Androgynous Sensuality + 10 Things

{Jalouse // April 2009 // “Natalia dans la dentelle” // model: Natalia Vodianova // by Paul Schmidt & Jennifer Eymère}

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Oftentimes a woman interprets sexy to be the most body-conscious of little dresses, or the lowest of v-necks that display her cleavage to the best of her advantage. If she should feel confident in it, if it should be a garment which makes her hold her head a little higher, strut with hips swaying without a care in the world, then that is defined as sexy. But if she should feel out of place, exposed, or vulnerable, then she has misinterpreted sexuality. Sexuality lies not in the degree of body-conscious apparel or the length of one’s skirt. Nor is it dressing to appeal to the animalistic qualities of men, or to rouse envy in women.

Embracing sexuality is finding oneself, and one’s unabashedness in being herself. 

And being sexy need not be limited to lacy little numbers or bandage dresses à la Hervé Leger. As much as I love the aforementioned two, from hip-hugging LBDs to bandage skirts and little tailored shorts, they are not the only way of achieving sensuality. Touches of androgyny are equally provocative—if not more so. Unconventional, yes, but the mysterious effects of a man’s shirt worn over a lace black bra, or Doc Martens worn with knit skirts cannot be denied. It is the je-ne-sais-quoi element from that nonchalant way of throwing a sheer button-up, oversized and wrinkled, over denim or leggings that holds such a strong appeal. A taste of sensuality as practiced by the French femmes (or so we Americans think): sexiness is not truly achieved unless there is a balance between masculinity and femininity.

Pair a bandage skirt with some sort of combat, utility boot. A not-quite-opaque, oversized button-up over a bandeau bra, and over-the-knee socks for that British school-girl-gone-bad appeal. Add a loosely tied tie if feeling adventurous. Finding one’s definition of sexy requires exploration of what feels right. So that immediately upon walking out the door, heads turn because the bystanders sense a feeling of being at peace with oneself, and being wholly confident. Regardless of what is worn that particular day.

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10 Honest Things

A great thank you to the ever lovely Miss Neira for tagging me; herein I shall list ten [10] honest things about myself. The rules are but the usual: When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, linking back to whoever tagged you. List at least ten honest things about yourself, then pass on the love!

1. I have a predilection for men (michsteng will understand quite well), as they are far more sophisticated and mature. But I do have a weakness for boys who can dance. And sing like Michael Bublé. Perhaps that explains my predicament as a single—I am quite the fastidious one with equally high standards when choosing.
2. I find photographers and scruffy, artsy boys who dress rather well quite attractive. Sexy, even, and I am hardly abashed about admitting such a thing. Creativity is what ultimately draws me in; originality, spontaneity, and an artistic eye are qualities which are charming. I love seeing how others see; it is a unique opinion, not one of conformity, that is appreciated. The archetypal boy of the aforementioned sort holds that adventurous mystery that lures me to unravel; yet the majority of the time I can only stand several metres behind, watching him photograph, in the littlest hopes of understanding him.
3. Only on rare occasions are my nails sans polish. It has become quite the odd habit of mine, for better or for worse. I find naked nails to be, well, naked. And drab. A bit of color adds personality, interest, and can make for quite the interesting conversation starter. Case in point? Many boys have brought up my neon-pink nails in the attempt to make small talk. And it has worked.
4. I prefer watching movies at home over a trip to the cinemas. Curling upon a couch in pajamas with a seemingly bottomless bowl of homemade popcorn is far more comfortable than those theater chairs.
5. I have watched The Devil Wears Prada more times than countable by my cocktail ring clad fingers. If asked, I more than likely will have had every line memorized, Miranda Priestly’s impossible demands inclusive. The reason for re-watching it so many times lies in this childish dream of mine to become some notorious fashion editor’s assistant. I would hardly mind succumbing to ridiculous orders and running out for coffee if I can be submerged in the offices of a beautiful magazine and in the closets that hold millions dollars worth of covetable designer items. Le sigh.
6. The smell of both new and old books will never cease to entice me; the scent is inimitable, musky and mysterious, yet all the while familiar. It begs of you to open its cover, to turn its pages, to submerge yourself within the text.
7. I love stationery—and buying them, come the bustling school supply shopping season (ah, alliteration). New notebooks, with their fresh pages, simply call for writing upon it—a few notes, a scribble, a doodle, a story. From a blank page comes the birth of a new idea. It is quite amazing how a blank page can inspire.
8. My choice of writing utensil is always a black ball-point pen. Black, for its sophistication and class. And ball-point because its ink is never messy like the fancier inky fountain pens.
9. I find myself staring at the sky—particularly in the evening. Perhaps I am a dreamer, fantasizing about what the night beholds and what universes lie beyond that inky darkness; but what I do know is that the night sky is one of the most beautiful things bestowed upon us by some higher being. The sky is never simply navy, or midnight blue, or black. Instead, it is a variation of the darkest hues, swirled together with a sprinkling of shimmering stars. Plums, blues, greys, obsidian, slate blues—hues that are painted across the sky in watercolors. I’ve always imagined what it would be like to transpose a bit of the evening sky onto a gown—it would be the most breathtaking, in a soft ombre-like procession of blended shades, with hints of Swarovski crystals in mesmerizing patterns.
10. It continues to utterly amaze and perplex me to see the number of people who actually take the time to visit my blog habitually and comment here. I am thoroughly humbled by everything that has happened to me thus far because of my blog. So thank you, thank you, and thank you over and over again!

Now you lovely readers—do share an honest fact or two! I should love to learn more about you!

bisous,

La C.