I mentioned the tradwives trend last week when I shared this video by Money With Katie - but Katie Britt’s weird speech in her kitchen Thursday plus International Women’s Day yesterday made me think of the topic again.
I feel very lucky to have grown up seeing women push the boundaries and achieve great things. I mean, I am from the Spice Girl generation! GIRL POWER!
Truthfully, I didn’t even really realize how much progress we’ve made and how far we still have to go until my adult life. I just always believed that I was capable of whatever I set my mind to! The real world will humble you real quick, right?
I learned so much in my independent years - they made me who I am and they made me a better partner when Adam came into my life again.
So when I see these tradwife influencers telling women that they should only aspire to rely on a man for everything and give him babies, I feel both sad and angry.
Let’s start with the anger - because I’m not angry at them for being a traditional wife if that’s what they want to do. That’s totally fine! My issue is that they are selling dependence and the patriarchy while benefiting from feminism.
Because without the feminists who fought for their rights, they wouldn’t be able to make these videos, build these platforms, and own their own digital businesses.
As for the sadness, I hate the idea of telling little girls that being perfect wives and mothers is all they should aspire to be. It takes me back to one of my favorite lines in Little Women:
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it.”
I talk a lot about societal timelines and this is really why. There’s nothing wrong with getting married and prioritizing family. But I hope we can all collectively remind women, and especially young girls, that they are more than who they are to other people. If you haven’t met the person you want to spend your life with yet, that doesn’t mean you aren’t interesting and smart and wonderful. And if you aren’t a mother yet (or ever!), that doesn’t mean that your life is less full.
So, happy belated International Women’s Day to all of us. Rooting for you, always ❤️
Weekend Links:
As you’ve probably seen, there are sales happening in the LTK app this weekend that includes 20% off at Abercrombie with code AFLTK! I bought this zip up last weekend (SO GOOD) and placed another big order yesterday.
Anthropologie is also offering 20% off (code: ANTHRO20) which means now is a great time to get their signature Somerset dress that comes in petite, standard and tall sizing. You can browse some of my other picks here too!
And don’t forget about Dermstore Sale! You don’t need a code for this one - but you can read about my recommendations here. Your favorites so far have been Sunday Riley’s A+ Retinoid Serum (my holy grail!) and Vitamin C Oil, Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant, U Beauty Resurfacing Compound (I hear this is unreal), and my favorite pimple patches!
I just got this nightgown from Macy’s and it’s so cute! I love how lightweight it is, plus it’s machine washable and only $59! I got an XS.
The trailer for The Idea Of You came out this week and I have so many thoughts! It looks different from the book but I’m still dying to see it.
Ulta launched their semi annual beauty event and today’s deals include 50% off my favorite bronzer! I’m also considering snagging the Fenty contour stick - I mean, half off is pretty hard to resist!
Carrot cake banana bread? That sounds like a MUST.
Since I’m well aware that my Golden Goose sneakers are stupid expensive, I always want to call out when they’re on sale - and you can get 20% off all full price items in the SSENSE app right now!
This new mini roller suitcase is so cute for kids… but also for adults going on short weekend getaways, right??
Also, who else is excited for the Oscars red carpet tomorrow?! If the fashion is great, maybe I’ll do a little bonus email with my best dressed list…
Beautifully said. 💕