Pockets

Today's topic: women's trouser pockets.

Because of the dress code where I work (and because I've worked there for several years) I own a decent assortment of slacks, trousers, corduroys, and khakis.  I will admit, I have my favorites (namely, a $13 pair of clearance slacks from Target...amazing that they were long enough), but I generally like them all (even the lime green ones!).  At the beginning of the summer, I was wandering through the fabulous BR, and came across a pair of beautiful slacks, and even better, they were on the sale rack, listed for $26.  So I tried them on.  They fit.  And for $26, I couldn't pass it up.  I approached the register, the cashier scanned the tag in.  $13 magically appeared on the screen.  I couldn't believe it.  $13 for a fabulous pair of BR slacks!  I wanted another pair, so naturally, I said, "hold that thought" and ran and got another pair.  I went home quite happy that day.

Fast forward to today.  While on a recent trip to the District (of Columbia) I purchased a pretty, short-sleeved wrap sweater, and clearly needed to pair it with a nice pair of slacks..  After arriving at work in my BR slacks and wrap sweater, I settled myself in, and set about unlocking my file drawers.  When I was done, I went to slip my keys in my pockets, fully expecting to encounter a slant pocket, only to discover (and remember) that these pants have slit (horizontal) pockets - so not functional in any way, shape, or form.

And herein lies my quandary, it's something I've thought about on several different occasions: why do clothing designers design women's slacks either with no pockets at all (horrendous!) or with minuscule slit pockets that barely hold anything?  If anyone knows the answer, please let me know.  In the meantime, I will continue to wish these pants had real pockets.

Martha Agrees

Yes, I get daily emails from Martha Stewart.com (several in fact).  Yes, I read them.  Yes, I like them.  And yes, I get daily emails from Martha Stewart Weddings.  In one recent email, Do's and Don't's of Wedding Registries were presented.  I logically had to read more, hoping that my opinion would be confirmed that it is (slightly) tacky to tell people where you are registered in your wedding announcement/invitation.  It's like saying, "I really like these stores, and I really think you should buy me THIS."  While the concept is nice, there must be a better way of presenting the information.  And so I give you this from Martha:

Don't Tell Guests Where You're Registered in Your Invitation

Once you have registered, give the information to immediate family and the wedding party, and let them spread the word. If you are asked where you have registered, it is fine for you to tell, but it is not proper to include registry information in a wedding invitation. Registry information can be included on a wedding website, as long as the actual name of the store is not included on the same layer; organize your website so that guests must click down one level to find the details.

Thank you, Martha Stewart (er, your staff) for coming out and saying what I have always thought; may many brides-to-be read your website and follow your advice.

School Days

When I was growing up, and then even through my last year of college, summer was always a cherished time, free from homework, papers, and most importantly, tests.  And then inevitably, every year, it happened.  Stores would send out their ads, featuring new backpacks, sharp pencils, shiny pens, and crisp notebooks.  The beginning of a new school year.  A growing angst would form in the pit of my stomach.  Who wants to go back to school?  I never did.

It happened again.  The ads started coming.  Commercials on TV.  The angst.  But then, suddenly, miraculously, my brain started to form around a new idea, "I don't have classes starting in a month."  Wait, what?  After being in school for 20 years, I don't have school?  How can this be?  The angst dissipates.  My mind relaxes.  A sigh of relief.  I don't have school.  I'm free.  No homework.  No term papers.  Tests?  Well, yes.  There's the GRE  looming in the future.  And maybe the LSAT.  And those of course will bring homework, and term papers.  But for now, I will enjoy the bliss of not being a student.