Writing this here blog has taught me several things.
First, there's the realization that human kind is absolutely incapable of not swiveling its head when it sees someone being photographed.
And then there's the discovery that a good pair of heels can save any outfit.
Or the crucial notion that bright sunlight does NOT always equal beautiful photography.
But the ultimate lesson (aside from the efficacy of starting sentences with prepositions) comes from what I've grown to "know" about my style.
For a costume junkie with a predisposition towards obsession, this realization did not come easily. It took many overdone outfits, cluttered photographs, and uncomfortable outfit changes to come to this conclusion.
But I have.
I think.
I think.
The difficult part is this nagging feeling inside of me that if I'm not eclectic enough - if I dont have enough layers or clashing patterns or original pairings, I've somehow given into banality - into mediocrity.
What I should be listening to is that raw emotion that courses through my body when I see, touch, and try on something that is so completely me.
What I often end up listening to, though, is often quite different.
I think I've always felt that since I'm not classically pretty, I can't wear classically pretty things. Delicate jewelry, little black dresses, and - believe it or not - high heels, were just too . . . feminine for my personality. They conveyed womanhood and beauty and sex appeal - things I'd never instinctively associate with myself.
It's like the class clown who hides his/her insecurities beneath humor.
But I hide mine beneath clothes.
But I hide mine beneath clothes.
Yet as I get a bit older (23 is the new 100) and grow more at peace with myself, I find myself gravitating towards more simplistic looks.
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jumpsuit: Jbrand ready to wear, shoes: Forever 21 (dream pair) |
I wonder if this is why so many fashion editors dress so simply? Not to avoid attention, but because they no longer need to change personas on a daily basis in order to remain sane.
In some senses, simplicity allows for our personalities to shine through. We make the clothes, not the other way around.
Obviously this doesn't mean that I'll stop dressing like an idiot.
Definitely not.
But it does mean that I'll stop beating myself up for my personal taste - as it's only a chronicle of my (de)maturation process.
It's only natural.
It's only natural.
And if one day all I want to wear is a burlap sack, well then - I figure that I'll have grown to know myself pretty damn well.
styling by Char Pedersen
omg these photos of you are incredible and I adore that jumpsuit!!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, these photos are beautiful & that jumpsuit is total perfection, especially with those heels. I totally understand what you mean about fighting against the 'less is more' idea, I used to be the same - covered in jewellery & clashing colours & prints. But there is definitely a beauty in simplicity. I can relate on 'I'm not classically pretty, I can't wear classically pretty things' point too, I think that's why I've always gravitated towards more androgynous looks.
ReplyDeleteOk first of all, not classically beautiful? I think you're gorgeous. You've got that Amy Adams appeal, whom I love (and who also got to make out with Henry Cavill, so double win, duh)! And absolutely, 100% concur with this post. I think blogging about fashion has really helped me find who I am, and what my style is. I started with a mesh of pleats and color blocking and layers, that almost borderlined costume (and you still see them on my blog because I'm using pictures from last September) LOL, but my current style is more simplistic, enhanced only via accessories. I really think Karl L. was onto something when he said that the future of fashion is spending a lot of money without looking like you've spent money (simplistic and minimal).
ReplyDeleteAnd those heels? Orgasm.
WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM
I love this post. And I'm gonna have to agree with roxthefox on this one. You are totally beautiful. GORGEOUS in fact. Beside that tho...I can totally relate to the feeling pressured to be eclectic. I particularly feel this way because I blog so much about vintage, and vintage is oftentimes outrageous.
ReplyDeleteBut the very best pieces are also simplistic.
It's all about growth. If in a few months you decide that more is more and you're somehow wearing 2 pairs of shoes and 12 layers I won't hold it against you. It's all about the journey, right?
xo
ashley
www.thephotogramps.blogspot.com
I agree with what you said about eventually gravitating towards simplistic looks (and I'm only 19!)
ReplyDeleteThese photos are all beautiful and that Jumpsuit looks great on you!
And I agree with the previous comment, you are absolutely gorgeous :)
Hayfa
http://chic-and-cliche.blogspot.co.uk
Bah, if I had a coin for every time some idiot turned around and stared while boyfriend took photographs of my outfit, I would have ...20 coins :D
ReplyDelete"I think I've always felt that since I'm not classically pretty, I can't wear classically pretty things" but you're wrong! Because you are classically pretty, with those long legs, amazing hair and smile that could conquer worlds!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteI really like your outfit here, the jumpsuit is so pretty and I love how well these photos turned out!
Have a great day,
-Kati
Totally agree... a good pair of heels can save any look!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful and super stylish in these wonderful pics!!!!!
i'm confused. since when are you not classically pretty? these shots are amazing and your musings are too. i've been gravitating towards simpler things myself too these days, which is why over half of my wardrobe has been donated to the salvation army. i just need functional pieces i'll love for more than one wear, kind of like this amazing jumpsuit you've got going on here.
ReplyDeleteabigail
www.farandwildjewelry.com