In Others' WordsIn Others' Words: Life
"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later."
~Diana Vreeland, fashion columnist
I like to go shopping for new clothes. I like finding something--a cute top, a fun dress--that makes me feel good when I wear it. I walk a little taller, smile a little wider.
And then I read this quote. Whoa.
Am I equating life--living--to the clothes in my closet? Or are my clothes merely necessary items so that I can go out and live my life?
Don't get me wrong. I don't think having clothes (fashionable clothes, at that) is to be avoided. It's just understanding the value of a pair of pants. Or a pair of shoes. Or a funky scarf.
Life equals my experiences--now, in the past, and in the future.
Life is not what's hanging in my closet.
In Your Words: So what do you think? Do clothes "get you anywhere?" There is that whole "dress for success" creed. What's the value of new clothes?
photo by justsayozz/stockxchng.com
Labels: Beth K. Vogt, Diana Vreeland, fashion, In Others' Words, living life, new clothes, quotes
posted by Beth K. Vogt @ 12:01 AM
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6 Comments:
I got a new dress recently. Not just any dress. A made-for-me Victorian gown. To me this dress represents the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. I'd wanted to be a writer ever since I was seven, but I didn't pursue that dream for another forty years. Five years after that, our awesome agent sold my debut novel, a historical romance set in the Victorian era. I'll wear the dress to my launch party, book signings, and other appearances when I promote my book. Each time I put it on it will serve as a special reminder of the many ways I've been blessed as a writer.
I so do not like shopping, but realize it is necessary. I'm sure that just as in writing, success and there too the assurance of success is in carefully choosing where one goes. Thanks, Beth.
You had to go and put this post up on a day I planned to spend shopping.
Have you been talking to my husband?
I love the things you ladies said above (Evangeline, enjoy your shopping today!).
I like shopping too. I try to not buy more clothing than I reasonably need. It seems like clothes shouldn't define who I am, but they may reflect an aspect of who I am. I love the idea that living should be done in the clothes I wear (a dress, cute shirt, whatever), rather than rule how I live life or think about myself. Rambling lots. Hopefully, some of it makes sense. :)
Evangeline - LOL. Go get yourself some great clothes to wear at the conference!
Wow. This post has really left me stumped. I really could argue both sides of the issue with wholehearted conviction.
First, the only thing that matters is what is on the inside. That is the only thing that matters to God and the only thing that "should" matter to others.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam 16:7b)
"As for those who seemed to be important - whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearances - those men added nothing to my message." (Gal 2:6)
On the other hand, how a person looks on the outside is often a reflection of what that person thinks of themselves on the inside. When I'm in a depressive state, I'm less apt to shower, makeup, dress nicer, etc.
Many times a makeover on the outside will help improve a person's perspective of themselves too. It seems that an improvement of their outside self can result in an improvement of their inside self. When I'm having a down day, it will help if I push myself into the shower, makeup and nicer clothes.
And as we all know, what we think of ourselves matters. A person will not be effective in ministry for God if they think of themselves as worthless. (We aren't supposed to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to but we are children of God who have the Holy Spirit in us. Nowhere close to "worthless.")
Well, those are my "conflicted" thoughts on the matter. Thanks for getting my brain moving first thing this morning!
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