Frivolous Universe

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Bethany

This particular Saturday, I lazed around all day reading. By the time 6 o’clock chimed and I was supposed to meet up with Kelly to make dinner and watch a movie, I was still wearing stripped pajama pants and a wrinkled brown wife beater. I debated showing up as is but I recognize that sometimes there is a fine line between dressing casual and looking like one has just stepped out of rehab.


As a culture we spoil each other by getting dressed up all week. When the worst of the casual dress days come and we see each other, we don’t know whether to cringe at the others appearance or ask if they are okay. The last time I visited my family in Idaho Falls, a place where dressing up can be perceived as pretentious, I thought it would be safe to dress down. I skipped my make-up and wore a t-shirt and jeans. My brother, who wears t-shirts and jeans himself, got concerned about my appearance and several times asked why I didn’t primp. Most sisters might have slapped their brother in response, but really I thought the whole situation was amusing. I think the next time I want a little extra love and doting I’ll remember to put on sweats.


So  with 10 minutes to get ready and not wanting to depress Kelly with my appearance, I decided to change my clothes. I still wanted to be comfortable so the first thing I gravitated towards was my t-shirt that I bought in Portland. I purchased it for its lovable baby buggy with tentacles coming out of it. To dress it up, I paired it with my 70s Ship N’ Shore full length maxi skirt and 70s shirt with lapels. I also added a beret because it is difficult to look like a slouch with one on.

Photographer: Kelly Lynae

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Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. -Helen Keller

Wool beret: Dillard’s, clearance $10
Vintage 70’s necktie blouse: John Matthew California, thrift store, $2.50
Leather woven belt: thrift store, $1.50
Wool tweed dress shorts: GAP, clearance 3 years ago, $14.00
Tall leather boots: Corso Como, Shoe Fetish 6 years ago, $250

 

Kelly and I are moving into our dream office starting next week. Going on this adventure is like an out-of-body experience. While inside I am paralyzed with uncertainty, my body keeps moving forward because it knows it does not want to stay in the same place forever. Anything I’ve ever done in life that has made me happy has started with this feeling.

 

 

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For the most part I do not censor what I wear. There however are times such as first impressions and serving food at a charitable dinner for Create Common Good that it does not make sense to show up dressed like this or this. I like to look like I’ve come to work . . . but not too hard.

My fallback for a casual work outfit is the same as anyone else, a simple shirt and jeans. Then I accessorize the shit out of it with a wool French beret (Dillard’s clearance, $10), suspenders (thrift store, San Francisco), Christian Dior tie (thrift store, $1.50), and Joan David Italian hand-made leather loafers (thrift store, $5.75). To finish off my outfit and look approachable I wore my favorite silver vintage East Indian cuff (from Mum). My cuff puts people at ease and allows them to joke with me about how I can bash their face in with it.

Photographer: Jessica Holmes

Dear Universe, tomorrow is my birthday. All I am wishing for is a few good friends to dance the night away with me. I am also wishing for lots of jobs photographing fashion, people, and culture. And please end this next year with a trip to Italy. Thanks. Love, Bethany.

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