Monday, December 14, 2015

Sorry (Not Sorry) //

5:56:00 PM
Ok so this is a thing I wrote a while ago, and I'm posting it now because I'm running low on creative stimuli right now but I also don't want to be inactive af. So here's this thing please enjoy. xx //

Newsflash: Girls Aren’t Dressing Themselves To Meet Your Expectations, Sorry (Not Sorry) If That Offends You

Perhaps one of my biggest pet peeves in life is when I’ll be casually walking through the halls to my next class, and somebody will stop me to say that I look nice, and then follow up with the question, “Who are you trying to impress?” The answer is always a slightly annoyed, “LITERALLY NO ONE.” Contrary to popular belief, I do not wake up in the morning and choose my outfit based on what that guy from bio would like. I don’t put on makeup everyday to cover up my flaws and imperfections so that some guy (or girl) will find me beautiful. And no matter how nice it would be to know that a girl puts on her floral dress and sexy cat eye makeup for you, that’s just not how it works. Might I dare to suggest that some girls actually dress up because it makes them feel good about themselves? Is it even remotely possible that they spend hours on their hair and makeup because it gives them confidence and pride? I don’t know about you, but to me, this theory sounds a whole hell of a lot more logical than the assumption that every girl who spends time beautifying herself is desperate to gain attention from someone else. Imagine if that’s how the world worked. Daily life may look a little something like this:
While civilians are busy trying to look good for others who probably want to get in their pants, our political leaders sit in their throngs of power, increasing warfare and the use of weaponry to feed a strong sense of nationalism and to impress the strongest militaries with our skill. Of course, people are beginning to be drafted (because one cannot support war without soldiers), and unfortunately, this is leading to the mass destruction of countries. The US is now divided into 12 small districts. Humankind has become part of a materialistic society, with lots of money and nice cities, in which the rich eat the poor. Eventually, if not already dead from war or starvation, the entire human race sacrifices their own happiness to fulfill the desires of someone else, and we end up getting our entertainment by forcing poor children to fight to the death in an arena. Leading a life like this makes people, at times, wish they were dead. This mindset of our people leads to an ugly revolution, in which we overthrow the government and sacrifice millions of civilian lives along the way. (I should write this down; I think it could turn into a Bestseller!)

And so, it is due to these incredibly dubious circumstances that people don’t (and shouldn’t) make their daily clothing or makeup choices based on what others find attractive. Clothing and makeup hold so much power. They create confidence, and somehow can make people more comfortable in their skin. So, if one so chooses to go dramatic with makeup or bold with their clothing, we need to stop shaming them. Seriously. That’s not cool at all, bruh. If there’s a young girl and she’s dressed in a way that makes her feel as lovely as she actually is, there’s no need for the name calling: “Slut,” “Whore,” “Bitch;” they all need to stop. What are we even hoping to achieve when we bring each other down? I can tell you that you’re certainly not gaining anything from it. Nobody thinks it’s cute. You’re not going to be popular. Bringing down someone else isn’t going to actually help you feel better about yourself. Lift up your peers and respect what makes them happy. Find what you like and definitely do that (it will make you feel better, I promise), but always be kind and respectful towards everyone else along the way. Just as my friend wears sweatpants and a messy bun because it makes her comfortable, I’ll continue wearing my lace dresses and thick eyeliner, not for your enjoyment, but for my own self, and you damn well better leave me alone, because at the end of the day, I’m not even dressing for your approval.
Stay groovy, people. //




Friday, November 27, 2015

Black Outfit for Black Friday //

10:38:00 PM
Here is my Black Friday OOTD! Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately... I don't know, you choose) I wasn't able to go out shopping today because:

1- I have no money
2- My grandparents are up visiting for the holidays, and shopping is the last thing they want to be doing today.

