Born Free

For some reason it just hit me-- I don't ever have to dress "normal" again.

There is no end to this vacation from "sensibility" in fashion. There is nowhere I have to fit in, besides this funny little nest that I have feathered for myself. And if it ever does reach a finale, and I suddenly find myself sitting in front of a serious interviewer, wearing an awkward outfit that I am hoping appeals to the general public, well-- I want to know that I lived in these times!

I don't usually manage to do photos of my every day outfits (I am always bolting out the door slightly late for something or other), but I got a few snaps this week:

Fun with scarves: the long ones make great material to weave into braids! 

 

The shirt below, a Shepard Fairey (of "Andre The Giant Has A Posse" fame) design that reminds me of Maria from the original Metropolis movie, was on a regular cotton t-shirt, but it was too heavy for summer, so I cut the sleeves off. Never underestimate the power of cutting the sleeves off of something! The purple Mexican dress above met the same fate, and as a result I can wear it when it is 100 degrees outside. The necklaces are actually one multi-chained gold necklace, a bolo tie, and a belt buckle woven into the whole shebang. My light jacket became my headscarf, Little Edie Style. I totally love Little Edie. 

 

 

I think I was a little afraid of layering up until now-- I have no idea why. Clearly layers are the way to go! They can transform an odd kind of piece, like this 80s skirt, which I just wouldn't wear in a "straightforward" way, into a part of a larger tapestry. And you can sculpt with layers. Sculpture and collage are probably the art forms that come to me most easily, so this is really a whole new dress-up world opening up for me! It makes sense that my fashion has started to lean this way, since my house is literally covered in fabrics and scarves. It also makes me slightly more able to accept that lovely, easy summer will end in a month or two, and I will have to wear more fabric again. 

Clothing psychology: a good way to keep track of your subconscious! 

One of my biggest inspirations right now:

 

 
 Maya Arulpragasam aka MIA, whose new album is blowing my mind. There seems to be a track for every shade of every mood I am in this summer-- from extra saucy to pissed off to ambitious to crushed out to blissfully surrendering to the flow. Thank god/dess for MIA. There is no one else like her. 

Speaking of blowing my mind... somehow, up until now, I missed out on the amazing band Gogol Bordello. If any of you are still in the dark, let me light a candle. No, let me light a four alarm fire.

 

You really, really want to watch this. It is so full of life and fun:

Come to find out, Chris actually went to the disco in the video above. Long story. 

Lastly but hardly leastly, I am sooooooo excited about the new Agent Ribbons album, Chateau Crone, coming out this fall, and I have been obsessively playing their first album, On Time Travel And Romance. I love everything about this band... the vaudeville-meets-girl-group musical arrangements, the sweet and sour poetry of the lyrics, and Natalie's voice... that voice! Check them out here (and on itunes and everywhere else).

 

  

.............I hope you all are having fun with your clothes and finding music that inspires and expands your summer spirit!.............

Comments

[Milla]

I love that you're free to explore your wildest dressing dreams. It is a surprisingly important freedom. Your inspirations are, as always, fabulous

[bellisimama]

i looooove gogol bordello and mia. people always tell me i look like her. i wish!! both these outfits are amazing. that tshirt is fantastic and i totally love the idea of weaving fabric into your braid. love this post.
http://bellisimama.blogspot.com/

[Zinnia Cress]

oh! thanks for the update on teh agent ribbons album! :0 i caught them at spaceland a while ago and fell in love with them! i was able to get some really cute handmade pics of theirs. :) thanks for the update! :)

[Brittany]

sounds totally and completely dreamy to give up the constraining life of having to "fit in" for your livelihood! i have been thinking about doing just this thing for a while now, but it is hard to know when is the right time. do you mind explaining your process or plan for breaking out, or did you already in a prior post i can search for?

[Lisa]

That dress is gorgeous and I concur, MIA's new album is incredible!