Hello Style: Teen Dreams

I really wish blogging existed as it does today when I was a teenager, but I did find solace in amazing online communities on LiveJournal, where I connected with other youngin's on how to DIY, share inspiration, and generally commiserated with other angsty babes who made me feel a little less alone in the world. Growing up "othered" (in any capacity, but I've always been "othered" to at least 4 degrees), is hard - but compound that with the anxiety of high school in general, and damn. (Yes, as per Dan Savage, it does get better - but I think the goal should be to make the "now" better.)
Anyways, responding to some of my reader & YouTube comments, I made this video with HelloStyle to give a little bit of guidance to myself-of-ten-years-ago.

My teen years were a definite time of experimentation, but the one thing I absolutely loved? Betsey Johnson. I would save up my allowance and hit the sale rack and find the one great Jersey knit dress or skirt with an elasticated hem; it was my main go-to when I wanted to feel like I was participating in fashion. I've become a much more savvy shopper since then, and my options have opened up tremendously, but Betsey Johnson played such an important role in the evolution of my style. I was pretty heartbroken when I heard she was closing shop.