I'll never be...

Much to the chagrin of my friend Todd, I'll never be one of those trendy women who know exactly what to wear and wear only the best designers. 

I'll always shop at Target and my purses will be knock-offs. Not because I want to look like I'm trendy, but because I like the style of whatever bag I'm carrying. My shoes will never be Choo or Louboutin. Although, if there's a cheaper replica of a style I like, I may buy it. Not saying I won't ever own something designer, but if I do, it'll be because it makes me look good, not because it's expensive.

I'm usually a step behind when it comes to the latest book or movie. I didn't read the Twilight series until after I saw the movie. I didn't read The Help until it was in theaters. I still read the book first, mind you but it was months after it became THE book to read. 

I was never one of those girls in school who had to have a Guess label on my ass or a Keds label on my foot. In fact, I remember being teased mercilessly about my "generic" style in school. It was miserable. But I never folded. 

I'm the woman who will happily boast about catching a good sale rather than bragging about a $700 handbag I paid full price for. (Mainly because I will NEVER pay $700 for a purse.) I'm not afraid to use coupons or wait in line for an early bird special. I don't consider myself cheap, just thrifty.

As a writer, I'm always nervous about my storylines being original enough. I once asked an author acquaintance of mine "How do you come up with such authentic storylines that haven't already been written?" She told me that every storyline has already been written. You just have to add new characters, twists and original touches to them to make them your own. So even what I write about will always be second-hand.

My furniture is, too. Second-hand, that is. And that's okay. I don't want leather sofas or high-end tables people don't feel comfortable using. My carpets are worn, as are my linoleum floors (that's right kids...not tile...linoleum). I take great pride in the fact that the flooring I used when remodeling my bathroom cost me $8. Not for each piece...the WHOLE floor.

I'll never be someone who demands the best money can buy - not because I can't afford it, but because I'd rather spend my money on other things I enjoy. I want to spend it on my family...my friends....traveling to new places...surprising loved ones with things that mean something to them. I may never own a Coach bag, but if I were to find out my bestie wanted one, I'd make it happen. 

I'm original. I'm me. I don't make apologies for my snagged rugs or the water rings on my coffee table. My house will probably always smell faintly of cats or dogs...and probably burnt popcorn. It's who I am, kids. I'll always be this way. 

I may make it big one day but when I do, you can bet I'll still be wearing my Danskin sweats and that t-shirt I own that says "Mess with me, mess with the whole trailer park." It's who I am.

I don't need a designer label to determine my worth. My friends do that.

** Let me make clear that I'm not judging those who want designer things or buy $700 purses. If that's what makes you happy, then by all means, do it. All I'm saying is that it's not me. :)