dress: French Connection; shoes: Rebecca Minkoff; jewels: DANNIJO & TopShop
This summer has been go-go-go for me and show’s no sign of letting up. With a long list of things on my to-do list last night, I naturally decided to ignore them all and catch up on the new season of Project Runway (this was partly inspired by seeing Heidi Klum over the weekend at lunch looking absolutely amazing sans makeup…life is so unfair). The first episode featured a quote from Betsey Johnson that completely hits the sartorial nail on the head:
Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves and, of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys they’d just walk around naked at all times.
I was actually at a party a few weeks ago where I got into an odd conversation with a bloke who was arguing that the party would be much improved if we were all naked. I could comprehend his motivation but I felt the only appropriate, ladylike response to this comment was a universal, unequivocal NOOOOOOOO! (Don’t fret, dear reader, I escaped from his reach unscathed and still fully clothed!)
Back to the clothes, I absolutely dress for myself. I dress to make myself happy and hopefully transmit that joy out into the world and this outfit makes me HAPPY! The dress is fun and flirty and made for twirling (WHEEEE!). The addition of the pearls and Dannijo bling is for the little girl that used to pile on my Gran’s jewels for larks. The pumps are for the grown up who thinks everything is better with a little animal print (ROAR!). When taking these snaps I think I could actually have stayed out on the street frolicking for hours…fun times!
So, my pets, who do you dress for? If you dress for yourself, what makes you happy like a pig in sh–? Is it a particular color? A silhouette? A ‘je ne sais quoi’ sense that you can’t predict but can only feel? In short, what floats your sartorial boat?! To the comments…
A guy friend in college had the grand idea to have a “naked party” and claimed that it was all the rage at Ivy League schools. Needless to say, I did not respond to that email.
But to answer your question, I definitely dress for myself and I think I always have. I get plenty of compliments from other people, which is nice and all, but I think the majority of people who see me every day either don’t notice what I’m wearing, or wonder why the hell I bother with “dressing up” every day. That’s part of the reason I started my blog…because I know all the ladies out there who like to follow style blogs will appreciate my hard work and dedication to new outfits!!!
Frolic away, Style Sprite! Do yo thang.
Sarah’s Real Life
I absolutely agree with everything above (including your decision to skip that party!). I feel I have spent most of my adult life with people giving me the side-eye and asking why I’m so dressed up for a Tuesday and my answer has always been “I’m dressed up for ME!” It is so great to find so many like-minded stylish souls in the blogging world!!
Reblogged this on and commented:
Loving this dress!
I really wanted to ‘like’ this twice, so please consider this comment ‘like #2′
Consider this a double ‘Thank You’!!
Great dress as usual. You’re a fun and confident individual and your style certainly reflects that. Whether I’m at work, church, or out with friends, I want my clothes to reflect my reserved, yet unpredictable nature. Whatever I wear, I strive to be as neat and presentable as possible.
I dress mostly for myself, but there are times I wear colors (pinks, purples, and pastel shades) that throw people off from what they think I should wear. Just as dresses are your thing, polos are my specialty. I have tons of them in just about every color of the spectrum.
One day, you will be able to frolick all day on the street til your heart’s content! Lol. Until that time comes, keep up the good work:-)
I totally and completely dress for me! I love Lorelai Gilmore (an old show called Gilmore Girls) and get some of my style ideas from her, and then other parts, I pull from trends or timeless classics. It makes for a unique style all my own, that’s for sure. And it makes me so so so very happy.
http://www.highheelstosneakers.com
Mmmmm….I totally dress for comfort and cost effectiveness. Which is why I read your blog, it inspires me to create more flare in my wardrobe. I have bought some interesting pieces lately thanks for your creativity. And although they have yet to be released from the closet I look forward to putting them into action soon….just as soon as I get out of these jeans.
Dressing up makes a girl feel good and confident! I always have people ask me why I always dress up the most on Monday mornings. It’s simple: I feel the absolute worst on Monday morning, and wearing something pretty makes me feel significantly better.
P.S. Love the dress, very twirl-able!
Love the outfit! I agree, you have to dress for yourself. Now, I just need to convince my husband that he should dress for me…
Definitely for myself, if I don’t feel good I won’t do good. I’ve been known to don a pair of heels to sit down and meet a deadline – Feeling pretty helps me concentrate!
Your blog is lovely and you look gorgeous in that dress,
Have a lovely day (:
HT x
Lovely skirt!
The tiger print pumps add considerable glamour to your overall appearance.
Keep dressing for yourself. Thumbs up!