“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
– JOHN L E N N O N
It was a cool October evening in Los Angeles — not quite summer, not quite fall. The sun began to dip behind the industrial buildings that lined the streets of Downtown. As it transitioned from day to night, I began to contemplate the irony of my day ‘on-set.’ I use the term loosely as I tend to shoot with other unconventional artists who embody a similar relaxed approach and finesse. Similarly, we thrive in the fluid and somewhat chaotic unexpectedness of ‘the streets.’
Out here, you can never be entirely sure of what you’re going to get. I guess you could say the same about life. Then again, life imitates art. With that being said, I will preface with the following; this is a story about a plan gone awry. If you can roll with the punches and maybe even color outside the lines, you’ll arrive exactly where you need to be. Somewhere I call PLAN B.
|| P L A N A ||
Plan A involved something like this: A classic Bardot outfit against a french inspired street cafe scene. What we got? A 180 of everything I just said. Well, I was never one to believe in Murphy’s Law. I did however always find comfort in the quote by Lennon, “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
What I think Lennon’s stressing is the importance of being flexible and not resisting life’s plans. As humans, we like structure and predictability to feel secure. Becoming best friends with uncertainty and letting life flow are personal skills worth developing. You may even recall some of your fondest memories happened to be a result of fate or the unexplainable.
With that being said, here we go:
When I began to style a look for my shoot with Ashlyn, I had my head rigidly wrapped around a classic Brigitte Bardot look. Problem was, I couldn’t seem to pull it off with my current wardrobe. Slightly frustrated, I felt my ego creep in and fear began to manifest. I took the uncomfortable feeling as my cue to get quiet and become present. As I stared blankly into my color coordinated closet, a vibrant orange number caught my eye.
I reached for the piece out of curiosity having almost forgotten I owned it. I pulled it out to reveal a 70’s vintage lounge dress in mint condition. I must’ve bought it on one of my thrifting expeditions. As I held it overhead, examining at arms length, I wondered why I had not worn it yet? I threw it on and realized two things:
1. I loved the design and fabric
2. I hated the fit
|| P L A N B ||
So I did what I knew best under such circumstances; I performed a quick (and painless) surgery. I began to re-imagine it. I figured if things go wrong, so be it. If things go right, so be it. And with a few quick snips of my orange Fiskars, I was now the proud owner of a 70’s duster. Excitement rushed over me and without second thought, I threw it on over top my current outfit; a pair of Levi’s and a long-sleeved blouse.
I looked at my reflection in awe, not because of my amazing craftsmanship (because clearly I could use help in that department) but because of the overall look. A strange approach to layering now made complete sense. It was unconventional, funky and best of all, it was me. I’ve learned that mistakes are at times more helpful than harmful.
I met up with Ashlyn just outside the ETO building. We originally had a spot mapped out but much like my original look, it ceased to exist. We walked up to a cafe in a hidden alley illuminated by string patio lights. The gates were locked. In that moment, I heard my dad’s best impersonation of John Candy in National Lampoon’s Vacation echo in my mind, “Sorry folks, park’s closed.” Ashlyn and I look at each other with an encouraging c’est la vie glance and carry on into the unknown.
As we turn the corner, we begin our adventure surprised as we find a bushel of strawberries randomly placed on the sidewalk. The strange encounter made us both laugh and we continued on. I felt as though it was almost placed there for us, a free prop! About 15 feet later, Ashlyn says “Actually, I think I wanna use those.” Without further notice, I pivoted and marched back with a assertive “you read my mind.”
I learned something plain and simple from this entire experience; strawberries are always a good idea. Well, that and sometimes the so called roadblocks are just opportunities to embrace life; to allow life to redirect you instead of you directing it. Sometimes Plan B can be just as sweet if not sweeter than Plan A.
Without making mistakes, we may never explore new terrain or innovate new things. Instead of forcing our free will, we could use it wisely to choose between a life run by ego or a life in tune with a higher intelligence.
As life continues to surprise me and push my boundaries, I’ll make a better point of allowing. Perhaps you may see for yourself that coloring outside the lines is no mistake at all. Perhaps in falling outside the predetermined box, you create a new street worth exploring. For yourself and others.
| FEATURED O U T F I T |
Nordstrom Rack, Straw Hat | dRA Blouse | Levi’s, 511 | Steve Madden Holllly Sneaker in Camel Suede | JCPenny Lounge Dress, (cut into duster) Goodwill
Styled by Morgan Ryan
| FEATURED P H O T O G R A P H Y |
WOW YOU TRULY ARE A TRUE MODEL!
