4
Sep
Now You See It, Now You Don’t…
Namaste, Sussreekall, Bonjourno, and Salut to everyone who may or may not be labouring (or IN labour) on LabourDayLongWeekend. Om Nama Shivaya and Hare Krishna, yo! I seem to remember something about “white pants” being passe apres “Labour Day”, but given the current state of ecclectic Fashion, I think its probably cool. I love white teeshirts beyond anything!!! (Cept when the armpits go “gray” and then you have to cut off the sleeves!)
One thing that ALWAYS seems to be in fashion, is ILLUSION.
Fuck us all, we are misled beyond our comprehension. Just sayin. LOL!
(Sorry bout the cussin, Mom, but I feel like peppering my thoughts on this with some gooders!)
I am a chick. A broad. A grrl. A woman. A dogmom. A wifey. A lover of art, music,books, literature, and fashion.
Its true.
Jeff Koons , Breadman (my tattoo artist), and Jaleh Jam are my favorite artists. Actually, I have more, but for today (and this blog) I will name topshelves, ya feel me?
Juergen Teller , Alex Waterhouse-Hayward, Nina Gouveia, and my five-year old Goddaughter, are my favorite photographers.I have SO MANY FAVORITE BANDS/MUSICIANS I CAN’T EVEN BEGIN…but I will have to say, Krishna Das is top (okay..and Otep….okay and HankWilliams3…okay and Missy Elliot…okay and Jai uttal..etc.etc.)
Books? You KNOW I am addicted to books but my favorites are ALL OF THEM! LOL!
(Okayokay…this week I have to say it is, once again, Anais Nin)
Fashion, however, is always changing.
Fashion is art, for sure. Subjective.
Is it inspiring? Yup. Is it oft-stupidity. Yup.
But it can be easy to enjoy it.
I stick with basics: things that work for MY BODY(which has changed many times over the years…..due to stress+travel, due to falling in+out of various loves….due to so many things…)
It makes me really THINK: I included the video on airbrushingphotos (see above) because I am guessing there may be some girls/grrrrrls/teens/impressionable babes who may honor me with reading my humble, cockamamey bloggy….and I want to make sure you know that EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR CULTURE’S STANDARD OF BEAUTY IS ALL AN ILLUSION!!!!!!! Okay? Seriously. FASHION IS AN ART MEDIUM (sketch+cloth, non?)
It is an “artform”We CAN NOT EVEREVER look like, say, Kate Moss..(lovelovelovegushlove!).
Ever. Pourquoi? Because, 1. We are NOT Kate. She is Kate. Kate is a professional “fashion model”. That is not our job. Its her job.
And, because, 2. Most of the images we see have been retouched. Which is, in itself, an artform.
How can we compete??? How can we compare ourselves to that? We can’t!
But we do! Sillysillysilly.
I am guilty of this heinous shallowness also, worrying about girlie things like “appearance”. (Why can’t I just be totally unattached and just be more centered and less “self”centered??? Sheesh!)
I should be GRATEFUL for my eyesight, my hearing, my mind, and my healthybody.
But I often forget these things…being ungrateful and lamenting and admonishing myself if I am not “at fightin’ weight” ya feel me? We all do it.
We all shouldn’t.
Whytheflyingfuck should we be so consumed with how we appear/present ourselves? *shrugs* I dunno. But-it just is. Let’s be smart. Let’s keep it all in perspective. Let’s keep it healthy. Let’s not try to conform. Let’s be ourselves.
I know I am on a “book fast” still…..
But ESTHER KANE was kind enough to send me her book, “It’s Not About the Food” and she is BRILLIANT!!!!!!! She hits the nail on the head! Her book resonates with me on a million different levels, and I am very grateful for it!!! Please look into her book (she is from BC!! Yay!) Her website is: www.estherkane.com and she has a free e-zine and other books for us to check out. She is a mentor and an inspiration. Om Hare Om.
I am wishing everyone a beautiful experience over this long weekend. Please take a second to wrap your arms around yourself and squeeeeeeeeeze!!!!! You are beautiful and that’s a FACT! I sendi you positivelovenergy and Highest Blessings. Let’s all enjoy our uniqueness, our differences, and our WHITE PANTS (LOL!). Bliss to you..
