Life Should #20

Take pride in your appearance

It matters

I cannot stress enough the difference it can make in one's attitude, confidence, and self-esteem when (no matter how modest of an income) effort is made in appearance.  Understand, effort does not mean expense; effort means clean, tasteful,...appropriate.  Of course we do not need to dress nicely just for the sake of others (don't start worrying feminist friends).  Nor is running necessary errands in workout clothes the absolute end of the world in today's fast paced life.  And, I do applaud feeling secure in any outfit you choose to wear.  Yet, at the same time, we may have gone to an extreme in our leaning towards casualness in modern day society.  Dressing nicely when appropriate is a show of respect, on many levels.  Blanche Ebbutt in her 1913 etiquette guide said, "Don't dress badly, even if your allowance is small...there is nothing gained by being dowdy."  She is correct.  

[Thought to be considered while enjoying the simple yet elegant Chocolate Mousse (with whip cream).]