To be conceited or big headed or have 'ideas above your station'! - all these things were so strongly discouraged when I was a child growing up in Scotland, that it was like some kind of epiphany when I realised it was OK to like to think about my appearance and my clothes! It wasn't vain, or remotely sinful, it was normal, and nice! I took great comfort from Linda Grant in her fascinating book The Thoughtful Dresser pointing out that all known societies decorate and adorn their bodies - both men and women. (So where does all the negativity come from about women and clothes? Men? Church of Scotland Sunday School? Dare I say it - feminists?) Or is it just me?
Comments anyone?....