So instead, we went to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. For anyone who knows me, you are aware of the fact that I have absolutely no clue what's going on when it comes to sports, so this excursion was far from my idea of "fun." Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time out with my family and taking cute pictures of my outfit. //

For this look, I wanted to be comfortable, but also very chic and "fashion-forward." I went for a basic knit turtleneck, tucked into a pair of wide leg pinstriped pants, and black flats. This outfit features minimal color (even the accessories are either black or gold), but I think this color suits the occasion of Black Friday. //







WHERE TO GET THIS LOOK:
Turtleneck: Kohl's ($29.99)
Striped pants: American Apparel ($28)
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Claire's ($17)
Bag: My mom's closet
Hand candy: Aldo Shoes ($12)
Lipstick: Sephora (Kat Von D. Studded Kiss Lipstick in "Thin Lizzy") 
Faux septum ring: Icing (Set of 3: $12)





when you gotta squad pic with yourself real quick because you have no real friends

Monday, November 09, 2015

Weekend Getaway OOTD //

7:46:00 PM
So over the weekend, I went on a lil retreat to New Hampshire. Our hotel had a lovely view of the mountains, here was a waterpark in the hotel, and a cute coffee shop was located day 1. So, basically, I was in paradise. 

Unfortunately, my mom had to attend meetings (so it wasn't really a retreat for her), but my dad and sister and I were able to go out and take photos of the nature (& my clothes). On Saturday, I wore a very autumnal inspired outfit, featuring acid wash overalls, a white tank top, a fluffy mustard yellow sweater (AKA my FAVORITE clothing item that I own), and some brown accessories. I was kinda feeling like a fall fairy, camouflaging as part of the environment around me. This is quite possibly my favorite outfit. Ever. //









WHERE TO SHOP THIS LOOK: 
Cardigan- Free People ($40)
Overalls- Marshalls? Kohls? Idk
Tank Top- Marshalls ($7)
Bag- Marshalls (Nine West Brand)
Boots- Payless
Choker- Brandy Melville ($5)
Pendant Necklace- Handmade (not by me)

Sunday, October 18, 2015

An Autumnal Outfit //

4:45:00 PM
Hello friends! I went to the zoo (again) today, and I made friends with a little goat. HE IS THE CUTEST THING TO EVER WALK ON THIS PLANET & I TOOK A LOT OF PICS WITH HIM ASDFGHJKL 

LOOK AT HIM 
 



Anyway, during the month of October, the zoo had this thing at night called "Jack O'Lantern Spectacular," which is quite literally a bunch of Jack O'Lanterns that get lit all along a path. I didn't go at night, so I didn't get to see all the lights, but I still walked by all the pumpkins & other spooky decorations and I can fEEL THE HALLOWEEN *internally screams* //




                          



And, since it's October, it is cold here in New England. With that comes cute coats & layered looks (aka my fave.) Today, I went for a cute but casual look, with a paisley dress, maroon (fleece-lined) leggings, brown boots, and a fluffy faux fur vest; perfect for the autumn season! To keep warm, I also brought along a Red Riding Hood-esque jacket. //

                            


           

WHERE TO SHOP THIS LOOK:
Coat: Marshall's
Vest: Kohl's ($17.99)
Dress: Marshall's ($14.99)
Leggings: Kohl's
Boots: Marden's ($6.99)
Neckace: American Eagle ($12.75)
Bag: Marshall's (Nine West Brand)


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Save The Wollaston Theater! //

9:47:00 PM
Last night, I went to my first ever rally. It wasn't for any particularly big issue, like LGBTQIA rights or race relations or free college tuition, but nonetheless, it was a rally for something I am passionate about:

Saving the Wollaston Theater. 

