BOSTON BLOGGERS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Did you know the month of March is earmarked as Women’s History Month? A whole month dedicated to women is obviously a giant “Heck, yes!” for me. Now, I realize that at this point there’s a national day or month for pretty much everything (not joking- National Grilled Cheese Day was a few weeks ago. How is that even a thing?!), but this is one national “something or other” I was not going to let pass by. So, in keeping with the spirit of all things Wear You Are Now #ladytribe, I organized a group shoot with some of my fellow Boston Bloggers to commemorate the occasion.

At The Godfrey Hotel Boston, (shoutout to The Godfrey for the donated space!), I was joined by Danielle of A Sequined Life, Kristy of Style- Blueprint, Jacqueline of JQLouise, Georgina of Boston Georgina, and Mackenzie of Six Feet in Heels for an afternoon of sips and snacks, laughs, and shooting with the incomparable Sarah Surette. The theme of the day was inspirational women and collaboration, with the hope of giving back- both to charity and each other. Many of us made donations that day to Rosie’s Place, and all of us will be posting about this shoot and the women in our lives who inspire us most. (Be sure to check out the other gals blogs for their thoughts on the topic!)

I’m coming up on a year since I officially joined the blogging community, and my biggest takeaway (and blessing) has been the relationships I’ve built with my readers and fellow bloggers. I am surrounded by women with creative vision. Women who are looking to make their mark on the world. Women who are smart and courageous. Women who have interesting things to say. Women who have inspiring perspectives. Women who are not afraid of who they are.  And all of this holds true both in and out of my blogging network.

WHO, WHEN AND WHY- 3 WOMEN WHO INSPIRE ME MOST

MY MOTHER

I can’t even begin to explain the impact that my mother has had on my life. And I know I’m not alone in saying that. Who and where would any of us be without the guidance of our most influential female relationship? Here is what I will say- I have never met another woman who perfectly balances both fierce strength and mom magic. Even when the sky is falling, and nothing seems right, my mother finds a way to juggle it. When everything goes topsy-turvy there are still chocolate chip cookies in my parent’s kitchen. When I have an off day, even though I live 1000 miles away, my mom somehow just knows. When I decide to take on a new home improvement project, a tube of spackle and sandpaper show up in the mail the next day. Whenever I come into town to visit, a box of Lara Bars is waiting for me in my childhood bedroom. She carries the burden and then some, finds the time when there isn’t any, and does it all with a sense of humor and a “well, at least nobody died. It could be worse!” text.

IRIS APFEL

This 96-year old powerhouse, interior designer, business woman and style icon is “can I be like her when I grow up?” personified, not to mention the originator of the entire idea of personal style. This born and raised New Yorker has always espoused the idea of unapologetically being who you are, dressing for yourself, and creating your own aesthetic. Everything about Iris Apfel is colorful and bright and strong and magnetic. And her career trajectory is the stuff of legend. As a young woman, she worked for Women’s Wear Daily. With her husband, she launched textile company Old World Weavers. From 1950 to 1992, Iris took part in several design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine past Presidents including Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Clinton. In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Council Institute honored her with an exhibition about her style titled Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel. Just imagine that for a second- your style is so legendary and resonates so deeply that the Met honors you with an exhibit. I bow down to you, Ms. Apfel.

FRIENDS OF WEAR YOU ARE NOW

None of this- this blog, these opportunities- would be possible without the support of all of you. Whether you’re an avid reader, a weekly visitor, or a once-in-a-while pal, your encouragement and belief in everything that Wear You Are Now stands for is appreciated more than you know. Thank you for joining me on this journey, a journey to Wear You Are Now.

Cheers, lady birds! Wear you are now.

xx

Natalie