Hello bluebirds and sunshine teapots! Oh, look at me! I'm being so jolly and dandy! And oh! I wonder why this is! Am I in looooove? NO. Am I prancing outdoors? NO. Gosh, I guess it's merely because it's a BEAUTIFUL DAY TODAY. Yippee! The weather has been utterly glorious and I feeling like being in love and prancing outdoors and calling human beings "bluebirds" and "sunshine teapots" but, you know, I am doing none of that. Instead, I get the fantastical privileged of being indoors, all day, getting my werrrk' on. In the mall. All day. Hooray? Whatever, the weather is pretty and I'll just act all cheery and obnoxious and yeahhh because nobody likes a gloomy cloud to pounce on their sunny parade.
In other news, adventuring and exploring Toronto is working out nicely. I have discovered that my fan-base lie in are-they-homeless-esque-old-bearded-men. Seriously. In the past month, I have had half-a-dozen conversations with this demographic. It's okay. Despite the initial doubt and subtle inching away, they turn out to be interesting and harmless creatures. (You know, until the end, when they give me their number with the prospect of showing me the "good bars around town" or kiss my hand when I am saying goodbye but, you know, pffft.)
I've also attended my first POETRY SLAM because I am so ~poetic~ and ~artsy~ and yeah, just wanted to check it out. It ended up being lots of fun; the atmosphere and vibe is very honest and passionate and beautiful and connected and all that good stuff. Therefore, I'm totally sold. While I wish I could become all ~wow, I am a poet and I didn't even know it~, the reality is, you know, ~I'm not a poet and I did even know it~. I really admire all the poets out there. SLAM. (See what I did there? That added ambiance is a play on SLAM Poetry? Damn, maybe I do have a talented way with words! Check itttt!) I've also made this, ahem ~profound~ connection that some people use poetry and words to express themselves while I use clothing to express myself. Look at us! We're all just human beings trying to find ways to be honest and expressive and connected and things.
Oh, by the way, we interrupt this program briefly to introduce you to the BEST SHOES EVER. They make my feet happy. I've taken to wearing them to all the grand events I'm so often invited to (read: dance parties... with myself... alone... in front of my... mirror. JEALOUS?!).
In other not-as-grand news, lately, I've been feeling a little uncomfortable and guilty for loving fashion. Sometimes, it feels as though I am living in a perpetual paradox where loving fashion and aspiring to be part of the industry and dreaming fashion dreams converge with hating fashion and recognizing its frivolity and insignificance and questioning how involved I should really be with it. It's hard to articulate because, obviously, I love it. I have aspired to be apart of the creative/ fashion industry since I was a wee little one. It makes me cry, it makes my heart pound, it makes me dream. On the other hand, it makes me want to hurt things. We attach words like "art" to it and strive to search for meaning in it and put it on a high pedestal but... is it really all that?
I guess I find myself very uncomfortable when people ask me what I want to do. I feel like I'm searching for justification for my passion. I feel like there are other things I could lend my heart and time and talent to. Who knows what the future holds? I guess I just want to die knowing I made the world a better place than it was before I left it. I know that creating things makes the world lighter and more beautiful and full of dreams... but I can't help thinking about the kids around the world that would give anything for a basic education and basic health and the basic needs we fucking take for granted. Maybe I should lend my heart and time to that instead. Until they have the opportunity to dream and create and enjoy the lighter side of life to. My heart seems to stretch out a lot... #confusedteenager
Do you ever feel guilty for loving fashion? How do you deal with those feelings? (I know it's not good to assume but, yeah, I am totally assuming you kids are all fashion lovahhhz az diz is a fashion blawggg, ya dig?)
(Shirt - Value Village $3, Shorts - Vintage/ Iceland, Socks - H&M $2, Shoes - Consignment Shop $12, Lipstick - Revlon 038)
xoxoox, have a beautiful week, darlings.
43 comments:
I sometimes feel the same way about choosing to pursue music. I adore singing and it is my greatest passion in life but at the same time, I worry that I'm not really making a difference in the world because music is really ephemeral and what does art really mean blah blah blah. However, there are a few things that have made me feel a lot better about pursuing my dream.
