Be Your Best Self

The other day, I was watching Sex and the City. I never watched the show while it actively aired, but due to a dear friend's recent move to New York City, I was inspired to jump on the SATC band wagon and start from the beginning.

In the 2nd episode of Season 1, "Models & Mortals," the following scene takes place:

MIRANDA: We should just admit that we live in a culture that promotes impossible standards of beauty

CHARLOTTE: Yeah, except men think they're possible

MIRANDA: Yeah

CHARLOTTE: You know, no matter how good I feel about myself if I see Christy Turlington, I just wanna give up

MIRANDA: I just wanna force feed her lard, but that’s the difference between you and me

(All laugh)

CARRIE: What are you talking about? Look at you two, you're beautiful

CHARLOTTE: Oooo I hate my thighs

MIRANDA: O come on

CHARLOTTE: I can't even open a magazine without thinking "thighs, thighs, thighs"

MIRANDA: Well I'll take your thighs and raise you a chin

CARRIE: I’ll take you a chin and raise you a … (points at nose)

(All look at Samantha expectantly)

SAMANTHA: What?

CARRIE: Come on

SAMANTHA: I happen to love the way I look

MIRANDA: You should. You paid enough for it ( Miranda, Carrie and Charlotte all laugh)

---

After finishing the episode and generally reflecting, I began to ponder: Why do we (especially women) seek to emulate other people? We miss out entirely on the fact that regardless of our hair/eye/skin color, waist/breast size, or any other physical trait we "hate" about ourselves, we are the only 
        (insert full name here)          this world will ever know! That fact, in and of itself, should make us proud  to be who we are.

My! How the world would be different if we stopped spending so much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and simply concentrated on being our best selves! People, we need to stop comparing ourselves to everybody else! Why do we continue to disillusion ourselves into thinking we could ever look like Ryan Reynolds or a Victoria's Secret model? If that's not how God made you, don't break your back (and your wallet) trying to be something you just anatomically cannot be.


Now, don't get me wrong - I KNOW this is easier said than done (might I remind you that I once was anorexic). Nevertheless, if you don't actively work to change your mindset, of course, you will never experience freedom from the culture "that promotes impossible standards of beauty." (Key word - IMPOSSIBLE). 

Furthermore, if you are able to fully grasp the implications of how special you are simply because you are the only YOU to exist, I guarantee you will hold your head up a little higher. Instead of worrying about how you may fall short in the eye's of others, if you focus solely on being the best         (insert full name here)            you can be in any and every situation - whatever that means and however that looks - much of your current stress will diminish. I know mine did.

At present, I am speaking mostly on the physical level; however, this attitude of loving yourself naturally also applies to your personality, dreams, and ambitions. You only get one shot at life. Do what makes you happy. Aspire towards the things you love and from which you receive fulfillment. When fully flushed out, this idea can potentially change your whole outlook on life!

For years, I have appreciated the artist, Pink. Her music really speaks about and to real situations and all-too-real emotions people face on a daily basis. Her recent song, "F*ckin' Perfect," really sums up and communicates my feelings on this matter - I hope you are able to one day realize that you are perfect just the way you are - for no other reason than because it is true. Don't aspire towards greatness; just be your best self.



(Viewer discretion advised; if you would rather just read the lyrics, they are posted below).



Pink's "F*ckin' Perfect" Lyrics:

Made a wrong turn once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss 'No way, it's all good'
It didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing
Underestimated, look I'm still around

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

You're so mean when you talk
About yourself. You were wrong.
Change the voices in your head
Make them like you instead.

So complicated,
Look happy, You'll make it!
Filled with so much hatred
Such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I could think of
Chased down all my demons
I've seen you do the same
(Ohh ohhhhhhh)

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me

The whole world's scared, so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line and we try try try but we try too hard
And it's a waste of my time.
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves and we do it all the time
Why do we do that, why do I do that (why do I do that)?

(Yeah!)
I'm Pretty, pretty, pretty

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me
(You're perfect, you're perfect)
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect.
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you are perfect to me.

