Imitation & Stripes

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But I'm not too sure that's necessarily true. To be inspired by someone is one thing, but to just rip off is another. Especially if they're your friends. For example, in high school I started to really experiment with my clothes. Most days I wear things just a bit outside the box, a bit bohemian ... a bit disheveled. And that truly started during my teenage years. I remember wearing pointed kitten-heels covered in musical notes and camo tights with textured skirts. But I also remember one of my friends, who would, literally the next day, turn around and completely copy the outfit. Even when I layered my polo shirts, she'd show up with layered polo shirts and that wasn't even a good idea. My junior year I had to get prescription glasses. The first day I wore them to school, no one believed they were real. And the next day, of course, that friend showed up with a fake pair on! I couldn't help but be a little miffed. A small part of me thought, "is she mocking me?" I felt like she didn't even care to know that I might be a little insecure about having to wear them to school at all. But this is really my point. When I make choices about my clothes, what I want to write about, what I believe in, what I make or what I decide to decorate my house with, that's a reflection of myself. I think about these things. I feel close to these things and I decide on things in these categories very easily. So, when people blatantly take that and use it for themselves, I feel incredibly disrespected. For example, my fellow bloggers, if you created an amazing DIY and showcased it on your blog and a follower did something similar and talked about how you inspired them, you'd be flattered right? But if you found out a reader just completely ripped off your DIY and posted it as their own, original idea and creation, you'd be straight mad right? Well, that's how I feel and have felt with multiple friends over the years. I just want to shake them and say, "Be yourself! Find out what you like, or call me and let's create something together!" I don't want to show up at your party and see what I wore to my party. I don't want to show up at your house and see what what I already put in my house. It lessens my special and it creates nothing special for yourself. This outfit isn't particularly original. It's just a comfy blouse, with some of my favorite wide-leg jeans. But what sparked writing about my frustrations was seeing these photos of me wearing my glasses, but my frustration as of now is fresh and real. I choose things for myself, my family or because they inspire me. I hope to inspire others, that's partly why I created this blog, but I don't ever hope to have my thoughts, ideas and memories be taken for others to use. There's nothing unique about not creating (or decorating) your own life. What I'm Wearing: Top: Target / Glasses: Versace / Jeans: GAP / Earrings: Sterling Silver Hoops - Gift / Bag: Big Buddha / Wedges: Vera Wang via Kohl's And how did I get my super straight pony-tail? With the help of the fabulous people at Misikko who sent me the wonderful Hana Elite to try!