Say it Loud: Lipstick Tomboy, and Proud

It takes a lot of effort to be a “girly girl”. A never-ending quest for physical perfection: Ones’ hair, nails, make up and attire must be impeccable at all times. Furthermore, who can overlook the tireless dedication to keep up with fashion trends, and the willingness to devote massive time and finances to maintain a flawless appearance? Many of these ladies take pride and pleasure in such pursuits, but what about the women who miserably strive to adhere to such standards – and the ones who basically ignore them?

There exists a category of women who function outside the boundaries of traditional femininity. Bohemian Chic, Lipstick Tomboy – call them what you will – but they fall somewhere in between the ‘classic tomboy’ and the ‘ultimate girly girl.’ Lipstick Tomboys aren’t clueless as to how to be ladylike. Undeniably feminine, they are free of some of the restrictions dictated by the stereotype of femininity. She’s the chick who won’t flinch upon chipping a nail while making repairs to the toilet, and still rock the ish outta her sexy black dress and fierce low-heeled shoes when attending an event of a swanky nature.

Not to be misinterpreted as a dig at our prim and proper, pastel wearing sisters; however, it is high time the Lipstick Tomboy received proper recognition. These brave ladies endure a good deal of criticism, condescension (and false assumptions as to their sexual preference) by resisting standards that call for her to inconvenience herself for the sake of what others.

So this one’s for you. All the ladies out there who either constantly struggle to conform to ‘girliness’ or those of you who simply say “f**k dat!” – holla if:

• You can’t remember the last time you bought shoes.
• Don’t see the issue with rocking the same pants twice in one week.
• If while on your yearly shopping spree, you are constantly on the look out for clothing made from material that rarely requires ironing.
• You do not use (or own) an iron.
• You’ve often been accused of being “laid back, ” or not being concerned enough about your appearance.
• You care more about the health of your hair than the style of it.
• Occasionally, folks have pointed out a hole in your attire and you act surprised (even though you know exactly how that hole was created, and how long it’s been there).
• You could care less what your eyebrows look like.
• If you think confidence is sexy, not clothes, shoes or accessories that make you feel stiff and/or feeble.
• Tend to despise pastels and floral prints.
• You haven’t worn a slip, or even seen one since you were 6 years old.
• You can’t recall the last time you read a fashion magazine.
• When you go out on the town with your girlfriends, they resent that you get more attention from the fellas even though they spent twice as long gettin’ all gussied up for the manhunt.
• Will not think twice about jumping into a pool, taking a hike in the woods, or any spontaneous act of fun that requires dexterity and exposing yourself to li’l grit ‘n’ grime.
• Never had a mani or pedi (or are not quite sure what exactly they entail).
• Don’t have a meltdown if your hair gets wet, or get a spot on your clothes.
• The older women in your life look that seem to look at you with a hint of pity are the same folks that buy you manicure kits, frilly scarves or, pink homely sweaters on your birthday.
• Are completely baffled by the form and function of church hats.
• Have an aversion to purses and multiple accessories.
• You think formal apparel resembles some kind of fancy straightjacket.
• While shopping, you are guided by what looks right for you, and what works for your wallet – you could give a crap about a name brand.
• Rarely ever wear make up.
• You are more concerned with what makes you feel good, than what others say make you look good.
• May as well pin a sign “I hate stockings” on your dresser.
• To you, style and comfort go hand in hand, end of story.

There is a huge difference between low maintenance and no maintenance. True femininity doesn’t come from what’s on the exterior, but the qualities we possess inside like gentleness, warmth, sensitivity. Lipstick Tomboys are clean, stylish and confident living by their own definition of womanliness. It’s not about “I don’t give a freak about how I look,” but “I don’t give a freak what others think about how I look.” Let that Lipstick Tomboy flag fly high. Despite what “they” say, you’ve got a lot to be proud of.