Ironing: My Kryptonite

In general, chores stink. They are monotonous, boring, difficult, and never seem to result in a big enough pay-off. I don't know if it is possible to pick the all-time worst chore, but, by far, the least enjoyable for me is ironing the boyfriend's button down shirts. In an effort to save myself, I have researched various methods of obtaining the perfect ironing method. They are not good enough. No matter what I do, I invariably iron in wrinkles that weren't there in the first place. With the amount of time and care I put into the procedure, this shouldn't be possible. They should be perfect.

And I, of course, cannot be serene, accepting the world's continual pull towards disorder and imperfection. I don't want a soothing perspective, I just want to control some fabric and several buttons. So, after an undisclosed amount of time (I don't want to admit  how much wasted time these stupid shirts eke from my life), I am left with six shirts that look somewhat better than they started, and a desire for blood. This sort of rage seems like it would be best dissipated through general mayhem, maiming, and perhaps some looting.  But, since I have still got some of my wits about me, I am sitting on the couch with my feet on the coffee table waiting for the anger to go.

Please, please go.

A&F Polos

I have been seeing men's Abercrombie and Fitch shirts everywhere lately. All the shirts have the letters A&F emblazoned on the chest, and most are polos in neutral colors. Interestingly, the majority of men I have seen them on are in their mid-thirties, and tuck their shirts in. The result is very fitted and body-conscious. Furthermore, with dark rinse jeans, a belt, and loafers, surprisingly non-casual. I am generally not a fan of A&F, but dapper French men are providing a compelling argument, and I may be changing my mind.

Fashionable Toilet Paper

We know that Parisians are all about fashion, fashion, fashion, but until today, I did not know how far reaching fashion can be. Hello color coordinated toilet paper! At our local grocery store, colored toilet paper abounds. There are pink, peach, black, floral, and even scented papers. I spent a considerable amount of time weighing my options. First, I rejected the scented rolls, for fear of cloying fragrances. I then began to debate the colored papers. I can foresee misplacing the black during a sleep haze at three in the morning, which should be avoided at all costs. Peach seems tacky, which is a no. And finally, given our light green bathmats, pink would be too preppy. Ultimately, we selected soft white rolls with a light blue floral pattern subtly imprinted upon the sheets. The fashion lover within is pleased, but my eco-friendly self is perplexed. Aren't dyed toilet paper rolls bad for the environment? And if so, dare I say it, should Paris be a tad less fashionable?