Whenever I hear the phrase "it's been a long time comin'", I think of my friend Liz. She is easily one of the funniest people I know. Liz and I met in 1999, during our freshman year at NNU. We like to joke now about how our friendship started and truthfully, she is a great friend. But at the time, I was mostly interested in her friend Jeff. See, she was that cool girl who was friends with all the guys. I'm not going to say it's the only reason we became friends, but that may have had a little something to do with it. Funny thing is, she married Jeff! Anywho, in the midst of all our crazy college years Liz became one of my best friends.
In college I had a few amazing pairs of overalls. Yeah, I said it, overalls. I LOVED them. Sure, some of you may be getting instantly defensive about their obvious lack of fashionabilibty. (Is that a word?) But let's stick to the context of the story. It was 1999 folks and we were in Idaho. Come on. Here is where I should state that I realize that I wore overalls, shortalls, and caprialls (yes, that is also shorts and capris with "alls" built in) far too long. Far too long, like they were probably way out of style. I think I got rid of my last pair in 2003. I like to think I rocked 'em. It may have something to do with my height, I mean, I am short, it's cute (ugh, I hate that word) and I could pull them off. So don't hate.
Liz was constantly jealous of my "oves" as we called them. And they were one thing that she couldn't borrow due to our height difference so she was always on the look out for her own perfect pair. I should say that not all overalls are created equal. I'm not saying that they do wonders for your girly figure but there are some that are better than others. I think there are three important factors to consider when looking for overalls.
1. Length of straps to the length of your torso. This is important because you don't want the "bib" to hang too low and get all caught up in your chest region. Sure, argue with me that you don't have boobs, it doesn't matter, if it hangs below your boobs and you don't have any it only draws attention to that fact. If you do have a large chest and the "bib" is lower then them that could possibly be one of the most awkward things I've seen. So, make sure that the straps are a good length or that they have ample cinchability. You also don't want to have to cinch them too high, causing you to get "chocked out" by your bibs.
2. The side area of overalls can be dangerous, make sure that where they button on the sides is not super low. This may not be such a problem today but back when I was wearing them our shirts were shorter, often this made the possibility of exposing a couple inches of side skin a big risk. Sure, its nothing too revealing but I think it may be semi trashy. I'm thinking that in the early 90's when overalls were popular the bodysuit was a great way to avoid this problem. But unfortunately the bodysuit's popularity was short lived. (Maybe due to the fact that their level of discomfort cancelled out the level of the overalls comfort, therefore making the entire ensemble a wash) Also, the gap in the side of your overalls is something you should consider. I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of others being able to see down the side of my overalls to my ankles.
3. The butt. Let's admit it, a flat butt is not made for overalls but even the best booty can be completely lost in them. It's not a good style for anyone in this department. This is where you just do your best and swallow your pride. It's a small sacrifice to make for comfort.
Liz and I searched for three years for the her perfect overalls. I can't even count how many pairs she tried on. Nothing was right. Then when we all returned to campus for our senior year there she was...Liz...in overalls. She'd found them. And when we greeted each other her first words to me were, "It's been a long time comin' Melis, a long time comin'." And I had to agree, she had found the perfect pair. She had done me proud. Those darn things really were "a long time comin'". Liz left for Costa Rica a few days later to spend the fall semester abroad. When she got back I asked her about her overalls. She told me that she gave them away to her host sister. WHAT! Yeah, she really did. But let's be honest, at that point none of us should have been wearing them anymore.
Yesterday I had a "long time coming" moment. I purchased a french coffee press. I'm addicted to the beverage and the fact that I have not owned a french press until yesterday may shock some of you. I love it, it's amazing, and no, I am not sending it to Costa Rica, EVER!
Oh, it's perfect! And the best news...I don't have to worry about what my butt looks like in it! I would trade the perfect pair of overalls for a great cup of joe any day!
