You Don't Have To Go Anywhere

"The world is full of things that are tragic or comic, heroic or bizarre or surprising, and those who fail to be interested in the spectacle that it offers are forgoing one of the privileges life has to offer."
 - Bertrand Russell.

Sartorial Rabbit Hole of Joy, or Lyst

I've recently been going down the best rabbit hole ever. And I do mean that. I've been spending time on Lyst. It's seriously like a fashionista's online Mecca. You create an account and answer a whole bunch of questions about which designers you like and don't like, then your own private boutique is curated for you. Basically, Lyst scours a whole ton of online shops and puts them all in one place. Imagine, instead of tons and tons of boutiques spread across they're all in one place - like a mall - but so much more awesome because no one steps on your toes.

Favorite Scarves

I have a few. Those standards go-tos. You know, the ones you reach for without really thinking.  Obviously, my Polish scarf is on that list. As is a gorgeous black one from Kish & Evie - you'll be seeing that a lot this Winter.

Biker Gear

No trip to Port Dover, Ontario would be complete without picking up some kick ass leather halter.

All The Good Things

Something about sitting around a campfire with moonlight and starlight streaking down. With a lovely whiskey and good friends, there is perfection. I did that.

Chase You?

Remember the chase?  That whole chase between men and women. The whole dance of he moves, and you either move with him or shut it down.  I like that chase.

The Dress I Didn't Wear

This past Friday I had a friend's dance party, to celebrate her birthday. Now, you know I love to dance, and I love me a great dancing dress. I put this fringed backless dress on thinking it would be perfect for the evening. I do love it. But after taking these shots, I came home and did the test. Always do the test. Test out what you're wearing with what you're doing. Why? Because I dislike fashion holding back my actions. I don't want to be limited in my motion. I like the freedom.

So the test: I danced like I would for one song. During that time, the slip moved too much for my liking. It moved too far north, if you know what I mean. And that was after one song of dancing.

Nothing, not fire, not weather, not fashion will take dancing away from me. In this and all cases, if it doesn't function, it ain't happening. So, though I wanted to wear this, I decided that dancing all night with no worries was, and always will be, my priority.

What does this mean for the dress?  It means that until I manage to get an inch or two added to the slip, it's a going out and hanging out dress. Not a dancing dress - that calls for some very specific requirements....which I'll talk about in my next post when I show you what I did wear.

I know, you're on the edge of your seats.

Here's To Our Friendship Flaws

I have very imperfect friends. Some overshare, some drink too much sometimes, some say stupid things at the most inopportune moments, some can be harsh ...basically they make mistakes and have flaws, and are human.

All of them are well meaning, and caring, and accepting, and honest.

I can tolerate a lot as long those things are present. Tolerate isn't the right word. A lot of things don't bother me because of the presence of the others - that's a better way to put it. In fact, I count on my friends being imperfect, because that means that they'll hopefully be forgiving of my own imperfections. Of which I have many, and I try to surround myself with people who will forgive me when I say/do something stupid at the most inopportune of moments knowing that I probably don't mean it, because I'd like to think I'm well meaning, caring, accepting, and honest.

Tee - Thrifted  //  Kimono - Arnhem  //  Shorts - Spell  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Bag - Target  //  Sunnies - I forget

Days of Contentment

The last few days, I danced for probably seven hours combined.  It's incredible how much energy and emotion is released into the world by the simple act of dance.  I've been saying it for years, "Dance it out." And I always understood Meredith's *from Grey's Anatomy* need to have a 30 second dance party. There's always a good time to dance. 

But more than that, I spent the weekend with the most wonderful people.  Friends, and peers, who despite everyone's flaws, accept and respect each other. No judgement and no expectations, except for the desire to 'suck the marrow out of life.' 

