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

[nialla]

A bag is a bag is a bag. I don't need to carry a backpack, briefcase, etc., so I carry a handbag. But I'm very picky about them -- must have a shoulder length srap and several other criteria.

I do not buy the super cheap "fashion" bags but will spend a bit more on a classic, sturdy one that will last me a long time. My definition of "super cheap" is the $10-20ish ones at Wal-Mart and such, and the most I've ever spent is maybe $40ish.

If I'm going somewhere where a handbag might be annoying to carry around for a while (a con, museum, etc.), I switch over to a hip bag so I can go handsfree.

For shoes, it's all about the comfort. I've twisted my ankles and knees simply "tripping on air" so I don't need any help in that department. I have worn some pumps, but heels have to stay very low. I've also got size 10 wides, so those "cute shoes" wouldn't work for me even if I wanted them to.

I tend to go for updated Mary Jane type shoes for work, as they fit the best. There's even one brand that makes a shoe that's essentially a slip-on athletic shoe -- same type of fabric and it's washable -- yet it looks dressier. Stealth comfort. ;)

I think I may still have one dress in the spare closet. Somewhere. No idea if it still fits though. None of my jobs have required me to wear a dress, so I wear twill pants. I have a particular brand I like, and I just order them in a variety of colors online when I need them.

In fact, I order shirts, shoes and undies online as well. Too much work to find my size in stores, though sometimes I can find shirts that will work. Online ordering has been a godsend for me, as I'm not the "ideal size" in anything, and going to a shop requires a lot of time and no guarantee they'll have anything when I get there.

My two longest-term jobs weren't dress friendly. One could start the day in the office and before the end of the day I could be requested out at our campgrounds to bring out supplies, take stuff back to the office, clean the grounds, etc. Now I have to do a lot of shelving books on top and bottom shelves, so my range is a top shelf that sometimes needs the use of a stepstool, to sitting on the floor to shelve the kiddy books. Neither would work very well in a dress, nor would panty hose go over well in that environment.