summer - The Seventh Sphinx

It’s been pouring rain here in Cambridge.

But I don’t mind a bit of rain.

Even a lot of rain…

I don’t actually run with my hair down (that would be silly/disastrous) but doubtless you have been wondering, what does a sphinx’s hair look like when it is wet? You see how I am always thinking of you.

Here it is freshly washed, with a bit of conditioner and oil in. This is the stage just before it goes into its habitual bun. I will leave it down now and then (to air dry – blow driers are impracticable) but it’s always something of a crapshoot, how things will turn out (especially good days live on in memory).

I’ve historically kept such a tight reign on my hair that I need to make a conscious effort to let it be, and embrace the chaos. It’s a good exercise, though. And after all, if it seems messy in a way I do not like (as opposed to strategically messy, within a range of what seems to me to be acceptably, stylishly messy), no one cares. I’m not even sure it’s an observable distinction for others. The inexorable familiarity with oneself seems always to be causing such discrepancies.

I was decidedly damp by the end of this little documentation session.

Ever since I started playing tennis a few years ago I’ve come around to the virtues of proper activewear (as opposed to, say, retired pajamas). There are so many brands making good, fashion-conscious activewear now. Yet another arena in which one need not suspend one’s style to participate.

I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of bright sneakers (to encourage the wearing of said sneakers, and the activities when wearing) but haven’t found one I like yet. Isn’t it always the way. It is just one quest after another, this life.

Climawear top, New Balance sports bra, Soffe shorts, Saucony sneakers, Adidas Duramo watch.

Great running track: Cut Copy – Lights and Music

I’ve mentally bookmarked this photo as a superb example of the loose, effortless look I want as my touchstone for summer style.

For style all around, really.

The simple lines, solid colors (more or less solid, perhaps I would like it still more if the pants were a true solid), minimal palette, clean demarcation of separates, contrast of bared skin on top and legs entirely obscured, slick, low ponytail…

Just right.

This is Swedish blogger Kenza, with whom I wasn’t familiar before coming across this photo. On the radar now, though.

So difficult to find a tank top like this, that falls just so. I seem to try so many on (on the hunt for what we see here) only to be astonished at how unflattering the cut is.*

*When clothes do not look good on you, you should definitely blame the clothes. Or try a different size, potentially, but most clothes are cut horribly. It could be that it would suit a different body, there is some slight chance of that, but usually, in my experience, they are poorly made, and would not truly look good (I mean really good, I mean really FIT. I do not mean fine/OK/alright) on anyone. I hear too many people blaming their bodies. While a body can always be healthier in some way or another, it is the job of the clothing to look good on the body, not the job of the body to look good in the clothing.

image via pinterest

Tag: summer

the rain run

just right