Staying Connected

"We need myths that help us to realize the importance of compassion, which is not always regarded as sufficiently productive or efficient in our pragmatic, rational world. We need myths that help us to create a spiritual attitude, to see beyond our immediate requirements, and enable us to experience a transcendent value that challenges our solipsistic selfishness. We need myths that help us to venerate the earth as sacred once again, instead of merely using it as a 'resource.'" - Karen Armstrong

Even though I've been back from the beautiful, yet partially under-appreciated New Hampshire for a couple of days now, I still feel this languid calm that's making it absolutely impossible to focus on anything in advance. Everything has become a matter of the moment at hand, and my awareness is focused on all the organic sensitivity around me. Even the silence, though obviously inaudible, has a feeling like a purr. It's hard to describe the kind of ecological empathy. And all I can think of is an episode of Hannibal, sans the psychological instability and general morbidity, of course. I promise not to express myself through the art of mushroom gardening. I know I sound like some bohemian's cliché, but summer has the tendency to awaken my hibernating boho. I'm not alone, right? I just feel like I'm in this state of limbo, waiting for my mind to accept my return from the scenic Kancamagus and switch gears to every-day use. Like I'm right there between sentiment and pragmatism.

Admittedly, on days like this, I prefer to dress with as little effort as possible (to compensate for the overwhelming thought put elsewhere). This dress is one of the pieces I got from Umgee USA, a brand based in LA, catered more to the locally-owned boutique scene. I definitely recommend visiting their Facebook page for more info, since they're constantly updating the availability of their collections. With this piece in particular, its soft feel and light weight exemplify what I love in summer clothing. The white net overlay of this dress is two shades shy of glowing and one reference away from nautical folklore; the headphones a ceaseless reminder of Chobits. I could further this metaphor and consider the dress in reference to mermaids, who existentially serve both sides of the ecological relation, then reference the symbolism attached to technology and artificially created sound. Any introspective glance into my subconscious ensures I never dress wholly without thought. But, as I said before, this outfit thrives on its effortless nature. It wants to enjoy the ease of being slipped on just as I want to enjoy kicking my feet back and listening to whatever Genius Mix has compiled for me.


c/o Umgee USA dress, Urbanears Plattan headphones, Martha's Vineyard bracelet