Ms. Audrey

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

When I think about style, a million things go through my head. There are so many trends, so many people with gorgeous personal style that I would love to emulate. But above and beyond anyone else is Audrey Hepburn. She had an amazingly elegant, beautiful sense of style that is still relevant today. And most likely always will be.

I try to stay current with the way I dress, and follow trends to a certain extent, but I’m not too terribly “trendy”. It just seems such a waste to follow each and every new trend that comes along, and no one want to be a slave to fashion. I used to think this meant I didn’t have much of a sense of personal style, but in reality I’m more often drawn to thing that never go out of style. I think I have a “classic” style, and just never realized it. I’m starting to see this isn’t actually a problem, I just need to own it and allow myself to invest in the pieces that suit me.

Here is the trailer for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, my all time favorite Audrey movie. As you will notice, every thing she has on could be worn today. You could seriously base your wardrobe around this film and still be quite fashionable.  The huge glasses, the trench, the beautiful necklace she wears at the party, her adorable dresses. Love it!

Identity

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

Today in my pop culture class we were discussing identity, in relation to sex and gender. This is really an interesting class to be in and I have a good time listening to what everyone has to say. One thing that was discussed was how from the minute you are born you are either “pink” or “blue”, when you are small you play with tiny kitchen sets and vanities, or toy trucks and cop cars, and it just goes on and on forever. From the very beginning a lot is decided for you, just based on gender alone.

It kind of got me thinking about who I am, really. Like deep down, underneath whatever predetermined likes and dislikes I have. What would I like if no one were telling me what to like? Not that there is actually someone sitting around telling me, but think about the constant influences we have from the media, friends, family and so on. Would I still do what I do, watch what I watch, and wear what I wear without it?

In a way I think, of course I wouldn’t, because without “pop culture” and the mass media telling us what’s popular, the majority of people wouldn’t be the same. But I think I’m individualistic enough that I pretty much stick to what I truly prefer. At the same time I do take into account what people think more than I probably should, even if I hide it.

I do feel like when it comes down to it though, I know who I am. I’m a girl who loves old, ridiculously romantic movies, reading good novels that make me laugh or cry, lounging around in sweat pants with my boy and my dog, getting dressed up anytime I have an excuse, laughing at anything and everything, eating delicious food, listening to music of all kinds, shopping for whatever I can possibly think of, writing down my thoughts, the occasional glass of wine, checking people.com, twitter and Facebook obsessively, and spending time with my wonderful friends and family. I know I have very clearly defined morals and stances on the things that matter to me, and I will defend them to the end.  I know I like to observe a situation and take it all in before jumping in, instead of immediately dominating a situation, which may come off as reserved but works best for me. I know I may not be anywhere near perfect, but after 25 years of living I’ve figured out how to be the best version of myself that I can be. So I guess that’s all I really need.

I’ll end this with Lady Gaga’s video for “Just Dance”. Seriously one of the most fun songs around, and it always makes me happy! And she clearly doesn’t need anyone telling her who she is, haha. Love her!

Ohhh, guess I’ll try it again…

I’ve been debating for awhile whether or not to start blogging again. I’ve never taken it too seriously, and I’ve certainly never done it on a regular basis. I sort of figured why bother? I have nothing all that important to say, no particular topic I’m just SO passionate about. But I have always enjoyed writing, and Lord knows I have a lot going on in my tiny little mind all day. So I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll just write whatever I feel, whenever I feel like it, about whatever topic happens to be on my mind that day. If people happen to read and enjoy, that’s wonderful! If not, I guess it’s sort of therapeutic.

All that has been consuming my mind lately has been: job searching (yikes), the nasty weather, and getting out of Stillwater. None of this is too cheerful or exciting, so therefore I’m trying to move my brain in another direction. And the only direction it wants to go in is shopping. I’m slightly obsessed. My boyfriend will gladly inform you that even if it’s a quick run to WalMart for groceries  I’ll somehow find a way to buy a magazine, a $5 movie (who can resist?), something for my dog, and a few random things, like Clorox wipes in a pretty purple box.  It’s honestly a bit of an addiction. Yesterday I went to deposit a check at the bank, which is located inside WalMart, and ended up coming out with $15 of randomness, none of it that I needed. But I was incredibly proud I only spend $15!

However,  I have yet to branch out in to the world of Internet shopping, as strange as that may be. For some reason it frightens me. I will load up my shopping bag with all of these wonderful deals, proceed to check out….and freeze. The shipping price always gets me. “If I bought this in the store it would be $8 cheaper!”, I always tell myself. Although I never really took into account the gas money I spend to drive an hour to a town with decent stores. Hmm…that may help me out. But also, what if it doesn’t fit? What if I don’t like it? It seems like such a hassle to return it. And what about sale stuff? I’m just stuck with it forever even if it doesn’t fit?!?!?

See, something as wonderful and amazing as online shopping, and I still find a way to develop anxiety. Maybe I just need to take the plunge and order those adorable white sandals I’ve been eying at Lulus.com. But then of course there’s the chance I’ll soon have a new addiction. Oh well, at least I’m a frugal shopper.

I think this really has been very therapeutic for me. In fact, I think I may go take another look at those sandals. I’ll leave you with a couple photos of Addie, who is the only really enjoying all this snow.