Never Dress Down and Never Make Coffee

I love Tivo service, because between Tivo and cable's propensity for running marathons, one can watch an entire season of a show in one fell swoop. Or a couple swoops. Whatever.

While I am doing crafty things that require most, but not all, or my attention I like to put on "brainless" TV in the background. This past week or two it's been Project Runway (great to inspire me to sew, as well.) Tuesday night I was watching what turned out to be the first episode of the season, where they introduced all the designers. When they got to Laura Bennett, I turned my attention away from the dog sweatshirts I was sewing.

I never dress down. I think that when you're 42-years-old and you have five children, it's a slippery slope into sweatpants and a Minivan. So I just don't go there. -Laura Bennett, Project Runway

Yep, she's a role model. A style icon. I love her designs and her personal sense of style. She comes off as very French Chic (well, until you meet her children, but she takes all of that in stride). I adore the fact that at 8 months pregnant she strode down the runway in heels and a cocktail dress. Not waddled, strode. She looked glamorous and strong, and even when she was portrayed as haughty or critical, she never came off as whiny or victimized, as so many women on reality show contests do. Brava! Laura, I'll be looking for more from you to continue to inspire me!

Another role model of mine made the media this week as well. The Cincinnati Enquirer ran an article on Ramadan feasts, and her photo was featured on the front page of the lifestyle section. Danya worked with me for a time, and made a great impact on my outlook as a professional, as well as being wonderfully supportive of my personal improvements. She was a great proponent of breaking the glass ceiling with feminine grace. "Never make coffee", she told me once. "Don't order sandwiches for the meeting, especially if you are the only woman. You want to set yourself up as equal, not servile." (I'm paraphrasing, of course, it was over a year ago she said this to me, but I remember it!) She is a powerhouse and an inspiration, and, naturally, filled with grace and style. I would never emulate a slob.

It is so important (and so French Factor) to have positive female role models. Some of my role models are unusual, but I have my reasons. I try to look to a mix of celebrities, incidentally famous people (like Laura, the reality show contestant) and Real People for inspiration and guidance. This helps to keep me on track to a positive, healthy future!

Posted by foxydot at October 20, 2006 9:00 AM