The first one was something my totally awesome senior year English teacher told me when I was feeling down because people were making me feel bad about pursuing music. She basically told me that the pursuit of beauty is one of the most noble things that a person can choose to devote their life to, and even though it can be argued that beauty is a social construct and that the arts don't always help too much when a person is starving or sick, it still made me feel better.
Another thing that made me feel better was the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's an allegory and it gets a little but hippi-dippy at some parts, but it's all about following your dreams and it's generally awesome. The main message that I took away from the book is that the only way that a person can be completely happy is if they follow their dreams. A world full of completely happy people means a better world, even one completely happy person means a better world. Therefore, following your dreams = a happier world.
I hope that helped at all. :)
Wholly moly your shoes are a FIND!!
I particularly like the aesthetics of it and the heel! the print combines deliciously with the whole ensemble!
I'm always battling with myself not just for loving Fashion but for all things such as Interior Design Gadgets, accessories... I feel Materialism is my battle. I refuse to get sucked in to that, but a part of me, will always be drawn to the inventiveness of gadgets interior design and Avant-garde style., though I too want to spend my time becoming truly fulfilled by helping others and living a more modest life with a hint of invention and imagination.
I'm in my mid 20's and still striving to figure it out! :-)
The editor of vogue, Anna Wintour, spoke about this very thing in that move "The September Issue". I don't want to misquote her but she said something along the lines of how a career in fashion seems so lame to some. Some just don't get it and don't see it as a "real" job. Girl I tell you what...this is a multi-billion dollar industry so there are many others that beg to differ! I am one of them! Fashion is necessary! We can't walk around nude so we have to put on clothing everyday, right! Why not put on the best and what makes you feel good? Some will not get it but others will. Do it for those of us that get it...including you...do it for you! Anywho, I love your outfit! It is so fun. Those shoes are sick girl! Kiah
I'm crazy about your shoes!!! so 70's!!! <3
I know exactly how you feel. Right now I'm making university subject choices and am torn between following my love of art, which would be AMAZING but maybe end up being superficial and meaningless, or doing something that could help others but wouldn't be as fun. The thing that's helped me is thinking that you can't help someone unless you're happy with yourself, and if you're not following your dreams you won't be happy!
A, I hate showering, and no I don't always do it. B, those shoes are truly the best shoes ever. C, I love your skirt. D, fashion is AWESOME and a totally legitimate art-form, and not for the frivolous. Own it, girl.
Love this post--you are too funny.
But no I never feel guilty about loving fashion. That's like feeling guilty about loving music or home cooking. Obviously fashion is a luxury but you don't have to bankrupt yourself to enjoy it or even throw in the towel in frustration that you can't afford to buy everything you want. I think that if something inspires you, whether it's fashion or football or knitting sweaters, then you're lucky to have that. The worst feeling in the world (for me anyway) is feeling stuck in a rut, uninspired.
I think I've shared this with you before, but this quote guides my choices often: "Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman
If you love fashion--if it is something that sets you aglow--why worry about the world and its needs? You are useless as an unhappy, unfulfilled soul roaming the earth, so take care of your spiritual health first in whatever way you need. And then use it as a platform to inspire some kind of innovation or change.
Cute outfit! I'd die for those shoes, the funkier the better! Also, I'm glad you're enjoying your Toronto adventures so much :]
As for your question, yessss! I didn't know other people experienced that guilt. In my mind though you really can't help what you love or what you're passionate about. If you did anything else you wouldn't be able to give it your all, because it's not you. For some people, their passion is teaching. Or maybe they've always wanted to become a doctor. Your passion isn't any less than theirs just because some people can't see the value of pursuing fashion.
And fashion isn't solely materialistic/hedonistic/justplainbad. Think of all the wonderful things fashion can do for you. It can help you discover your identity, it can boost your self-esteem. Fashion is also one of the worlds biggest industries, so a lot of money comes in for it, and money can be used for things that are obviously good! Like MAC's VICA GLAM campaign. All of the profits go toward educating people about AIDS. There's so many things you can do with fashion, so never feel bad or let anyone else make you feel bad about loving it.
Bisous,
Stephi Dee
I love those shoes. Such a great find.