Peace+love,
Biffy
Xo
September 4th, 2009 at 2:03 PM
What an excellent message for all those going back to school!
Ha and also for us “oldies” not going back this year,like moi;p
September 4th, 2009 at 2:21 PM
i actually am disappointed in fashion. i went to school for fashion marketing, and i can not express anymore how much vintage clothing needs to come back. those clothes from 20’s to 50’s made a woman feel like a women. the 40s glamour, a-line dresses of the 50’s. I tried bring it back but, things happen. im not giving up.
i personally have never given a fuck about what i looked like..im me..and im flawed. being flawed is what makes everyone beautiful.
i had a mohawk fo along time any color possible, got made fun of, had my own style of clothes, got made fun of, and you know what i didnt give a fuck. why? cause i dont conform to what society thinks should be accepable. im tattooed, mohawked, and have my own style….if you cant look beyond what you see…your missing out on a good person. thats what i have to say about that.
September 4th, 2009 at 5:08 PM
for once I do something you don’t! I am proud to say I have gotten over that whole body image thing. I’m for my health. If it affects my health negatively, than it is bad for me. Clothing wise I’m a little goth/punk/skater type with my baggy pants, skate shoes and comic/movie/TV/whatever T-shirt. However, the grass is always greener no? As it was just today I was called “less than a woman” due to my style. To which my little inner punk grrl says “f*** you I don’t need your approval!” but nonetheless, if your comfy, your not a girl/woman/lady. You are SSOOO right about it being an illusion. It is also a way of controlling people, and belittling them so certain people can feel better about their flawed selves. I do give hats off to those lady’s in the fashion industry as it is hard work and an art form, but I do feel too much is put into it which is where that pressure to conform comes from. As everything else in life it comes down to personal choice.
Namaste
September 4th, 2009 at 7:35 PM
You are right of course, and it’s sooo illogical, but I still hate my stupid post-Chemo hair :o. D’oh! :(
I know you ‘get that’ ;). xox
September 4th, 2009 at 7:42 PM
found a great store on queen st. in toronto…fresh expressions.
bif. i love anais nin. i have read all her diaries. read some of her erotica. and the book of the affair she had with her father.
and im beginning to accept the fact that my 53 year old body just aint never gonna look like it used to.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:50 PM
You’ve always been super fit, Bif. No matter what! I’ve been so inspired by that and always strived to have a physique similar to yours. When I saw you last week I was in awe by how much lean muscle mass you’ve put on cuz you give it your all at the gym!
I really like how you posted this blog because I just found out today that a friend of mine was battling an eating disorder for a year. I had no idea! I was absolutely shocked when I heard it and offer her my support. I think it’s important we all love ourselves for who we are and just strive to be HEALTHY! I’ve been kinda bummed about my appearance too. A nasty hormone imbalance caused my hair to fall out, and it’s thinning. I also have acne, and I’ve gained some weight. It’s disheartening when you look in the mirror and just go “YUCK!”
But I’m healthy. I’m not bald (yet lol) and the acne will go away in time. Until then I shall embrace hats and concealing makeup.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:23 AM
scary stuff old photoshop! But I think it’s funny, if people are healthy people lool beautiful! And besides, I’ve seen photos of Kate Moss at music festivals looking just as scruffy and muddy as the rest of us :) … although she does still look stunning doh! haha!
September 5th, 2009 at 7:04 AM
lol i went to high school with a guy who wore white pants…and i have seen pics of him recently…STILL WEARS HIM. haha…i wonder if he shelves them after labour day ?!??!?
September 5th, 2009 at 8:57 AM
yeah, thats pretty messed up. I mean, Im a graphic designer so I am very familiar with all the Photoshop techniques. Im not gunna lie, i LOVE photoshop and doing photo restoration. However, there has to be a line somewhere… no one is perfect. That, and I hate making people look fake… ironic. hmm…
Boz
September 11th, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Dear Bif,
As you consider me to be one of your fave photographers we should perhaps meet again for a new session.
Alex Waterhouse-Hayward
http://alexwaterhousehayward.com/blog/2006/03/bif-naked-at-tony-riccis-marble-arch_27.html