This morning, en route to work, I overheard my first little old lady saying 'it's time to put on the thermals!' And people found this rather funny. But she wasn't wrong; it's getting pretty nippy out there.
But it occurred to me that it only ever is little old ladies that make this very obvious adjustment to their wardrobe each winter, while the rest of us freeze in our 'sexy' all-year-round lingerie. Why? Is there any reason that thermal underwear can't be designed to look attractive too? It would certainly cut down on our use of heating if we had an extra layer of padding under our clothes.
And happily, it seems at least one label has had this idea. Enamore, makers of scrummy ethical lingerie have brought a touch of glamour to cozy underwear, including their fabulous Juliet nightie (and, of course, there's always the self-heating bra). But I reckon there's a lot of scope for truly stylish warming underwear this winter.
Before I became Hippyshopper editor, I could say with some confidence what people meant when they described themselves as 'green'. But now I'm not so sure...if anything I'm more confused than ever!
Tell someone you're green, and it's likely they'll soon harbour some pretty funny ideas about you and your beliefs. They will almost always assume you are vegetarian (which in my case is true) or vegan, but I know plenty of omnivorous people who are doing more than their bit for the environment. They will assume that you have no interest in anything remotely mainstream, be it fashion, popular culture or anything that could be loosely described as 'fun'. And they'll probably take it as read that you're into alternative medicine, are a staunch believer in homeopathy, angels and UFOs and are probably, to put it bluntly, a bit touched.
All this tells me that the meaning of the word 'green' is changing. I know very few people who fit the traditional 'green' stereotype, and wonder how long it will stick around. But if the definitions used by people outside the green community are confusing enough, they're nothing compared with those within it...
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In today's Guardian, George Monbiot expressed a view that I've heard countless times since I've been editing Hippyshopper; that nowadays 'going green' is mainly another way for the middle classes to make themselves feel virtuous, while continuing to pollute the planet with long-held habits. And it caused me exactly the same internal conflict as it invariably does...
Largely because a lot of the article is depressingly familiar. How many comfortably-off people do you know who congratulate themselves for their eco-warrior credentials whilst continuing to fly, drive their kids around in people-carriers and buying as many questionable items as before? (Stand up Mr Chris Martin)
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An article in the Times today was a heartening reminder that amidst all the talk of neo-conservatism and religious fundamentalism rearing its ugly head, most of us are really a load of hippies at heart. And we may have our parents to thank for this...
That's my Mum, back in 1967, year of the 'summer of love' which took place an astonishing 40 years ago. To many, it seemed as though the hippy ideals of the sixties were lost as the former flower children cut their hair, took out mortgages and generally went to seed. But now it seems we have our parents to thank for a generation that values of peace, love and concern for the planet. I'm sure it's no coincidence that it also favours flowing maxi-dresses (in organic cotton) and has a big fondness for festivals...
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First we went to Wal-Mart to buy zebra fish, since it was more convenient than PetSmart, where the employees snubbed us and sold our fish to other customers. Then we went to refill our 4-litre jugs of water. It was closer than the Co-op. Then we went to Wal-Mart for the antihistamines and calcium supplements, since it was cheaper than either of the grocery stores. But we steered clear of the grocery section. Now even that. Too late. I felt exceedingly uneasy. Concerned about the relative quality of the products - but the same goods were in our cart as would be in our cart at some other chain store. Newman's Own organic salad, which generates donations to charity. Local Italian bread. Organic tomato sauce and cereal. All of it significantly cheaper than at either of the chain grocery stores, and all of it appearing to be in equivalently good condition.
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