Rockin' Converse like a Taylor

So, when I got married I pledged a little alliance to myself:  Dress grown-up, dress appropriately for your age (some twenty-something) and don’t dress like your teenage self.

Band Tee - Denim Cut offs - Converse - Happiness.

I remember the final visit to church before we married - I especially wore my most grown-up skirt in my wardrobe (Elle), and demure white blouse.  I wanted to make a good impression, God, I needed to.

Clothing has a way of being able to tell a story, project an impression and above all define someone.  I’m not saying it’s a dead certain deal breaker, but as a woman who has had many closet fall outs, and far too many impulse purchases, I think I might have got this one sussed.  Or so I like to convince myself.

Basically, for around three weeks into 'Mrs' territory, I dressed in my most refined M&S, Zara and the like.  It felt sophisticated, especially this day… about to embark on a (very grown-up) wine tour in Hawkes Bay, NZ. 

Dress Zara

I even gave away half my suitcase before we returned home last year.  I had finally shaken off the insecurities around clothing and started buying and dressing differently.

And then I went to Thailand, and all hell let loose in my suitcase.  I opted to dress exactly as desired, often a miss-match of my favourite clothes all at once.  I braved sportswear, oriental inspired kaftans and swimwear all at once – and darn I wasn’t even at the beach some days!  But, you know what it felt good, ridiculously good.

Fitness Leggings Roxy Wild Trail Running Shoes Nike Dress & Beaded Shawl Second-hand

I once had a friend who would come to college (usually in the depths of UK winter), in flip flops and a bikini, of course her bikini was covered up – but the principal behind it was mind boggling at the time.  But, she was passionate about wearing her heart on her sleeve, and I look back at her now and think that’s probably where I get my love for bikinis and other beautiful swimwear from. 

When we went to Southend-on-Sea over the August Bank Holiday, I could feel myself ridiculously excited to dress exactly as I desired.  I wore a pair of denim shorts, my favourite band t-shirt (Fleetwood Mac) and my newly acquired blue converse.  Yes, Converse!

I didn’t think I would ever see myself (not Mrs Taylor) in Converse again.  Probably because the last time I wore Converse I was sixteen years old, and covered in black eye liner and Billy Joe Armstrong was my idol.

But, the best part of it is, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing my Converse.  I guess, it’s time to embrace what makes me happy – and loosen those rules (okay blatantly, lets just forget them). 

Because, if I’m still rockin’ Converse at 90, then I think that would be pretty cool.

Plus, from one Taylor (Chuck) to another, it’s a pretty fine thing.  

♥