Rising in Fall

Life, with its ups and downs, is a continuing struggle. We won't ever learn how to get up if we don't fall down first. We won't toughen up if we don't take a few hits first. Sometimes we won't know what's really harmful to us, or know how to heal from the resulting wounds, without getting hurt first. It's all a learning experience. One thing is for sure--we do not remain fallen for long. After a trip downwards, we realize that we CAN get back up, that we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. We learn, we heal, we survive, and become stronger than before.

In Southern California, the mercury usually rises in September. This year, it has been uncharacteristically cool--a welcoming change for me. Now that some semblance of my favorite season is here, and now that my life is somewhat back to order, it's time for me to dust myself and my layering pieces off, and rediscover what it means to be creative. Being creative was difficult when I had no time or mood for it, when the heat leaves me little options than shorts/skirts and tank tops, and when much of my clothes and possessions sat in boxes for weeks. Now that most things have been unpacked, I can explore my new surroundings as well as new ways to mix up my wardrobe. It also feels good to be exploring photography and photo editing again.

My work outfits have been largely uninspiring, as layering was impossible during the hotter months, and I wore only what I could easily find. Today's outfit is finally something along the lines of what I really want to achieve--an integration of colors, shapes, patterns, textures, and sophistication. It is quite ironic that my favorite cool-weather items--the stockings and the cashmere-blend drapey sweaters--were found during the hottest months. It makes perfect sense that they were found at outlets, since no one would have been thinking of buying something so out-of-season. While the drapey sweater has been my go-to piece for the office and for air travel, I couldn't wear the awesome patterened stockings until today.

Being told today that I look like a fashion model was kinda neat. :)

[Marciano by Guess drapey sweater, F21 faux-wrap dress, BCBG necklace, American Eagle Outfitters ring, Calvin Klein patterned stockings, D&G mary janes]