#violette_fr

It makes me think about when I lived in France and my everyday look was totally set in stone. I wore all-black all the time, with high heels and red lipstick. This look reflected a time when I felt I needed to have this sort of armor of strength and power. It served a real purpose for me at a time when I needed support. Often our “look” starts from a very real place like this, but then becomes a mindless habit that doesn’t actually reflect where we are or what we need. It’s like your mood changed but your style is stuck in the old mood. Years go by and you haven’t asked the question – is this look serving me anymore? Or have I gotten stuck in a certain fixed idea of myself? When you finally ask yourself that question you are ready to start exploring again – and there is no fixed destination. It’s a lot like traveling. Some places you love and want to stay for months or even years. Others you try for a night or a week and move on – no big deal. Makeup and fashion gets slapped with a very superficial and materialistic label, but it’s never been that for me. If you have the intention of using it as a wellness tool, or as a tool for self-exploration then it can have a really positive impact on your mental health. I also think that the idea of “working on yourself” can often feel very deep and heavy, so sometimes it’s nice to do a little self-exploration and healing through fashion and beauty. It can be lighter and more fun. And that’s really what it’s all about – taking the pressure off.