Dress - Spell Designs  //  Boots - F21  //  Bracelet & Small gold ring - ThreadSence  //  Large Gem ring - small fair trade company  //  Flash Tattoos - eBay

Lush Green Trees and a Little Creek

Finding little places like this, low in a valley and hidden from the city, is like entering a secret garden.
Logically, I know that this place is frequented by many.
But emotionally, it feels like my own secret place.
Quiet and undiscovered.

It just begs and cries out for a little twirling and dancing.

Kimono - Spell Designs  //  Top - SheIn  //  Shorts - Target  //  Sandals - Threadsence  //  Hat - I forget  //  Necklaces - Vanessa Mooney and Monserat de Lucca

Yeah Baby!

That whole '60s/'70s feel. That whole loose waves, fringe and mini dress thang.  All of that.  I'm in love.  There's a party?  I'm bringing my fringe, backless, and curls to shake shake shake it off.  Yes, I threw a little Taylor Swift in there.  Because it's all about being who you truly are in all your complex glory.

And this fringed hippie loves her a little Taylor.

Dress - Spell Designs  // Belt & Boots - F21 *old*  //  Sunnies - UO //  Rings - F21 and others *old*

Fringe, Shift, and Beach

Dress - ThreadSence //  Cardigan - Ruche   //  Scarf - old, I forget  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - Vanessa Mooney  //  Socks - FreePeople

Still desolate, still snowy ice caps, but it's a beach. The wind was cold and howling but.... It's a beach and it's not covered with piles and piles of snow.  It's a beach.  That in itself makes me very happy.

What's making you happy today?

Breezy Arnhem Maxi Dress

The sun is shining, the temperature is up and the breeze is blowing through my dress.

Walking around I finally felt that beautiful thing that is the breeze blowing through your dress, and the sun caressing the back of your neck. It was warm - well warmer - than it has been for a long time. This deliciously light, soft, and breezy dress has been in my closet for a little while. It was calling, nay screaming, out for the barometer to rise. A long and light dress with floral prints epitomizes Spring to me. There's something about that feeling when you're walking down the street and can feel sun, material, and a warm breeze on you at the same time. It's a calming feeling, a soothing feeling, a moment that makes you breathe and love life

Dress - Arnhem  //  Necklace - Gypsy Love Store  //  Ring - F21  //  Bag - Target  // Socks - I forget *old*  //  Boots - Aldo

*linking up with Style Sessions, and Trend Spin*

How I Despise "Must" Haves

Xanadu Dress - Spell Designs  //  Sweater - UO  // Boots - Aldo  //  Sunnies, Necklace & Belt - F21  //  Bag - Target

 I don't know if it's my rebellious nature, or just my cynical view on things, but I seriously dislike when anyone posts articles on "Must Haves."  It's applicable across the board, but I'm mostly referring to fashion posts here.  The "Must Haves in Every Closet", "Must Haves for Spring" etc., etc.  You know what I'm talking about.  Us women have seen them, and continue to see them every season.

Every magazine and blogger always has these "Must Have" articles.  Frankly, I think it's ridiculous. Why 'must' you have it? What's gonna happen if you don't?  You don't need to have anything except weather appropriate clothing to keep you safe from the elements.  That's what you 'must have' and even then, if you don't well, that's at your own risk.  You're a grown up and can make those choices for yourself.

Further, these must haves are not applicable to everyone, so why must you have them?  I don't own a crisp button up white shirt. I haven't owned one for about eight years.  It's on everyone's 'Must Have' list, yet I haven't needed it for eight years.  So perhaps it's not actually a 'Must-Have'?

These are generic lists for generic people and they don't reflect individuality. They should be called "suggested haves."  Because not only do they paint you inside a generic box, but they also make you feel like you are somehow without or lacking if you don't own these things. I call bullshit on that. I don't own a set of classic black pumps.  And thought I do have a classic black blazer, I honestly have worn it for about nine years.  So why must I have these things? Clearly I don't.

What must you have in your wardrobe?  Those pieces that define you and that function in your lifestyle. That's it. That's all you 'must have'  and tell anyone who says differently to shove it somewhere.