Honoring Elle Woods

Sixteen years ago on this very day, one of my greatest idols was born. She may technically be fictional, but we share a love of fashion (both Fashion Merchandising majors!), being a member of a sorority, female empowerment and- most importantly- the color pink! Believe it or not, Legally Blonde premiered sixteen years ago, which also means a four-year-old Mary Kate discovered her fascination with Elle Woods.

Mary Kate Donahue, 2017.

*Disclaimer: Legally Blonde was the only PG-13 movie I was allowed to watch at age 4. Thanks mom!

Despite our different hair colors, I idolized Elle Woods. On the surface, Elle can often be mistaken for a shallow sorority girl who only cares about clothing and her boyfriend, Warner. However, Elle certainly is a woman of much intellect and drive. After a harsh break-up with Warner, Elle is determined to win back his love. To do this, she studies hard, masters the LSAT and eventually follows Warner to Harvard Law School. Although her efforts may be propelled by a man, Elle eventually realizes that she has potential and self-worth as a single woman.

My favorite part of the iconic film occurs toward the end. Elle, given a chance to hold her own in the courtroom, uses both her training in law AND her background knowledge of hair care to win the case. Notably Elle states, “Because isn’t the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you’re forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the immonium thygocolate?”Because Chutney Windham’s alibi involved her showering during the time her of her father’s murder, Elle was able to prove that Chutney was guilty. Her intact curls were visible proof that Chutney killed her father; after all, “the rules of hair care are simple and finite.” Certainly Warner would not have been able to win this case!

I think y’all know what movie I’ll be watching this evening! Cheers to sixteen years of Elle Woods!