Expanding My Horizons

If I had more time, I'd tell you about all the wonderful essays I've been writing on economic nationalism, liberalism, and clashes of civilization. While I'd like to tell you about how I'm stretching my brain after five years out in the "real world," this blog post focuses instead on me expanding my closet.

When I first arrived in Australia, the first thing that struck me as odd were the people. No, not the accents, but what they were wearing. I wondered how on earth the clothing that I had worn in the 80's had suddenly become fashionable down under. (Maybe this is a global trend; being from Manhattan, Kansas, however, I'm not exactly well-informed of the latest fashion). Baggy dresses, cut off short-shorts (with the inner pockets showing), and hideous sweaters (mind you, it's hot here). Of course, not everyone dresses like this here. There are others, men and women alike, who choose to wear skin-hugging clothing--spandex pants and dresses, skinny jeans, and tights. This last article troubled me the most. How on earth could someone wear tights in this heat and humidity?

Famous last words. I purchased some summer dresses at an op-shop (second-hand store) and realized they were a little short for me, Ms. Modest. What to do? Well, for some reason I had a pair of leggings that I had brought with me from the States. I had originally purchased the leggings years ago to wear under a pair of jeans in the winter. Who would have thought I'd end up wearing them in Australia during the summer?