Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    I like jeans and turtlenecks and sweaters and sneaks.  I think if
    blouses were easier to take care of, and warmer, and a bit less
    revealing of detail, I'd wear 'em more.
    
    If I could wear ANYTHING and neither have to worry about money nor
    public reaction I'd probably wear dark-colored slacks or denim pants,
    soft blouses with masculine-cut vests, boots (I'd have many several
    pairs to choose from), tailored jackets or suitcoats, with hats and
    scarves to suit my fancy.  I'm not saying I'd like to look just like a
    man, but the idea of slacks and vests and suitcoats is nice, and to
    tailor them to women is a very classy touch, which can be accompanied
    or not by accessories as one wishes.  
    
    My inner eye (which I use when meditating or visualizing) pictures
    myself in chiffon-like flowing robes which are weightless and often
    seem to move more slowly than gravity would have them move.  The robes
    are white.
    
    -Jody
    

>    Anyway, I was curious what inner visons others may have that would
>    affect the way they dress if we could wear anything we wanted. And
>    why shouldn't we dress as we please? liesl

If I could wear whatever I wanted?  First, I'd shave all my hair down to about
1/2 inch and be done with it.  Then I would pierce my right ear all the way
up to the top and put in small silver rings.

Clothing?  In the summer, mostly nothing, perhaps light wraps.  Various
jewelry and some body paint for going "out".  In the fall and spring I would
dress mostly like I do no - jeans and t-shirts (although I would be less
inhibited about *which* t-shirts) and sneakers.  That's me, most of the
time.  Casual.  Inside and out. When I am feeling extravagant "me" means
loud.  *Bright* colors, sharp contrasts, dramatic black.  In the winter,
more of the same, plus lots of black leather.  Everything from jeans and
vests, to tight dresses and elbow length gloves.

"Me" is very flamboyant, very loud.  I would wear things that would shout
my presence, and show off as much of my body as the weather would permit,
and cover as much as what would make what shows exciting.   "Me" is noncon-
formist.  I would wear things to match my mood, not fasion.  The image I
want is *strong*...is bright and opinionated and full of personality - is
a love it or leave it image.

If I could wear whatever I wanted I would never again in my whole life 
wear another pair of panty-hose.  (Stockings, maybe.  Thigh highs, definitely.)

My ideal mode of dress is *nothing*.  I show my personality and mood with
how I decide to paint my body that day.  Today, for instance, is a red day.
Today I would paint geometric patterns matching the lines and curves of
my body, contrasted with some black highlighting (racing stripes?)  See the
cover of Modern Primitives for an example, except in red instead of dark
blue.  On a mellow day, just me, as naked and natural as the day I was born
(except perhaps for my [hypothetical] tatoos and various rings.)

Unfortunately this is *highly* socially unacceptable.

D! (who is still irritated that she couldn't go in the hot tub at the Xmas
    party simply because she didn't want to wear a bathing suit, and her mother
    was afraid the other guests would absolutely keel over at the sight of a
    naked female body.  As if mine would be the only one they had ever seen.)

    If I could wear whatever I wanted (and could afford):
    
    I'd be a cross between ---
    
    a 20's flapper (and in my dreams I'd be flat as a board too!)
    a Valentino Vamp
    Ralph Lauren outback look
    
    and when I look at period movies with a victorian influence, I go
    CRAZY over the clothing.  Without the corsets, I'd love to wear
    such feminine, opulent clothing.
    
    I know what you mean about having more clothing than I need.  When
    I look in my closet, everything in there was once something I just
    "had to have" on impulse, and the things that I wear constantly
    (whereas the impulse stuff gathers moths - ha ha) are the things
    that were either given to me as gifts from my mother or old
    hand-me-down antique clothing from great grandma, grandma, and my
    great aunts, or else the stuff that I saved for a long time to buy
    and went to the store consciously intending to buy the item.
    
    Guess I'll make a "new" New Year's Resolution -- besides quitting
    smoking, I'll stop "impulse buying"!
    
    Tammi
    

 He He He-

 I dress pretty much the way I want- and it's horribly unexciting for the 
viewer. For me, social acceptability takes a back seat to comfort, at least
90% of the time. This is why I wear jeans and t-shirts almost exclusively.
And either my high-top b-ball sneakers or black reeboks. Designer labels are
amusing, I suppose, but I look much less at the label than I do at the quality.

