Here are some humans who give me life. Please click on the photos to see them a little bit better in all their glory. These aren’t necessarily clergy looks — they’re just examples of people who make an effort to connect with their world through their own style.
Dear friends looking handsome after church. Specs on point!
Woman on the train in classic navy and ivory ensemble. Clean, tailored, perpetually in style:
Lively lady at Lincoln Center with animal print clutch. Nails done. Stylish specs. All black outfit with interesting details.
A line of fabulous people in Union Square. Woman in foreground with great bag, guy in red pants and navy cardigan, guy in hat in the background is beautiful in skinny jeans. Every single person has put thought into their look. They emanate energy because of it.
Lavender vendor rocking the porkpie hat and natural curls. Super cute.
Great hair, pop of color at shoes and bag. Terrific and easy. All it requires is putting some thought into accessories.
Polka dot pocket square. It doesn’t take much to show the world that you care.
And this, to me, was just like going into the world as a big kiss. It says, “I AM HERE. I AM ALIVE. TAKE A LOOK.” I did, and I loved, and I appreciated. I do not see this kind of vibrancy as vanity, and I’m tired of hearing from people who do. That perspective is ugly and repressive and it’s high time religious leaders stopped perpetuating it. Those who express interest in beauty are enacting a form of praise.
Consider the lilies of the field. Well, I think he did. They’re actually peonies but you know what I mean! It amazes me that people will take the time to display flowers in their home and yet walk around themselves looking drab like it’s some kind of virtue to do so. WHAT IS THAT?
If God doesn’t think it’s vain to make a whole lot of extravagant beauty, then what’s your excuse?
Great images! Here’s a random tidbit. After seeing my most recent pedicure from a funky little nail shop called Wild Nails, my husband told me this bit of beauty lore. Actress Tippi Hedren starred in Hitchcock films, including The Birds, then married a rich ad exec and got involved in charitable work. Here’s a summary from Wikipedia: “Hedren played a role in the development of Vietnamese-American nail salons in the United States. In 1975, while an international relief coordinator with Food for the Hungry, she began visiting with refugees at Hope Village outside Sacramento, California.When she learned the women were interested in her manicured nails, she employed her manicurist to teach them the skills of the trade and worked with a local beauty school to help them find jobs.” BAM! It’s also why we now see all these small, Vietnamese-run nail shops, AND why manicures and pedicures are now affordable to people with less money than Tippi Hedren.
I love seeing a well dressed person and walking up to them and telling them how all they look in their outfit. If they have taken the time to look good they certainly deserve the compliment. Sometimes they are surprised but all look pleased.