by Carolyn R. Russell
- Your favorite art teacher: Flowing layers of colorfully printed gauze fabric meant to be paired with chunky statement necklaces and matching dangly earrings. The Look: I’m not interested in my body shape anymore and I don’t want you to be, either.
- Your favorite upscale server: Individual black and white pieces with an occasional gray article for that pop of color to satisfy your critics (Deargod, Mom, again with the penguin thing?) Meant to be paired with hand-wrought sterling silver jewelry. The Look: I thought after grad school my life would be different.
- Your favorite aging rocker at the festival: Ribbed tank top paired with cut-off denim shorts that showcase the tattoos you got when you turned forty and which didn’t give you a leg to stand on when years later your kids got them, too. Meant to be paired with leather bracelets and neckwear. The Look: I wasn’t old enough to have attended Woodstock, but I’ve seen the documentary eleven times.
- Your favorite gym rat: Versatile tops and bottoms that can breathe and withstand bouts of extreme athleticism in both air conditioning and while on 110 degree marathon hikes. Meant to be paired with absorbent head and wrist bands. The Look: After I went in for my third hip replacement surgery these togs worked beautifully well during physical therapy and subsequent cortisone injections. And also for my daughter’s wedding.
- Your favorite wealth management diva: Beige blouses and cream trousers meant to be paired with blonde extensions and an Hermes white crocodile handbag. The Look: I am listening to you. While I search for someone more powerful over your shoulder.
- Your favorite activist: Bright cause-inscribed hemp fabricated T shirt in a solid color and stretch jeans meant to be paired with durable white bamboo sneakers. The Look: I’d never judge you for any of the above Looks. But do think about where your clothing comes from and who manufactures it. Whose tiny fingers sewed those buttons?
- Your favorite doctor: Silk separates in icy hues that shimmer as they reflect the glass sheen of her framed credentials and the light of the sample SAD lamp she wants you to buy from her side hustle. Meant to be paired with lab coats and disdainful side-eye glances. The Look: Your online research into your condition infuriates me.
- Your favorite newly resurfaced high school buddy: Early 2000s low-cut print blouse over skintight jeans and heels. Meant to be paired with your husband. The Look: I finally got that boob job.
Bio:
A Pushcart Prize, Best Micro Fictions, Best of the Net, and Best Small Fictions nominee, Carolyn R. Russell’s essays, poetry, and short stories have been featured in numerous publications. She has also authored four books, including a multi-genre flash collection called “Death and Other Survival Strategies” (Vine Leaves Press, 2023).