 I've never been a slave to fashion, and probably never will be. I always
snicker at people who just HAVE to wear the newest style, even when the new
style is just plain ugly. The best part is how out of it they look during the
next season with the same clothes... Since I'm never "in" fashion, I never worry
about being out of fashion. If you don't like the insides, the package will only
distract you for so long...

 The Doctah

    If I could wear anything I wanted without regard to fashion and
    tradition, I would like to wear evening gowns on a daily basis,
    to work, shopping, going out to eat, whatever, whenever I felt like
    it.  Most of these would tend toward Victorian in style.  I would
    like to be able to wear the dresses they sell for high school proms
    to work, as a 40 yr. old secretary, and have nobody bat an eyelash.
     Of course, I would wear tons of Victorian jewelry with it, and
    my hair would be waste length (if it would grow that long) and a
    couple of shades blonder than it is now.
    
    I would also like to be able to wear antique clothing from the
    Victorian era (long skirts, high necked blouses) and beaded evening
    dresses from the 1920's.
    
    Of course, I would always want the option of changing into my jeans
    and a concert t-shirt or a sweater whenever I felt like it!  (something
    the Victorian ladies couldn't do)
    
    This past Saturday I bought a blue velvet evening coat from the
    1920's, in an antique clothing store.  This definitely reflects
    the inner me, more than the outer me, because I have no idea when
    I'll ever get to wear it!  Yet I felt I couldn't live without it
    (hanging in my closet)!
    
    Lorna
    

    Since my attitude to clothing is indifference to looks
    combined with a passion for function, I tend towards
    work clothes and top quality outdoor gear. (I spend
    more on hi-tech thermal underwear than dress clothes.
    Heck, I don't *own* a suit, and my one blazer hasn't
    fit since 20 pounds ago ;-) )
    
    Of course, I'll never make Executive Row, but I'm comfy.
    And jeans are never 'out'.
    
    Dana
    

    Lorna,
    
    Yup, for looks, few things can equal the Victorian evening gown
    (especially with moderate corsetting), but finding that @#$%&*
    loop in the skirt so you can take even one step is a pain and a
    half.  You do mean post-hoops and post-bustle, right?
    
    I like pants with pockets I can shove my hands in, broadcloth
    shirt, maybe a vest, and comfortable shoes.  A fedora that fit
    would be nice.  (Anyone know of a shop that sells hats for boys?)
    
    Or maybe an oversized, sloppy t-shirt -- but with long sleeves --
    over a full circle, knee length skirt, and lined moccasins.  Or
    that jumpsuit that Andre Norton described in _The_Time_Traders_,
    with padded soles, in dark green.  Or the Belden gown from James
    Schmitz's _A_Tale_of_Two_Clocks_.
    
    							Ann B.

    G'Day,
    
    	I'm with D!, pretty much nothing most of the time around the house. 
    It would be nice to be able to do the same anywhere but I don't think
    we are ever likely to see that.  And just think, with these days of
    increasing UV (Ozone holes etc) how much fun it would be putting on the
    sunscreen before your morning walk, jog, run etc :-).
    
    David.
    
    

    I must say I've never really thought about it...I've always
    tended towards tailored clothing, which looks neat and
    well-groomed and...boring.  :)  I also have a strong need to
    blend in with my surroundings, so this makes some sense.  Of
    course, to offset that, I like bright colors...and hats! With
    feathers! I've got hats to go with suits, with dresses, with
    jeans...I guess if I could wear what I really wanted, it
    would probably be about as much of a mix as what I wear now. 

    re .2:  But D!, I *do* wear thigh-high stockings.  Every day
    (work day, that is), with my dress-for-success suits. ;)
    They're *lots* more comfortable than panty-hose -- I haven't
    bought a pair of panty-hose in almost ten years.  Even though
    I dress not to shock other people on the outside, I wear what
    I want to under it!

    -- Linda

    
    At home: nothing
    
    Outside:  White t-shirt XXXXXL (Froot of Loom 3/$5 or whatever)
    	      Black pants, or my lived in jeans
    	      And most important, Chuck's on my feet
    
    Dress-up: Black loose Turtle neckish top w/long sleeves
    	      Long thin black skirt (Mid-calf)
    	      Medium black heels
    
    Worst thing I could ever imagine wearing:
    	      Something strapless
    	      Something yellow
    	      Miniskirts
    
    Lisa

    What would I like to project from my inner image?
    
    Loose skirts that are functional, maybe divided skirts, and loose
    lousy tops all over with flowers, and my hair long and curly and
    with flowers in it...and sandals on my feet.. or long dresses with
    full sleeves, and shawls and wreathes, but everyone laughs at
    me when I dress that way..but that is the way I feel most comfortable.
    
