My favorite class in college was media literacy. I loved it because I've always loved media studies, plus my teacher was amazing and we got to write academic papers about the latent messages in Dixie Chicks music videos.
One of the many things I learned in this class was that media both affects and reflects reality. For example, most sitcom husbands are lazy, immature oafs because in real life a lot of men are lazy, immature oafs, but maybe some of those guys act like lazy, immature oafs because they watch shows like According to Jim and think that's how a man is supposed to act. And maybe their wives accept the oafish behavior because all the wives on TV just roll their eyes and smile when their sitcom husbands, like, set the house on fire. (Hopefully none of my readers are According to Jim fan club members, but if you are, I apologize, and I swear I'm getting to my point.)
OK, so here's where I'm going with the long winded Jim Belushi analogies: fashion is a lot like media in this way. How we choose to dress ourselves each day both affects and reflects our reality, which includes our mood, our self-image, and our self-esteem.
This isn't a groundbreaking idea by any means, but I've been thinking about it a lot since earlier this year when I fell into a bit of a fashion funk. The backstory is I was regularly staying up all night working on my book and another big project, and a lot of those overnight writing fests involved donuts, and during the days I wasn't exactly feeling my best. Specifically, I was feeling bloated and exhausted, so I started dressing to reflect that: wearing loose, generic clothes that didn't reflect my personal style.
My boring clothes were a reflection of my attitude, but they also affected my attitude every day--I felt boring and frumpy when I should have felt energized and creative. Looking in the mirror, I didn't see a beautiful, unique, stylish person. I saw someone who was trying to blend in, to hide a few extra pounds of maple bars and some ever-darkening undereye bags. I felt bad, so I dressed badly, and then I looked bad, so I felt worse. Capiche?
The fact that I fell into a fashion funk while working on a style book was an unenjoyable irony, but it actually ended up being my salvation. I found myself getting genuinely emotional while writing about how dressing better can change your life (corny but true), and realized I needed to take my own advice. I committed to wearing the colors, fabrics, and cuts that made me feel good. I took the time to choose a bold necklace (or 3) in the morning, and I put on my favorite bright blue eyeliner even if I was feeling more blue than bright.
When I put effort into the way I looked, it changed the way I saw myself.
The dressing frumpy/feeling frumpy cycle is a vicious one, but it's an easy one to interrupt. If you're in a tough emotional space, or feeling bad about your body, putting a little extra effort into your appearance can absolutely improve your outlook. You don't need to spend a lot of money--just throwing on a silk scarf you found in the back of your closet, or a $5 floral headband from Forever 21 can lift your mood and change your perspective. Dressing for the life you want is a profound step toward making it happen.
This is what I love most about fashion. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Martin on Ham (and revenge)
Martin Sheen, raccoon fashion blogger extraordinaire, dishes out the style tips:
Hey, Martin here.
Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. I ran into a bit of trouble with some neighborhood toughs and had to skip town for awhile. Which is to say, a grumpy rat told me to step off his ham sandwich, and I was like, "Can't I please just have a corner?" and he was like, "No, and you have an ugly face," so I went and hid in a hole for a month.
But now I'm back, and to make that mean rat jealous, I really want to get a ham charm:
Cool, huh? And only $1.20. I've gotta start saving up.
XOXO,
Martin
p.s. If you're new to the site and/or judging me right now, please click here to understand the whole raccoon fashion blogger thing.
Hey, Martin here.Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. I ran into a bit of trouble with some neighborhood toughs and had to skip town for awhile. Which is to say, a grumpy rat told me to step off his ham sandwich, and I was like, "Can't I please just have a corner?" and he was like, "No, and you have an ugly face," so I went and hid in a hole for a month.
But now I'm back, and to make that mean rat jealous, I really want to get a ham charm:
Cool, huh? And only $1.20. I've gotta start saving up.XOXO,
Martin
p.s. If you're new to the site and/or judging me right now, please click here to understand the whole raccoon fashion blogger thing.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Blogback Mountain
What I Hated About Lucky This Month, by Apocalypstick Now
I love this simple, beautiful post from Lemon Love (sure to be appreciated by Oregonians, especially).
Plaid shirts + striped beanies = supercute.
I've been staring at these tattoos since Ambika posted them, which was over a week ago. My productivity has really taken a hit.
If any of you are fans of Supernatural, you best be heading over to Wax Wendy for in-depth coverage of the new season.
I wish my mom would let me make paper box furniture.
Take a look at these fabulous, famous fashion bloggers in WhoWhatWear magazine!
