Yesterday I watched an interesting episode of Stylelikeu's What's Underneath Project, a series in which interviewees remove layers of clothing while deeply personal questions are posed to them.
Dominique's statement that she could never determine if she was capable of leaving the house unless she was wearing baubles and a boa, rang true for me.
I didn't have anything particularly challenging to achieve that morning, yet I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything done if all my colours matched perfectly, nor if I was wearing griege.
To me, THIS does certainly not go with THAT ... no two outfits are ever the same.
If I've been experiencing particularly rapid-cycling mania, which has been happening a lot lately, I need my comforts.
For a quick pick-me-up my comforts are: red lipstick, liquid liner, big earrings, big rings, bangles, scarves, huge headwear, big footwear, hair dye.
If I have more time or I'm worried about blowing a gasket, I have other friends to help me through a rough patch: glitter eyeshadow, masses of necklaces and more rings, 1930s nightie-frocks, layered hosiery, furs and repeat. Twice.
Miss Camel Toe did a fine job of helping me through the day.
She's my hero and I love her so much, I don't know what I'll do if she ever runs away.
To quote Rog, "being in your body is a good place to be because it's the only place you can be".
So I guess if person's body and mind are at war with one another, there is no room for fast, faddish fashion... one must find a way to peace.
I found my peace in layering a Japanese haori jacket over leather shorts, my Miss Camel Toe t-shirt and a 1930s scarf-tying experiment.
That was yesterday, today is today and I cannot predict what I need to wear to feed my soul tomorrow.
Dominique's statement that she could never determine if she was capable of leaving the house unless she was wearing baubles and a boa, rang true for me.
I didn't have anything particularly challenging to achieve that morning, yet I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything done if all my colours matched perfectly, nor if I was wearing griege.
To me, THIS does certainly not go with THAT ... no two outfits are ever the same.
If I've been experiencing particularly rapid-cycling mania, which has been happening a lot lately, I need my comforts.
For a quick pick-me-up my comforts are: red lipstick, liquid liner, big earrings, big rings, bangles, scarves, huge headwear, big footwear, hair dye.
If I have more time or I'm worried about blowing a gasket, I have other friends to help me through a rough patch: glitter eyeshadow, masses of necklaces and more rings, 1930s nightie-frocks, layered hosiery, furs and repeat. Twice.
She's my hero and I love her so much, I don't know what I'll do if she ever runs away.
So I guess if person's body and mind are at war with one another, there is no room for fast, faddish fashion... one must find a way to peace.
I found my peace in layering a Japanese haori jacket over leather shorts, my Miss Camel Toe t-shirt and a 1930s scarf-tying experiment.
That was yesterday, today is today and I cannot predict what I need to wear to feed my soul tomorrow.
I love that Aussie bag x
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad that you are having a rough time. I know what it means to have a mind and body at war. I have Aspergers and suffer from regular overload, and my sister has Schizophrenia and can't talk much. But I do love your treatment! One that should be prescribed by Drs :-) Thinking of you as you weave your way through.xo
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done with your scarf. In fact, you look just like this one creative and colorful beauty I follow on Instagram. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe all need our comforts for sure and your blog is always inspiring to me.
I'm glad that dressing works as some kind of therapy. Since I've been worse this past fortnight I haven't had the strength to play in my wardrobe, which is a rather bad sign for me. How I love playing dress-ups & trying new combos. Lets hope better days are around the corner for us all. Xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your rocky ride, but I'm glad you have these friends to wrap yourself up in. Miss Camel Toe has some mighty superpower powers.
ReplyDeleteI just watched the StyleLikeU clip. Does anyone really think that we suddenly change who we are when we take off our clothes? And even if we did, would it matter? Pass me the glitter eye shadow, please.
Sorry things aren't too good with you. You're certaining looking fabulous! Its amazing how hair dye, eyeliner and bright colours lift the spirits. I don't know about stripping off to reveal the real me, I'm far more empowered and me with my armoury of jewellery and maxi dresses than I am in my knickers.
ReplyDeleteAdore that stringy necklace and that fab kimono and Mrs Camel Toe is just the best! xxxxx
that shorts&kimono combo is very hot, wish just the best for you! xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're having a bad time. Clothes you love can be a wonderful balm. I'm a little surprised creative dressing isn't used as a form of therapy-you instantly feel better about yourself! Maybe not completely, but yeah, you can look in the mirror and feel you've accomplished something, and you're pleased with it.
ReplyDeleteNo one rocks a kimono like you do.
StyleLIkeU is so good. I am in search of an asian jacket/kimono. Ms Camel Toe is everything.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that things are a bit of a struggle at the moment … but if it's any consolation you're looking absolutely fabulous.
ReplyDeletexx
It's very, very interesting, how our clothing can help and comfort us and often can reflect our mood, one of my old neighbours is a very conservative woman who admitted underneath everything was beautiful, matching lingerie, it was like her secret and I'm sure it bolsters her too. I'm out of whack with my clothing and it bothers me, like you I don't like to repeat but I need to find some inspiration, I always find you utterly inspirational though, I do. I'm sorry you have having a rough time too, keep your shiny friends close, hugs. x x x
ReplyDeleteHang in there, buddy. While life can get tough, we need to summon our energy and stay calm.
ReplyDeleteNot having been socialized as a woman, I'm often confused by common female phobias. Your post mentions one of them (camel-toe). Like panty-lines, I don't see what the fuss is about. So our clothing shows our shape: so what? I don't mind. I faced this two days ago when I wore a pair of tight pants (on the blog) that, in straight-on photos (like the third one), display a faux-camel-toe from the fabric design. I debated whether that was okay or not and concluded it was. What's the big deal?