    Second to that, jeans and TTY shirts, and jackets and either  boots
    or sneakers...in the winter a leather jacket..
    
    I don't understand fashion and proper dress for work - the only look
    I've achieved success at is the librarian/teacher look.
    
    sigh
    
    Bonnie

    Re .2
    
    I never buy pantyhose, always thigh-high stockings or stockings with
    my garter. Yes most of the people I have told this to were shocked 
    (I tend to be rather conservative in my dress).
    
    Re .7
    
    After years of frustration looking for a hat in the women's departments
    I tried the men's.  I find that a man's small fits me perfectly.
    Why don't women's hats come in small - medium - large like men's?
    I bought a great fedora at Eddie Bauer's last winter.            
    
    

    For me, high-necked ruffled blouses and mid-calf swirly skirts -
    kind of modified Victorian.  Barefoot.
    
    Alison

    Re The Great Panty Hose vs Garter Belt & Stockings Debate:  I am
    always so amazed when I hear women saying that they find garter
    belts and stockings more comfortable than panty hose!  I feel just
    the opposite.  When I was in high school in the early-mid-60's pany
    hose hadn't been invented yet, and I *hated* wearing those horrible
    garter belts we had then.  They were made of white girdle material
    and had white rubber knobs on them to attach the stockings to. 
    The knobs would always pop off and then the stocking would fall
    half down on one side of my leg, and make the knees bag out even
    more than they already did on skinny legs.  Yuck!!!  They were awful.
     When I first wore panty hose I thought they were the most wonderful
    invention of my lifetime so far, and I still think the only item
    to outdo panyhose is stick on sanitary napkins. :-)
    
    Lorna
    

As I said, "me" mostly means no clothes at all.  *However* I forgot to mention
that for special occasions/dress-up, when the weather wasn't warm enough, or
body paint not exciting enough for nothing, I would wear those sexy, slinky,
backless, strapless, whateverless bright red/bright blue/shiny black dresses
you only see in movies.  Oh I love those!  And I haven't the guts nor the
body to wear them, but that is what I wear when dressing up in my mind's eye.

Actually, this summer I bought a backless dress for the first time...in
fact, it is almost frontless too (covers very little belly region, just where 
the triangle from the skirt meets the triangle from the top, tip-to-tip.)
I've only worn it in public once, but boy, what a reception it got.  (A guy
I had only met once or twice came up to me and said "Diana, speaking as
someone who has been fantasizing about you from afar since I first heard your
laugh in 1985, that dress makes it hard to stay in the same room with you!"
:-)  Currently, I only hve the guts to wear that (and the leather miniskirt
with the zippers up the sides) at Player's Parties, but...

(Has anyone tried thosep paste-on bras?  They don't do much for women as large
as me, but they are better than nothing under backlesses dresses.  I just wish
they made them in sizes larger than B [which they claim is D]).

Oh, and another thing I forgot...when wearing clothes...big, loose, flowing 
skirts, the kind you can sit cross legged in withuot "worrying".  Damn hard
to find those!

D!

    My dream wardrobe tends toward the practical: well-tailored clothing
    that fits and lasts through several seasons, good material, buttons
    that stay on, zippers that last, hems and linings that don't sag,
    split, or fall.  
    
    I prefer traditional styles that span the current fashion, comfort wins
    out over trendiness.
    
    The bottom line is that I detest shopping and would pay almost any
    amount of money to find clothing that lasts and continues to look good.
    
    Marge
    
    

    I dress in jeans and sweaters which is what I realy like to dress
    in. If I wasn't worried about being disowned by my friends and
    family, however, I would perm and die my hair like the lead
    singer of "the Cure", except I would shave about 1" above 
    both ears. And maybe, just for fun, wear really bad make up.
    
    (Sigh..there's a punk rocker in me screaming to get out....) 
    
    Dee

    re .16 Marge, try Orvis of Manchester, Vermont. Sort of
    an upscale LL Bean's. 

    Thanks, I get the Orvis catalog.  Buy their bedding now; will check out
    their clothes.
    
    grins,
    

    Jeans.  Slim legged and tight.  Cowboy boots, (love my Dingos!), 
    with a stacked heel.  Chambray shirt, white man's shirt, open one
    button more than usual.  Blanket wrap, (which I've worn long before 
    anyone ever heard of Ralph Lauren except then people used to laugh at me).  
    
