A few days ago I was merrily visiting other blogs and had several tabs open on my browser when the facebook tab showed activity. Could it be a message, a party invite, something cool? Not even, as I was greeted with a comparison to a senior citizen in obnoxious clothing:
My friend says: Check out Ann throwing down for a $75 Thrift Town shopping spree. Maybe you should enter the contest too!
Anonymous Player Hater Says: I'm sure she's really nice and the outfit does have some appeal, but she kinda looks like Mrs. Howell from Giligan's Island. I'd like to see something that looks more like fashion and less like a costume. IMHO, of course.
Annimal says: I take that as a major compliment!! Even if you didn't mean it as one!!! I live my life like one big costume party, and I dress up every day!!!
My friend says: Fashion IS costume.
Annimal says: Thanks!! I know I scorch some retinas but I'll keep dressing loud!! I think I just got inspired for my next next blog post!!!
Anonymous Player Hater Says: Go for it! It's like polka dots. I appreciate them on other people, but they're a bit much for me. No insults intended. I love bright colors. MY PERSONAL taste is to just use a splash here and there. Sorry if my smart-assedness ruffled any boa feathers. :-)
Boy I’m sure glad I got this anonymous person’s input! But no matter, as I have been selected to win the $75 Thrift Town Gift Certificate!! Here’s to not playing it safe, eh?!!!
My niece Ronda and I are wearing matching dresses that we both thrifted at different Thrift Town locations unbeknownst to each other!! When Ronda arrived at my house wearing her twin dress I quickly produced mine and we posed for photos to submit to the Thrift Town contest along with my original entry!! As this entry “took it over the top” according to Kari, the gift certificate is Ronda’s to keep!
Wow you look so alike, I thought it was the same person. Congrats.
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Don't you love being critiqued by strangers? ;) I guess it comes with the territory as a fashion blogger... I've encountered a few comments on my blog that made me think, "hey..." but then I reminded myself that my blog is entertainment to my readers (even though it's something more to me) and as long as they are entertained, I'm happy. In real life, I get the "costume" thing a LOT... Your positive attitude and brilliant handling of the situation are inspiring!!
ReplyDeletePS: You both look SO cute in those dresses! What a funny story.
Well I think you both look great, and I love that you found matching dresses, that's some freaky family fashion radar! And congrats on your prize. But it sounds to be like Anon isn't too much of a bad person, and just forgot that it isn't always 'just words on a screen' and there is someone behind them. They back-tracked after all and apologised for being rude. I've never seen Giligan's Island - that's one of those references which is always in American TV and films and goes right over most Brits' heads!
ReplyDeleteSacramento!! Thanks, my neice is a beautiful treasure to be sure!! I'm trying to convince her to start a blog too, her personal style is incredible!!
ReplyDeleteVictorianKitty!! I guess cuz I'm putting myself out there people will voice their opinions!! And yea, I get asked where the costume party is at, are you going as janis joplin? I certainly don't dress to impress those types anyway! Thanks for the camaraderie, us unique dressers gotta stick together!
Lakota!! You aren't missing out on too much with Gilligan's Island, it's silly but fun! And although I'm no spring chicken I'm hardly a pensioner!! You're right, anon probably isn't a bad person, she's just very narrow minded when it comes to clothing! But I'm convinced that playing it safe wouldn't have won the prize! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, it's always a pleasure!!
That coincidence with your niece is spooky! I didn't know there were ghosts in thrift-stores steering us to certain items. Then again, some of my finds have been oddly serendipitous.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have the confidence to ignore haters. Some people feel a psychological need to cut down others who stand out; it's a reflection on who they are, not you. Besides, I find conformity boring!
Shy biker!! Thanks so much for your support, and how boring would we be if we followed the beaten path! I was shocked when my neice showed up with that twin dress, especially because we both thrifted them!! She says we share a style gene, so that must be the case!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! There is a lack of "cojones" for someone to criticized you on your blog and don't leave their name!!
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful and talented and negativism is always out there, so let them be negative because karma will get them in the end!
