The MOTHER of Reinvention

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

What does it mean to be original? This can be an ever-changing challenge for those of us that love showing who we are by how we dress. Personally, I am constantly being inspired by the women that I surround myself with, and I also strive to be the best "me" I can be. Sometimes seeing a look on someone else can inspire me to take that and run with it in my own way, and sometimes one just wants to emulate what we admire. The way I look at it is that there is a lot to love out there.

Take this fantastic Zebra Don Drop Shoulder Coat by Annette Görtz, for example. I saw it on a woman I much admire, GRAY Magazine Editor Jennifer McCullum, in a blog post from the iconic Seattle store, Baby & Company. I mean, how lucky are we to have so many amazing local businesses that bring beautiful fashion to our city? Add an amazing woman wearing their clothing and you have fashion magic, baby. Baby & Company is the place to go if it is originality, beauty, and inspired pieces you desire. In the above-mentioned blog post, I loved how Jennifer was styled with a polka dot patterned blouse with the coat's zebra stripes. It showed its endless possibilities. And that I needed to own it.

Now that I do, I wore mine with the sparkly front J.Crew Collection Striped Shirt, because the zebra stripes, like any animal print, are a neutral. What does that mean? It means wear it with whatever you want, and if this means sequins in the daytime to you, even better! This particular shirt is sold out but you could pair a menswear striped blouse or a sequin tee and completely reinvent the look with either one. I like the idea of a pop of bold color underneath the stripes too. Endless possibilities...

Now, onto denim. Finding great fitting denim is a little bit like discovering the holy grail of fashion. A closet staple and often the cornerstone of a wardrobe for many of us, it is almost as personal as shopping for the perfect bra. The world of denim has completely exploded, and that is a great thing. Coming up for spring, denim ruled the runways in tailored jackets, cool skirts and dark denim circa the 90s. Speaking of reinvention, denim style is on the constant move, which means lots of fabulous choices.

For me, I am a tried and true FRAME denim girl, but I have favorites from Rachel Comey, Madewell, 7 for All Mankind and more. I have been on the lookout for a bit of a closet reinvention lately, so when I was in Fremont I stopped by another great local boutique, Pipe and Row. It was one of those days where I must have tried on a zillion pairs of jeans but nothing was quite right. Then, I tried the MOTHER Hustler Ankle Fray Boot in the black wash "Not Guilty". The high waist rocks, the fit hugs perfectly and the frayed slight crop boot cut is modern and cool. Sold.

My go-to black heels are this snake Miu Miu pair I bought from MBs Finds Designer Consignment. They look amazing with everything, including showing off the frayed hems on these Mother of all jeans. Some things don't need to be reinvented, and the classic pointed toe heel is one of them.

Is "necessity the mother of invention"? Or....reinvention?  If it is necessary to you to continue to grow and change and become a better version of the person you were yesterday, than yes. And not just because you have cool new jeans on. ;)

I always feel a bit reflective as I head towards another birthday and think about my previous trip around the sun. I feel grateful, I feel hopeful, and I feel strong. I continue to be inspired by a community of amazing women, and I treasure the true and real friends that I have in my life, the ones that love me for being me.

This quote is such a good one, because even though it can drive home the point of the obviousness of being disappointed by someone, it can also be the opposite. It tells us to trust in those people that bring light to your life. May you have many.

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
 ~ Maya Angelou