Most of what we see on social media (Instagram, Facebook, blogs) is the shiny, happy, pretty side of things…
THE STORY
…and there is not a thing wrong with that. For the most part, we all want to put the best of ourselves out there for the world to see. If you think about it, it’s really not so different from a large part of our real lives. Sure, at home perhaps we schlub around in our ratty sweats. And it’s okay that those who live with us see us when we we’ve had the flu and haven’t showered for two days. But when we go to work or school or out in public in general, most of us try to put on some presentable clothing and spackle over the rough spots. We want to look good. Because if we look good, we feel good.
Here’s the thing to keep in mind though. What you see on social media or when you pass your coworker in the hallway at work isn’t the entire picture. The funny thing about this particular topic is that I was kicking it around in my head, but wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go with it when I came across this article on Huffington Post. Kudos to this girl for driving the point home, and with over 80k likes on her post I’d say she did just that. Oftentimes though, the other picture, the one that you aren’t seeing, isn’t of the physical realm.
No one’s life is perfect. No one. On any given day you have absolutely no way of knowing what is hiding behind someone’s beautiful smile, beautiful outfit, or the belly laugh they share with you over something ridiculous at work. Not everyone shows their inner turmoil on the outside. Sometimes it’s the person who seems the happiest who is actually hiding the darkest secret. Just something to keep in mind the next time that you’re tempted to compare yourself to another’s “perfect” whatever. What you are comparing yourself to, in reality, is simply a moment in time; one perfect seeming moment. And that is not a fair assessment of the situation; yours or theirs.
THE OUTFIT
The loads of lace provided by the blue lace slip dress paired with the black lace skirt extender was just crying out for something from the masculine realm. Since all of that lace is so, well, girly, I love the juxtaposition of the moto jacket (which btw is on sale for under $60 at the moment!) and combat boots. I also love cobalt blue and black together. Something about black really adds an additional pop to cobalt making it all the more eye-catching. Although they aren’t exactly fur lined leggings, the sheer tights/hose add a little extra warmth when the weather isn’t exactly on the warm side.
THE TIP
Lace on it’s own can be beautiful. Adding an extra layer though can really make it sumptuous. For example, the blue lace slip dress I’m wearing today is gorgeous on it’s own like I wore it last summer. But adding the additional black lace extender just adds something more to it; more visual interest, more layers, more prettiness.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Slip dress: Free People; Jacket: Blank NYC; Boots: Kohl’s; Skirt extender: Grace & Lace