That is some super spooky psychic vintage shopping! Love the dresses! I always think there should be some kind of cattle prod linked to negative commenters keyboards, a quick zap in the ass as soon as they click 'post comment' x
ReplyDeleteOfelia!! Thanks, and one negative comment in a sea of positives isn't too bad!! Plus it makes for a funny story cuz I ended up winning! She actually commented on my friend's facebook wall, I don't think she would like my blog very much!!!
ReplyDeletePearl!!! Welcome, I'm so glad you are here!!! I love the "zapper" idea, I zinged her pretty quick with words but a little shock would do nicely also!!! And yea, my niece is a fierce little thrifter, we are def cut from the same cloth!!!
Hmmm, some people are sooo odd, I flipping hate it when they say you look like you're in costume, it must be very sad to be soo dull! You totally rock.
ReplyDeleteI think you look smashing love your first photo of you its gorgeous and such a splash of stunning color. Clothes are an extension of you. some people just don't get style or vintage. Keep Embracing it as you do ;-)) dee x
ReplyDeleteSmashingbird!! Yep, I've been hearing it since high school, I'm used to it but it's still so lame! YOU TOTALLY ROCK 2!! Thanks for stopping by, I'm always happy to see that you have!!!
ReplyDeleteDee!! I know what you mean, I do feel like my clothes are part of my personality and I care about them like old friends! I'll keep being me, and you keep being awesome!!! THANKS!!!
You look awesome! Clothes express yourself and that's what amazing.
ReplyDeletehttp://artfashiontwentysomething.blogspot.com
Twenty.Something!! Thanks, I enjoy letting my clothes do the talkin'!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous looks! Nice blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://badjoan.blogspot.com/
bad joan!! So glad you like what you see, stop by again anytime!!
ReplyDeleteOMG how fantastic that you both have this incredible thrift find!!!!! Serendipitous to be sure....there is just no accounting for good taste! And thumbs down to player haters...fashion is for fun! Paula
ReplyDeletePaula!! I was floored that we both found and loved the same dress, let alone at different thrift stores! I'm glad you are having fun with fashion too!! Thanks for your visiting and supporting what I love!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the 'twin' dresses! Fantabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the win...and the snappy comeback! Well done, you!!
I was at Buffalo Bar in Islington about a year ago for Stagnant Society club night. 95% of the clientele that night was also there for the same psych/yeye night. One of the other 5% of randoms off the street came up to me and the converstation went as follows:
Random: "So, what's the theme?"
Dollz: "What do you mean?"
Random: "Well it's obviously a costume party. What's the theme?"
Dollz: "It's not a costume party."
Random: "Then why are you dressed like that?"
Dollz: "Why are YOU dressed like THAT?"
Random: "I'm not dressed like anything"
Dollz: "EXACTLY."
as for me, the only people who hates you are jealous...(some would even be your friends)...that dress looked almost like my grandma gave me in 1994! everybody seem to tease me in highschool wearing an old dress until i cut them and made it into a skirt=( its still w me now but the waist would'nt fit=( they look beautiful on both of you!
ReplyDeleteOne big costume party-o YEAH!!! That's how I think of my life too!!!
ReplyDeleteI adore the matching frocks!!!
x
I don't judge them, each to their own and we do need all types to make this world go 'round, even the boring conservative 'tribal' judgemental ass types... they make the individuals stand out even more!
ReplyDeleteIt's why I hope you accept this award...here... you are fANNtastic!!
I too dress like it's my party and I'll be fly if I want to... every day, all day!
dolly the bird!!!!! Loving the dialogue! This happens more than it needs to, but it says much more about "them" than us!! I'm so glad I'm not questioning the uniqueness of others! Thanks sooo much for your funny comment!!!
ReplyDeleteHelga!!! I was sooo tempted to use your catchphrase as a comeback, "better to be looked over than overlooked"!!! It's so true, inspiring words to live by!! Thanks for sharing and being you!!! YOU ROCK!!!