    Anything western or American Indian.  Anything leather.  Nothing
    "delicate" or "feminine", (read victim), but very female and toughly 
    sexy - unapproachable to all but the most confident.
    
    Off the range, skinny black leather mini, outrageously high black
    heels, high necked, long sleeved sweater to compensate.  And a free
    strut.  We always want what we can't have, eh?  I'm a small blonde
    but what I'd give to look like Iman - tall, coffee colored and gorgeous.
    
    No shiny clothes
    No polyester 
    Nothing yellow
    No little French maid outfits or cutsie-poo little teddies
       with gossamer lace that say this little baby-doll needs
       a big daddy to "help" her.  (barf).
                                                               

    ...and never, never one of those "dress for success" blouses with
    the big floppy bow at the neck, a la Jessie in the comic strip "Duffy".

    re .20, but, Sandy, *I* see little lace teddies as saying, "This
    woman wants a (particular) man to f*** her brains out!"  (not "help"
    her!)  :-)
    
    But, I agree about those blouses with the floppy bows!  Gag!
    
    Lorna
    

    Yeah, passive.  Do me while I sit here and do nothing except stare
    at my nails, myself in the mirror or perhaps I'll sigh once.  
    
    I like the clothes that say I'm going to f*** YOUR brains out!  (Not
    you personally, Lorna, cute as you are!  ;-)  Tight jeans.  Leather,
    Outrageous heat. An active participant.  Most 'lingerie' is too passive.

    heels, silk stockings and not much else for a bottom layer
    
    and then something with a long tailored skirt (black leather perhaps?)
    silk shirt with long sleeves high collar and about half the buttons 
    undone... And then maybe  some sort of cape to top it off.
    
    Elegant and understated, but definitely not passive! And full of
    contrasting textures.  One more thing - it's got to be easy to get
    out of.
    
    
    

    So what am I going to do with my two blouses with the bows on them! :-)
    
    Bonnie

    Re .23, well, Sandy, lace teddies may symbolize passiveness to you,
    but that doesn't mean that everyone who wears them is passive during
    love making! :-)  (Of course, I can only speak for myself!)
    
    Bonnie, nevermind the blouses with the floppy bows, what are you
    going to do with all your lace teddies?????!! :-)
    
    Lorna
    

    re:.25
    
    Donate them to my manager?

    looks like Annie got it all wrong again...
    
    <sigh>
    
    I _like_ silk and lace lingerie.  It doesn't chafe when I move.
    
    I haven't heard the term 'passive' applied to me in _any_ context since
    1971.
    
    I haven't 'done' my nails since 1974 and spend very little time
    contemplating them unless one tears down the middle.
    
    I don't dress specifically to reflect my tastes in lovemaking ... any
    more than I dress to reflect my tastes in lawn furniture ... which is
    to say that my dress reflects my tastes and I am a multitude which
    rarely reflects more than one aspect at a time.
    
    If I want someone to 'f*** my brains out' I'm just as likely to ask
    so as not to be misconstrued.
    
    
    Can I still be a woman of the '90s?
    
    or do I sign up for re-education camp?
    
      Ann
    
    

.28> ... any more than I dress to reflect my tastes in lawn furniture ... 

    How you dress, and decorate your lawn, and everything else, all
    reflect your "inner vision".  Sorry Anne, I don't even know you so how 
    could I suggest that you were a passive person?  I hope you're not 
    insulted by what I, (a total stranger), personally think about
    the standard, decoration-only type lingerie.  Talk about defensive.
    Silk and satin are fabulous fabrics.  Cheap, lacy, racy little ditties
    with cutsie peek-a-boo cutouts and lines where guys like to see lines
    on women look no different to me than a tacky christmas tree.  I
    just have an aversion to seeing women "decorated" like birthday cakes.
    It's right up there with the little sweaters and booties on poodles. 
    ("Heel, honey!")  That's what *I think* makes it *seem* passive *to
    me*.  No slander against anyone reading this is intended and I am
    fully confident I wear stuff plenty of people find ridiculous.
    Let's lighten up.

    re.31
    
    Actually I _was_ being light.  I rather felt that any discussion that
    equated lace with passivity would have to be light-hearted.  Certainly
    I did not take you remarks as being personally directed; and even had I
    done so I would not have felt that my tastes in lingerie where in need
    of defense.
    
    I don't think tastes need defending.
    
    As to my lawn or my clothing reflecting my inner vision, they do not.
    My inner vision has little to do with my outward manifestation.
    
