I feel like I need to begin this post with an apology for my neglect. So many of you took the time and wrote such encouraging and inspiring comments in response to my last post, I thank you. For the first time since I have started this blog I have missed several Weekend Fashion Bibliographies and a post or two on a Monday. Designer Wednesday’s have been few and far between. This makes me unhappy because of all my platforms, my blog is my favorite. When I do not have time to be creative, pictures just become taking pictures, not telling stories.
Somehow I found myself in the situation this semester of doing many things I really did not want to do and now the aftermath becomes a nagging dissatisfaction generally and a complete lack of creativity. I feel fretful. I have been fretting about my hair, my blog and tasks undone, I have been having trouble finding something to wear that gives me that feeling of rightness. I only want to wear jeans and baggy shirts. I tried to catch up on all the fashion news I have been missing and felt bored, nothing much exciting or new. I feel bored with myself. Sometimes I rue the fact that I was brought up in the bosom of psychoanalysis and thus compulsively engage in navel gazing.
Being fair, allergies have been taking me down and contributing to the sense of disorientation and fogginess that seems a constant state lately. I calm myself by reminding me of the fact that this is the way life and creativity goes; it is a series of peaks and valleys with each peak a little higher than the last. Soothed, i must admit though that I do feel compelled to turn outward into the world, to reverse the focus and point the lens at something other than myself. This summer I have a book to write about fashion and a bunch of articles I have saved about fashion and performance to read. I have a club called The Wing, with many different locations and members to inspire me. And I remember that it all always comes down to this at the end of the day…just start doing it, whatever the it may be. So I better get dressed and off the couch, laptop in hand but I am still going to wear a baggy shirt and jeans.
What’s your “it” for the summer?
i’m in desperate need to slow down. I have been going through a serious time of self reevaluation. My taste in fashion and how I want to present myself to the world has changed (in my little mind) radically. I am less concerned with how others see me as much as how I like to see myself. To be comfortable in my own skin. So this summer I plan to slow down, explore and enjoy. (though for me a long soft maxi skirt and t-shirt)
I’m right there too. This summer I will create necklaces that bring the beach home and wear lace and jeans and combat the creative blues with creating. It always works for me.
Black. Black. White. Pop of blue.
Thank you for another great post ") I do too much navel gazing also; though to be fair, it can create great growth as well. It’s all about balance for me: enough time to turn inward, listen, release, create, and enough time to have that energy blossom outward to move, share, and experience. For summer I want to work more on expression through writing and sketching. Let all that can be felt and found via navel gazing come into form =) Thanks again! Love what you share ")
My "it" for this summer is to start my third career. I’ll be going back to my roots so it’s not a complete shift of my world, but I’ll be sharpening old skills, learning the new ropes and working for myself for the first time. That’s never appealed to me before and I’m curious to see what happens.
Hello!
My name is Paola, im from El Salvador,
My country is an unsafe place even to walk, it is difficult to think of fashion with so many stereotypes but I just want to remind you that you are a wonderful woman and you inspire me, really. i hope i can be like you someday,
you’re beautiful no matter if you wear baggy shirts and jeans,
Please keep going with your blog,
Life balance. I will soon be 50 years old and have recognized that over half of my life span is behind me. I have lived and conquered many experiences good and not so good. Now is my time to assess what is missing, left undone, and needing my attention. I will be setting aside those things that do not add to my happiness and anchor me into stagnation and redundancy, and I will balance my remaining years with adventure, personal growth, charity, and love.
First of all, I appreciate the term “navel gaze”. Is that of our generation? Then, I am trying to answer your question by remembering what month this is because I have been on the road for a month. Currently in Portugal. This year is my year of travel. So this summer, more travel. Next trip Isle of Wight 50th Anniversary Music Festival. And, you’re right, sometimes you can’t think about it. You just have to run and do it. Run, run, run.
Thank you for sharing your stories. Navel gazing in some ways can bring me back on track with myself. The inward conversation and check in helps me to nurture and feed my soul because the rest of the time I am a mother of two teens in transition, wife of a wonderful man who needs support, and a leader in my workplace. This summer? Spinning and dyeing wool and creating a shawl from last years’s spinning. For me, for those cool summer evening star gazing to find inspiration.
Total self and “me” all the time is not a recipe for happiness and growth, IMO. That’s difficult to sustain. Wear the jeans and look around for kindnesses you can share with others. I think it will inspire creativity in ways you never imagined. All the best….
Welcome back. You were missed. Thank you for your openness and sharing. Ebbs and flows. Just roll. My "it" this summer? Enjoying the ride.
For me, in these perilous times, there is no choice other than to continue to persevere (à la Elizabeth Warren) and resist (as in the Resistance). Ask me again when/if other choices become possible once again.
Tell me more about The Wing, please.
Great post – real, and very self connected. Have a feeling there maybe a universal energy here as the last few months have felt very disconnecting. Keep blogging. Love what you write
You are an inspiration to all women, young and slightly older like us
Keep going, to bring us hope and extreme happiness through your words and fashion style.
Blessings
Maggie
Thank you. I totally relate.
As I sit here in baggy jeans and shirt I can totally empathize. Sometimes you just have to take a breather, listen to your inner voice and restart. I think you’re right, it’s one step at a time. There are some days when I don’t feel like heading out but after those first 3 steps my mood lifts, a smile appears and I gain energy as I walk. I’m looking forward to reading about your next stage. I love your strong vision, architectural design and simplicity that somehow results in an exciting outfit or pose or memorable picture. Thankyou.
Here in the UK it’s all Royal Wedding and Brexit so jeans and baggy tops sounds just the ticket!
The Sakura Kaftan from Curator San Francisco is mine, I love it so much in charcoal I went back and got it in eggplant as well. The draft on the pattern is subtle, it has pockets, it’s hugely flattering and the fabric is an amazing Japanese sand-washed poly kisses fingers
Naval gazing is good. It’s not all about doing but being
Gosh, some comforting to know that YOU go through these periods, too!