. But with certain household things the adage 'you get what you pay for' is often true. When my parents moved up to Scotland they replaced their cooker and very foolishly went for one that was really cheap - and have regretted it ever since. Now the grill doesn't work and it take minutes to light, so finally I've persuaded them to get a new one - on the basis it's something they use every day, more than once.