    For instance my inner vision of my self tends to be taller than I am. 
    Not because I wish to be tall, mind you; but in western cultures size
    and significance are often tied together and I do not find myself
    insignificant.
    
    But I imagine you already guessed that. Right, :^) ?
    
      Ann

    in re Lorna -
    
    I only have one lace teddy, well actually it is a camasoile (sp???!)
    thingie, and I'll continue to wear it in appropriate situations! :-)
    
    Bonnie

              <<< Note 911.28 by SELL3::JOHNSTON "bord failte" >>>
                                  -< oh dear >-

    Ann,

    I think your ability to reassign traditional associations based on 
    practical considerations and personal tastes *makes* you a woman 
    of the '90s.  *Open* that re-education camp.

	Sharon

    Yup.  To each their own.  That's what inner visions are all about. 
    What's IN you, inherently.  And that needs no defense, and no
    justification.
    
    Chacun a son gout, or whatever
    
    -Jody
    

    A suggestion to the contributors, if I may:
    
    "To each their own.  That's what inner visions are all about."
    (Thanks, Jody)
    
    'Twould seem to me that this should be the theme of this string.  But,
    if so, there's really no place for anyone to criticize, even by
    implication, the inner visions of anyone else.
    
    To imply that silk and lace and "decorations" equate with passivity is
    to imply that anyone whose inner vision is silk and lace and
    decorations IS passive.  I know I personally have felt put-down by some
    of the replies here, 'cause in your descriptions of what you wouldn't
    be caught dead wearing, you've just described my wardrobe!
    
    If it's not for you, that's fine.  I've felt that way about some of the
    replies here.  But I won't put those repliers down by indicating I
    think their "inner vision's" taste in clothing is tasteless or 
    policially incorrect.
    
    That's not the purpose of this string.
    
    Karen
    
    P.S.  Geez, I was having fun with this note until we got started on
    (gag) "what my inner vision isn't."

    What's in the budget:  jeans with men's shirts, t-shirts, sweat shirts;
    a good pair each of boots and shoes(the chunky work shoe); baggy tops,
    although I've gotten anal about tucking everything in; the perfect
    pull-it-all-together item--right now it's my favorite Christmas present
    --a stunning coat found in Bonwit's which screams "Audrey Hepburn".
    Lots of black with a splash of purple or shocking orange.  Man
    tailored, yes.  Several watches.  Lots and lots of hats--one can never
    own too many.  Natural fibers or rayon.  No polyester with fru-fru bows.
    Pockets always--I like to be self-contained (no purse).  Lace teddies
    are too itchy, but lacy black undies can be fun.  NO BRAS. 
    
    The dream wardrobe:  clothes from London and New York to go with the
    Levi's; more boots and shoes (Italian and Spanish); lots more hats from
    around the world; silk undies. 

re: Sandy

>    Yeah, passive.  Do me while I sit here and do nothing except stare
>    at my nails, myself in the mirror or perhaps I'll sigh once.  

 Actually, I find the exact opposite to be true. When my partners have worn 
satin & lace, they have been _more_ aggressive (includes pre-marriage days).
Presumably they were stimulated by wearing clothes that simply exude sexiness,
and allowed their innermost sexual feelings to come to the forefront.

>    I like the clothes that say I'm going to f*** YOUR brains out!

 I can imagine you do! :-)

re: Ann

>    looks like Annie got it all wrong again...

 Don't think so.

>    I _like_ silk and lace lingerie.  It doesn't chafe when I move.

 There's nothing wrong with that. Just because a few people find silk and lace 
to indicate passivity doesn't mean that it must for everyone else. No need
for guilt by association here. :-)

 The Doctah

I think I've figured it out, finally.  I'm just not as sensitive as
most other people.  I'm genuinely amazed that my dislike of certain
items of clothing makes people who like them, squirm.  Perhaps I'm one 
of the few who truly *does* believe "to each his own" because I take it 
as a given that no one would *really* be bothered by what some unknown
stranger doesn't like about their clothes!  Do you all really think you have
lovely wardrobes perfectly acceptable to everyone?  It seems only if
you think that can you take offense when you find out, (from my "surprising"
revelations here), that it just ain't true.  Different strokes.  How
come so few other people in notes seem to really accept that?  I get
the impression I have no right to say what I don't like because someone,
somewhere, may not agree with me.  Good heavens.  That would be a real
shock to the system to find *that* out!  :-)

I wouldn't in the least take offense if someone wrote that they thought 
tight jeans and cowboy boots seemed "aggressive" or even "butch" to them.  
What the heck do I care?  I wouldn't be able to GET dressed if I worried
about making sure I didn't wear anything that no one else liked.  You
have to be living a supreme fantasy to have your bubble burst upon finding
out your personal clothing choices aren't the first choice of everyone
else.

