I’m a poser
We are what we pretend to be . . .
-Kurt Vonnegut
Over time I have gotten the compliment that I can pull off looks that others can’t. I wonder sometimes if their comment means that they aren’t wearing what they truly want to wear. Maybe this is because they don’t want to look like posers.
How I dress isn’t always about expressing who I am but who I want to be or how I want to feel. If I want to feel more bold, friendly, and energetic then I might put on a colorful outfit on a day when I really feel like a recluse. In Michael Michalko’s article You Become What You Pretend To Be, he gives examples of famous artists such as Michelangelo who faked being something they weren’t and in turn evolved into it. Outfits are just costumes that allow me to pretend to be something I’m not yet.
Colorful high waisted pants: S.P. II, thrift store
(I didn’t let the high water length of these pants from keeping me from wearing them.)
Wedge boots: Denna & Ozzy
Last Friday night when I was wearing this outfit, Anna hosted a cocktail hour and invited Kelly, Jess and I over to peruse vintage costume jewelry. The evening progressed into a night of dancing over at the Red Room with DJ Shay.
XL Ivory blouse with draping neckline: handmade, thriftstore
Woven black leather belt: thrift store
If you want to pretend to be uninhibited and carefree, go dancing.
Check out this video from Ted.com. Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby, makes an analogy between starting the dance floor and starting a movement.
Ethnic Kazahkstan lapis and pearl earrings: Armor Bijoux
Lapis and silver bracelet: gift from Kim
Thank you to Marcus for shooting these photos.
Artist: Marcus Pierce
