3 Unexpected Things I Learned From Elle Woods
There are obvious reasons to worship the hot-pink goddess that is Elle Woods. She’s sparky, she’s kind, she cheers on other women. For me, the Legally Blonde movies have always been a great pick-me-up when I’m doubting myself.
So when Elle (the Legally Blonde prequel) dropped on Prime in July, I found myself spellbound once again AND inspired by the subtler lessons of her story and character…
#1 Make Friends of All Ages
Whether it’s the warm-hearted hotel doorman, Sid, or Donna, the school secretary who slips her students their lunch money, Elle’s friendships are a quiet reminder to stay open to new connections.
There’s a temptation sometimes to imagine that we’ll have nothing in common to bond over with people who are not from the same generation. Or perhaps that younger people will see us as irrelevant dinosaurs. This doesn’t have to be true.
When I think about it, my best ever work bud was Janet, a delightfully posh lady twenty years my senior. We bonded over staffroom gossip and our shared love of chocolate eclairs. Though our interests were different (I was a bookworm; she was obsessed with designer furniture), we shared the same silly sense of humour.
So, who could you start a conversation with this week?
#2 There’s Power in the Tiny Details
Remember Elle’s pink scented resume? Or the way her crack team in Legally Blonde 2 recruited members of Congress to sign Bruiser’s Bill by learning everything they could about them? Not to mention Elle’s carefully constructed miniature model of Fenway Park in preparation for her wedding?
Elle understands that details matter. They show you care, make you distinctive and can be a joyful expression of your individuality.
Don’t you just love it when you’re talking to someone and they recall the holiday you’re looking forward to, or that work project you’ve been worrying about? Or when you order something and it comes with a personal note or cute, distinctive wrapping? It elevates the whole experience.
While I’m not pushing for perfectionism here (let’s face it, we’ve all got enough on😂), I am advocating really paying attention to the details in ONE thing that matters to you this week. It might be an important conversation, a creative project, perhaps even a small gift for someone you appreciate.
#3 It’s OK to Enjoy Beauty Treatments
Do you ever feel a little bit guilty when you treat yourself to a manicure? Does it have to be a big event to warrant getting your hair done?
I don’t know about you, but for me, there’s often an undercurrent of shame attached to booking a pamper session.
I think beneath this self-judgement is a false dichotomy: you can either be strong and intelligent or shallow and pretty. What poppycock. Add to this the midlife messaging around ageing and you’ve got yourself a bucketload of needless guilt.
That’s why it’s such a delight to watch Elle enjoying a ‘salon day’, bonding with Paulette over manicures and investing in her own ‘Elle’ version of 90s grunge fashion in the new series. She’s unapologetic about looking and feeling good whilst simultaneously taking on the world. Go, Elle!