I just assumed everyone else was also comfortable with their choices in 
clothing and didn't require constant validation of the "rightness"
of their choices.  There is no "right choice" and I suspect the ones who 
take offense must subconsciously think there may be.  My mistake was in 
assuming everyone else was satisfied and confident enough with the choices 
they made from their inner visions to withstand the revelation that some
other people wouldn't make the same ones.

So now I know where all my notes go wrong, not just this one.  I'm too 
"live and let live" for most people.  I'm too much, "here's mine, what's 
yours?".  Because too often the response is, "Whaddya mean, that's yours?  
How DARE you!  Explain yourself!  You have no right to say that", and so on,
when the response I generally expect is, "Hm, well here's mine".  

I don't make the pronouncements of absolute right and wrong and I'm really 
surprised that many people react to me as though I had.  Why give me that 
power or assume I have it?  I'm no different than you except I'm more
open about what I think.  And maybe that's because I'm satisfied with it and 
not so vulnerable to the negative thoughts of strangers that I need to 
believe there are none or at least expect to always be shielded from them.
    

    to get back to .0
    
    > how would [my] inner vision effect the way [I] dress?
    
    By implication, I would have to expose some of my inner vision to the
    outward view.  My inner vision of myself is of strength, serenity,
    freedom, love and art -- in short Beauty.  Obviously these are
    abstracts that can take on many faces.  So any outward manifestations
    of this inner vision are, perforce, a bit chameleonlike.
    
    A member of our community once said to me, 'you look _very_ different
    dependent upon the context.'
    
    The inner vision of freedom manifests itself in garments that are not
    confining.  I like large sweaters or loose shirts and leggings rather
    than t-shirts and jeans.  I tend toward large sleeves and full [or
    short] skirts that do not restrict my movements.
    
    The serenity aspect leads me to natural fibers, soft ones for
    preference, because I get cranky when I itch or sweat.
    
    Probably my fondness for stark black, white, metallics and bright
    colours stems from my perception that they are strong.  But I also have
    an underlying love of the browns and greens and ochres and sands of the
    Earth, which is also strong.
    
    I decorate myself and my clothing as the mood strikes.  But I have a
    fairly well-disciplined mind that knows that the inner me _is_ and that
    the outer world often does not interpret the externals in the same way
    as I do; hence, I _do_ keep an weather-eye on the prevailing social
    winds and accept that an unbridled flaunting of my tastes may not gain
    my ends.  Sometimes I only show that part of me that will gain them.
    
    I wear nothing and own no clothing that doesn't please me.  I created a
    grey 'power-suit' and a white sarafan embroidered in silk arabesques
    that I love equally and are both reflections of the essential me.
    
    But still my inner vision's most physical aspect is my hands, which are
    not beautiful and almost completely unadorned, because they _do_ and
    _create_ things that I see in my mind's eye.
    
    > why shouldn't we dress as we please?
    
    By all means we should.  But we should accept all consequences for the
    way we do.  In life there are consequences, good and bad, of our every
    action.  And there will be so long as we are all unique individuals
    with unique inner vision.
    
      Ann

    Sandy, I hope you didn't think I was upset that you don't like lace
    teddies.  I think I basically have the same live and let live attitude
    towards dress that you have.  It's just that when you gave your
    opinion of lace teddies, I wanted to express my different opinion.
     But, I wasn't upset about it.  I want you to know, Sandy, that
    I don't give a damn what you or anybody else in this file thinks
    about my clothes. :-)  As far as I can afford it, I love the way
    I dress, and I love that I take a size 3. :-)  I wish everything
    about my life pleased me as much!
    
    (Also, I like boots, but not cowboy boots, but I do *love* tight
    jeans on well shaped people of both sexes.)
    
    I think it's interesting to read everybody's innervisions.
    
    Lorna
     

    I think one of the reasons that it got uncomfortable in this topic when
    people starting saying "not that" or "not that", is that inner visions
    equate, at least to me, to our own inner ideals.  I'm getting used to
    people knocking my outer thoughts, but inner visions are somehow much
    more personal, and things can get weirder much faster when we're
    talking about inner things, rather than more outer things.
    
    -Jody
    

    [Is this a place for men too?]