Now, for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about (which is probably a vast majority of you), the Wolly Theater is an old movie theater, dating back to 1926, that is in my neighborhood. The precious theater has switched hands and ownership many times, and it is currently under the possession of a private owner, who has made plans to tear it down. He intends to completely demolish the old building, because, he claims, there is no use for it. Nothing is going on inside of it, what's the point of keeping it open? Well, let me tell you why our town needs a local theater and why we need to put it to good use instead of tearing it down. //

Simply put, theatre saves lives (or at least, it saved mine). If I didn't have the performing arts, I'd probably be a very different person than I am today. I wouldn't be confident. I wouldn't be proud. I wouldn't be able to love myself and appreciate all the beauty in life that I do. See, for me (an extroverted but painfully awkward & socially anxious person), theatre is an outlet. It's a way for me to put myself out there without really doing so. When I put on that makeup and that costume, and stand under the bright lights of the stage, I become a character. I am no longer me, but I am this other unique person, with their own thoughts and opinions. I am this new person, and I have the capacity and freedom to be whoever I want. No longer am I limited by the constraints that society has placed on me, or the reputation that I have to uphold for myself. In those moments, Emily Claire Barker does not exist.

I learn from these characters, and as I take on their life, even if it is temporarily, I get to see things through their perspective. I begin to see the world with new morals and values and opinions in my mind. I learn from these characters' pasts, and I apply those lessons to my future. With each role I take on, I become a better person. 

And there is something so magical and liberating about both of these facts. //

However, you don't necessarily have to be a performer to appreciate the fundamentally human need for the performing arts. Have you ever gone to see a film, and left the theater feeling touched? Have you ever seen a character, and watch them grow over the course of a movie, so that by the end, you're so emotionally invested in them that they feel like a friend? Is there a quote, or scene, that will stick with you for the rest of your life, because it's so relatable? 

My guess is yes, you have. Because performance, whether it be live theatre, or action unfolding on the big screen, is a reflection of life. It connects us all. It teaches us all. And this art form is a necessary, fundamental part of being human. //

To some people, the Wollaston Theater may be a small, run-down, empty building that's ready to be torn down, but it's so much more than that. Take a stand for what you believe in, and always feul your passions. Some things are worth fighting for. //



Monday, October 05, 2015

New Adventures (i.e. Zaragoza, Spain) //

10:26:00 PM
Hello lovelies! I know you all probably hate hearing lame excuses (and I mean, I do too), but I'm going to throw a couple out right now. I know I've been inactive on this blog lately, and that is for 3 main reasons.
1- I couldn't upload any photos to make posts, or let alone open the internet to log on to blogger, because my computer wasn't working properly for quite some time, as the startup disk was full and I had to get an external drive and transfer all my files and stuff. *deep exhale*
2- School started up about a month ago, and that means homework and plays and after school classes and science fairs and other projects and just a whole bunch of busy-ness that finding the time to blog has become quite a struggle.
3- I really just haven't felt the motivation to post on here. I love you guys, and I love this blog, don't get me wrong. It's just that I haven't really been feeling it as of late. //

Anyway, now that I've addressed that, I have some exciting news! On October 9, which is in 4 days from now, I will be having a girl from Zaragoza, Spain, come and stay with me for 10 days as part of an exchange program. She will come to school with me for a few days, and I'll get to show her around Boston and share my life and culture with her. I've already started talking to her via Facebook-- her name is Elena and she is basically me in another body and I am sOSO EXCITED TO MEET HER IN 4 DAYS. I AM SCREAMING. CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING?

And, perhaps the best part is that next semester, I'll get to stay with her and her family in Spain for 10 days. Anyone who knows me knows that I love traveling to new places, meeting new people, and exploring new cultures. I am my happiest when I am on an adventure of some kind. And I literally cannot wait until this Spain trip happens. This will be the first second trip where I actually get to live in another place, and not just experience from a tourist's point of view. I will actually be immersed in the culture and experience daily life as if I actually lived there. I hope that this is the second trip of many many more to come in the future.

