As a girl (or boy) why does the dichotomy of being a surfer and a 'stylish' person seem to not exist to the greater collective mind? Unless you are Cameron Diaz, the idea of being a wholesome, well-rounded girl who loves salt water in her hair, up her nose, in her mouth gimme gimme, as well as having profound feelings for Balenciaga and the likes seems hard to marry?
Do I have to choose between being grungy or being healthy? In which case, I would favour the latter, naturally. I have long outgrown my emaciated sense of belonging. However, my sense for aesthetics and the deep-found appreciation for 'high fashion' (oh how I hate that term) I cultivated whilst spending time in Europe, emaciated, is ever-present.
I started surfing three years ago, and was utterly convinced from the first time I bashed white water. At that time I was pursuing a darker shades of black and wore skeletons around my neck with conviction. I still wear mostly black. The onset of this affiliation was simple: because it makes me look good. I enjoy the mysteria of black, more so than any other colour. I have no emotive reasoning for it. I have a head of blond hair, best described as surf hair, and I am of healthy weight.
Judging by the demeaning looks I score on the occasions I venture back into those places I used to frequent, my status as being stylish and trendsetting has been revoked. In this small town, you have to choose one or the other. Once again, simple choice. But does my work for insight make me a surfer chick? I enjoy a stiff hoodie layered with a biker jacket, I wear heavy boots with loose insight jeans. I suppose the question is self-answerable - I have my own style - all-encompassing.
What has changed is my previous obsession with being at the top of my fashion game at all times. I approach every day with much more ease and relaxedness, the ocean has softened me, I feel closer to where I am going, daily. This 'letting down of hair' has divorced me from my previous affiliates. The pseudo-edgy Euro trash aesthetic that currently rages through this city, dictated by a hand-full of tweens who have spent a year or so flitzing about on the EuroStar, picking up vintage Buffaloes and sporting them with irony back home. Even grunge did better for our scene than over-sized boxing shorts and gardener's beanies. I don't think I'm old fashioned, noted. However I have no tolerance for bad taste, disguised as envelope pushing fashion trends. It's the truth!
I am happier, healthier, and a whole lot more seated in life. At the expense of my credentials as a fashionista, I shall happily oblige. I'm still at the top of my game, I just don't advertise it on my hemline anymore.
I have grown up, n'est pas.
Tuesday
There has been so little time to write lately. Tempted to do more re-blogging of pictures. There are just so many beautiful things out there! After a month of writing this blog, I am now officially paid to blog, who would have thought this was such a swift process? Happy days. Although i miss sleeping. I don't even sleep on the weekends these days - too busy chasing sunlight I don't see during office hours.
What else. It's gotten cold in Cape Town and the swell is picking up which is happy days for those not up-keeping a nine to five. Grump. I have officially been appointed first female brand ambassador for Insight in South Africa, this makes me rather giggly. Lots and lots and lots of free clothing from my favourite brand - could I be more spoilt? I shall be initiating more brand activation and lifestyle orientated marketing for the brand, as this aspect to Insight is completely underutilised within the South African market.
Slowly but surely I am edging myself towards a greater goal, it's all starting to take shape. No haste. Organic growth and what not. Although it seems difficult to settle to a steady pace, when I quite enjoy hitting the ground running.
Tuesday is nearly done. TG aait!
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