cat lady fashion - sailor chic?

{captain blazer: thrifted // first mate skirt: victoria's secret // stowaway scarf: tar-jet // pirate jewels: vintage & handmade of course // deck hand booties: no idea}

Fashion is fun, right? RIGHT! Except of course, when it's not. "Whoa that's pretty deep for what is technically a Monday for most of us Merl" .. I know, and I'm sorry to be hitting you with some pretty hard facts without warning. But the extremely vague topic of 'fashion' has been on the brain lately. Bare with me as I delve deep into my thought process on the matter.

As I was changing into the above ensemble from my cat hair pajamas for a trip to the co op [no my former attire wouldn't have been 'out of place' but I'm trying to keep what few standards I have left guys] it struck me that I was laughably 'sailor chic.' All the navy combined with the stripes and beige accents obviously brought to mind riding the high seas... uh what? I don't even have the excuse of living in NYC and experiencing Fleet Week to cloud my judgement on naming this look. In my defense, the second I thought of the title, I had to laugh at myself. Really Merl?Sailor Chic? Are you going to be climbing the rigging or tying off a line in this outfit? Only if it was the start of a very classy porno, and luckily that career has never really appealed to me..[yet] So instead of taking myself too seriously, I grabbed some aviators, my sister and sauntered out to the pool for a 'fitting backdrop' to my 'nautical attire.'

Unfortunately I think a lot of style bloggers get caught up in the fame game and lose sight of why they started posting their outfits online in the first place. Ok, so some of them DO become a 'flogger' solely for recognition, but many of you kids do it to share your creative, one of a kind style and join a community that supports your wacky ways. Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and happy is a profoundly powerful tool, and shouldn't be discounted as frivolous or meaningless. But when the latest trends, the allure of designer labels, and the popularity struggles begins to take over what used to be a joyful experience -ie expressing your personality through your attire- it's time to check yo self.. before you wreck yo self.

No one is perfect. I know what you're thinking.. but Merl, you're pretty damn close! And I thank you for your warm sentiments, but truthfully.. I'm not quite there. [yet..] Everyone has bad hair days, bad skin days, bad ensemble days.. hell even hot mess weeks. So stop comparing yourself to others and simply do what makes you happy. Wear what you want, and thumb your nose at the newest trends if that's what trips your trigger. Or.. wear them if that rocks your boat instead. Don't be afraid to actually look happy in your outfit photos! They say a smile is your best accessory, and unless you had spinach for lunch, I'm apt to agree. I post my outtakes because they are a real representation of myself. I'm awkward, goofy and have a hard time taking anything but the ASPCA commercials seriously [2 seconds in, I'm a bawling mess]. If you're a more stoic, reserved person.. that's ok too. I don't know exactly how to interact with you, but I'm sure you're a nice person behind that steel vault.

If you find yourself becoming frustrated with your blog.. lack of followers, not having the latest accessory, waiting impatiently for Anna to call you personally.. take a step back and re-evaluate your efforts. Then put on your favorite outfit, slap on a scarily large smile and get your ass out the door. Outfit photos optional, positive outlook mandatory. If you do snap the ensemble.. toss in an outtake for me.

[x]m.