I apologize for the sudden and unannounced radio silence. I don’t think that I’ve gone two weeks without posting since I started blogging 5 years ago. I want to thank those of you who contacted me; your kindness means more to me than I could ever tell you…
THE STORY
…I experienced a major unexpected loss which led to an equally unexpected implosion of my entire identity. While that may sound hyperbolic, believe me, it isn’t. I am going through some shit right now; both mentally and emotionally. I’m not trying to be all cryptic and secretive, I’m simply not ready to write about any of it yet, although I did want to give you all a reason for my sudden absence. I definitely will write about it in time, as there will be much learned about myself and about life that I will want to share. Which leads me to today’s story. Why do I write the things that I do?
When I first started blogging, I simply wanted to share outfits and styling ideas because I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. Another thing that I’ve loved since I was quite young is writing, and over time as I got more comfortable with blogging I decided that the blog could serve a dual purpose. Writing has always been a safe way for me to share my feelings, thoughts and ideas. In the world that I was raised sharing those things verbally was not only frowned upon, it could be downright dangerous. To this day, I keep my feelings pretty close to the vest and will often write letters to express difficult feelings. I realize that may sound ridiculous, but some life lessons ingrained in you from an early age are difficult to overcome. In any case, over time, the blog became an outlet for the writing itch that never went away.
I write my little stories not only for myself, but for anyone who finds them worth reading. If something that I’ve written gives someone a giggle, or leads them to look at an issue from a different perspective, or allows someone to feel less alone then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. Occasionally something that I write angers people, both online and in real life. That’s okay too. Everyone is entitled to their feelings just as I am entitled to mine. That’s the true beauty of the written word. If done right, it inspires feelings whether they be joy, relief, self-reflection, anger or a connection with someone else in the world.
There have been times that I’ve considered a separate blog for my ramblings. Sometimes the story and the fashion seem to be in disharmony. For example, if I’m writing about something painful or dark, it seems almost trite to then discuss an outfit. Here’s the realization that I’ve come to though…at least for me, my outfits and my feelings are intertwined. What I choose to wear is yet another way to express who I am and what I’m feeling. Sharing an outfit is also a very visual way to remind myself that no matter what is going on in my world, life does go on. Even when I’m feeling broken-hearted and lost, I still have to get dressed in the morning. Putting together an outfit provides at least a temporary respite from all of it. So to me it makes sense to combine the two; fashion as a form of therapy…now there’s an idea I can get behind.
THE OUTFIT
I’m not going to even pretend that I hit “transitional dressing” right with this one; pictures don’t lie my friends. I swear when I left the house in the morning it was in the 50’s. Obviously by the time that I left work that was not the case…so there I was in my very Spring outfit standing in a mini-blizzard. Fortunately though, it appears that at the time I’m writing this Winter has headed back to wherever it is that she spends the Summer months.
I fell in love with these pants from Free People the second that I saw them last year. They are so loose and flowy that they are almost skirt-like. They’re also super lightweight which makes them perfect for warmer temperatures. Mini blizzards? Not so much.
They’re perfect with a cute tank top in the Summer, but since it isn’t Summer yet, I topped them with a chambray shirt. Chambray shirts are like the denim jacket of the shirt world; they work with the majority of the pieces in your closet. I finished the look with my tan ankle boots and a buttery soft leather western belt to add a bit more interest to the look.
THE TIP
Never underestimate the power of a chambray shirt. They work as a top or a light jacket, and they pair perfectly with just about anything.
THE LINK UP
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Pants: Free People (Similar); Shirt: JCPenney (Similar); Boots: Aldo (Similar); Belt: Amazon (Similar)
