A House Dress Revolution

I have discovered something amazing. The muumuu – or more accurately the “house dress” or “duster”. Traditionally these were designed so that women could put them on easily and perform housework while still looking stylish. Better looking than a maid’s uniform but fulfilling the same purpose.

A little crazy sexist if you ask me. I have not fallen for this type of house dress, but for the later more tent-like version. Yes, the earlier versions are more stylish and could even be retro chic, but they don’t have the fantastic qualities of the later boxy styles. And just to be clear, I have not suddenly discovered something to make house work bliss or give the impression that you have to look good while working around the house - this will not make you look good.

But in case you haven’t yet had the privilege of wearing a house dress, here is why I love them:

* The loose fitting form allows for easy movement. FYI: Jon Fishman of Phish often wears a muumuu because it lets him move more freely – duh!

* No need to suck it in, you wouldn’t even be able to tell if you did

* The fabric tends to be light and cool, with the added benefit of a nice cool breeze

* Convenient front snaps for a quick change or whatever other reason you may need to remove it quickly. . .

* They are unbelievably cheap (at least until word gets out on how great they are)

My only complaint is that it seems impossible to find a cute house dress. Why is it assumed that only elderly, hefty women would want to benefit from this wonderful item of clothing? I am not advocating wearing a house dress out in public (although there is no need to feel shame in wearing them) but in the comfort of your own home they can't be beat.

This is the start of a house dress revolution (or muumuu movement?). Drop your preconceived notions and prejudices, spend $2 at the DI and experience the liberating freedom.

"I don't want to look like a weirdo. I'll just go with the muumuu." - Homer Simpson

Farewell to Summer

Farewell to Summer

Recently I threw away the dirty, torn remains of our plastic blow-up pool. Much to my kids dismay, we had a very low key summer and as a result spent many hours enjoying our own backyard beach. It is amazing the fun they can have with a $10 piece of plastic. I would sit under the umbrella and read, so as not to burn my delicate skin, and they would slide, splash and attempt to swim in the 3 foot circle. When the summer toys come on sale next spring, I’ll be the first in line to buy the blow-up pool.

A few weeks ago I was inspired by my friend Emily, (who happens to be my cousin-in-law) and her beautiful “perspective” on sleeping in their backyard. (Listen here) Who wouldn’t want to have their own Midsummer Night’s Dream? Unfortunately, our house doesn’t back up to a vineyard, but instead to a bird refuge that looks more like a 3^rd world refugee camp, only with strange squawking sounds. And we don’t have a trampoline, so we made do with a tent and tarp (should have just stuck with the tarp) and instead of overhearing the sounds of Shakespeare, we listened to the train and 24 hour road construction. Pretty much the white trash version of a beautiful event. BUT, it was a lot of fun and I regret not doing it more this summer. So next summer I hope to have plenty of swimming and sleeping under the stars.