Which means that I have to attend family events with Certain Individuals.
These Individuals tend to make my life a living hell whenever I am around them. They trigger my anxiety, make me feel unsure about myself, and can sometimes send me into a downwards spiral that can last for a few days.
It's uncomfortable to say the least. And when I was younger, I had no protection against this. I would go into these events with my heart all over my sleeves, completely vulnerable and open for the comments and remarks. Passive aggressive at best, downright cruel at the worst.
Now, as the jaded, bitter person that I am, I'm fighting back.
Okay, I'm not exactly jaded and bitter. But I am fighting back in my own fashion.
With fashion.
You know the saying, "clothes make the person?" Well, it's true.
For me, what I put on is like slipping on another persona entirely.
Do I need to appear quiet and meek for an event where I don't want to talk to a lot of people? I'll dress in lighter, muted colors with long, flowing lines.
A free spirited, Bohemian artisan for a creative gathering? Earth tones, plenty of jewelry, and fun, bright makeup.
Elegant and poised for a more formal affair? Dark neutrals, old Hollywood makeup, and pearls.
How about needing to give myself some confidence? Dark colors paired with a single bright pop of an accent color, wild makeup, and shoes that say "I can kick your ass in these."
And when it comes to dealing with Certain Individuals, well let's just say I'm a vindictive sort of person. I gleeful design and execute an outfit that I know will annoy them.
They're constantly cold? Short sleeves and above the knee skirts, even in winter.
They hate the "alternative" looks? You better believe I'm looking bold and out there.
They're conservative and anti-science? Hello, "Made of Stardust" t-shirt and FSM pendant.
Doing this sounds petty, but the confidence it gives me is like putting on personality armor. When they start giving me shit about anything and everything, I just think of the fact that everything about my appearance is aggravating them and plaster a giant grin on my face.
I become untouchable.
And for a certain holiday party this year, I'm going to don my +3 Armor of Color to horrify one Person in particular.
I won't give it all away yet, but I *did* come up with my makeup look for it. I used pretty much the full palette in Urban Decay's Electric.
And Ho Ho Holy Shit, it's bright. Especially for someone like me who, as Jamie says, wears nothing but "dirt, moss, and night sky."
Add in the fact that I just re-dyed my hair red-violet again, and you got the beginnings of a look certain to displease the Traditional Assholes at your family gatherings!
So, let's bring on the Christmas
We'll drink, pretend to be merry, and Certain Individuals can kiss my arse right under the mistletoe.
Because this year, I'm saving myself from tears and recognizing that I'm someone special.
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