Feminine vs. Feminist

I saw a meme posted to facebook with the saying "Feminine is not anti-Feminist".

I immediately loved it!

Part of this weird experiment of mine is to examine if being/dressing more feminine influences the stereotypical idea that dressing more like a woman promotes misogyny.  In the relatively small time I've spent in a dress, I have found that in many ways it has been empowering.  I think that is why the above saying resonates with me, and I am not alone in this assessment.  While talking with a school teacher and me explaining why I have been so dressed up lately, she also said that she feels more powerful when she is in a dress.  Curious.

Could it be that accentuating the differences that define us from our male counterparts, is one of the things that can be used to gain favor?  And, is that anti-feminist?  I don't know exactly.  I do know that there are inherent physical differences between males and females, and I also know that women are every bit as capable as and should be afforded every opportunity that a man is.  Does ignoring those differences have to be a prerequisite to being a feminist?  Choices placed before women should be every bit as broad and available and we, as women, need to celebrate every opportunity to choose - even if that choice is made while wearing a dress!!

This was my dress for Monday.  It's actually a jumper that I have worn before.  I just added a vintage sweater over the top.  Either the dress was a little too bulky or the sweater a little too small.  I just ended up looking a little frumpy.  I do like the idea of throwing a sweater over the top of a dress.  It's a nice way to stretch your wardrobe.  Don't you love how the plaid and it's placement makes me look like I am expecting?  No worries, it's just a food baby.

I've also worn this gray jumper before.  I just switched out the blouse underneath.  I love this thrifted, orange, polka-dot, tie at the neck blouse.  It's everything I love all in one piece.

This is a dress that I made a few months back and today was the first time I've worn it.  It was made from a vintage pattern that I found.  I, personally, love it, but it is a little outside the norm - even by today's standards.  I spent the day with my friend, Wendi, and my oldest daughter, Emilee.  As we walked around City Creek, I couldn't help but feel out of place.  I think maybe this dress is better suited for another place/time.