I think all us girls have fond memories of dressing up in our mothers’ clothes, pretending to be ladies in high society or making believe we were in a fairy tale. 😀
We, as children, had such vivid imaginations!
What happened??!
Why, then, when we grow up, do we have to follow the mandate dictated by most stores…which essentially excludes imagination??! Yes, I understand that some women are required to dress a certain conservative way for their jobs.
But, pa-LEEZE! Must everybody have that same dull, tiresome, uninteresting, monotonous, insipid average and ordinary appearance??!
WHERE DID THE IMAGINATION GO ???!
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Enter Iris Apfel!! ❤
…a woman not at all timid to be her own person!
One who has blown off the stereotypical image of traditional matron.
See for yourself! 😀
This woman, with her bold, circular eyeglasses and her unrestrained self expression in the way she adorns herself, is declaring her independence from run-of-the-mill raiment!
She exercises her right and privilege to be who she is, declaring, “The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.”
Having some of the greatest wisdom regarding one’s own personal style, this fashion icon proclaims, “Fashion you can buy, but style you possess.”
She’s not afraid to expose her inner self, maintaining:
“I say, dress to please yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something that says ‘Here I am!’ today.”
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My own outfit, pictured here, is a combination of pieces. This is the layered look!
When I see the bohemian/ gypsy/ hippie “layered look” on Pinterest or in magazines, etc., I usually see layers on the top. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone promote the layering of skirts. But, to me, it’s a natural!
I admire skirts that have multiple tiers, and gossamer layers of tulle and gauze. ❤ So, why not layer skirts!
When I layer skirts, women ask if I made my skirt. How much easier it is to layer! Simply coordinate your colors and styles of skirts! …Wearing them together—as opposed to sewing them together, gives LOTS more versatility! It’s the same in layering tops: An easy way to layer tops is to add a vest. But, layering of tops also gives a good look—if done right! :-D.
Recognizing how certain articles of clothing go together and wearing compatible items harmoniously is the key! But, as Iris says,
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess.”
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Iris has become one of my fave fashion gurus!
Not so much that I want to duplicate her look…I don’t, though, she looks GREAT!
What I admire the MOST about her is that she doesn’t listen to others…their fashion dictates, their opinions, their censures, their stares.
She has her own voice!
Iris is right: It does take time to discover one’s own true self and how to listen to the “inner muse.”
My best friend says I’m “brave.”
Yes, I guess thats true. It took years to come out of my shy, self-conscious shell.
Before I made the big leap into the I-don’t-care-what-others-think-I’m-gonna-dress-the-way-I-want frame of mind, I would WISH I had the gumption to dress the way I wanted when I would play dress up in front of the mirror.
Yes, I was a grown woman playing dress up! Lol.
All that fear of public opinion about my being my own person has melted away. I actually have fans now! Women friends now look forward, so they tell me, to seeing me walk in wearing my next outfit! 😀 ❤
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I encourage you—don’t conform to peer pressure or the edicts of society— follow your heart in the way you express yourself in dress, in art, in being you!
Now, I also must say that morality is uppermost. Listen first to your conscience.
You should never dare yourself into something that goes against your core beliefs. Tune your spiritual ear to that “still, small Voice” in your innermost being.
After you acknowledge Him in all your ways, be true to yourself, being the one He created you to be!!
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I’d love to hear your comments!!! Lemme know whatcha think!
I agree with both you and Mrs. Apfel. I think we’re taught to conform and it really takes the soul out of much of what we do. Fashion is yet another victim of it.
Amen, sister!! Thank you, Ada! I believe the style we choose to have is an extension of our soul and should not be suppressed. Let’s be CREATIVE!!