Just when I’m hit with a case of writer’s block, a little gift from the writing gods arrived…
THE STORY
…in the form of, of all things, a little troll. Those of you who are regular readers know that every once in a while I enjoy a good trolling; okay, maybe enjoy isn’t the right word, but I never ever let it go unacknowledged. If you’re interested in examples check out this post or perhaps this one.
One could argue that it’s best to simply ignore those individuals who run amok on the Internet with their keyboard bravado while hiding safely behind their computer or phone screens. That is definitely one way to go. I on the other hand feel that accountability is key. If you are going to engage in spouting off negativity at random strangers then you damn well need to own up to it. Be one with your nastiness grasshopper.
Whenever the story portion of one of my posts deals with something of a political nature, LGBTQ rights, gun laws or some other similarly controversial topic, I expect opposing opinions. And my friends, opposing opinions are perfectly okay. Opposing opinions can lead to a calm mature discourse of the topic at hand. That can then lead to learning and growth on both sides. There is no valid reason on the planet though for opposing opinions to immediately devolve to personal insults and attempts to make another human being feel less than.
In this case the troll in question took issue with Tuesday’s post. Now while what offended her delicate sensibilities was most likely the one sentence where I commented on our fearless leader’s recent love fest with his dictator friend, I can’t be sure because she went immediately for the personal angle. She wasn’t blatant in her nastiness; it was more the artful use of quotation marks, shouty caps and inferences. Artful or not, still entirely unnecessary. If one disagreed and wanted to respond to what I had written, why not write a well thought out counter opinion? Or I don’t know…perhaps just move along and take your negativity with you?
Here’s the thing, I don’t write to please everyone, that is simply not possible. I write because I enjoy it. I write because sharing my thoughts and ideas matters to me. I write because, trolls aside, there are actually people who enjoy what I have to say. This blog has evolved over the five years of it’s existence from me just throwing random outfits out into the world to a place where I can explore all areas of my creativity. From my photography skills, to my styling skills, to my writing skills this is the space where I get to explore all of that and bring you guys along for the ride.
Fortunately, over that time my self-confidence has grown as well, so negative words from some total stranger have absolutely no bearing on my life. It’s actually people who perhaps aren’t self-confident or who are maybe going through a rough time and are unable to handle the negativity that I’m more concerned about.
If you are going to be that person though…you know, that person who is going to be unkind to someone that you don’t even know simply because they look, act or think differently than you do, then perhaps it’s you who needs to reevaluate things. Just because someone doesn’t agree with you, that does not give you the right to be cruel. Just like a kind word to a stranger at just the right time has the power to change their entire day for the better, the converse is also true; a negative word from a stranger at just the wrong time can impact someone in ways that you can’t even imagine. Just something to think about before you go pounding away at your keyboard the next time…
THE OUTFIT
This dress…it is so freakin’ pretty I can’t take it. When it arrived last week I couldn’t wait to wear it, butttt…it had this weird unfortunate elastic under the bust where the top is attached to the skirt portion. And the elastic ran the entire way around making it weirdly tight and gathered. So do you know what I did? I simply cut the elastic out (aren’t you proud of me, Jodie? Lol!) And bada boom, bada bing…floaty pretty perfection.
I kept things simple because a) this dress is pretty enough on it’s own; b) I wanted to be comfortable because I was running errands; and c) it was hot out and when it’s hot I don’t like fussiness. I chose the Adidas because there is something that I just love about the vibe of sneakers paired with a pretty dress. Once school starts and I want to fancy things up a bit, I think the purple sandals that I wore here will be perfect with it.
A note on fit…if you happen to decide you want one of these dresses for your own, definitely size up. I went by the size chart, but wavered between my usual medium and a large because I had a sneaking suspicion that the dress was of Asian origin. I went with the medium and while it does fit fine, a large probably would have been better.
THE TIP
Try pairing a pretty dress with sneakers. It gives off a casual fun vibe and it’s way more comfortable than heels.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: Wild Boho Soul (Similar); Sneakers: Nordstrom; Necklace: Boho Buffalo
