Today is my birthday. That doesn't matter much to me...those who know me well, know that I dislike my birthday. So far, however, it has been quite fantastic. Weeks ago, I purposely booked a shoot for today; that way, I would enjoy at least a few hours of it, and have personal satisfaction from flexing my creative muscles. I spent Friday pulling garments for the shoot, and knew for a FACT that today was going to be a huge success. Now that the shoot is over, I can say without a doubt that it indeed went great. More to come on that...
Last night, my Madre and I went for a late dinner and wine. We had so much fun goofing off and laughing (and me drinking wine), and in a bit of a flash, I quickly reflected on the past 25 years my life. Once again, those who know me well (and I mean really well) can truly understand exactly where I've been, where I am now - and all that was in between. Even then, it would take a novel for me to thoroughly share. I have always known that I am an old soul; at 25, I feel like I have covered at least 50 years. And even when I say "50 years", to me that sounds so young and fresh. I am so blessed to have both of my parents with me, both of them healthy and happy. And my siblings...where do I even start? My heart swells when I think of my brother and sisters. My life without them would be like...well, what comes to mind is a Parisian street untouched by Chanel. Empty. Each one of them has blessed me with a beautiful niece (Cristin one-upped 'em and gave me 2), and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that I live each and every day for those girls. Aalyah (9 1/2), Madison (3), Makaela (18 mos) and Sailym (17 mos) literally comprise the sole purpose of my life. If, at 87, I look back and reflect over the decades (whilst lounging poolside in Spain, wearing a vintage Marchesa, drinking a glass of Merlot), and can truly say that I made these beautiful girls proud - I think I can safely say that I succeeded. And of course, I won't need to be reminded of the verbal contract I made with Aalyah when she was 3 (followed by her initiation of a yearly renewal): When Auntie Carlene dies, she is to leave "all of her fashions, bags, shoes and jewelry" to Aalyah. Yes, I agreed, but that was before the 3 younger ones joined the club...I have complete faith that Aalyah will do what is right ;)
Perhaps when reading my blog, people will conclude that I live for fashion, and nothing else. That has some truth to it, but (and for the 3rd time...) those who know me well, know that there is FAR more to me than fashion. I hope that on this journey of thoughts blogged; you can all see who I am, why I am here, and what it is I intend to accomplish. In the meantime, please enter each blog the same way that I try to live my life: with an open mind, open heart, and free spirit.
17 April 2011
14 April 2011
Baby, I Was Born This Way!
Bonjour.
That is about all the French I know. But what's a more fashionable way to say "hello"? That's right, bonjour it is. It worked for Coco, it'll work for me.
So, here we go - first blog for myself. Like many other bloggers I'm sure, I can say that I have always put thought into doing something like this, but where does one really start? However, after a fantastic (as always) conversation with a great friend, a seed was planted. This is me watering it...I hope it grows!
Now, since I was a little, little girl, I was fashion obsessed. I can remember locking myself in my room while my siblings were at school, and trying on EVERY item of clothing I had. "This skirt with that top, no wait - that top with that skirt is way better." Anyways, I know it got me into a lot of trouble because who got stuck with the mess it created? My Madre - aka Mother Teresa. But I only have her to blame (or thank). She really allowed me - even from a very young age - to develop my own style. When I say style, I don't just mean the outfits I wore. But also the way I spoke (not always well received), my hair style (never anything crazy), nail polish, piercings, even tattoos. I definitely take most credit for the stylish person I am today, but my mother gave me the room to grow into it. It may have something to do with the fact that I was child #4 and she was tired from the first 3, but I like to think she really knew what she was doing ;). I would like to give my dad some cred as well, but when I try to drum up memories of him having an influence on this subject, I immediately remember comments such as "you sure dress funny" or "you have big feet". He was only joking (my feet aren't that big), but that was about as much as he knew about anything fashion. Steel toed boots and coveralls - I tried that look for a couple summers. Although I managed to add a slight twist to it (yes it is possible!), it just didn't stick. Sorry, Tom!
Going through my childhood photos, I discovered a trend...naps. Me, sleeping. Everywhere. But I did it in style! Even at 3 years old, I knew what was up.
Red body suit, red tights, black tap shoes, dusty pink slouch socks. I would be more than happy to wear this today! But I wouldn't look as cute. I will say this - the dusty pink & red combo is an absolute yes. For somebody wanting to add a flare of color to their wardrobe in a safe, subtle way, try this. It's both feminine and fashion.
That is about all the French I know. But what's a more fashionable way to say "hello"? That's right, bonjour it is. It worked for Coco, it'll work for me.
So, here we go - first blog for myself. Like many other bloggers I'm sure, I can say that I have always put thought into doing something like this, but where does one really start? However, after a fantastic (as always) conversation with a great friend, a seed was planted. This is me watering it...I hope it grows!
Now, since I was a little, little girl, I was fashion obsessed. I can remember locking myself in my room while my siblings were at school, and trying on EVERY item of clothing I had. "This skirt with that top, no wait - that top with that skirt is way better." Anyways, I know it got me into a lot of trouble because who got stuck with the mess it created? My Madre - aka Mother Teresa. But I only have her to blame (or thank). She really allowed me - even from a very young age - to develop my own style. When I say style, I don't just mean the outfits I wore. But also the way I spoke (not always well received), my hair style (never anything crazy), nail polish, piercings, even tattoos. I definitely take most credit for the stylish person I am today, but my mother gave me the room to grow into it. It may have something to do with the fact that I was child #4 and she was tired from the first 3, but I like to think she really knew what she was doing ;). I would like to give my dad some cred as well, but when I try to drum up memories of him having an influence on this subject, I immediately remember comments such as "you sure dress funny" or "you have big feet". He was only joking (my feet aren't that big), but that was about as much as he knew about anything fashion. Steel toed boots and coveralls - I tried that look for a couple summers. Although I managed to add a slight twist to it (yes it is possible!), it just didn't stick. Sorry, Tom!
Going through my childhood photos, I discovered a trend...naps. Me, sleeping. Everywhere. But I did it in style! Even at 3 years old, I knew what was up.
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