5 Labels I Wear With Pride

I did a thing

I did a thing…

Since Gen Z is all about calling out Millenials for being losers, I have decided to reclaim some of their harmful labels. I don’t know if they realize that eventually, all of the trends that they’re into will become “basic” and “cheugy” and some younger generation will be making fun of them for wearing oversized clothes and looking like robots while they dance the same dance moves to the same songs as EVERYONE ELSE. Isn’t that basic?

In the ’90s, I wore bell-bottoms and floral prints while making fun of the photos of our parents in the ’80s because of their hairstyles and neon clothing. Fashion and trends are cyclical… although I’m desperate for the early 2000s to stay in the vault and never make a comeback.

Here are the FIVE labels I am reclaiming and wearing WITH PRIDE:

Old Soul. Last weekend, I went to the mountains with my family. The people in attendance were my mom and two aunts (aged 66-75), my sister (40), and my younger cousin (21). Despite just a 14-year age difference between my cousin and me, I had so much more in common with my aunts. We talked about books, TV shows we like, and the similar activities we enjoy. My sister was the very same!

I start my day with the news, and I read several newsletters at the same time. I love a good cup of strong coffee. I go to bed at 9ish and wake up at 6ish. On Sundays, I focus on my well-being and log off social media and avoid plans. I watch a lot of historical documentaries and read historical fiction. I thought Bridgerton was TOO MUCH. I live in New England because of its history and I lean towards tradition (so long as it’s not rooted in racism!) 

I love my inner Jo March!

Cheugy. This one has been going around the TikTok world, I guess, but I’m not cool enough to have heard it there. Although to me it seems a whole lot like “basic,” The Cut says, “Cheugy things, by definition, have a hard-to-pin-down, undefinable element — part 2010 aesthetic, part girl boss energy.” Okay, I get that. I’ve been into the whole “#girlboss” thing, even though it repels me because I’m also very tired. 

These are the so-called “cheugy” things that make me cheugy: side parts, leggings paired with a sweater, using the word “adulting” or saying “I did a thing” after doing something (like a haircut, or piercing your nose), FITTED JEAN JACKETS (what?), Mean Girls references, using hashtags, Vera Bradley travel bags (that’s not my fault because my mom got them for me and THEY HOLD SO MUCH), Steve Madden block heel sandals, wearing heather grey t-shirts, loving the month of October... and, well, improv. That might be the only thing I agree with. 

Basic bitch. Still don’t get the difference, but I’m basic too. I’m all about those ‘grammable moments like fall foliage drives and sunflower fields and group photos with the girls. I love a Madewell boot, and a large leather tote. I do yoga and barre and share memes on Instagram. Outdoor tiki bar? Tell me where it is and I’ll take a selfie there. Tie-dye lounge set? You know I have a few! 

I’m basic and I love it! 

Too much. I seemingly speak without a filter (but trust me, I do actually have one.) I say what’s on my mind, and not in an outspoken or political way, but in a random joke or song that includes my name in it, way. (I’m Patty and I know it!) If a meeting is silent, I will be the first one to speak up to encourage others to do so. I am socially awkward and just share my weird thoughts to break the awkwardness, only making it more awkward. 

Colleague: Patty, want to go to lunch? 

Me: I can’t! I have gallstones. 

If I like you, I like you. I don’t play games and I tell you exactly how I feel. I love my friends!!!! I text a lot. I laugh a lot. I have a lot going on inside this brain of mine and sometimes I am just bursting with energy. It’s just who I am. Take me or leave me. 

Curvy. It just sounds so much cuter than “thick” or “fat” or anything else. I appreciate my hourglass frame! Even when I’m constantly trying to alter it, or reduce the inches, I appreciate the shape. Except when I’m trying to wear something NOT cheugy, like an oversized sack dress, that does NOTHING for my curves. 

WHY IS IT BAD THAT I CAN’T ROCK A MUUMUU? HOW AM I ON THE WRONG SIDE HERE?!?! 

I FEEL LIKE I’M TAKING CRAZY PILLS.

Uh oh, quoting Zoolander is definitely on the Cheugy list. #OhWell #Mugatu #OrangeMochaFrapaccinos 

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