Although preparing for our guest has been a bit of effort, I am so happy and I cannot wait until this amazing experience gets underway. FOUR DAYS GUYS. FOUR. I AM SO EXCITED! //

And with that,  I end this post. I really have nothing meaningful to share here, because, as stated earlier, I haven't really had motivation to post anything here. I just felt like throwing this post together to let y'all know that I am indeed still living and breathing, and to share my excitement! I hope to be more active here, but if I end up failing, I apologize in advance! xoxo //


Sunday, September 13, 2015

OTRA Tour Experience & OOTN //

12:12:00 PM
There was singing; lots of singing. There were lots of screaming girls, like, probably thousands of them. Even I was one of them. I am one of them. I am one of those fans, who dedicates so much time, and spends so much money on these idols that I dream about, day in and day out. I am a directioner (though I technically left the "fandom" I remain faithful to my boys). Last night, I went to the One Direction OTRA concert at Gillette Stadium. I had kinda bad seats, though granted I didn't even buy tickets until a few hours prior to the show. //


Despite this, the show was amazing, and I had a simply wonderful time. Before the show my friends and I bought a (really shitty) pizza, some mediocre nachos, and overpriced soda. The first act was Augustana, and I didn't even know he was performing so I was SUPER STOKED about him. Next came Icona Pop. Surprisingly, I liked them a lot. I hadn't really listened to them before, and I was kinda just indifferent to them, but now I think I can call myself an Icona Pop fan. The girls are great performers, and reminded me a bit of Halsey (whom i love!) 

Then, of course, the highlight of my night happened. One Direction (or I guess 4/5 of One Direction) came onstage and sang their hearts out. They sang the songs from FOUR, Midnight Memories, and even some fetus songs from Take Me Home (I cried). About halfway through the night, it started raining. I don't know about you, but to me, rain is the best kind of weather. It feels kind of magical; the breeze through your hair, the cool hint of rain on your skin, sending chills down your spine. You find yourself longing for someone, or something, to keep you warm. Then, in this case, you look at those guys performing in front of you. You're on your toes. It's all so exciting, and the mix of rain-lover feels and directioner feels put me in this really emotionally unstable place where I felt like I was going to start sobbing at any minute, and not just sad tears. I was feeling all kinds of feelings. FAR TOO MANY FEELINGS. Then, to make it worse, at the end of the concert, Harry said "Thank you all for joining us on our last. North. American. Tour." He didn't say "for a while" or "of this tour." Oh no, Harry Styles said the last. //

And then I think I lost it entirely. I know it sounds really dumb and even quite immature, but I've seen these guys grow up. We've grown up together. When I was entering middle school, these 5 idiots from the U.K. were starting as a band called One Direction. The released all this tweeny bopper music that I listened to religiously. As I went through that awkward middle school phase of my life, those boys were there, with their music and positivity and acceptance that I was seeking. Even though I didn't know them, they were always there.

Then high school came along, and I made some new discoveries about myself and the world. I am definitely different than I was when I was 12. I've made mistakes, formed new opinions, and have grown as a person. And right there, in a parallel life, the boys of One Direction were growing up, changing their style, and even making mistakes. They provd time and time again that they are human. I am human, too, and for me the understanding that my idols fuck up too was reassuring. //

Alright, skip ahead to now. I am a junior in high school. I've started thinking about college, and moving out, and financingc and other adult things. I'm not a child anymore, and that is terrifying. My childhood is slowly but surely ending, and I think this whole 1D hiatus/possible lead to breakup pretty much sums that realization up. One Direction has been there for 5 years. They've become a part of me. (Yes this is totally cliché and I'm sORRY). I'm not ready for them to leave, but also I'm not ready to leave home and be a functioning human in society. // 

With my emotions high, I want to once again say thank you. A million times, thank you. 
Louis-- thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for making me smile. And thank you for holding in what you're feeling just for the sake of your fans. Your constant positivity and smiles are appreciated, but remember, it's ok to do something for yourself.
Niall-- you're 22! Thank you for sharing your birthday with me last night. Thank you for your love and admiration for us directioners. I'm pretty sure you're an angel from heaven. 
Liam-- you are probably the most underappreciated man who has ever graced this planet. Your voice sounds like chocolate & sex. Thank you for always being truthful, even if it's sometimes blatant. People like you, with opinions and feelings that they're not afraid to express, are so important.  
Zayn-- hey pal. Even though you left the band, I still love you. Things are hard, and I hope you take some time to yourself. Get to know who you are. Sort things others. good luck, old friend. 
Harry-- Oh god, Harry, I love you. Thank you for preaching love and acceptance. We need to hear more of that in this world. Thank you for being you. I know that you don't even know I exist, but that's okay. I'm not asking for attention. I just want to thank you for all you've done for me. You've touched my life in more ways than you will ever, ever know. // 

I want to love like you made me feel, when we were 18.

