What's so horrible with being put together? I take great pride in my appearance and the nice things I'm fortunate to have...and you won't catch me in sweats or a track suit. I feel that if I'm going to be out and about, then I might as well look as if I have my act together for everyone including myself.

The women in my family are always put together and act like ladies instilling the same pride in me throughout the years. Even if they do go grocery shopping in their best, and always without any hairs out of place, I highly doubt that anyone thinks they're someone to make fun of. They do, however, conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of the people around them. Maybe it's an African-American thing for these women to think nothing of being dressed to the nines every day. It would be interesting to compare cultural ideals in terms of dress.

Perhaps it's the stinky attitudes that these women you speak of give off rather than how they're dressed?

As a West Coast native, I'm used to a more casual approach. I love clothes, but one should be judicious. Looking too trendy or overdressed smacks of "trying too hard." When I see someone at the grocery store or post office in full makeup and heels, I actually feel a bit sorry for her. Spending an hour on halr and makeup, breaking out the designer duds to do errands? Come on - life's too short. She looks shallow and self-absorbed.
I think this is particularly true for women who wear very high heels to work, shop or casual lunch. These poor girls look insecure, vain and silly, as well as uncomfortable. Have you ever seen a guy in one of those big monster trucks with the flashy wheels and loud exhaust and thought, "Doesn't he know he just looks ridiculous? And that everyone is wondering what he's compensating for?" His inner insecurity and vanity are so obvious, it's embarrassing. Same goes for women tottering or stalking around in very high heels.
Also, truly stylish women are often understated. Wearing head-to-toe, perfectly matched designer clothes on casual occasions is a bit gauche. It's more effective, and shows more class, to mix and match. And, of course, one should show originality by wearing boutique or handmade pieces along with that irresistible designer jacket. Otherwise, all you are is an obvious consumer - a Saks employee's easy mark.