Oh my GOD I love 60s fashion and I want to wear these dresses every day.
On the other hand, not sure I'd wear a pair of pants that encouraged people to tilt their heads and squint at my crotch.
Clare is just too cute.
"I find the mixing of multi-colored plastic hangers and wire hangers unethical and jarring to my delicate senses." Enough said.
Also, have you become a fan of Daddy Likey on Facebook yet? If you do I will send you a virtual hug and the winning numbers for your state's lottery. Just trust me--I know a guy.
I love this simple, beautiful post from Lemon Love (sure to be appreciated by Oregonians, especially).
Plaid shirts + striped beanies = supercute.
I've been staring at these tattoos since Ambika posted them, which was over a week ago. My productivity has really taken a hit.
If any of you are fans of Supernatural, you best be heading over to Wax Wendy for in-depth coverage of the new season.
I wish my mom would let me make paper box furniture.
Take a look at these fabulous, famous fashion bloggers in WhoWhatWear magazine!
Oh my GOD I love 60s fashion and I want to wear these dresses every day.
On the other hand, not sure I'd wear a pair of pants that encouraged people to tilt their heads and squint at my crotch.
Clare is just too cute.
"I find the mixing of multi-colored plastic hangers and wire hangers unethical and jarring to my delicate senses." Enough said.
Also, have you become a fan of Daddy Likey on Facebook yet? If you do I will send you a virtual hug and the winning numbers for your state's lottery. Just trust me--I know a guy.
Tuesday Top 5: Eyeliner
Today I'd like to introduce a brand new feature here at Daddy Likey: The Tuesday Top 5. Each week this blessed day will bring a Top 5 list to inform and entertain, such as "Top 5 Cute Shoes That Would Probably Give You Epic Blisters" or "Top 5 Cheap Purses That Look Expensive" or "Top 5 Reasons This Blouse Reminds Me of My 5th Grade Music Teacher, Mr. Nagy."
The topic of today's list, however, is quite simple:
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $17
These babies are my absolute favorite because they meet the three most critical eyeliner criteria: they're creamy, waterproof, and, the color choices are totally badass. I wear a nice heavy dose of the "Deviant" shade--a bright, sparkly teal--a few times a week, and I think I owe the vast majority of my friendships to women coming up to me and saying, "Cool eyeliner!" and then me being like, "Thanks! Want to be friends?"
MAC Crayon Kohl in "Smolder," $14.50
If we're talking classic black liner, nobody beats MAC. This stuff goes on smooth and dark enough to help create the perfect smoky eye and/or Pete Wentz Halloween costume.
Jane Cosmetics Be Pure Mineral One Liner, $3.49
One night a few weeks ago, I was sort of depressed, so I went to Walgreens and bought a cheap navy blue eyeliner pencil. I also bought a peanut butter Twix and box of thumbtacks shaped like ladybugs, but it was the eyeliner that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. For less than $5, these self-sharpening pencils deliver great color that lasts for most of the day. (One caveat: while the "smudger" on the end seems like a cool idea, in reality it is more of an "eye poker.")
Stila Smudge Pot, $20
Sure, this requires the use of a brush, and sure, it costs more than a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, but seriously, it's awesome.
Wet n' Wild Eyeliner Pencil, 99¢
Despite the fact that these have aided and abetted thousands--perhaps millions!--of garish middle school makeup routines, I'm still a fan. The long pencils last forever, come in many shades, and they're so cheap you could buy one every day and still have money left over for the necessities (like a peanut butter Twix and a box of thumbtacks shaped like ladybugs).
If you noticed that my list includes expensive eyeliners, supercheap liners, and not much in between, you would be correct--I just haven't had much luck with mid-range brands. How about you? And no matter the price point, would you dare to share your faves?
The topic of today's list, however, is quite simple:
Top 5 Best Eyeliners Ever
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $17
These babies are my absolute favorite because they meet the three most critical eyeliner criteria: they're creamy, waterproof, and, the color choices are totally badass. I wear a nice heavy dose of the "Deviant" shade--a bright, sparkly teal--a few times a week, and I think I owe the vast majority of my friendships to women coming up to me and saying, "Cool eyeliner!" and then me being like, "Thanks! Want to be friends?"
MAC Crayon Kohl in "Smolder," $14.50
If we're talking classic black liner, nobody beats MAC. This stuff goes on smooth and dark enough to help create the perfect smoky eye and/or Pete Wentz Halloween costume.
