First.

I’m writing a blog.

More specifically, a blog about fashion. I love clothes. I look at clothing websites like sixteen year old boys look at porn. Ball gowns, metallic leggings, ripped up t-shirts, vintage jewelry, even bizarre hair extensions; all of this is art to me. Words can’t express the excitement and overall giddiness that shoots its way through my body when I witness someone’s amazing ability to pair bright tights with insane heels, a bedazzled (oh yeah- I totally said “bedazzled”) jacket, then top it off with an amazing head of hair. Hell, Bravo thought fashion was so interesting they made a show out of it. (Big ups to Lifetime for bagging Project Runway, even though this last season was a snooze fest. Please, Mean-a Irena being crowned the winner after all of her shit looking the same? Stop kidding yourselves, we all know the real winner was Ms. Althea. And yes, I was in fact shooting for Althea. Tim Gunn smiled and sashayed his way through this season with impeccable grace and more sass than ever- that isn‘t an issue.)

I don’t know what first drew me to the fashion industry in general. Maybe it’s that year I spent in cosmetology school. Maybe it’s the fact that I come from a small town where everyone dressed the same. (You did if you knew what was good for you. Wear something that was slightly arty or nerdy and you’ll not only get your ass kicked, they may ask you to change. I’m not kidding, I’ve seen it happen.) I just love looking at people and wondering why the hell they have on what they actually have on.

My boyfriend of almost four years plays bass in the band Ghosts of the Great Lakes. One of my favorite past times is going to those shows, sitting at the merch table and just watching. Watching everyone. When Mike has band duties, my other favorite person to stare with would be my gorgeous friend Nik. Also being a band lady friend, she gets the honor of arriving to said shows early with yours truly. Nik will sit (dressed to the nines, might I add) in these random smoky, sometimes sleezy, always hipster and trash-filled bars and just watch with me. Everyone does it. Mike has gotten to the point where he will be able to spot a cool pair of shoes from across the room. (Jealous? I know you are.) It’s fun. Try it.

That’s when it hit me: everyone, no matter who they are, plans what they’re wearing. My mom, your sister, those cool old people who you want to be your grandparents, your weird co-worker, that mail man that mumbles to himself, the rock star you bump in to at a show. They wore those shirts, that ponytail, that pair of boots for a reason. In fact, there is a reason you’re wearing what you’re wearing right now. It’s cold outside, so I assume you’re wearing socks. Why are you wearing those particular socks? I enjoy the rainbow striped knee socks I currently have on, they’re thick and comfy as all get out. My jeans (Converse for Target, might I add) are dark and well fitted; add to that my Chucks and Suicide Girl hoodie, and you’ll have a clear indication that I wasn’t feeling too daring today. I kept it safe. No patterned skirts, bright tights or knee high sneakers today.

So enjoy. Check back often. I like to talk, post pretty things to look at, and I promise to be well dressed as I do it.

-jess