Shaky Knees: Depression, Relationships, & Fashion!
This past weekend the Shaky Knees festival took place in Atlanta, Georgia. I experienced all kinds of events with all kinds of people from my past, present, and those I hope to grow closer with in the future. I lost my friends in the mosh pit. I got to crowd surf all the way to the barricade. I took shelter with unexpected friends when a thunderstorm flooded Shaky Knees. I saw someone from my past. I danced, screamed, partied, fought, and made-up with my best friends. And through the highs and lows, and tears, and anxiety, I was inspired by those around me.
I had been planning my outfits for the festival since February. When I bought the tickets, I had been going through a particularly difficult time in my life. An unexpected loss. I was at a point where I had to identify a healthy way for me to cope with anxiety and depression. I removed all social media off of my phone, and started to use fashion as a distraction when harmful thoughts would flood my mind. Rather than dwelling, I would brainstorm the different ways to wear my clothes. Focusing on fashion became a safe haven during my low moments. And although I wasn’t doing well mentally, my creativity was at an all time high. I bought tickets for Shaky Knees and began to plan my outfits. Special occasions are opportunities to embrace a bolder side of your fashion. For me, I wanted to incorporate bold colors, unique accessories, and bright patterns.
On Friday, I wore a bright pink Ed Hardy bodycon dress. This piece was something out of my comfort zone, but I was inspired by the dress’s skull design. Shaky Knees is known as a music festival dedicated to indie, alternative, and rock styles of music. The dress featured a skull juxtaposing the bright pink. I felt it was a representation of including some “edge” into my traditional brighter style.
On Saturday, I wore a pair of double-breasted, high-waisted shorts, with a statement nude glitter top. After finding the shorts, the glitter-top came to mind because it matched the gold buttons on the shorts. When I put the pieces together, I was reminded that the last time I had worn this top, I attended my first music festival with someone from my past. Like a lot of people, I get sentimental about things like songs, clothes, places, and smells. These things can quickly take you back to memories you might’ve pushed away. But my therapist taught me that the memories associated with these things are just pairings in our mind. We have the power to give anything new meaning. And that is what I wanted to do with this top. Rewear it, and associate it with the memories I made all weekend long.
On Sunday, I decided to wear a black lace dress, coupled with a bold make-up look I’ve been wanting to try. By this point in the festival, I had a few losses and wasn’t feeling my best. Because of this, I wanted to do something that would push me out of my comfort zone. The bright pink uni-liner paired with the black and white dress helped my final look come together.
Rose Wagner. Shaky Knees Day 1.
Dani Mathis. Shaky Knees Day 2.
My friends also made bold moves with their clothes. Two standout looks were worn by my friends Rose Wagner and Dani Mathis. Rose paired a sparkly, backless disco top with athleisure type shorts which created a beautiful contrast between two unexpected clothing items. Sometimes putting two things together, that you assume won’t go together, make the best creations. Colors, patterns, and textures do not always have to match. This fun outfit was an example of that. Alternatively, Dani’s outfit demonstrated the power of fashion when you match pieces together that are obviously meant to be. She matched the light-pink lace of her top with a light-pink tutu skirt that was perfect for the occasion. The pieces matched, but were also a bold statement. If you have pieces that are color coordinated, dare to maximize the pieces and get out of your comfort zone.
Overall, my friends did not hold back with the accessories. For starters, my bold make-up look served as an accessory that elevated the look, inspired by Solange Knowles. One thing she is known for is her stunning uni-liner make-up look. With the assistance of Rose, the look was brought to life.
Jewelry, headbands, ribbons, belts, and sunglasses are all easy ways to tie together a look. For my friends and I, bold sunglasses were the obvious choice for the weekend. Rose utilized ribbons in her hair and chose a color that contrasted her red dress. Dani added an embellished belt to match her silver jewelry. I decided to add a 2010s inspired chunky silver necklace to tie my look together. Dani suggested I had her gold headband which really fit well with my top.
Shaky Knees did a lot for me. I got to see some of my favorite artists perform with my best friends. I spent an entire weekend getting ready and styling outfits with them. I grew closer with newer friends and said goodbye to others. Overall, the events this weekend reminded me that when things get difficult, fashion will always be away for me to healthily cope. If fashion isn't for you, find a way to turn your sad thoughts into a creative outlet. And no matter what you experience or who you run into, your friends will be there to cheer you up and dance.
If you have thoughts or ideas you'd like to share, please contact me!
xx bunny2egg.
Listening to: All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
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