Jane Cosmetics Be Pure Mineral One Liner, $3.49
One night a few weeks ago, I was sort of depressed, so I went to Walgreens and bought a cheap navy blue eyeliner pencil. I also bought a peanut butter Twix and box of thumbtacks shaped like ladybugs, but it was the eyeliner that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. For less than $5, these self-sharpening pencils deliver great color that lasts for most of the day. (One caveat: while the "smudger" on the end seems like a cool idea, in reality it is more of an "eye poker.")
Stila Smudge Pot, $20
Sure, this requires the use of a brush, and sure, it costs more than a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, but seriously, it's awesome.
Wet n' Wild Eyeliner Pencil, 99¢
Despite the fact that these have aided and abetted thousands--perhaps millions!--of garish middle school makeup routines, I'm still a fan. The long pencils last forever, come in many shades, and they're so cheap you could buy one every day and still have money left over for the necessities (like a peanut butter Twix and a box of thumbtacks shaped like ladybugs).
If you noticed that my list includes expensive eyeliners, supercheap liners, and not much in between, you would be correct--I just haven't had much luck with mid-range brands. How about you? And no matter the price point, would you dare to share your faves?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Don't Show-cha Your Chocha!
It's Friday, which means it's time for cementing weekend plans, slacking at work, mourning the end of ABC's "TGIF" block of programming (Family Matters, we'll never forget!), and of course, this week's installment of Don't Show-cha Your Chocha! If you're new to Daddy Likey, click here for the DSYC explanation, and if you feel ready, read on....
Reader Claudia sent in this lil' number from Lauren Conrad's collection:
She says: The description claims that this "top" can "only be enhanced with leggings." So why are these co-called leggings so sheer? Oh well. Don't know why I would expect anything else from Lauren Conrad...
Next up:
Says Nina: I am confused. The model seems confident enough, although I personally wouldn't have worn white underpants with a dress/top like that. Says Winona: I personally agree.
Hester found this gem:
Keep looking, missy. You're not gonna find any pants down there.
Love this chochastic robe, sent in by Amy, who is slightly nicer than I am:
She explains: It's Lanvin and it's amazing and I featured it on my blog, but still, I'd recommend wearing it with skinny trousers.
Summer found some chocha on an eco-friendly clothing website:
She says: I love the idea of sustainable fashion but one would think they could have found enough fabric to sustain full chocha coverage. I'm worried for the future of the planet for a whole new reason.
Haley sent in this photo, which I totally love:
God, this model is trying so hard to subtly keep her legs together, but when you're just wearing a shirt and hosiery, it's hard to be subtle.
And to wrap things up, Emily wanted us all to see Sharon Stone's, um, rear chocha display:
p.s. As always, stay on the lookout for chocha sightings, and send them my way! daddylikeyblog@gmail.com
Reader Claudia sent in this lil' number from Lauren Conrad's collection:
She says: The description claims that this "top" can "only be enhanced with leggings." So why are these co-called leggings so sheer? Oh well. Don't know why I would expect anything else from Lauren Conrad...Next up:
Says Nina: I am confused. The model seems confident enough, although I personally wouldn't have worn white underpants with a dress/top like that. Says Winona: I personally agree.Hester found this gem:
Keep looking, missy. You're not gonna find any pants down there.Love this chochastic robe, sent in by Amy, who is slightly nicer than I am:
She explains: It's Lanvin and it's amazing and I featured it on my blog, but still, I'd recommend wearing it with skinny trousers.Summer found some chocha on an eco-friendly clothing website:
She says: I love the idea of sustainable fashion but one would think they could have found enough fabric to sustain full chocha coverage. I'm worried for the future of the planet for a whole new reason.Haley sent in this photo, which I totally love:
God, this model is trying so hard to subtly keep her legs together, but when you're just wearing a shirt and hosiery, it's hard to be subtle.And to wrap things up, Emily wanted us all to see Sharon Stone's, um, rear chocha display:
And with that, have a great weekend!
p.s. As always, stay on the lookout for chocha sightings, and send them my way! daddylikeyblog@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
An Imagined Conversation Between Myself and This Model
Me: Hey, girl!
Model: Hey.
Me: So, whatcha doin'?
Model: Just hanging out.
Me: Seriously though, what are you doing?
Model: I told you. I'm hanging out.
Me: You hang out like that?
Model: Yeah. This is hanging out, rocker style.
Me: Really? Cuz it sort of looks like you're hanging out, trying-not-to-touch-the-toilet-seat style.
Model: Whatever.