    Sometimes I like to fantasize about skin tight black leather
    pants, a black buttonless leather vest, legs spread and my left
    hand in the waistband of my pants. Hair down around my shoulders
    and a direct look that says...

    Other times I think of loose blue silk breeks (tight waist,
    flowing) and a nice linen blouse. Hair tied back with a blue
    ribbon. Perhaps a cape.

    Then there is skin tight violently colored lycra (red, black,
    electric blue), top and bottom, soft black slippers and
    weightlessness.

    One I've learned that I like is full formal evening regalia.
    Slim tailored black pants with a satin waistband and satin
    stripe down the sides. Small polished ankle boots, a white
    cotton shirt, perfectly tailored pleated not ruffled. Small
    black tie, onyx and gold studs.  A black evening coat (no vest)
    medium lapels with one rosebud. A delicate flute in one hand,
    filled with Roederer Cristal.

	-- Charles

    re: .43 (Charles)
    
    *whimper*....how long a drive is it to California ?!!!?
    
    -Jody
    

    re .0
    
    You have described the ultimate in clothing for men.  Unfortunately
    women of that period had quite restrictive clothing.  But that era's
    clothes for me was definitely the best in terms of attractiveness -- 
    they say all styles comes around agin.  Sure wish this one would.
    I think a lot of guys would enjoy the colors and textures, but on the
    whole the world is not ready for it yet!

    For me it would be silk, all under. To me there is only one thing
    better than silk gently touching me all over :-).  When I feel good all
    under, I feel good all over. I don't care if noone knows what I'm
    wearing, or likes what I'm wearing, as long as I feel good. 
    For public appearances, I like long flowing garments, kind of lose
    fitting. I would like to wear mid calf to floor length skirts or wide
    legged pants all the time and silk blouses.  At home I would like to
    wear silk pajamas and caftans. Also, I would want silk sheets on my
    bed. 
    Gosh!! this is fun.

    After reading all the replies to my basenote I've been trying to
    imagine all of us at work in our "outfits". It'd look like a costume
    party. Wouldn't that be fun? Of course all of you who prefer the
    "natural" look might still cause a sensation! Though I admit to
    wondering around the house in summer sans clothing when no one ele
    is around.

    I agree with those that love silk. That fabric was made to be loved.
    liesl

>    the next time you come east...lets have a 'come as your inner vision'
>    party for =wn=

Uh...my 'inner vision' is illegal.  I suppose I could come fully clothed
and strip when I got there.  Do you think that would be okay?  :-)

And I agree with people who love silk.   I got my first pair of silk
underwear about a week ago and *loved* it.  Especially under jeans!
(It is a black silk sort of boxer-short style panties.  Hard to describe,
tho I am sure there is a word for the type.)

D!

	Gosh, I wish I could share you people's enthusiasm for silk.  
	It's a thoroughly luxurious fabric that really does feel too 
	sensual for words.

	I have a slight physical affliction, however, which prevents
	me from wearing silk.  It's called Silkperspititis.  I only 
	need _CONTEMPLATE_ wearing silk to start sweating profusely!
	Someone was talking about silk undies (which I can wear OK),
	silk clothes, and silk sheets and I practically was soaked
	with underarm perspiration just reading about it.

	Destined for cotton-blends forever,

	Carla

    D! - 
    
    They're called tap-pants. 
    
    
    Since this topic started I've been trying to figure out what my inner
    vision is.  It's so varied that I decided to take the outer-under wear
    tack and go with two visions to incorporate my inner me.  
    
    As far as outer wear goes I see myself in strong, solid colors - black,
    white, true red, emerald green, saphire blue.  The only patterns to the
    fabric might be a geometrical design in sequins in contrasting colors
    or the same shade.  A sample outfit would be a black velvet skirt,
    top-of-the-knee length with a 6-inch slit up the back, a white satin
    tuxedo-type blouse, unbuttoned to make the most of my cleavage, and black 
    hose with a back seam decorated in rhinestones.  Oh - and heels - black
    suede with rhinestones across the heel.
    
    Under all of this would be a something very minimal in white or pastel
    pink silk and lace.  Probably a corselette, panties cut high on the
    hips and garters.
    
    Nanci

D!

>Uh...my 'inner vision' is illegal

Hahaha.....you aren't the ONLY one!  ;-)

>It is a black silk sort of boxer-short style panties.  Hard to describe,
>tho I am sure there is a word for the type.

Speaking of silk tap pants, I have some on! ;-)  (Pink, I know it's hard to
believe, but I DO wear pink).