Tights - They're Back!

Fall/Winter fashion trend alert! Tights are taking the world by storm. What used to be those horribly awful items our mothers forced us to wear under our Sunday best are now finding their way into adults' closets everywhere in various fabrics, patterns, and transparencies!

As the weather can't seem to decide what it's doing - dipping to low 40's one day and then soaring to near 70 the next - tights help extend your spring/summer wardrobe into the fall/winter. In my research, I came across one fashionista who enjoys pairing her shorts with tights, allowing her to maintain core temperatures without having an overly bulky ensemble. Unfortunately, as we enter December, I don't think this adaptation will be wearable much longer.









Unless of course, you're wearing sweater tights! Able to add flair to your outfit, keep your legs and tootsies warm, and they can come in a variety of shades and patterns. Check out these argyle print ones! You can't go wrong!







 


If you're feeling particularly bold, you can pick up a pair of tights in an iridescent shade to add undeniable pop and wake up your otherwise muted cold weather outfits.







Black will of course go with everything and pair nicely with skirts or dresses paired with boots as will browns and navy blues. And, usually this variety comes in a range of transparencies from super opaque to sheer, depending on your personal preferences.

Then, there are tights like these with crazy patterns that jazz up your look without even trying! This zig zag pattern on the left is rather striking as are these cable net ones on the right.

Tights also enable you to recycle your spring and summer shoes! 

Wear them with your strappy heels and peep toes. No need to buy all new footwear as you move into the next season. Wah Lah!

An obvious pro to tights is how budget friendly they are. I just scored 3 pairs at Marshall's for $9.99. In my shopping excursions, I've seen them for as low as $4.50/pair up to $9.99 for a name brand. Sure, you can also find them for $18-$22 at websites likes hue.com, but I'm content with my $3.33 steals. :)

The one piece of advice other bloggers are stressing with tights is: PLEASE, Please, please do not wear tights as if they were leggings. They're tights. Not leggings. So, sure! Pair them with your favorite party dress. Wear them with sweater dresses (that is bonafide dresses made from knit fabrics, not sweaters that are two sizes too big - just sayin'). But do not try to pass them off for pants when they're not. Hello, fashion faux paux. 'Nuff said. 

As I retire for the evening and prepare my Sunday best, I will be looking to dawn a pair of my new tights tomorrow. I'll try to upload a picture and keep you updated with other looks I have created using them, so be sure to check back. Best wishes for finding great success with your legwear and stay warm all season long! 

---

With Scarf	Without Scarf	Actual Look of the Tights

Fall & Faux Fur

At a time when everyone seems concerned with political correctness and being eco-friendly, it is no wonder that faux fur would be at the forefront of fall/winter fashion this year.

It took me a little while to find appreciation for this trend, but if treated respectfully it does look/seem rather cozy. (Notwithstanding, it can also look downright scary).




As with any other wardrobe piece, proportions are key. If your fur simply serves to add texture to your look, then your pairings can be a bit more bold. However, if you look like you traded places with Chewbacca for the day, you want to assume a minimalist approach elsewhere.

The cut of the clothing item is also something to be mindful of. Fur can be quite bulky, so one must be careful when choosing the style and length of his/her potential purchase. Personally, I prefer short hair varieties on hip-length vests; they work best with my frame and build. I feel as if the longer hair furs tend to create an almost sloppy appearance. I much rather prefer to appear pulled together, not coming away at the seams.

 


If you're not ready to go all out on fur, you can go for a fur-lined jacket or boot! Or, you could invest in a fur-accented handbag. These are all great ways of getting that luxe look without leaving your comfort zone. Just a little bit can go a long way when paired with simple jeans, tees, and/or sweaters.

I'm still on the prowl for a faux fur item to call my own. It can be tricky to find that perfect piece, but never forget, sometimes less is more. And, the bottom line is - you have love what you're in; otherwise, what's the point? So if you're game (pun intended), give it a try. But whatever you do, work what your momma gave you. :)