Swimming

This outfit loosely takes inspiration from a belly dancer but like a modest one that grew on a farm in Montana and is slowly shedding her shy tendencies. As ridiculous as this description might be, it accurately serves as a metaphor for my transition into my adulthood. The older I get, the more afraid I become of things that never phased me as a child. "Jump off a 20 ft platform into a lake?" one asks 10-year-old me. "Ok!" she says as she springs into the water. No way would I consider that now- "I could end up with a horrible belly flop or underestimate how shallow the water is and break my legs!" You know what they say, knowledge is fear. Kidding, of course; knowledge is a powerful thing and understanding the pros and cons of actions, situations, etc. can help guide you to where you long to be. However, maybe the answer to where I want to be lies in my inner child; the one who would belly dance at family parties for fun like a weirdo and held no reservations for fear. Yeah, I can use a conversation with her about doing whatever you want without stressing over unknown. Little Lexi was a lot like this one belly dancer lady on an episode of Wife Swap (yes, I have been watching stupid early 2000's reality TV since moving into my new Cali apartment). The belly dancer lady seemed so carefree and whimsical in such a cartoonish, over-the-top way that likely was exaggerated for the cameras. Yet there was magnetism in this extreme form of unapologetically existing. I was this way once. I can be this way again.

✨

Beaded Crochet Halter- Resale

Stelen Accordion Pleated Skirt- Buffalo Exchange

Pendleton Wide Brim Hat- Buffalo Exchange

All Jewelry- Resale/ Flea Markets