My inner vision is of me at about 20 lbs lighter than I am now (which I'm 
on my way).  It's of me in a royal blue leather outfit.  Form-fitting
top-of-the knee skirt with a slit up the back, and a leather top that is
like a double breasted jacket, crossing low in front, with a notched collar and
long sleeves, narrow at the wrist with no cuff, pushed up slightly on my forearm.
Solid gold and silver bangles on my wrists....a gold chain (that
looks like a chain...with links) around my neck... black silk hose on my legs
with a shimmer to them....very sheer, with a seam up the back, held by a 
black satin garter belt around my waist....no other lingerie at all, just 
the garter and hose.  Black velvet pumps with  silver around the base of the
heel...............my makeup very bare, in soft rose on my eyes, navy liner,
black mascara...............a scant blush to my cheeks in a copper color
to make the glowing tan of my skin, and a brush of copper barely hinting on
my lips.....my hair spiked softly with wisps of bangs falling gently over my
right eye, all the way to my chin, giving the allusion of mystery to my look.


But then again, I quite often dress to my inner visions.....I just wish I 
owned this dream outfit. ;-)


Wildkat

D!

>Uh...my 'inner vision' is illegal
    
    Not in Vermont, well as long as you aren't being lewd.  Merely being
    in the altogether doesn't count as lewd.  
    
    To find out where the no-tan-lines crowd hangs out in the summer you
    can peruse the Naturism conference (MOIRA::Naturism).

    re: the party idea.
    
    Yeah, I chatted w/Bonnie and some others about a "come as you aren't
    party" (or "come as you would like to be" or "come as you REALLY are"). 
    This sounds like it would be a fun thing if enough people played along
    to the degree they're comfortable with...
    
    -Jody
    

    considering that one of my more elaborate flights of fancy resulted in
    a creation of velveteen and wool [complete lined in satin] sporting a
    modest train to be worn over a linen petticoat [read underdress] and
    a a French Hood...
    
      Ann

    My inner vision (when I have the bod and the money) is to wear Armani's
    casual designs.  Other than that I would be in seventh heaven in an Aussie
    design - Country Road for Men.  I adore mens clothing and wear it most
    of the time.  To wear all those Kate Hepburn clothes from her earlier
    films - very masculine.
    
    To live in jeans, chambray shirt, oxford cloth or t-shirt/sweatshirt
    and loafers.  Sometimes just for the heck of it, a pair of high tops
    instead of the loafers.  And to top it off, no underwear!! (^'    
    
    Half the vision is there in that I don't own a skirt or dress and don't
    plan on it.  I love pants.  My hair is already there, makeup is at a
    minimum, I wear all my favourite colours, odd earrings, outrageous sox
    with all my pants, and always wear what I want - so I just need the bod
    and the money.  Anybody feeling generous? (^'
    
    ...dale
    
    

	I sense an enormous difference between how I'd dress if I had
	my druthers (and loads of cash!) and how, when I look inside,
	I see my Inner Self.

	My Inner Self is immensely feminine.  She has long, flowing,
	thick wavy red hair, wears wispy white clothing such as loose
	baggy pants and an enormous soft white blouse cinched at the 
	waist with a bright green sash, small flowers in her hair to 
	bring Mother Earth as close as possible to her, and she likes 
	sitting on dark jagged rocks while violent ocean waves crash 
	against them and lightly mist her face.

	My Inner Self goes barefoot.  She wears a small silver loop
	earring in one ear to signify her oneness, which is the only
	similarity my Inner Self and my Outer Self seem to share at
	the moment.  I really like her.  In fact, I even wrote a poem
	for her once!

	Carla

    Clara,
    
    What a beautiful image of yourself. 
    
    denise

	The outfit is my Roger Rabbitt "I'm Innocent!" tee-shirt which
	comes halfway down to my knees, loud Jams that are barely 
	showing underneath, white high-tops with grey trim and pink
	shoelaces (either unlaced to be totally cool, or with those
	spring-action plastic things that keep the 2 laces together
	at the top), and matching pink socks that end just above 
	the hightop.  And one of those sports-bras w/ an ace bandage
	that smush everything as flat as possible so that it's not a 
	loud "I'm a girl" statement.  

	To complete, place extra-nubby outdoor-type basketball between
	palm and hip.  Look tough; don't immediately say yes when 
	a high school kid asks you to play; look him over first.  

	Then have fun covering a gorgeous, shirtless, sweaty guy
	(shirtless because the other team is automatically "skins"
	 because my team always has to be "shirts" :-).

							nancy b.