Ties, Thrifting and Talley

I'm beginning to think that creating this blog is blessing me. Today was great.
I got two beautiful silk ties. One is a beautiful blue and red paisley, the other one is a beautiful brown with creamy cream polka dots, both $ .25 each. In some ways living in a tiny town is nice, the thrift stores are so cheap! Ties are $ .25 each and so are belts at one of the stores that I visit regularly (I've found beautiful Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta Couture and other brand ties at this store)! I'm going to take two dollars tomorrow and see what kind of treasures I can find. I might walk out with eight ties, or eight belts, or four ties and four belts.

I was happy to read in the November issue of Vogue (which I am very happy with,) that Oscar de la Renta will be having an exhibit showcasing some of his most iconic and beautiful works at the Bill Clinton Library in the month of November. I have to go. I must, I must, I must! I'll find a way to get there. I'll wear my Oscar de la Renta Couture floral tie. The works were curated by André Leon Talley, one of my favorite fashion editors. Oscar's work has always been so beautiful to me. There never really is a collection that he creates that I dislike. He has a exquisite kind of timelessness to his work that I think everyone is drawn to.

Who else is excited for Grace Coddington's memoir? FINALLY she gets the recognition she deserves. Which reminds me, I need to pre-order it. I want to start reading it the first day I get it! Grace is an amazing stylist, the best in the world, "the greatest living stylist." I cant wait to dive into her life. She always has been one of my favorite people in the entire fashion industry.

Wild

Growing up as a gay, artistic kid in Arkansas, in a town with less than 4,000 people, has been nothing less than an adventure. If Anna Wintour were to step out of her limousine onto the cracked pavement, she might think she had taken the "wrong turn". I acknowledged that I was different at a very early age. Instead of playing with Tonka Trucks and G.I. Joes (or in the case of where I live, killing animals and eating them), I collected rocks and old coins. I also wanted to play every instrument in the orchestra. I got my first Flute when I was 9 years old. I remember being the only kid awake in class when informational videos and documentaries were playing in grade school. Although I love to learn, school and I didn't (and still don't) get along. And although history is one of the most fascinating things to me, it was always my worst subject in school. Funny, huh? I've always felt hated by 90% of the community here, being how it's all bible-thumping people, who's main priority isn't to give people love and acceptance, and to FOLLOW the 10 commandments to their fullest potential (treat others how you'd want to be treated, love thy neighbor), but to give themselves excuses to be ignorant bigots.  To give an example, a few students in our school (in which I praise, so so so so much,) attempted to start a "unity" club, to spread love and acceptance. The  posters made had stick figures, of both genders, all holding hands in peace. Apparently, to some members of my community, this was appalling and "sinful". This further proves my points that a lot of Christians, instead of being Christ-like and full of love, are selfish bigots. 

So, basically, this is a way to let me express things that I enjoy and let out all that I'm thinking.

But alright, enough of my jibber-jabber and sob-sob. I wanna talk about what I really care about; fashion, style and art, history and photography. These are the things that I acknowledge, I could care less what a church thinks of me.

Today, I was Ralph Lauren from head to mid-calf . I am not ashamed to sport the "Polo" logo, because all of Ralph's brands, from his Collection to Denim & Supply, are all amazing in quality, and will last me for 20-30 years, possibly longer. I like to buy staple pieces from Ralph, because I know they will last a long, long time. That's essentially what I love about him. Not only do I love the authenticity and beauty of his clothes, but the quality is superb. Most of the Ralph Lauren that I own is thrifted. I think I payed $2 for the striped shirt I am wearing in this photograph. You'll always find me sporting Ralph, because, frankly, I love almost everything that he creates.

I am wearing:

• Ralph Lauren Striped Button-down Shirt
• Polo Ralph Lauren Brown Cardigan
• Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren "Slouch" Jeans
• F21 Combat Boots (that I've had for almost 2 years, and surprisingly haven't fell apart yet)

This isn't my best outfit, but I needed something to start my blog, so, it's whatever.

Today, I began reading "A Model Summer" by Paulina Porizkova. So far (on page 12), it's a cute book. I can't stop imagining the main character as Lindsey Wixson.