It's sad, and I hate it; but death is a reality. At some point throughout all of our lives, we experience a loss of someone we love. Having recently said goodbye to my sweet Auntie Barb, it's fair to say that there were far more important things to think about than fashion. However, when it came time for her funeral, I had to buy an outfit. I think this is a detail many of those in mourning wish to skip over.
Memorial services and funerals serve a very important purpose: to celebrate the life and legacy of those we have lost. We are not there to draw attention to ourselves. Here is a list of inappropriate, steer-clear-of examples of what NOT to wear:
- slinky, loose-fitting, sloppy tops
- spaghettie-strap or strapless/tube tops
- anything that exposes the bra/bra straps
- denim
- lounge-wear (including yoga pants/sweatpants/sweatshirts/T-shirts)
- frayed/ripped/baggy clothing
- bright, vibrant, eye-catching prints/fabrics
- running shoes, or dirty scuffed-up shoes
- statement jewelry
I could go on forever...and yes, I have witnessed a number of these funeral fashion faux pas take place.
On the other hand, here is a list of things that ARE appropriate to wear:
- colour pallet of black/navy/dark grey
- dresses with high neckline, knee length, capped/full or 3/4 length sleeves
- simple nude/black/navy pantyhose
- black/dark grey heals with a modest height
- if you must wear jewelry, keep it simple simple simple!!
- if the ceremony is in a colder season (aka 90% of the year in Canada!) wear a long, clean, dark dress coat; dark leather gloves and dark scarves are also appropriate for the trip to/from the venue.
I think I have delivered my point as best as I can without turning this blog into a novel. If you are clueless, just remember: keep it simple. This isn't about you, it is not a time to make a statement. Keep it covered.
18 August 2011
3 August 2011
The Big Return: Ode to an Aunt
I have neglected my blog; I have no problem admitting that. Wow...that actually felt good to say! Now I think I'm back on track!
So there are probably at least 37 (random but solid number) reasons I could give for not updating my blog. Instead of boring you, I will provide the biggest, most honest reason: lack of inspiration. Any artist/creative type/motivation-seeking type can probably relate to this reason (aka excuse), as well as it's solution. Or, in my case, solutions. I will name a few.
Solution #1:
Setting aside the aforementioned excuses/reasons/self convo's of "it's ok not to do what it is you love to do, to make room to do the things you don't so-much love so that you can eventually ALWAYS do what it is you love to do". Lost? It makes perfect sense, so listen up. I am an Aries. That is a loaded statement, but I am actually proud of this fact! I bring this fact up because it helps to explain my ability to creatively "postpone" (see: procrastinate) doing things that actually fulfill me. Wait, no, that makes zero sense. I think I need to touch that in a whole other blog - I am more apt to do things that scare the living shit out of me before I do something that feels right and safe. With that said, it is one of the things I love most about myself, and also one of the things I hate the most.
Solution #2:
A certain curly-haired, inspirational, fellow-Aries friend who shall remain anonymous. She has been in my life for precisely 7 years, and I thank God all the time for that. The moment she graced my life, my whole existence shifted slightly, and I sub-consciously felt safe knowing someone equally as crazy as me existed on this planet. This fantastic being just happened to "gently" remind me one day that I "HADN'T POSTED A BLOG SINCE APRIL!!!!!". Oops. She was right. But thats beside the point. Hearing that haunted me for many weeks! (In this case, the "haunting" was more of a proverbial tapping-at-the-window-type constant reminder of something important waiting to be completed).
Solution #3:
Guilt. I can keep this one short, as we all know how guilt feels; especially when it means keeping ourselves from reaching full potential and satisfaction for no good reason. I love to write, and I love to share. Why would I stop? I don't really know, but I do beat myself up over it daily.
Solution #4:
One woman: my Auntie Barb. After spending the day with her on July 12th, I knew goodbye was near. But that's not the whole story. Leading up to "goodbye", I was blessed to spend some amazing, quality time with Auntie Barb as she fought the evil known as cancer. This woman was fierce, strong, and as stubborn as could be. She wasn't going anywhere until she was ready. It really amazed me to watch her take on such a battle without having one complaint. During our precious visits, she would ask about my ventures in fashion. We bonded over the subject (especially while watching "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC). While spending time up there, I was looking at some photos of her and Uncle Barry on their wedding day. She had such a cute, lively smile; and her gown was absolutely stunning! If I didn't know any better, I would think that Kate Middleton took direction from her. Which is actually a little funny, because I remember talking to Auntie Barb about Kate's gown, and we both just loved it! Look how cute she looks!
So there are probably at least 37 (random but solid number) reasons I could give for not updating my blog. Instead of boring you, I will provide the biggest, most honest reason: lack of inspiration. Any artist/creative type/motivation-seeking type can probably relate to this reason (aka excuse), as well as it's solution. Or, in my case, solutions. I will name a few.
Solution #1:
Setting aside the aforementioned excuses/reasons/self convo's of "it's ok not to do what it is you love to do, to make room to do the things you don't so-much love so that you can eventually ALWAYS do what it is you love to do". Lost? It makes perfect sense, so listen up. I am an Aries. That is a loaded statement, but I am actually proud of this fact! I bring this fact up because it helps to explain my ability to creatively "postpone" (see: procrastinate) doing things that actually fulfill me. Wait, no, that makes zero sense. I think I need to touch that in a whole other blog - I am more apt to do things that scare the living shit out of me before I do something that feels right and safe. With that said, it is one of the things I love most about myself, and also one of the things I hate the most.
Solution #2:
A certain curly-haired, inspirational, fellow-Aries friend who shall remain anonymous. She has been in my life for precisely 7 years, and I thank God all the time for that. The moment she graced my life, my whole existence shifted slightly, and I sub-consciously felt safe knowing someone equally as crazy as me existed on this planet. This fantastic being just happened to "gently" remind me one day that I "HADN'T POSTED A BLOG SINCE APRIL!!!!!". Oops. She was right. But thats beside the point. Hearing that haunted me for many weeks! (In this case, the "haunting" was more of a proverbial tapping-at-the-window-type constant reminder of something important waiting to be completed).
Solution #3:
Guilt. I can keep this one short, as we all know how guilt feels; especially when it means keeping ourselves from reaching full potential and satisfaction for no good reason. I love to write, and I love to share. Why would I stop? I don't really know, but I do beat myself up over it daily.
Solution #4:
One woman: my Auntie Barb. After spending the day with her on July 12th, I knew goodbye was near. But that's not the whole story. Leading up to "goodbye", I was blessed to spend some amazing, quality time with Auntie Barb as she fought the evil known as cancer. This woman was fierce, strong, and as stubborn as could be. She wasn't going anywhere until she was ready. It really amazed me to watch her take on such a battle without having one complaint. During our precious visits, she would ask about my ventures in fashion. We bonded over the subject (especially while watching "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC). While spending time up there, I was looking at some photos of her and Uncle Barry on their wedding day. She had such a cute, lively smile; and her gown was absolutely stunning! If I didn't know any better, I would think that Kate Middleton took direction from her. Which is actually a little funny, because I remember talking to Auntie Barb about Kate's gown, and we both just loved it! Look how cute she looks!
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