Should we be ashamed? No.

A guy once told me he couldn't date me because I like "fanciful shit." The comment sent me into a deep reflection that still isn't over. \nI like fanciful things (to be classy about it). What fanciful things? I thought about it. I like operas, clothes, hip hop and jazz, babies, good food and a good party. OK, I am like any other woman. Pigs will fly before I work on a farm or become a part of a fire department. I am not knocking women who enjoy those types of things; that just ain't me. \nWomen have been made to feel ashamed of being ultra femme or even just feminine. No hips, no fashion, no pleasure. I love the song "I Love Being A Girl" (by Tamperer), and I always will. There is nothing wrong with buying clothes if you are willing to work for a living. Should women feel ashamed of wanting to feel pretty?\nWhen you think about it, "pretty" is pretty expensive. There's the Lancôme silk lotion, the shopping, the wine and about five other activities -- legal and illegal -- fashion people dabble in. Yes, it seems like I'm describing women who have ducked adult responsibility in favor of sex, clothes and endless parties. There might be some truth to that, but it's hard work.\nPulling from my limited experience, I don't know one fashionista who doesn't work hard. In my opinion, Paris Hilton works hard, and she also has bills to pay. While we enjoy men buying us cute shoes or fur shrugs (hint, hint), we also enjoy working for it. Any woman with a passion for fashion will tell you we hate to sit around and wait for the deep magenta circle skirt with embellishments on the bottom. We want it now, and we will work for it. Any lady who is into fashion knows independence is essential.\nI pull inspiration from older, more seasoned women who are into fashion. There is my mentor at Ralph Lauren for telling me to add fuel to the fire, Tracy Reese for her beautiful clothing made for the ultra femme, Foxy Brown for her acceptance of her penchant for Gucci and her hot sexuality, one of my professors for saying we were not taking a final on a Friday evening followed by, "It just is not going to happen," and my grandmother for telling me that if I want something, I should get it.\nSo bring on all the fanciful things, the Lolita Lempicka perfume, the motorcycle boots and the nights at Tutto Bène. Just remember I am independent, so if you don't buy dinner, I will find another guy to do it.