Unexpected Encounters

The magical part of travel is the unexpected.

Unexpected experiences and encounters with places and people you would have never seen or met if you hadn’t changed your zip code. 

On a sunny day in St. Augustine, the cosmic travel Gods intertwined my path with Kristin and Jessica’s path. They were taking photos next to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and I was gawking at the gorgeous Magnolia Street (though the trees are actually Live Oaks).

They had their phones mounted on the ground and were posing together, like two sirens who had just emerged from the fountain itself.

I knew St. Augustine was romantic, but this? Was I dreaming?

I looked down at my camera and back to their phones and decided I’d ask.

“Want me to take a few photos of y’all?”

The answer was yes and they also kindly agreed to answer some of the questions I ask Seeking Inspirato features. I found their personal style to authentic and bold –– both traits I wish everyone can embody through clothing.

Enjoy their thoughts!

Why is clothing and personal style important to you?

JESSICA: “I feel that expressing yourself through clothing is an outlet to creativity. It is a way to introduce myself to the world before actually meeting. I grew up with Edgar Allan Poe as my bedtime stories, and watching movies like, The Phantom of the Opera. I fell in love with the gothic romantic style.”

KRISTIN: “Personal style is so important to me, getting to express yourself in fun and creative ways (throw in some shock and awe occasionally) and you’ve got a recipe for confidence. I grew up being told that the way I wanted to dress or do my makeup to express myself were not flattering or that is was too much, etc. All of this made me feel like I never had my own identity and that I was weird for wanting to do anything outside of other people’s boxes. As I grew older I surrounded myself with people that made me realize it didn’t matter what anyone else thinks, and transformed myself with that mindset in every aspect of my life and now embrace the “weirdness” with pride!” 

How does clothing help you fully express yourself in the world? Describe an outfit that makes you feel *fantastic* and why.

JESSICA: “I like to portray myself as elegant and edgy. Ideally, when we meet, people will question if they just met a sweet girl or an immortal vampire. ;) It keeps life exciting. I love to wear sleek formal gowns and find any excuse to wear them. I feel feminine and beautiful in this style, even a little powerful.”

KRISTIN: “Dressing for yourself and being creative can show others that you can dress however you want and break out of the social norm. I am an artist so I’ve always been drawn to hair/makeup/clothing styles that are fun, wild, and a little dangerous! For me, a statement crop top with some stressed black denim shorts and some imperfect fishnets with chunky boots that could stomp out any negative vibes are a fun combo any time!”

Can you recall a specific time where clothing helped you feel better about yourself?

JESSICA: “This year specifically has been difficult for everyone. I know I have dealt with a lack of confidence and feelings of isolation. I decided to have fun and do a "quarantine themed" photoshoot at my house. I dressed up in a cybergoth sort of look, did very theatrical makeup, and just had a lot of fun in my own home. It helped me tap back into my inner positivity.”

KRISTIN: “After I had my daughter it took me a long time to accept my new body and start working towards building up my confidence again. I couldn’t fit into any of the clothes I used to wear that made me feel amazing. I decided to donate all of my clothes in attempts to shake my mindset from “these will never fit me again” to “I’m going to treat myself and get some new items that make me feel amazing in my new body” and once I found items that worked better for me and enhanced my new curves I was able to find my confidence again”

Are there any tactics you use to feel better about yourself when/if you're feeling down? Pep talks, dressing up...

JESSICA: “Like a little girl I enjoy playing dress-up. If I can dress up like a dark princess and play my favorite music (such as Blutengel), my mood drastically improves.”

KRISTIN: “The right outfit can truly make you feel like you can take on the world. Everyone has gone through times where you can’t seem to break a downward spiral, but if you can get yourself dressed in your favorite outfit to go out on the town and escape from the day to day to just focus on being yourself, you’ll do wonders for your confidence.”

Do you have any tips on finding a personal style that you think would help other women find THEIR personal style?

JESSICA: “Wear what makes you happy. Try different styles, even ones you might not normally think you'd enjoy. You might surprise yourself.”

KRISTIN: “I don’t define my personal style because I might love two totally different pieces that wouldn’t fit into one category, so I keep it simple and pick things that I know I love and show whatever I’m wanting to express! Eventually, you have enough items that you can put together any look that makes you feel amazing” 

Anything else you want to add about your journey to finding personal self-expression through clothing, self-love, or ANYTHING else?

JESSICA: "Life is so short, we are only here for a moment, so enjoy it, from the small things like dressing up, to forming meaningful connections, to befriending strangers in the street who just radiate good energy (shout out to Maddison). In conclusion, there's only one you. Love your you.”

KRISTIN: “All I can say is that everyone should always be true to their self! We only have one life to live and it shouldn’t be spent trying to only please others over yourself. Too many times I hear people explain away why they can’t do this or that, why their family would disown them if they wore this or did etc, and it makes me so sad for them. We all have the power within ourselves to take control of our lives and be the best version of ourselves we can be, might as well make it so that you are HAPPY!”

A big thank you to Kristin and Jessica!