There comes a time in every woman's life when she realizes she has become a practical woman of her age. No longer visible are the days of jetting off, gowns at the ready, to conquer an unknown city. Relegated to the past are the exhilarating moments of hiding amongst a celebrity crowd in order to crash a Hollywood premiere of epic proportions (again feel free to pester me for details). Instead papers, presentations and exams exert their concentrated control over our attention, much like that fabulous new shade of OPI nail lacquer so artfully displayed on a shelf at Sephora.
However, I know we can all say with the greatest self assurance that while the gilded aesthetic trappings of the red carpet and tarmac may no longer surround us, the intrigue, passion, mystery, and delectably shared social whisperings are still in full force.
Where, especially, is the place where no one is immune from catching this contagion of atmospheric electricity? Where else but the library.
That professor, whose office hours you forgot to attend after you begged him for a long-winded explanation of that challenging algebra problem? He's in the self-check out line. That really attractive member of the opposite sex with whom you recently almost shared two full sentences? You bump into them in the elevator. Your best friend? Anxiously awaiting you on the second floor with smuggled Starbucks and a treasure trove of information more relevant than any antiquated research.
For heaven's sake, the only thing missing upon your library entrance is a flock of paparazzi waiting to photograph your every move (I must confess I sometimes wildly imagine I see them out of the corner of my eye, hence my penchant for sunglasses indoors, de rigueur as any globetrotter will attest). How are we to combat these dueling monsters: our study needs and our roles as chic members of society? With swords and knights in shining Armani? Absolutely not. The jumpsuit is a much better suit of armor.
The jumpsuit combines European glamour with American practicality and gumption. First appropriated from male factory workers by Rosie the Riveter when she was called to define the role of the World War II era woman, the jumpsuit immediately projected the message of hard work, strength and structure. In the jumpsuit Rosie seemed to say, "We can do the work of a man in his own uniform, and in the process show our fabulous figures to boot." The 1960s saw the runways make the jumpsuit their own, creating it in silky fabrics, bringing it to new levels of comfort, and in bright colors, giving it a heretofore-unseen boldness and daring quality.
A jumpsuit is a wonderful alternative to other library casual ensembles. Ranging in material from a soft satin or silk to yoga pant material, it can enhance your study experience like nothing else. When buying a jumpsuit keep fit in mind: loose is good, but waist accentuation is the most important element. Whether it's a high waist or a low waist, pockets or a sash belt will cinch your figure, emphasizing form and content.
Buy it strapless and pair it with a sweater, or get a long-sleeved one and add cuff bracelets for sparkle. With a variety of colors, you can choose the best one for you. Best of all, this is one-stop dressing: throw it on and you're ready to go in 5 minutes flat. Tilly's currently has one for $22.99. Monsters of the library be gone and paparazzi flash away, those books and fans are calling your name.