I often feel the need to justify my artistic ambitions as well. I get wrapped up in thinking that unless my "art" (one day) truly inspires/motivates people, it's just myself satisfying myself ... bleh. It's a struggle, but I suppose there's always small things here and there, everyday even, we can do for other people and hopefully, we can find a way to balance it all. ;) P.S. - You look stunning! This is without a doubt one of my favourite looks you've posted. Those shoes really are the best shoes ever! :)
I should thanks to you. This posting and those comments are answered my perpetual paradox. I also run into it. But I got a quote from Diana Rikasari (a fashion blogger from Indonesia) http://dianarikasari.blogspot.com/ "Shopping more, donate much more" or some heard like that.
I adore your top and pants and even more so the way they look together! awesome, babe!
thought i'd say hi as i havn't been over for a while! hope all is good your side of the pond quirk face?
www.thefashionturd.com
OMG your shoes are amazing!
O.M.G. i died over those shoes. you are freaking amazing.
i could probably NEVER pull them off, but you do amazingly
xx
i lalala love your skirt!!! you look great as always girl. :) i always love hearing from you on my blog!
xx char
I always perk up when visiting your Funhouse of a blog--never knowing what to expect yet always, always surprised by everything I find!
Loving your shorts and the way you styled them babe :) xx
Ah sweetie those are the best shoes ever, so funky and crazy!! So u, so fab!!:DDD Love uuuu!:DD
kisses & hugs
Jelena (glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com)
Aztec patterned skirt… I love it!
Never guilty for loving fashion. I am fashion, anything else is just a hobby. I think sometimes I get into deep with the "wear out your vision" thing, but it has already become an important part of my personality. I wouldn't be the person I am, if I didn't wear the clothes I do.
Isabela
http://fusels.com
I dont like going to the toilet...but I go. Too much feedback?
Those are some crazy shoes. I never feel bad about appreciating fashion but sometimes about indulging in it as it can be more expensive than my husbands hobbies.Fashion is my always guilty pleasure. That and really bag tv
Bright Green Laces
hot mama! you are absolutely adorable. i LOVE your blog. the shoes are so much fun. keep it up.
I really love the print of your shorts!
I agree with what you're saying about fashion & I definitely see both sides to it too. At the end of the day, I still love the crazyness & wildness of it all.
I love how BAM! SHAMBAM! KAPOW! your outfits are. They are so in-your-face-gorgeous.
Occasionally, I feel guilty for loving fashion so much. I spend so much money on the simplest things. I deal with it by ... buying more things? It doesn't make sense, but it is what I do. Because I am a sucker for fashion. I just can't help it.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
you always find the craziest, most awesome things. maybe you should be a personal shopper.
i do sometimes think that although i truly love fashion, it is kinda annoying at times. i deal with it by trying to remember that fashion is about personal style. i remember the people who are showcasing their great personal style (like you) and think that is what makes fashion awesome, and that is why i love it so much.
Ahhh, these photos are so sweet :D you always look so lovely and sunny :) + those are definitely the best shoes ever-CHECK OUT THAT PRINT!!!
xxxxx
Dios mio.
Que estilo tienes.
Eres única preciosa.
Me he enamorado de esa personalidad tan linda que tienes.
La falda es preciosa,los colores muy lindos.
:)Un beso enorme y tienes una nueva amiga.
Feliz semana y éxito
No matter what you do, bottom line, do whatever makes YOU and only you happy no matter what any one else says. Why not give it a try? As long as you don't go through life wondering "what if" Take a chance, take a risk all in all what do you have to lose? At least no one can say that you didn't give it a try! On the other hand, I love your outfit. The mix of prints in such bold and bright vibrant colors are totally on trend! Still waiting for you to come join me crazy. Sorry, I'm just such a huge fan LOL!!!
http://stylespotlighted.blogspot.com
your outfit is one of my favourites. so so nice, especially the shorts (and yes. they ARE the best shoes ever.)
also i have to say, you look genuinely beautiful in these photos.
as for fashion..i think if it's something you truly love then you shouldnt feel guilty. we don't love fashion on one level, it has more depth to it than that. it is just as valuable as anything else. try and think of it as an extension of yourself..it's your personality through image. and then you'll find it harder to feel guilty..about..being..yourself!!
hope i make sense!
