By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
When in Rome….Guess I’ll head to the airport like so many of the other women I observed – not!
I understand that with time – mostly as a result of necessity – acceptable attire changes. As women, we are certainly the winners in this wardrobe revolution as we are no longer required to wear full length skirts and corsets as society once dictated. Sure, we girls don Spanx every now and again when we are trying to squeeze ten pounds of potatoes in a five-pound sack, but that’s solely by choice.
Top hats and waistcoats are no longer standard attire for gentlemen, although I personally appreciate a nice top hat and waistcoat. I assure you, however, that I could never get Mr. Kaminski outfitted as such.
I understand rules of acceptable attire have changed, and much of it is for the better. But when, pray tell, did it become acceptable in modern day society to sport around in public, particularly while traveling, in one’s pajamas?
Now I’m not talking about infants. An infant can get away with a good jammie-style onesie every day of the week. Heck, they come with matching head bands and socks. I’m on board with that. I’m talking about full grown adult folks walking around in broad daylight in public in pj’s – and slippers!
I flew out of Bush Intercontinental just this week, and boy, did I get an eye full. Now I’m know you’re thinking I was traveling in the middle of the night or very early in the morning to see such sights. That is not the case. I arrived late enough in the day to give folks time to dress in real clothes, but alas, I saw an alarming number of adults dressed for a slumber party at a public venue. What’s up with that?
Based on my observations, women were the worst offenders. I’m not talking kids or tweens or senior citizens. I’m talking full grown adult women sporting inch long manicured talons, hair weaves, copious amounts of jewelry and designer bags. Did they just give up after all that? Was it too much to actually put on clothes, too?
Many women also carried their blankies around with them. I understand the unpleasant nature of the chill, which is why I always throw a sweater or jacket in my bag when I travel. You know, like a grown person.
I always make an effort to dress presentable when traveling. Your fate, your plans for the day despite your best efforts to adhering to them, is really not in your hands. There are too many eventualities that can change while traveling, so I always go with the Girl Scouts and travel prepared. I go with pants, lest I get chilled, close-toed shoes because airports and planes are nasty, long sleeve blouses and a jacket or sweater in tow. My devices are charged, with back up chargers in tow, and my meds are in my purse, lest I miss a dose of anything mood altering. Plus, even at my age, I know Mother would snatch me up if I showed up at an airport dressed inappropriately and lacking the appropriate accoutrements. She still does not play about such as that.
It was all I could do, porch sitters, to not launch an impromptu survey with these sleepwear clad women. I had questions. I needed answers.
Apparently, my face while viewing such attire atrocities, revealed my quizzical conundrum. I’m not very adept at hiding my reactions. A sweet older lady sitting across from me, clad appropriately in slacks, close-toed shoes, a blouse and blazer, voiced my very concerns.
“You look very nice today,” she kindly offered. I thanked her for her kindness and of course, returned the compliment.
“Not like some of these other gals who can’t seem to make it out of their night clothes before leaving the house,” she continued. I nearly spit out my Diet Coke.
“Yes ma’am,” I replied. “It’s a wonder, isn’t it?”
We instantly bonded, Marian and I. You just never know under what circumstances you will meet a new friend. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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