So lovely. Clothes and expressing is a great way to get through our struggles, we can make ourselves however we wish, even when we can't control things on the outside!! I love what your wearing xx
ReplyDeleteHey Doll, I know the Mind/Body war quite well these days. You've got to find whatever distraction/support/soothing balm that you can, and if that means a frickin' fabulous kimono and leather shorts, then go for it! I'm working on getting my mojo back, but haven't felt like playing in my wardrobe lately. Big Hugs and an arse squeeze to you, hope things level out soon.
ReplyDeleteLife sure is a mixed bag of good, bad and everything in between. I think my clothes sometimes are the only fun I can have by myself, but then it's not about being alone with my look its about sharing it with the world!
ReplyDeleteAfter I graduated college and had pink and purple hair for the better part of 6 years I had to dye it a normal color and get a real job. I felt like I was going to lose my weirdness with natural hair but I didn't because I carry my weirdness inside me not in my hair or clothes but in my very being:)
You look beautifully funky! I hope you have better days ahead!
XXOO
My dear … such a beautiful … and meaningful post. i know only too well these struggles. I also know how very comforting and empowering a great outfit can be!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration … to even step up my game … in order to feel better! I have realized over the years … this is exactly not only why I put time into my dressing, but my spaces as well. Life is hard and I need all of the armor and beauty I can find. Personal style is one area of life … that I do have control :))
The biggest of hugs of comfort to you my dear! Thank you for sharing your heart.
xoxo
Tamera
You look vibrant. Hope you feel vibrant soon xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you've been struggling recently. It's great that you have figured out some ways of comforting yourself and it makes sense that it would be through clothing. It's so much a part of you. Naturally you look absolutely lovely in your outfit. I especially love your candy floss pink hair, your kimono and your headscarf. Such a good look. Here's to red lipstick and big earrings and feeling better soon. Xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI love that you're so fearless and fierce. I have still yo learn about being me and not giving a flying flip what others think.
ReplyDeleteI tend to watch movies that I love when I feel down and out. Or make something I'm good at.
Your hair is cotton candy and I'd like to take a bite. That is all. Good night.
ReplyDeleteA day in the company of Miss Cameltoe: she prescribes the best therapy.
ReplyDeleteSoul-feeding through layering and eye-lining; so glad you have found this route to peace that can be taken afresh each day. Thank god for feather boas.
It's more than a pity, it's a damn tragedy that you don't feel as good as you look -- because you look enviably terrific in your clothes and in your skin.
ReplyDeleteWith fabric as armor, red lipstick as warpaint, and all the bits and bobs and bangles as accoutrements: wage war against the unfairness of it all and know that many, many readers are cheering you on!
With her tailcoat and hands on the hips stance, Miss Cameltoe could be your mini me. Lets hope she never runs away.
ReplyDeleteWith her tailcoat and hands on the hips stance, Miss Cameltoe could be your mini me. Lets hope she never runs away.
ReplyDeletehurrah for those lovely friends which help you to stay so fabulous, red lipstick and scarves are essential for me too!, but you look so gorgeous wearing your headscarf and so cute kimono over killer t-shirt and shorts!!, you're an artist and your style is always inspiring!
ReplyDeletewish you lots of positive energy and love!
besos
hurrah for those lovely friends which help you to stay so fabulous, red lipstick and scarves are essential for me too!, but you look so gorgeous wearing your headscarf and so cute kimono over killer t-shirt and shorts!!, you're an artist and your style is always inspiring!
ReplyDeletewish you lots of positive energy and love!
besos
I did not know about Miss Camel Toe, I mean I know what one is but I did not know there was one. Anyhow, the tee shirt is super duper cool. You look like bohemian gypsy artist.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about Miss Camel Toe, I mean I know what one is but I did not know there was one. Anyhow, the tee shirt is super duper cool. You look like bohemian gypsy artist.
ReplyDeletedolling up always cheers me up. Bumming around the house in sweats and a naked face makes me feel worse. When I was ill, I always wore make up and jewelry....it made me feel better and alive.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you big hugs. I'm sorry you are having a rough time right now but I'm so glad you have ways to make yourself feel stronger and more like yourself. I'm glad you have Miss Camel Toe.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had words that could make a difference. If I had the right words maybe I could heal the people I love who suffer.
xoxoxo
Dearest Des. There is much comfort to be found in Old Faithfuls, I think, whether they are people, activities, clothes, make-up, routines, creative expression, or whatever. Your wardrobe and your red lippy are therapy and expression both, and of course you need them. And you look so fabulous, so very you, that I suspect many don't realise how you struggle... I'm sorry that it's tough right now, and I hope things improve. Miss Cameltoe is a very good friend to have, and the kimono and scarf and shorts are all playing their gorgeous parts. Stay well and strong, my friend. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI can't leave the house without my lips on--right now my fave is the balm stain by Revlon in "Smitten"--a lovely hot pink. I bought one for my mother in the same color--it makes my face POP! Also, a bit of eyebrow pencil and a squirt of perfume. No matter where I'm going: grocery store, work, gym! :) Feel better, babes!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very interesting clip. Thank you. "Pilot your own vessel." Hmmmm...that one kind of sticks with me. Gosh, you look like you could fly to the moon in your kimono. So light and free. Miss Camel Toe had better fly, too, because it is very painful to run with a camel toe. Ouch.
ReplyDeleteI love this post and your kimono jacket! It's interesting to think about though, I've had people often say to me "but wouldn't you just be more comfortable in jeans and a tee shirt?" the answer is not in a million years, I'd feel horrible and awkward and uncomfortable. We all have our own "norm" and everyone should just accept that.
ReplyDeleteI admire and envy your over-the-top-ness and bravery! Cool!
ReplyDelete