The Other "B" Word

Image: here

Once in awhile, when I am watching the news at night a story will catch my attention and I will begin to obsessively research. Well last night just that happened. The story I am referring to discussed the efforts of a group, Lean In, to have the word "bossy" banned. The bossy label is something that has effected women for years with the perception that if you come off as too aggressive or "bossy" then there is a good chance that the people around you will not like you.

Even young girls are starting to get the message that participating and speaking up too much in class will earn her the label of overachiever which should by no means be a bad thing! I know that I have felt this sometimes as well. I mean, a lot of my quiet demeanor comes from the fact that I am simply a very shy person. However, I have observed how some of my peers reacted to the girls who were very active and vocal during discussions--judgmental, disapproving, joking looks. 

Through high school and my time in college so far, I have had to step up a bit in group projects and presentations due to the fact that a lot of times the people in my group were not very clear and organized in terms of what they wanted to do. I am happy that I have been able to boost my leadership abilities a bit, but at the same time the voice in my head is reminding me to take it down a notch and maintain my likability.

WHY IS THIS EVEN A CONCERN?! Why is the fact that I want to get something done in an organized way a bad thing? Why can't women be the least bit assertive without being labeled bossy or mean? Is society really still that insecure?

Here is an interview with the women at the helm of this effort!

<3 Ashley

What are your thoughts on the "bossy" label? What have your experiences been with this label?

Holiday Gift Ideas for Her

1.) Royal Blue Swing dress via Tidal Cool Creations

2.) Vienna Victoria bracelet www.viennavictoria.com

3.) Faux Croc Leather Pants via Tidal Cool Creations

4.) Bracelet via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com

5.) Pillows via Charisma Home Decor, www.charismahomedecor.com

6.) Heels via She Palace www.shepalace.com

7.) Heels via She Palace www.shepalace.com

8.) Bracelet via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com

9.) Necklace via White Haute Fashions www.whitehautefashions.com 

Hey all! Can I just go on record for a minute and say that I have already lost my mind due to finals. Seriously...I'm going a little crazy. As of last night I cannot even focus--the Disney sing-a-long that occurred in our room last night was proof of that. It was a nice little stress reliever though (if you ever find yourself crazy stressed, belting "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas helps!) Today's a new day and I have exactly one week until my first finals. I just need to organize my mind and develop some solid study habits. Time to prioritize!

Anyway, with Christmas coming up I'm sure I'm not the only one searching high and low for the perfect gifts. Above are just a few ideas for the lovely ladies in your life. I for one am a huge fan of the jewelry! You may recognize #2 from Vienna Victoria from this post here. That's still on my own wishlist!

<3 Ashley

That Time Pizza Was Made Sexy

...this is killing me. (Image: here)

Lately I've noticed a lot of conversation in the blogosphere on the subject of women's Halloween costumes. Earlier this week I read Lyndsay Rush's post on the Everygirl here and then I came across this post on the blog Nothing to Wear here. Both address the "sexy ____" costume. I thought I would share my view on it, no matter how un-earth shattering this may be. 

I'm the kind of person who goes absolutely bananas about Halloween. It was one of my favorite holidays when I was growing up--who wasn't a fan of dressing up funny and going door to door for candy?! Picking my costume was always a fun trip too. In my past I believe I was: a PowerPuff Girl, a Power Ranger, a Pink Lady, and a vampire queen. I tend more toward pop culture icons if you couldn't tell. Just because I've gotten older doesn't mean the same spirit is gone; last year I dressed as Audrey Hepburn and this year I will be donning a platinum wig as Marilyn Monroe--I think college will be my 'famous film star' years. 

As I've gotten older and bigger, I noticed the costumes for my age group getting smaller and skimpier. Now, personally I am not someone who likes to show too much skin. Not because I am fearful of it or anything, I just don't see it as ladylike. I also tend to actually despise the costumes themselves and how they are marketed. Can we talk about how there is "sexy" anything anymore--Sexy Nurse, Sexy Firefighter, Sexy Elmo, and my personal favorite, Sexy Pizza. Can we just stop? Sexy Elmo made me shed a tear but Sexy Pizza is where I draw the line. Not only do these costumes tend to look, let's be honest...not that cute, but it's also freaking cold on Halloween night! At least it is here in Pittsburgh. How people survive in those tiny outfits in 40 degree weather is beyond my comprehension.

I love this holiday and I love dressing up. But no longer do I rely on Halloween retailers to come up with my costume. Sure I get accessories like my wig for Marilyn or my gloves for Audrey, but the bulk of my costume comes from what I already own. Both this year and last year I had dresses already in my ownership! Let's face it, ladies pay WAY too much for those tiny outfits--pretty sure Sexy Pizza was around $60! Get creative, ladies and do something awesome for Halloween this year!

<3 Ashley

What are you dressing as for Halloween this year?