I am so sad to see you write, "I feel silly anytime I look like I am trying... Is it so bad to be seen trying?...Trying after all, made it more fun." Oh my goodness! Aren't we always applauded for trying? At least TRY the broccoli? At least TRY to talk to one person? Good for you, you TRIED, even if you didn't win!? Where would we be if we didn't try, and in some cases, have it stand out? What do people think? They think, "Wow, she really got into it! Now I wish I had!" In this case, TRYING was what the host asked of her guests. Be part of the success of the party. (And you were, good job!!)
I once went to a local party in my small town Maine neighborhood, where the theme was "Bling". We're talking fake bling, because the only real jewelry most of us have are our engagement rings. I am NOT kidding, nearly half of the women came with NO JEWELRY on at all, not even earrings! It wasn't my party, but honest to God, if it had been, I'd have thrown them out! What were they thinking?? Why did they come? We got our revenge by sitting them down and covering them in cheap necklaces, cheap rings and fake stick on jewels. To make a success of a theme or costume party, people have to cooperate. (And not be afraid to be seen trying!)
SUZY. This story made me laugh - YOU ARE RIGHT! Of course you are right. So much of the fashion world prioritizes "effortless style," and so I have been conditioned to see effort as a negative. It's something I am working on, something I think about a lot to be honest. But being intentional, thoughtful, *trying* to put something special together - especially with an outfit - is what makes it fun for me. Appreciate your comment and your reminders here. x
I love the theme idea for an event. You look great in both outfits and I’m glad you were able to reuse Matt’s shirt too! So smart to have an anchor piece! Love it!
Ahhh, all the dots are connecting in my brain. I recently read a Substack on a similar topic (though seen through a more political lens), and it's all sort of clicking for me. And it's like so many other things. On days when I get it together -- go out for a walk after school drop-off, drink enough water, move my body -- I actually do feel so much better. And same thing with putting in the effort. With embracing the theme. I adore comfort as much as anyone, but there really is so much joy in going all in.
Here's the Substack that first got me thinking about this:
I absolutely loved this newsletter!! After last year and the Eras Tour I am loving to theme dress!! I’m going to Cowboy Carter next week in Chicago alone (anyone else going? Would love to make some friends!) and this newsletter gave me lots of inspiration!! Thank you Elizabeth!!
Ps: due to sickness my sister has cancelled her trip for the tour so I’m selling tickets for next week in Chicago AND on May 28th for NYC, if anyone is interested in Beyonce!
I am so sad to see you write, "I feel silly anytime I look like I am trying... Is it so bad to be seen trying?...Trying after all, made it more fun." Oh my goodness! Aren't we always applauded for trying? At least TRY the broccoli? At least TRY to talk to one person? Good for you, you TRIED, even if you didn't win!? Where would we be if we didn't try, and in some cases, have it stand out? What do people think? They think, "Wow, she really got into it! Now I wish I had!" In this case, TRYING was what the host asked of her guests. Be part of the success of the party. (And you were, good job!!)
I once went to a local party in my small town Maine neighborhood, where the theme was "Bling". We're talking fake bling, because the only real jewelry most of us have are our engagement rings. I am NOT kidding, nearly half of the women came with NO JEWELRY on at all, not even earrings! It wasn't my party, but honest to God, if it had been, I'd have thrown them out! What were they thinking?? Why did they come? We got our revenge by sitting them down and covering them in cheap necklaces, cheap rings and fake stick on jewels. To make a success of a theme or costume party, people have to cooperate. (And not be afraid to be seen trying!)
PS, your 3 step process was RIGHT ON!! Perfect.
SUZY. This story made me laugh - YOU ARE RIGHT! Of course you are right. So much of the fashion world prioritizes "effortless style," and so I have been conditioned to see effort as a negative. It's something I am working on, something I think about a lot to be honest. But being intentional, thoughtful, *trying* to put something special together - especially with an outfit - is what makes it fun for me. Appreciate your comment and your reminders here. x
Suzy,
Thank you for saying what lots of us need to hear!
I love the theme idea for an event. You look great in both outfits and I’m glad you were able to reuse Matt’s shirt too! So smart to have an anchor piece! Love it!
This is so encouraging!! You did an amazing job and I am 100% inspired to try harder at theme dressing 💛
Ahhh, all the dots are connecting in my brain. I recently read a Substack on a similar topic (though seen through a more political lens), and it's all sort of clicking for me. And it's like so many other things. On days when I get it together -- go out for a walk after school drop-off, drink enough water, move my body -- I actually do feel so much better. And same thing with putting in the effort. With embracing the theme. I adore comfort as much as anyone, but there really is so much joy in going all in.
Here's the Substack that first got me thinking about this:
https://open.substack.com/pub/robinreetz/p/the-case-for-effort?r=lyw7l&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
I absolutely loved this newsletter!! After last year and the Eras Tour I am loving to theme dress!! I’m going to Cowboy Carter next week in Chicago alone (anyone else going? Would love to make some friends!) and this newsletter gave me lots of inspiration!! Thank you Elizabeth!!
Ps: due to sickness my sister has cancelled her trip for the tour so I’m selling tickets for next week in Chicago AND on May 28th for NYC, if anyone is interested in Beyonce!