Me: Are those sequins chafing or something?
Model: No!
Me: Tell the truth.
Model: Well, a little.
Me: I knew it!
Model: Damnit, I thought I was pulling this off.
Me: You're doing great! It's just, I'm just not sure we should start equating "awkward squatting" with "rocker style."
Model: I guess...
Me: How long have you been squatting over here?
Model: Two hours.
Me: Jesus. OK, that actually might qualify as rocker style, but solely because of the muscle endurance involved.
Model: Don't forget the chafing.
Me: Mick Jagger's got nothing on you.
Image via Shopbop
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Finally, The Big, Exciting News!
So, here it is: Today marks two months until the release of my book, Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way. Yes, a book!
As the title implies, it's a funny fashion guide a la Daddy Likey, but the content--168 pages--is all new. I packed it full of quizzes (test your knowledge of ironic t-shirts!), diagrams (learn Pythagorean's lesser known theory of cleavage angles!), fake newspaper clippings, forged yearbook pages, and more, including awesome illustrations by Sam Trout. I wanted to write a book with the same goal as this blog: to provide real fashion advice for real women with real budgets and hopefully make them laugh along the way. Sasquatch Books made that goal a reality, although donuts definitely helped with the writing process (Edgar Allen Poe had alcohol, and I have Krispy Kreme).
I want to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to every Daddy Likey reader from Oregon to England to Singapore and everywhere in between (and an extra big heartfelt thanks to regular commenters, who, as every blogger knows, are actually angels sent from heaven to give us self-esteem). This book is dedicated to you guys (also my mom, and the Backstreet Boys, but mostly you guys!).
The next couple months will be a really exciting mix of all your regular programming on Daddy Likey plus book excerpts and giveaways. Stay tuned because around the book's official release date (November 9th) we are going to run a huge contest with some truly fabulous prizes on the line. In the perfect world, I would totally fly you all to my house, set up a tent, serve hot dogs (tofu dogs too!), and hire one of my brothers to play "The Final Countdown" continuously on the accordion, but my publisher informed me that's not really feasible. Sad, yes, but trust me: the book release giveaway bonanza will be almost as awesome!
Thanks again for all your support and inspiration! I've been wanting to write a book since I was a wee little seventh grader with big dreams and an even bigger dandruff problem (glamorous, right?), and Daddy Likey readers helped that dream come true. You probably also cured my dandruff problem. You guys are that good.
Update: For those of you asking about preorders and where to buy, first of all, I love you, and to answer your questions, you can preorder from Amazon (cheapest), Barnes & Noble, or Powell's, and come November it should be available pretty much everywhere!
As the title implies, it's a funny fashion guide a la Daddy Likey, but the content--168 pages--is all new. I packed it full of quizzes (test your knowledge of ironic t-shirts!), diagrams (learn Pythagorean's lesser known theory of cleavage angles!), fake newspaper clippings, forged yearbook pages, and more, including awesome illustrations by Sam Trout. I wanted to write a book with the same goal as this blog: to provide real fashion advice for real women with real budgets and hopefully make them laugh along the way. Sasquatch Books made that goal a reality, although donuts definitely helped with the writing process (Edgar Allen Poe had alcohol, and I have Krispy Kreme).
I want to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to every Daddy Likey reader from Oregon to England to Singapore and everywhere in between (and an extra big heartfelt thanks to regular commenters, who, as every blogger knows, are actually angels sent from heaven to give us self-esteem). This book is dedicated to you guys (also my mom, and the Backstreet Boys, but mostly you guys!).
The next couple months will be a really exciting mix of all your regular programming on Daddy Likey plus book excerpts and giveaways. Stay tuned because around the book's official release date (November 9th) we are going to run a huge contest with some truly fabulous prizes on the line. In the perfect world, I would totally fly you all to my house, set up a tent, serve hot dogs (tofu dogs too!), and hire one of my brothers to play "The Final Countdown" continuously on the accordion, but my publisher informed me that's not really feasible. Sad, yes, but trust me: the book release giveaway bonanza will be almost as awesome!
Thanks again for all your support and inspiration! I've been wanting to write a book since I was a wee little seventh grader with big dreams and an even bigger dandruff problem (glamorous, right?), and Daddy Likey readers helped that dream come true. You probably also cured my dandruff problem. You guys are that good.
Update: For those of you asking about preorders and where to buy, first of all, I love you, and to answer your questions, you can preorder from Amazon (cheapest), Barnes & Noble, or Powell's, and come November it should be available pretty much everywhere!
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