I find people in general to be infinitely fascinating…
THE STORY
…I’m not a very trusting soul by nature and my comfort zone is firmly within the safety of the circle of humans that are my people. With that being said though, I sometimes will chat with strangers in public and the other night I had a pleasant conversation via text with someone I don’t know because they had received a spoof call from my number. I also enjoy just watching people because human behavior is simply entertaining; sometimes it’s like a puzzle that needs solving.
Originally I had wanted to be a psychiatrist, I think because I group up surrounded by a veritable menagerie of psychoses and I wanted to understand it all. Obviously I went a different route, but I did take numerous psychology courses in college as electives and have always fancied myself somewhat of an armchair psychologist. Hence I enjoy trying to figure out the “why” behind things people do and say.
This past week, between the text conversation, an interaction with a kind gentleman in the checkout at the grocery store, a not so kind woman in the cosmetics aisle at Walmart and several situations with people that I actually know, I have had plenty of riddles to solve. Typically the people that I actually know are the biggest enigmas. Since humans are so multi-faceted we can never know all sides of a person.
So, when based on what I do know, the response or behavior that I expect isn’t what I get it’s puzzling. Then throw into the mix my own preconceived notions based upon how I would respond or how I would feel about said situation and it gets really murky. Instead of making a snap judgement based upon my own feelings (which I have a bad habit of doing) I have recently been trying to be more mindful of the fact that we are all made up of unique life experiences and thus respond to situations in our own very individual ways. There is a reason for every single response each and every one of us has to everything around us. What I think the response should be may be right for me, but it’s not necessarily right for someone else. And therein lies both the beauty and the frustration…at least that gives the armchair psychologist in me something to amuse herself with this weekend…
THE OUTFIT
Years ago I had this perfect lace dress. It fit perfectly, it was a just right neutral taupe color and it was beautiful dressed up or down. I wore it until sadly it came to the end of it’s life because since lace is delicate frequent wearing did it no favors. Ever since I’ve kept an eye out for a good replacement, but I’ve never found one. Until now. This lace dress, while it isn’t a perfect replacement, comes pretty damn close. I found it about a month ago in the Junior’s Department at JCPenney. Like the original, it’s super easy to dress up or down depending upon what I pair it with.
Today obviously, I went more casual with my cowboy boots and denim vest. I’ve had these boots for over 15 years, and as is typically the case with cowboy boots, they only get better with age. They look great with jeans, but more often than not, I reach for them when I’m wearing a skirt or dress. There’s just something about cowboy boots and a skirt that I really love. It’s probably a combination of the boho vibe it gives off and the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine.
THE TIP
Cowboy boots are something that you might not think that you’ll get much wear out of, but they are surprisingly versatile and can add an unexpected twist to an outfit. Whether they be ankle boots or mid-shaft, they work with denim, shorts and a variety of skirts and dresses. I do suggest if you are considering purchasing a pair, go for quality boots from brands like Laredo and Corral. If possible, try them on in-store to ensure a perfect fit as cowboy boots are meant to mold to your feet over time as you wear them.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: JCPenney; Vest: Similar; Boots: Similar
