As we’ve burst forth into a new year, I can’t help but cast a glance back now and then on the year we just bid farewell too. It’s interesting what evokes memories – a smell, a song, a glance at a person’s profile that spins you into a déjà vu moment. I spent a lovely afternoon on Sunday at one of my Perth favorites – Oh Henry Vintage. When I got home, delighting in my spoils (coming soon to a blog post near you), I caught a glimpse of another dress from Oh Henry that I hadn’t worn in awhile. I pulled out this purple vintage beauty, with her stunning Parisian print, and remembered why she had been respectfully put towards the back of my wardrobe.
We all remember the series of coordinated attacks in Paris in November of last year, killing 130 and wounding hundreds more. Though less publicized, there were also mass shootings in Beirut and Kenya that same week. It was a devastating time in the world, pulling into sharp focus once again just how vulnerable we all are. Following the attacks, a lot of ladies brought forth their most amazing Parisian-printed dresses in solidarity, and others held theirs back as a sign of respect. Neither more right or wrong than the other – it was more of a gut reaction to a series of tragedies we all felt around the world. I suppose I fell into the latter category.
So, I rescued this novelty print dress from where she had been temporarily relegated. I decided to pull out her Parisian fabulousness today, on one of life’s normal days, when I’ll be scurrying around prepping for a course we’re running next week, trying to send off emails in between sips of coffee, and making that final effort needed to get me closer to pushing the submit button on a grant.
And it’s because on life’s normal days that I want to take pause – to savor how lucky I am. To remember those who were living a normal day in Paris. In Beirut. Or Kenya. To acknowledge that I am very guilty of forgetting, getting distracted. Of allowing November to feel like a lifetime ago. Of gobbling up the next thing to come into my news feed. But, this dress reminded me to send a bit of strength into the universe today to those that need it. That we don’t need a memorial or a notification on our FB feed or an anniversary of an event to pay quiet respect. And remember.
In a way, the simple act of collective remembrance can connect us all.
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Oh Henry Vintage (similar here, here & here)
Bolero: Unique Vintage (similar here & here)
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar here)
Moonstone Necklace: Gift (similar)
Handbag: Golden Crane Vintage (similar here, here & here)
Shoes: Modcloth (similar here & here)
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