Color is my Obsession

Do you ever go shopping in your own closet?  I do. For the last month on Sundays I have made it a point to pull out some clothes from my closet that I want to try and wear during the following week. So far it has worked out really great and I find myself wearing some really cute things that I would have otherwise forgot I owned. This is one dress that has been dying to be worn.

Color like this lets the world know I'm smiling from the inside out!

The dress I got at Forever 21 for $15. The colors are what made me buy it because the fit and cut of the dress are a bit cheap. The bright plaid jacket is a recent find at only $3.

 The colors are scorching hot!

 It has a radiant poppy red satin liner.

 It feels fancy.

Can you see why I am drawn to this mix?

Um yes I'll wear those please.  Made by Pony Chops.

or this beauty by Some Like it Vintage.

I think someday I'd like a crazy bright swim cap.  This one found at Blueflirt.

Another crazy swim cap from the 60's.  Found Here.

This dress is gorgeous and would never fit over my boobs :). Found at Ian Drummond Vintage.

I finally took my dress to the cleaners, I can't wait to wear it! What have you been meaning to wear lately?

Back at ya babes!

Thanks so much for participating in my little survey.  I only had about 35 responses so far but your answers told a story.  I think I'll start by sharing my answers with you.

1) How old are you?  Forty fucking ONE!
2) What does my appearance say about me? Usually it SCREAMS that I am unique, fun loving, maybe even a bit crazy.  I think it projects confidence and style, my own style.  I think "my look" makes me  approachable and easily befriended.
3) Do you judge others based on their appearance? I do, we all do, we can't help it.  I think appearance can give us the first clues about someone before we really get to know them.  People watching has always been something I enjoy so maybe I'm not judging as much as I am observing :)
4) Do you worry about your appearance? Actually I don't, not anymore.  I think the only time I second guess myself is when others do first.
5) Is there a difference between being cute and being pretty?  I think so.  I do think cute is usually a term we reserve for younger people and pretty is something you grow into.
6) What do I love about myself? I love that I am happy, open minded and forever learning!
7) What do I dislike about myself? I hate my limited vocabulary and poor grammar. I also hate my big old nose, lack of a waist and beefy thighs.
8) What career do I see myself in? Sales for sure, I love the connection it allows me to have with all kinds of people, now if I could just sell something I love I think I'd really have something :)

 Well what did all your answers tell me?  The age of participants was from 10-50 and we even had a gentleman participate, thanks Ashley!  First and foremost, almost every single one of you noted a physical trait you dislike about yourself and most, at some point, have worried about their appearance.  This didn't surprise me what did was hearing how many women still struggle with loving themselves.

 Confidence starts on the inside first.

Then it shines out of you for all to see.

Beauty is not only skin deep, it starts with our hearts.

I think we owe it to each other to see what's beautiful and special in each of us and then share that with the world.  Confidence can be worn and projected, and only you can change how you and others see yourself.

We were all young and insecure at some point, however time allows us the wisdom to move past the insecurities of youth into the ownership of I don't give a hoot adulthood.  So let's own it, shall we!

I'm curious about you!

Being part of this blogging community has opened my eyes to the importance of mutually supportive relationships with other women. It is an exchange that has given me more than I could ever hope to play forward, but I will keep trying.  The benefit of being around other women who inspire me is evident in not only my appearance but the very core of who I am.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what being a woman means to me.  A simple question but the answer has been a long and winding road and the journey continues.  Our struggle with appearance and what role that plays in our daily life can be a crippling or liberating one.  We are so much more than our looks, but the reality is how we feel about the way we look affects every part of our lives.

In my attempt to make sense of who I am as a woman I'd like to get to know you a bit more.  I was hoping each of you could answer a few questions for me.  You can do so publicly in the comments or privately in an email directly to me.  I just ask that you be honest and open with your responses.  The more people participating the better so please share it with all of the women in your life, young and old.

1)How old are you?
2)What does your appearance say about you?
3)Do you judge other people based on their appearance? If so, how?
4)Do you worry about your appearance? If so, how?
5)Is there a difference in being cute or being pretty?
6)What do you love about yourself?
7)What do you dislike about yourself?
8)What career can you see yourself in?

I'm not sure where I am going with all this but I have a feeling the results will guide me.  Thanks so much for caring and sharing!  If you want to email me directly too.

Now for some pictures:)  Check out these babies!!!!

How have I lived so long without these boots?

Or this space age dress?

 I'm pretty sure this used to be a mu mu but now it's a mini!

Now I'm just playing, it was rainy and cold outside and I couldn't help it.

 The buttons are cute, no?

Please try and find the time to participate.  Thanks and I love you!
~
Krista

I kneed you!

The rain is back, that's Springtime for you in Oregon!  I really wanted to thank all of you for such insightful comments regarding my last few posts.  Being part of this blogging community has given me more strength to be myself and a meaningful way of connecting with all you fabulous creatures! Enough of all that deep crap for a bit, but I am working on something that I will eventually ask you all to take part in :) Remember I am forever changed!

 This is another $5 dress, the socks cost more than my dress, for reals!

 Beautiful necklace made by Edie's Mom. I want to smoother both Edie and her Mom with kisses!!!

Some double bow action because it's been a while.

 Candy skull bracelets made by me.

My blessed pink prayer bracelet sent to me by our sweet Vix.  Have you seen what she is wearing today?!

 Peetee, cutest pooch ever!

  Sometimes he feels like my better half:)

I have been a bit naughty these days.  I told myself one pink pair of boots was enough.  It wasn't.  I have found two pair of boots on ebay complete with hearts and rhinestones...I'm a friggin' rhinestone cowgirl.  Stayed tuned :)

Look up and wonder

Two days hardly seems like enough time away from work!  I still feel fired up about last week.  It was a lot to digest and sort out.  I still wonder how their can be so many beautiful, talented, and smart women in the USA but yet we can't elect a governing body to reflect that.  Are women so distrustful of each other that we would rather just let men handle it?

I don't want women to be all screwed up! I want us to be strong, independent and proud to be women. I want us to quit hurting each other and start helping each other. I want us to stick together!

Can you feel me?  What has happened to our sisterhood?
 Even these two get along.

 The question really becomes, how do we do this?

I started writing this weekend about what is means to be a girl and I realized I started hating myself in the 5th grade, 5th grade!!! I don't want another 5th grade girl to have any reason to hate herself.  Why has it taken me all these years to finally be who I am and love myself for it? How do we stop the madness?

An evening of GIRL POWER!

You were all correct last night went exceptionally well.  I found the Governor to be a kind, intelligent and all inspiring spit fire of a woman.  The fact that I had her all to myself for a few hours was priceless.  The stories she shared would have blown your mind.

The evening was scheduled around a screening of the film Miss Representation, the film explores how the media's influence has lead to an underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence.  The maker of the film, Jennifer Newsom, created it out of a great concern for her little girl and all the other girls in this country. The toughest part of the film for me was listening to young girls talk about how obsessed they were with their bodies and how the media has played a crucial role in their reality.  The media is run and owned by a staggering 95% male population no wonder the message they are sending is from the perspective of a teenage boy!  My eyes have been opened.

 I spent an evening with amazing women from all walks of life who are making a difference in the lives of many.  I won't bore you with all the details, but I really feel inspired to do something!  Women have to stick up for each other and right now I feel like there is a LARGE young population of girls who need some guidance and education.

We are so much more than pretty!

Together we can change the story being told.

 Kasia, Governor Roberts, and Chris's Mom Patrice.

This month and year marks 100 years that women have had the right to vote, yet we still only make up 17% of the US House and Congress.  We still have a long way to go and I have a lot to think about.