Painterly prints and compelling fashion can help for just a small bit , to take one’s mind off of a toxic political mindset, that eats at the layers of society and decorum. What can one do to make a difference? I practice kindness, everyday, and keep my fingers crossed. How terribly sad and depressing to see the news today of pipe bombs, devices meant to explode , and equally explosive fear.
Yesterday was a warm day with a gentle breeze. I wore a skirt, made by a West Coast designer known for her rich fabrications. and bought for the price of a salad, at Encore on Madison Avenue. I did not need a jacket of any kind. No layering necessary, other that a rich slather of good SPF.
I am not smiling below. I have a sense of things to come perhaps.
The Hermés Kelly is a gift from my twin when I was diagnosed with my autoimmune disease. Her generosity knows no bounds. She also bought me the belt which I have taken to wearing with another belt. Two belts are better than one, right? Below a close up of the silk taffeta with the rich combination of mustard, sea turquoise and royal purple.
In the late afternoon I went up to my terrace to see the sky as it faded to night. Oddly, the colors are similar to the pattern in the skirt.
It was a splendid day, followed today by a nightmarish one. Today, I am wearing all black. You have never seen me wearing all black, and I seldom wear anything monochromatic. But today the color is just sucked out of me. No painterly prints and rows of gold hearts. A black sweater, black track pants,
black sneakers. Blue mood.
Instead of doing a fun shopping edit of painterly prints for Autumn, I will close this with some writing.
Poetry and prose are good creative expressions for me, as well as writing this blog.
A fragment from a longer poem written year ago.
More than a silhouette
I stand
Both stooped and tall
I hold life like a china teacup
Ever fragile and
Time in shards, as it breaks before me
I feel life and strife
In whispers, and
I stand stock-still.
I consider movement
And I walk
Away.
So dear readers, what can I possibly say. How do you respond to such crises?
—— XOXO, Elle ——
I think, as you say, you have to focus on kindness, and making a difference in your day-to-day life. Just as we can’t get lost in the details and obsess or stress over every little thing, we also can’t dwell on the big picture too much. Focusing on the now, the ripples of the pebbles in our ponds. I love your poetry, Elle; it’s lovely. I used to be a prolific poet (published, ran a writers’ group and workshops for poetry), but I seldom write now, as it comes from the depths and it hurts too much to go there.… Read more »
This response is poetic. Of course you write poetry. I do feel you.
I am okay with my depths, they give my body of experience much needed perspective, and I have a fortunate life! But life as of late, is Impossible to ignore with police everywhere. The pipe bombs are much more numerous than the press is telling us. But yes, pebbles in the pond, the ripples they create.
thank you, A true friend and such an appreciated voice here.
xoxo, Elle
Your poem is so powerful Elle.
It’s true that kindness is the key to keeping us together….
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie,
Unity is so important, and kindness and perspective, help too!
xo, Elle
On a lighter note, I like your outfit. It’s a very pretty skirt and I think your sister was so generous with her gifts! 🙂 I believe we can be the change we want to see in the world and I am trying hard to bring my boys up to be kind and considerate. For that is all we can do, change the parts of the world we can and hope there are people out there doing the same in their small corner! Hope that your week improves 🙂 I’ve been sick for most of it but I’m starting to… Read more »
Please feel Better Mica!
Yes, we can each be our best selves and add kindness to every social interaction!
xo, Elle
I want a sister like that!
It is very sad, saw it on the news this morning, what a world right.
Beautiful fragile poem.
Thank you Nancy!
Yes, modern times..
Truly lucky for such wonderful friends and family !
xo, Elle
This chaos in the world is hard on everyone. I’m glad you’re able to still look up with your face pointed towards the sunshine.
The poem was lovely.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I know, it is, and I know how fortunate I am. But this latest pipe bomb thing, is truly weird. Much more frequent that the press is telling . City life makes it so you can not ignore it, as police are everywhere! Still, I try to see the light and often do!
xo, Elle
What an achingly beautiful poem, Elle! You are very talented. I used to write poetry as well, but haven’t for a long time. I do have this urge to write, and it can be a way to digest the horrors of today’s world. We are constantly having to adapt to new realities, and the world as it is today can be a sad place if we let all the bad things in. We have to focus on the good things, even if it is hard to do so at times. We might be wearing black in our hearts, but just… Read more »
I totally agree. I hope you share your poetry on the blog! I am wearing color today, Nothing keeps me down for long.
much love,
Elle
You always look so stunning!! Stylish look
https://styleofbonnie.com/
Thanks so much Bonnie ! You do as well Happy weekend!
xoxo, Elle
Simple words for strong conveyance. Beautiful writing. And the first outfit shows hope. The black is a great buttress but an interlude it seems. What do I do? I try to be kind, as you wrote, and I try to be make things, sketch, write, sew, take photos, even just a little. Exercising my right to freedom of expression loosens that dark grip. Many feel as you do – I hope there is some solace in that and the power to change.
Thank you Melanie. Wise words and ones I can certainly rely upon. My creative energy does help and I rarely get down. It has just been intense here, many more pipe bombs than the press is telling us. Yes, the right to freedom and appreciating the good bits of everyday ! I am grateful !
XOXO, ELLE
It certainly isn’t easy to remain happy when bad stuff floods the news but we need to stay strong. We, the good people, can’t let bad people destroy everything. Just because some Trump-supporting, fifty year old white guy (NY>FL) tries to hurt strangers shouldn’t stop us from spreading love. Hope your spirits lift soon, buddy.
Very true and very wise. Thanks Ally! Let kindness rule !
xo, Elle
It was very considerate of your twin to gift you that bag after you were diagnosed with an immune disease. I struggle with my Chron a lot, and having a chronic illness can definitely be a game changer (like life isn’t stressful enough, right!) and it can feel like a constant struggle. Great combo, I really like your skirt. Pairing it with a blue turtleneck was such a great call, and the belts are gorgeous. Lovely bag and pumps as well. What to say of the news? We live in very troubled times, no wonder so many people are feeling… Read more »
Thanks so much Ivana!
I am sorry about your Chron’s ! That is a very difficult illness. I hope you feel well and I appreciate such a lovely and thoughtful reply ! Happy new week!
xo, Elle
I love the bag and belts. Their colour and their quality. And you write beautiful poetry. Ever so nice. Must be great to be able to.
Greetje
You write beautifully! And you create beautiful ensembles, such as this one. Simply breathtaking! Two belts are definitely better than one, especially for your tiny waist! I think the answer is in Love, always and everywhere. You live your life beautifully and kindly, in other words, with Love, and it does make a change! Fear is the worst – it cripples souls. Stay beautiful, my friend!
Lots of love!
Yes, Love
always and everywhere!
I will quote you on that!
with gratitude ,
Elle