Live Every Day Like Elle Woods

Legally Blonde may have come out in 2001, but the lesson I learned from that movie is timeless. It’s also a lesson that I think every woman should live by.

What lesson is that, Vanessa? Well… I’ll tell you.

Image borrowed from Chef Maribeth

Elle: You’re breaking up with me because I’m too… blonde?
Warner Huntington III: Well, no. That’s not entirely true…
Elle: Then what? My boobs are too big?

Elle Woods was dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, because he “needs to marry a Jackie, not a Marilyn.” This rejection forced her to step out of her comfort zone and apply herself and her brain in order to accomplish the goal of getting into Harvard Law School. Now mind you, her real goal was to try to win back her idiot boyfriend. But she did it — she applied herself and got into Harvard!

Warner Huntington III: You got into Harvard Law?
Elle: What? Like it’s hard?

Elle’s challenges didn’t stop there. She was mocked by Vivian, Warner’s fiance, and her friends. She was tricked into wearing a costume to a party, where she really just wanted to be accepted. It was at that point in the movie that I believe Elle made the decision that she needed to really prove herself to have both brains and beauty. She was ready to put Warner behind her and really do this for her and not anyone else.

Warner Huntington III: Pooh-bear, you’re not serious enough…
Elle: [firmly] Well, I’m serious about this, Warner.
Warner Huntington III: No. I mean, I’m sorry but, you’re never going to be smart enough for lessons in law.
[Elle silently, yet suddenly discovers that Warner doesn’t respect her and never will respect her]
Elle: I’m never going to be good enough for you, am I?

Elle was a role model for many women in that movie. Her sorority sisters supported her and she showed them that they could accomplish anything they put their minds to. She ultimately proved to be a role model for Vivian as well.

Vivian: You know, I’m still shocked that you didn’t give Callahan the alibi.
Elle: It wasn’t my alibi to tell.
Vivian: I know, I thought that was very… classy of you.

Even Professor Stromwell told Elle to not be discouraged by her circumstances, and to follow her dreams.

Professor Stromwell: If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life… you’re not the girl I thought you were.

Elle Woods was always a positive ray of sunshine everywhere she went. She was not totally oblivious to the negativity. She turned her critics into supporters, which is what every #bossbabe needs to do in her own life!

Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you’re not good enough for them. Don’t let anyone disrespect you. Prove to your critics that you are more than just a beautiful person. Prove to them that you have beauty and brains. You are creative and talented, so be proud of yourself! The best revenge is to improve yourself. Turn your critics into your supporters!

Control your fears, build your self-esteem, radiate positivity, and the world will be your!

Yours Truly,
Vanessa

(Quotes borrowed from IMDb.)