~

Alright now for the fun stuff!! 

WHERE TO SHOP THIS LOOK: 
Dress- Free People (on sale- $30)
Kimono- Charlotte Russe ($22)
Boots- Payless
Choker- Topshop ($12)
Pocketwatch Necklace- Claire's ($17)
Fake Septum Ring- handmade
















Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Cheer Up, Princess //

1:07:00 PM
Greetings earthlings ✌. I know it's been quite a while since I've posted on here. My summer assignments have been keeping me quite busy, seeing as I have to read 2 books, write an essay, and write about 8 various articles. Unfortunately, all of this work means I've had to discipline myself a lot, and then in my few hours of "free time" a day, writing more is the last thing I wanted to do. (I still love you guys and I love keeping up with this blog, but a girl needs a break sometimes). However, I am back now, and ready to post about how I stay positive and happy even when I'm stressed out, angry, sad, or feeling any other negativity (Feat. cute animal gifs to make you smile.) //

1. Shopping. Pretty self-explanatory. Shopping is one of my favorite ways to treat myself when I'm feeling down. Going out and splurging a bit on that piece you really like is like getting a Christmas gift & it feels really great to pay attention to yourself and treat yo' self. (Don't do this too often though, as you do want to be financially smart and stable.)












2. Take a bath. Don't just take an ordinary bath, but set up a spa for yourself. Turn your lights low, light some lavender and vanilla candles, turn on some light music, and fill your tub with bubbles. (If possible, I'd also suggest a bathbomb or scented bath salts for aroma.) Just focus on the present moment, and as you soak in the water, feel the stress of the day ease off your shoulders. 















3. Eat, and drink water. Staying hydrated and well-fed is key to feeling good throughout the day. If you've hit a rough spot in the day or if you find you're feeling too tired to go on, hop up and make yourself a health smoothie, a salad, chips and salsa, or another healthy snack you enjoy. The extra energy and needed break will give you motivation to carry on with the day. Remember, food is not the enemy.












4. Practice meditation. Taking even 10 minutes out of your day to focus on your body and mind can make a big impact. When you start to feel that nervous, stressed, and anxious breathing and worry coming on, just stop what you'redoing  and sit back. Take 10 minutes or more focusing on your breath. Take deep inhales and let out long exhales. As you breathe, feel the way your body moves and feels. Let thoughts pass by, like clouds. Your only concern is here and now. When you've calmed down, you can continue working with a new, positive attitude.



















5. Talk to a friend. My friends and I have a tendency to say "ok rant time" whenever we're frustrated, and proceed to tell the others about what's bothering us. We don't really expect advice or sympathy, but just knowing that there are people who love you and are willing to listen makes things seem a bit better. Friends have a way of making you feel beautiful, and sharing your frustrations with them is beneficial in lightening your load and boosting your self-worth in moments of negative thought.











6. Look at a painting, read a poem/book, sit in nature; find an escape. Sometimes, we can find beauty in life by putting ourselves into new situations. Art truly is a reflection of nature, and both can give new inspiration and motivation to humankind. It's always a good idea to have beautiful pieces to think about and to become part of, even if temporarily. The stories they tell can help you get your mind off of your present story, and also encourage you to keep going, but maybe in a new way.




















7. Take a nap. If you just can't stop feeling worn out by life, you deserve this reward. Just close your eyes, relax, and sleep it off. You'll wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed (or maybe slightly drowsy, but still content.) 












8. Read my blog. JK, unless you want to, then by all means, go ahead. After all, I have these gifs, which can only bring a smile to your face. Plus, I love you and want you to have the best life you can. You only get one, so make it count. ❤️

~ fashion, food, art, travel, & adventure ~

Contact

milla.barker.99@gmail.com