Dress for your age?

Apparently, as we get older, women are supposed to follow certain rules when it comes to fashion. No skirts above the knee after a 'certain age', no sleeveless tops after a 'certain age'. I'm not even sure what that 'certain age' even is but I've decided that these rules are utter nonsense and here is why.

Most of these rules have more than likely been decided by men. Yes, women may write about them in fashion magazines, or share these ideals with their friends, but the ultimate source is probably from what men like or dislike on a woman. So actually these dressing rules are another form of control that men used to keep women in line.

OK, that might be quite heavy for a first point, but allow me to continue. How we dress should be an expression of who we are. Our personalities shine through the clothes that we wear. Even if trends don't bother us, that would still be seen through our choice of garments. Therefore, why should any rules apply at all? Our personalities don't always drastically change as we age (maturing from adolescent to adult aside) so why should our clothing? It's not realistic to assume that a woman goes to bed after a birthday night out in a leopard print mini skirt and awakes the next day needing to buy everything several inches longer just because she reached that magical 'certain age'.

Another thing that I don't understand is how these rules can apply when some people don't look a 'certain age'. There's a lot more help now to keep women looking younger, including creams, pills, lazers and needles. Women are growing older but not necessarily looking it. I'm lucky enough to have been told by a few people that I don't look my age (40 for any enquiring minds) so surely that means I could get away with particular rule breaks? However, do I look like I dress by the rules?  Most of my clothing has either a band or a comic book character on it. Even my work dresses have dinosaurs on them.

Which brings me to the main reason why I started this brain dump to begin with.

I bought a pair of leather like trousers recently. They fit comfortably so I was chuffed with that. But I actually second guessed myself and started to worry about what people would think when I wore them out somewhere. Yep, my brain started to overthink and I wondered if I was too old to wear them 🙄 (insert face palm here). Luckily this was for only a brief moment but it's amazing that I felt like that at all. That ideas like that are ingrained in (mostly) women so they question their fashion choices, not because of aesthetic or trend, but because of age.

As the world opens back up, I look forward to wearing clothes other than PJs or leggings (although I do have a cracking selection of lycra such as the pair above). As I approach that 'certain age' (or have I already reached it?) I hope to continue to dress in the same haphazard, 'looks like it was dark when I changed', manner that suits me. And if that means breaking a few age related rules, then so be it.... I hope you can join me 😁

Film Review - Godzilla Vs Kong

I haven't done one of these in a while so please be gentle.

Director: Adam Wingard

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle, Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown.

If you've been following the MonsterVerse, starting with the reintroduction of Godzilla in 2014, you will know that everything has been leading to this showdown.

At the end of Godzilla: King of Monsters (don't read on if you haven't seen it) our favourite giant lizard had defeated Ghidorah and was left as the alpha titan. But, as we all knew, there was one who stayed out of the monster showdown.

And here we are, back on Skull Island where Kong's home is now a Monarch outpost, and essentially a prison. We are introduced to Rebecca Hall's Dr Andrews and young Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who we find out has a bond with our favourite giant primate. The relative calm is interrupted by Alexander Skarsgard's character who wants Kong to lead a team to Hollow Earth.

At the same time, Godzilla attacks the U.S. coast, seemingly without any provication. However, Madison (Millie Bobby Brown returning from King of Monsters) enlists the help of friend Josh (Deadpool 2's Julian Dennison) and conspiracy theorist Bernie (played by Brian Tyree Henry) to find out what is really wrong with Godzilla.

Sometimes  with films like these, the major showdown is teased throughout but nothing happens until the final act. However, with Godzilla Vs Kong, it delivers on its promise of a gigantic fight, not once but twice. The effects are amazing, and both Monsters look spectacular (anyone who thinks otherwise is welcome to revisit the original 1962 version and then tell me how CGI has ruined films 🙄).

The human cast in Monster movies can sometimes be surplus to requirement, but most of the actors here are well cast (and are an improvement on the previous outings cast in terms of likeability) . Top mention for Hottle who is wonderful as Kong's young friend Jia. 

This film might be headlined by Godzilla but this is Kong's movie. We've focused on the king of the monsters twice now so it is nice to see how Kong has grown and changed since Skull Island. Don't let that put you off. I'm one of Godzilla's biggest fans but even I knew we had to see this from Kong's perspective to keep the audience's interest (worked for me).

I read some 'reviewers' comments before I watched the movie myself and I have to wonder what these people have actually been watching. If you are confused about the plot, or unclear regarding why these two titans throwdown at all, may I suggest you rewatch the previous installments. Everything has clearly led to this moment. If you don't understand how, it's probably because you weren't paying attention (or haven't seen the previous films, in which case, what the hell are you doing reading this 🤔?)

My only regret is my first viewing wasn't on a bigger screen (not to brag but my telly is pretty big, just not cinema big). It deserves to be seen as large as possible. I will definitely be watching it again once my local Cineworld reopens.

For anyone who doesn't mind seeing it first on TV, to quote someone I know, 4K is the way. This movie needs to be seen in the highest definition possible so the colours really stand out (you'll know what I mean when you see it).