Dusk!!!! The dull do make our stars shine brighter!! You always see the light inside the darkness!! YOU ARE SO FREAKIN FLY!! You spirit soars above all!!! Thank you, I'm so grateful you bless me with your beauty, wisdom and kindness!!!!!
HI! I really like your blog!
ReplyDeleteI think the hater person is nice! I didn't get any "HATE" vibes from his/her comment! Everybody is intitled to an opinion and it's a great thing we don't all have to be the same. Sometimes you have to think about the social background too. If I wore your clothes I'd hit the local newspaper's goship column in no time! That doesn't mean I can't appreciate diversity and the boldness of people having your style! And I've seen some really mean/hate comments I can tell ya!! This person had good manners, used IMHO! and then apologised!! In all - life's good!
And you look fab! It's only natural that you won!! Have a nice day! :)
p.s. Your family's shopping skills ARE spooky!
HHHAAAAAA!!! Imagine going through life thinking that polka dots are extreme fashion. That's frickin hilarious. I do feel so sorry for people who live by the Rules of Boring.
ReplyDeleteLike Helga, I would much rather be looked over than overlooked.
AND you always look FABULOUS to me Annimal! Wanna trade hats? I LOVE that pink one!
Sarah xxx
Congrats on winning! You did look absolutely fabulous but the best part was how you so classily handled the sitch! I KNOW! I was there. Yeah that comment is so much more about her than you- she doesn't seem to feel good about hereself, and it shows. You handled it WAAAAY better than I ever would.
ReplyDeleteAnd I couldn't think of a bigger, or better winner in any contest than you- Let me know when you and Rhonda are spending that thing- I wanna come shop for the ride. xo. -Bella Q
the Citizen Rosebud
Dimi!! You're so right, as I said one dissenting comment in a sea of positivity is nothing!! I'm sure there are more rude remarks coming my way, but I won't let it "ruffle my feathers"!!! I just thought it was hilarious that I won after all!!! And yea, that niece of mine is a killer thrifter, born with style!! Thanks for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteSarah!!! No kidding, polka dots?!! That's the tamest pattern I've probably ever worn! Helga nailed it for sure, I get looked over a lot but I think the hater gets overlooked!! I'm pretty fond of that pink hat, but since I'm all over ebay I'll send you a link if I find another!! Thanks for your comment, it's always a pleasure!!
Bella!! Thanks, it made for a fun story to tell and so many rad stylish ladies have had the same reaction from people before too!! I am eagerly waiting to get the gift certificate in the mail, but I will let you know cuz Ronda is as stoked to go thrift shopping again as she was meeting you!!! Mwah!!!
Much of fashion borders on costume and to me that is always the most interesting bit because it is the extreme end that most people shy away from wearing because they might, oh I dunno, stand out say. Give me costume over bland blending in any day. Love the pink hat and orange boa!
ReplyDeleteveshoevius!!! Cannot agree more, standing out is fun and engaging!! My clothes speak volumes, and I like that they communicate my enthusiasm for color and fun! I'm so glad you stopped by and commented, I really enjoyed reading your take!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! What fate that brought two of those dresses in to your lives... it's really kind of staggering. And the dress is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAshe!!! It was totally fate, I agree! Welcome to my blog, and thanks for taking the time to comment!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! What fate that brought two of those dresses in to your lives... it's really kind of staggering. And the dress is amazing!
ReplyDeleteFabulous looks! Nice blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://badjoan.blogspot.com/
That is some super spooky psychic vintage shopping! Love the dresses! I always think there should be some kind of cattle prod linked to negative commenters keyboards, a quick zap in the ass as soon as they click 'post comment' x
ReplyDeleteI thought was just you the whole time.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is fabulous
lee x
I love your over the top style! I found your blog through the Citizen Rosebud over 40 blogroll and now I am following. Your twin dress photo was so creative, no wonder you won!
ReplyDeleteLee!! Thanks, people say they can see the family resemblance, I'm very proud of my baby niece!! So happy to see you here, I really appreciate you taking the time to drop me a line!!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie!! So glad you found me, Bella is a peach!! Thanks, it was fun to enter let alone win!!