Bex XXX
www.rebeccamarywatson.blogspot.com
LOVE this outfit! so summery and chic.
xoxo
Your top is really cute!! :)
xoxo
Antonia
FASHION IMPERATIVE
firstly, your shorts, top, shoes and lip combination are so beautiful! I don't usually completely love a whole outfit but this is so great!!! secondly, I am exactly the same... I'm currently 2nd year studying fashion, which has been my dream since I was 14 when I started sewing and loving to create clothes, but I have been forever fighting with myself about it, and find myself slightly ashamed to say what I am studying because of the connotations that go with "fashion." People automatically assume things and put you in a box, as I grow older I also strive to want to do something with my future that helps and benefits other people in need - which seems to conflict with the "fashion" industry too. But I've come to the conclusion that it's not wrong to be doing what you love and are passionate about, if you know yourself why you're doing it and you're in it for the right reasons, with the best intentions. You can help people which ever path you choose to go down, just because you love fashion doesn't mean you have to conform to the industry! So keep doing what you love, just don't compromise yourself and your beliefs :)
www.chopandcrop.blogspot.com
You are quite like a sunny little teapot here:) Ah Lexy, you are such a doll and quite a breath of fresh air. Your openness and honesty are always so uplifting to read. I don't think there's anything wrong with loving/pursuing fashion. It's what's in your heart and nothing say you still can't help people/inspire youth/volunteer etc. on the side. Balance is key. Anyhow, your shoes rock my socks as does your whole outfit...love, love, love!!!
I often feel the same way about my passion, art history! I hate it when people ask me what Im going to do with it and don't like it when they ask me because Im not sure myself! But Im determined to make something of it and I also have a plan B in case it doesn't work out lol
Your love of fashion is not only about self-expression and connecting with others, but also about creating beauty in the world. That is not a frivolous thing, and never anything to feel uncomfortable or guilty about! It's the machinations of commerce that degrade fashion from "art" to "industry," making much of it pointlessly exclusive, overpriced, and put it out of reach for most people. That makes it *seem* frivolous, especially when there's so much worldwide imbalance in terms of wealth and opportunity. You sound like the kind of person who could balance the art and the business, enriching the lives of others with both the aesthetics and the basics. Keep moving in all the directions your heart dictates. :-) I've never commented here before,but I love your blog, your wit and your joyful style!
I'm not a teenager anymore, but I still struggle with the idea that fashion is frivolous and meaningless and I should be focussing on SERIOUS WORLD ISSUES. I ended up doing a degree in Serious World Issues, and it's burned me out a bit.
I think, ultimately, you need to have a mix of both to keep from becoming hopeless or shallow (not to say that focussing on fashion is 100% shallow, unless you're not helping others somehow). We need to be caring and compassionate, but we also need to give ourselves a break, you know, and put on a pair of fun shoes and dance in front of our mirrors.
Good luck with all your ponderings! I hope whatever you do, you keep a happy heart. :)
You're simply amazing ! The shoes are art !
YOU ARE SOO CUTE. I love your shoes and your socks.
I often feel guilty about loving fashion and i deal with it by buying secondhand and such. I try to think of it as an outlet for creativaty and such. I try not to think of it as my whole life and everything because their is so much more in life.
Are there any other shoes that exist that scream "LEXY" out there?! These are so cool on you :)
ps. I hate taking showers, I take baths.
pps. You should never feel guilty for loving anything, even if it is fashion
Yes! I definitely have issues with the whole fashion world at times. But like you said it is a way of expressing yourself, which I think is important. You can always combine different aspects of your life; combine fashion and helping the less fortunate. I think that it is totally do-able and powerful when people do things like Toms shoes, or fashion show benefits. I think you just need to find your own personal balance so that you feel good, and you also feel like you are doing good things in the world.
I am crazy about your blog.. I love your fashion sense.. I wish that you lived near to me, or I to you because I think we have similar tastes and you seem so awesome! I love your paisley clogs so much! You inspire me to dress more vibrantly, and to show happiness and express myself even more than I already do in my clothing, so thank you so much.
You are too cute!!!! I love your energy and smiles :
Dirty Pink Cardigan
:D
love your shoes and skirt!! amazing print!
I'm having a giveaway, check it out!
LULUCHERIE
SHOP
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