Water Lilies and Seashells

It's interesting to me that after all these millennia of human life, we still haven't learned this fundamental thing: geniuses always stand out because they are unique.  Claude Monet was himself, and captured the world he saw the way he saw it.  Impressionism was initially wildly panned and now is universally revered and it will eternally bee unique from any other painting style that ever was before or ever will be again.

While the Impressionist movement gathered many talented artists into its fold, it was all began by one man who saw the world in his own way and refused to change just to fit in.  I will forever admire Monet and his compatriots for being above all else, willing to do something different, to defy the critics, to be themselves.

There's a lesson for us all in that sentiment.  I think of it especially when I walk into a room full of jeans and t-shirts  wearing one of my Selkies or other note-worthy dresses.  Heads turn, and while some people look admiringly, many glare with disdain.  Some feel that by dressing in a way that doesn't conform to the crowd, I feel myself above them, better than.  I don't, by the way, but for most, it simply makes them feel inadequate to see the effort they could have put in and chose not to.  

May I just say that a person's best is never inadequate.  Jeans and t-shirts worn the best way a person can wear them, are appropriate.  But if jeans and t-shirts aren't your best, if they're your laziest, then they are inadequate because it isn't the quality of the clothes but rather the quality of the mindset.  I've seen lazy people make expensive brands look sloppy and cheap because of how they wear them; it's the attitude behind it.  When you are confident and comfortable, you don't notice what other people are wearing.  I don't even notice the glares anymore unless someone tells me about them.

As much as I want to say, "be yourself," that just isn't very helpful in a world full of people who have checked out of living life and being accountable.  What people really need to hear is, "be your best self."  When you try your hardest, you will succeed.  Want to leave a lasting impression and take your place alongside the Monets of this world?  Don't listen to the people who are trying to drag you down into the mire, to make you fit in to their mediocrity.  Be different by being your best you, do what you love, wear what you love, and give it your best.  That's how you really stand out.

Speaking of standing out, this is my first time to try the Seashell Gown from Selkie and I think I picked a winner.  I love the scallop ruffles along the neckline and shoulders and the ruched bodice creates the perfect detail.  It is quite long and I may have to hem it an inch or two, but I actually like the empire waist on this style because of the details on the bodice.

I chose this dress because of all the Water Lilies prints, this one looked to be the most bold and crisp and that's what I want from these dresses, the great prints.  I had heard that this style runs a bit big, but I ordered my usual XXS being prepared to have it tailored, and was instead delighted to find that it is a perfect fit like everything on the new size chart.

If you want to see my full review, here's the link to my YouTube video.  Just know that even the photos don't do this print justice.  It really is a lovely dress and I cannot wait to wear it.

Shopping Info: The Water Lilies Seashell Gown  Use one of these affiliate promo codes to save 10% (none are mine) Queen

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