Sunday, April 11, 2010

Let's Talk Denim

Denim jackets are a peculiar breed of jackets. The acid wash denim of the 80's and 90's is an interesting example or...


Perhaps you find this bejeweled beauty to be the definition of peculiarity when it comes to denim.



In an effort to not be seen as just a costume, the denim jacket above has taken a different approach; showing herself in all her glory, the Denim Blazer of the early 90's makes her appearance...


However, the best example of uniqueness and individuality is none other than the fringed number you see.


Despite the tragedies above, a simple, unadorned, classic like this jacket...
is a staple in my wardrobe. I wear my denim jacket with various skirts, dresses, shirts, dress pants, etc...never with jeans however (my brain simply does not understand that combo!!)

From time to time, Andy has been known to make a comment here and there in jest about my love for my denim jacket. I'll admit, I do enjoy wearing it. I thought nothing of this however until today, at church, about 15 minutes before I was to sing the solo in our "special music" during the church service, when I was still in pain from my 15k (which I'll blog about tomorrow) that I ran yesterday. You got the picture? Not feeling good, nervous about singing, etc.

This fellow church member comes to me (while I have my choir robe on) with a darling white cardigan and says "I was shopping yesterday and this sweater made me think of you!" I thought, how sweet that she would think of me and be so incredibly kind..and I even said as much. Unfortunately, the lady kept talking. She said, "How old are you?" to which I responded 24. She said, "I thought so. I have a daughter about your age and she sings at her church. Well her choir director is always telling her to not wear jeans and to dress more her age. And that made me think of you see...so I got you this sweater so that you wouldn't have to wear your denim jacket all the time." At this point I interjected, "Oh you mean the denim jacket I love that I'm wearing right now?" She responded, "Yes! I hope you enjoy"...then proceeded to take the sweater off the hanger, leave the price tag on, and walk away!

Now, as was later pointed out to me, people don't just buy someone a brand new sweater because they wanted to insult them. However, at the time all I could think of was REALLY!?!? I honestly believe the woman just thought she was being kind and trying to help me...who knows, maybe she thinks denim is too casual to be worn on Sunday morning. I have no clue, but it was quite the experience this morning!

I'd be lying if I said my little rebellious nature didn't come close to showing its ugly head. I'd be flat out deceiving you if I said that it didn't take me half the day to be able to laugh it off rather than being mad. But, by the grace of God, I was able to control my tongue, smile, say thank you, and walk away. However, on the off chance that she came to church tonight - which she didn't - I did wear my denim jacket again tonight.

On the bright side, (now that I can laugh about it, I see the bright side) this experience showed me a couple of things... 1) I'm improving on holding my tongue and not always speaking my mind! 2) I must be aware of how things I say and do may come across because I definitely don't anyone blogging about my blunders! 3) In a couple of years, I'll probably have enough anecdotes for a book! Candace, Angela - got any stories to share as fellow staff wives?

8 comments:

Crystal Jones said...

good news, & you have a new sweater. I love free clothes, you can keep them or share them with others.

Candace said...

I can't really complain... I'm sure there has been something, but I can't think of anything really other than....we do have some old men that creep me out sometimes trying to give me "lots of sugar."

Rachel said...

Candace, I think I would rather get a new sweater than "lots of sugar" :)

Annie said...

Rachel! You go girl!! I think I would have tried to tell the old woman off. hahaha! You did good!

Sarah @ Hippie Mommie said...

How rude! Some people have no tact whatsoever, and all you can do is laugh! :) So did you wear the denim jacket of the sweater for your solo? Or were you in your robe?

Rachel said...

Thanks Annie. Sarah, I was wearing my robe, but my denim jacket was on underneath! :)

Lee said...

That's about as patronizing as it gets. I would have had a hard time holding my tongue! Besides, I don't denim is limited to the teen crowd. All ages wear it! That is admirable that you didn't come back with a pithy remark.

Jennie said...

Rachel, I've worn my denim jacket on Sunday mornings, so I say keep on sister!

My funny story: Coming into church one Sunday in the Spring, I had a knee-length skirt on and no hose (I only wear tights in the winter, never in spring or summer), and an older lady looked down at my legs, back up at me, and said to me, "Silly Girl." Ha!