Southern Style: Our Sunday Best

The Southern Journal editorial in this month's Southern Living magazine got me thinking. As Southern ladies we've gone through a serious transformation over the years. Some of the changes are definitely good, and some are not. First came panty hose and hot rollers, then pantsuits---in church. We've abandoned slips and girdles, given up teasing our hair, blow dry instead of sitting under a bonnet hair dryer, and no longer use clouds of hairspray to hold every strand in place.

However, I miss the ritual of planning what the girls will wear for Easter Sunday. Early on, I would make something special. When I was growing up, gloves were essential. Later, an occasional hat was still part of the ensemble. New shoes--usually patent leather--were a must. Easter baskets left by the Easter bunny and the traditional egg hunt were just what you did on Easter Sunday.

I don't miss aprons. New brides always received aprons. My grandmothers always wore them, but I rebelled. I have several cute, 1950s models, June Cleaver-style aprons in a drawer somewhere.

I have this wonderful photo of Mae Mae, Annie Mae, and Sis Rona dressed for the afternoon with their hats on and pocketbooks on their arms. I wouldn't want to dress, complete with hat and purse, for an ordinary week day, but that was just what you did as part of that generation. I don't even like purses and certainly won't wear a hat!

I don't miss bedroom slippers and matching pajamas/robes. I don't own bedroom slippers, but that was a bone of contention when I was growing up. "You'll catch your death of cold if you don't wear your slippers!" Well, here I am.

I don't know from where the saying "never wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day" came, but I have no problem obeying. I don't even own white shoes.

Some of the transformation in Southern style that has taken place has been for the good. But let us never lose sight of the tried-and-true. To quote Valerie Fraser Luesse [Southern Living, April 2010], "But as we boldly march forward, let us remember that 'Mama 'n' 'em' knew a thing or two about style." Let us pledge to do our part to remain true to Southern style.

And that, my friends, doesn't merely apply to what we wear.

Countdown

Two more days of classes to teach.
Final grade meetings for student teachers in their first placements tomorrow and Wednesday.
Second week of advising almost over.
Meetings missed taken care of, notified, and/or postponed.
Desk somewhat clear.
House clean...for now.
Ready to leave for Texas!