Because I'm Happy...In Stripes

I am enjoying the last few days of sun left before monsoon season starts and the chilly weather starts to fester. I am one who always loved the sun and the warmth and I think this was the perfect day to head out in this absolutely easy breezy outfit with a somewhat "nautical" feel. I am obsessed with everything nautical the reason being that since it'smealready.com (my self deprecating term to convey how absolutely head over heels I am with myself... and yes, I think I am "the one"), I realized to get an anchor tattoo at the back of my ear. Not because I refuse to sink, but that's a nice metaphor. Since I am literal, I got this tattoo simply because my initials "JL" seem like an anchor when joined together... so come to think of it, perhaps I did take my self-absorption to the next level. After all, I am singe and if anything, this is the best time to rediscover myself and dedicate my focus on me. When I started doing that, I figured there were so many reasons to love myself and that nothing is wrong with that as long as your self-love doesn't inflict pain on other people. So if you are willing, allow me to teach you how to fall in love with yourself.

Neutralize Me

 

I've been so obsessed with neutral tones recently that I am secretly praying you all don't find my outfits too bland or too boring. To explain, I am simply avoiding colors that are too bold and loud which may or may not have a subconscious component there. I have always said I am girl who loved sparks but recently, I guess I am finding myself drawing myself away from hostility and retreating to a more neutral place where there is no drama, no "he said-she said" blaming, no possibility where I have to make a decision on whose side I am on and other things being a girl who loves sparks has to deal with and face on a daily basis. My outfits recently are somehow indicative of how comfortable I am in just being and hopefully this is manifested in my outfit. I had a conversation with a friend two week ago regarding some dramatic instance in my life (and yes there is more than one) and all I had to say was "It's not like I like drama and stirring things up. I am so chill and I don't really want to deal with things na cause I get really drained. I JUST WANT TO BE CHILL AND PRETTY AND DRINK MY GREEN VEGGIE JUICE." I was of course trying to explain how I am into the whole conflict-avoidance school of thought. Naturally, since it was kind of a blonde moment (and I don't mean that to be a stereotype cause well, my hair really is blonde,) he told me that what I said was so funny, something I could only get away with when saying it and probably the most ditzy thing he has ever heard. Of course I didn't want to argue as I found my statement to be quite ridiculous too but I meant it but I could have probably worded it differently. You know what I mean. I am so happy to have made this proactive decision in my life because so far, things have been quiet yet fun and calm on my end and I could not ask for more... I just want to be.

Midnight Blue

Here is a definitive break from all the denim and pants I have been wearing lately. I needed it- I was getting a bit too comfortable in my denims that drastic measures had to be taken. So for this decision, I decided to wear my cotton Zara cropped top and checkered Origami skort (which was kind of loose by the way- something I cannot understand as I have been eating like a truck driver recently.) Of course the outfit revolved around the bag... as I am debuting my midnight blue snakeskin Givenchy Lucrezia which I had to really scrimp and work hard for. It was just to pretty to resist and the shape, the strap, the leather and most of all- the color was absolute perfection and I am happy I got to wear it. I paired it with ankle strap pointed shoes to make the look more mature. Unfortunately, the outfit was not quite suited for the weather as it rained that day but I enjoyed wearing it nonetheless.

Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On

I find myself embracing the casual and very laid back look recently... and it isn't because I am too lazy to function and think of what to wear but because I find blue jeans to be practical and so easy to wear. I know, I know... seeing me in pants used to be an exception but it has managed to become the norm with me. Maybe I am growing up and becoming more practical or maybe and most probably I am simply in a phase and some kind or rebellion that I've developed quite the liking for this look. After all, growing up means liking yourself more and more. I have been with myself long enough to feel comfortable in my own skin... no matter what I am wearing. Self-respect can be something that is innate but it can also develop with age. The awful things I allowed people to make me believe and assume when I was younger now make me cringe. But at least I am no longer letting them do it. The same applies for relationships- I am sure we all equated relationships with mind games, manipulation, and experiencing insane highs and lows. Growing up, however, makes me realize also means letting only good people into my life and letting healthy relationships happen.

...And Justice For All

All dressed up for a very important day. I decided to suit it up in my new favorite tones- neutrals and this time, I did it in pinstriped gray, black and white. The outfit was tailored to perfection as I had wanted it to be and I was absolutely into the whole putting my best foot forward thing. I must say I have been dressing up in soft neutral tones, androgynous themes and in structured pieces... Is it safe to say my fashion choices and way of dressing is in a sense... growing up? Hmm. Well to begin with, I am after all 27, which I have to say is the most awkward age ever because I'm in the middle of being 25 and 30 and that's not always a good place to be in. I am all about extremes and hate being in the middle and that is exactly what this age is proving out to be for me. I think we have all had our fair share in terms of struggling with our identities and the meaning of our existence. 

Ripped Boyfriend Jeans

I've decided to put an interesting spin on things by wearing this cream on ripped boyfriend denim jeans ensemble together. It was a great risk to wear something as rugged then contrast it with something more elegant which goes for the case of my denim jean bottoms and my rather elegant and classic top and blazer. What can I say? I love contrasts and I don't care. If anything I have learned that there is  great sense of liberty that can be derived for sticking by your choices... no matter what other people think. All I care is what I think and I thing I felt pretty good in this look.