Thanks Nancy 🙂 How are you?
M
I’M DOING GREAT….BUT STILL MUCH FUSTRATION WHICH IS PART OF THE GAME OF REAL INCOME MAKING ,, HAHAHAH I’M GOING TO TAKE A VIOLIN COURSE IN THE SPRING JUST FOR FUN!
That sounds fun 🙂 Enjoy every moment of the creative process <3
THANK YOU FOR ASKING!
<3
Stylin’
Thank you 🙂
HAPPY HOLIDAYS LADY AND YOUR RIGHT THE PROCESS FILE ON US IN THE CREATIVE WORLD,,, IS PRETTY EXCLUSIVE LIKE YOU!
woooooow, I am addicted to the hats in general. And I love the make up
http://7-sevendays.blogspot.it/
Aw thanks babe! Hats from Nordstrom and makeup is mainly MAC Estee and Stila
Xx,
M
Those are some amazing shots! I really love the hat too!
Thanks Chardline <3
M
What a great read babe! Couldn’t agree more.
Honestly, this post is what I needed to read today.
PS: You look incredible! Love this look and the photos!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Aw, I’m so happy it found you at the perfect time. Honestly, that’s my intention with all I write, to shine some positive reinforcement and help you see in a new light in the moment you need it most <3
All love,
M
I love that duster!
Thanks Angelica! <3
I love that you used strawberries as a prop! You’re right in that sometimes Plan B is better than plan A! It’s good to be flexible.
Thanks Jen! Glad you agree <3
I love that you used strawberries as a prop! Sometimes life throws you lemons, so you just make lemonade. Plan B is not always a bad thing!
Couldn’t agree more! Thanks doll 🙂
Xx,
M
Girl!!!! These photos are a beauty. You look stunning. This look is a totally work of art you are right.
http://www.naturallyfarout.com
-Kierra
AW thank you so much!! I appreciate it 🙂
Xx,
M
I really love your outfit ,the orange colour creates a lovely contrast. Lovely pictures.
http://www.stylenbeautylounge.com
Thank you Uzo 🙂
Xx,
M
I absolutely love how you turned this into a duster and you look unbelievably gorgeous in this hat !!!! Love the colors and the way this look flows so effortlessly!! Always a pleasure to read about your experiences and see your beautiful pictures!!
Thanks babe! So happy you enjoyed 🙂
These shots are stunning! Love that hat!
xo,
Shawna || http://www.shawnaleeann.com
Thanks Shawna 🙂
Xx,
M
Absolutely in love with this hair style and your outfit!
Aw thank you so much Olga! I’m so glad you love it <3
Xx,
M
Making lemonade out of lemons in the real sense. I love your imagination and creativity and the fact that you turned the dress into a duster is pure genius! You look absolutely radiant in these photos. I loved every bit of your story. Xoxo
Aw thank you so much Gail for your kind words and thoughtful comment.
Much love,
M
I love the editorial feel of these photos and your outfit is styled to perfection. The layering worked just right.
xx,
Genevieve
http://www.thestylesauce.com
Thank you Genevieve, I’m so glad you appreciate the love and work I put into my imagery and looks 🙂
Xx,
M
I am just 100% obsessed with your pictures! Such a good editorial! Totally I love with your plan A!
Julia
Houseofcomil.com
Haha thanks Julia, maybe I’ll get Plan A going sometime in the near future. For now Plan B was just rightttt <3
M
Beautiful photos and I love your entire outfit babe! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/grey-new-black/
Thanks Sharon 🙂 🙂
<3
M
Everything turned out beautiful. Loved how you styled this look and your photographer did an amazing job. Lovely post.
Thank you so much lovely 😊
I love re-imagining old pieces. I used to do this a lot when I was on a budget. The outfit looks fantastic and I’m loving the vibe.
Agreed! Have less, do more 😉
You nailed the Bardot look!!! Especially love your makeup — those winged eyes are phenomenal!
xo Stella
Wow, I appreciate that. Thank you so much Stella!
Xx,
M
Great post! Love your outfit and the photography!
Aw thanks so much Darci! So happy you enjoyed it xx
M
Merry christmas 🙂 Have a good day 🙂
Regards
walkindiscount.com
Merry Christmas to you too Arsii!
<3
M
Amazing editorial, truly stunning! Buon Natale! Baci, Valeria – Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY