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The Skirt MAG

March 8, 2008
By EmilytheAuthor DIAMOND, St. Francisville, Louisiana
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EmilytheAuthor DIAMOND, St. Francisville, Louisiana
55 articles 20 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
Be who you are and say what you feel because those that mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind. -dr. seuss

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I will be the first to say that I am not materialistic. My friends label me as a goody-goody; my parents say I am conservative and modest when it comes to clothes. I don’t wear bikinis, and none of my skirts or shorts end above my knees. That is my choice.

So why, why did I feel so tempted? My family and I were in Target, and there it was, waiting. A skirt, specifically designed not to cover anything. It was tan and looked like something one of those anime schoolgirls would wear.

I checked my purse. The skirt cost $10. I had the money. I could buy it. I imagined walking into school and my pals’ jaws dropping. Guys would ask me out, and I would be happy. I could buy it – no, I should buy it.

I showed my mother. She was surprised but said it was my decision. My sister looked on enviously.

I went into the dressing room to try it on. So sure was I that this skirt would change me, somehow make me not what I am but what I wished to be. I slid my jeans off and put it on. Now for the decisive moment. I looked in the mirror. There I was – a geeky girl in a Superman T-shirt and sneakers. My glasses fogged up as I started to cry.

The skirt did not change me. Though it fit well and might make me look good in the eyes of ­today’s world, it was not me. I am not a girl who flirts or wears cool clothes to fit in.

I took the thing off and slid back into the ­comfort of modesty. My mom knocked on the door. “Emily, are you okay?”

I wiped away my tears. “I’m fine.” I looked in the ­mirror again and saw a blond skinny girl with dorky ­glasses and a ponytail. I saw myself.

© Marisa S., Alexandria, VA

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 341 comments.

XxStarBurstxX said...
on Aug. 22 2010 at 2:15 pm
I love this. I feel how you do..I sometimes feel tempted to wear those somewhat skimpy clothes, and sometimes I have but I just end up feeling uncomfortable. Don't bu upset for being comfortable and you..many people like you for that. And if some people don't then they miss out on knowing someone as honest out of the crowd as you.
Katie_Potatie PLATINUM said...
on Aug. 22 2010 at 11:38 am
Katie_Potatie PLATINUM, Leavenworth, Kansas
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There are no regrets in my life; because there is no time for mistakes. -(ME) Katie quote

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I connected immeidiatly. I've been there my WHOLE life. Just 2 years ago was my turning point. I'm a sophomore now and way different, but i cried in many of dressing rooms and I feel the pain. This is beautiful and I hope you never stop writing. =)
Annika-Katryn SILVER said...
on Jul. 31 2010 at 7:40 pm
Annika-Katryn SILVER, Fredericksburg, Virginia
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your story was beautiful, as you, yourself, are beautiful. thank you for being who you are, and for sharing you with us.
MercyChristine GOLD said...
on Jul. 31 2010 at 4:15 pm
MercyChristine GOLD, Oak Grove, Minnesota
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oh shnykeis!

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I know exactly how you feel- i feel uncomfortable in immodest clothing.  Way to go girl for staying true to yourself!

 

WritingLoverForever PLATINUM said...
on Jul. 31 2010 at 3:44 pm
WritingLoverForever PLATINUM, Bowling Green, Ohio
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Very evocative. I love it.
BrandieTamerian BRONZE said...
on Jul. 31 2010 at 10:31 am
BrandieTamerian BRONZE, Oak Park, Michigan
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powerful! i really love this! It's deep yet easy to relate to, and i love this piece!!!
deus-ex-machina14 BRONZE said...
on Jul. 20 2010 at 9:04 am
deus-ex-machina14 BRONZE, Stewartsville, New Jersey
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I NEVER dress like that, but I see people every day who do. Personally, I think the bravest people are the ones who have the dignity not to put themselves out there like that all the time. Great writing!!
pmkenzie said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 10:59 pm
pmkenzie, ,, Other
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LOVEEEEEE.!
MercedesXO DIAMOND said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 9:21 pm
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i love this.
Hippiechick10 SILVER said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 7:20 pm
Hippiechick10 SILVER, One Stoplight Town, Connecticut
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This story was true to heart, that clothes don't change who you are, that you will always show underneath glam and makeup and clothes. Great work! 

 

sarap611 BRONZE said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 6:50 pm
sarap611 BRONZE, Winslow, Maine
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Finally! Someone who sees wearing clothes the way I do! I am the same way and have the same beliefs about modesty. Your story is touching, I can relate 100%. Keep writing!
cassidyasalways BRONZE said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 6:14 pm
cassidyasalways BRONZE, El Paso, Texas
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Wow, this was so touching.. But more power to you girl! You don't need clothes to tell you who you are. And now you may be a dork, but later in life when people are still consumong their time with things that don't matter (like clothes) you'll be out in the world really making a difference. Don't let the world get you down(:
Lilliterra said...
on Jul. 9 2010 at 12:51 pm
That's my name too! I also have an article that I hope someone will check out. I like this article, I totally know what you mean. People say I have no fashion sense, but fashion just isn't really my thing.
brunett97 GOLD said...
on Jul. 4 2010 at 10:17 pm
brunett97 GOLD, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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hey!  i love your name. its awesome. my name is the same and i love it. your article is super. can you check mine out people? i need another girls opinion  :)
soletmar BRONZE said...
on Jun. 17 2010 at 4:36 pm
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honestly, i applaud you. seriously. its amazing that you have the courage to admit this to yourself. i am a strong believer that clothing is an expression of yourself. and yeah, some of my skirts are a bit short, but to me its just comfortable, and its not like trashy. however you feel yourself is how your clothing should be.
Fieldsofwind GOLD said...
on Jun. 17 2010 at 12:18 am
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It's always exciting to do something unexpected, but only if you're doing it for the right reasons. There's no need to change yourself to look cooler, so that boys will ask you out, so that you'll attract looks. Your talent alone is stunning, and enough to prompt someone like me [though I'm a girl] to crush on you. You have to believe that you're beautiful enough just as yourself [which sounds incredibly cliche, but is still true] to be worthy of love. I understand where you're coming from perfectly. I am terribly awkward socially and extremely frightened of people because I want so desperately to be liked. This is a great lesson to learn, but I'm sure you looked great in the skirt anyways. It's just that if you want an article of clothing to make you more appealing to the world, you're looking for the wrong thing. *pats on the head* Props for a lovely experience.
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you made a great desicision that lots of girls face, and you got an amazing story out of it. I love it!
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i think that everyone can relate to this story in their own way. great job!
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All i can say is WOW! (that's a good thing!)
HelloLove said...
on May. 26 2010 at 7:38 pm
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I couldn't have written it any better. :) It's like a strong connection between me and this story. Absolutely astounding!