Don't Let It Bring You Down

 Neil Young said it best, but I'll say it again, this time in reference to an "It" many of us fashionistas (now spell check is trying to bring me down because apparently fashionista isn't a word, pfff, whatever) can relate to. I'd like to thank the Man Repeller for this post which inspired me to think outside the box on days like today when the sky is pissing buckets, the most unfortunate time of the month has made it's mark on my calendar (to say the least), and all those cookies I ate last week are taking their toll on my figure. Rebellion, dear sisters. We must not bend to the demands of the weather and of our cyclical menstrual battle (the cookies fall under this umbrella because said cookies would not have been consumed had it not been for my arch enemy, PMS). Here are 4 ways in which I rebel on days like this:

1: Exercise

I know, LAAAAAAME. But seriously, the cramps are killing me, I feel like a beached whale, and the idea of crawling into pajamas and watching a movie all day has never been more attractive. BUT I WILL NOT GIVE IN. Reluctantly, I pull on my gym shorts (the elastic waistband cutting into my hips), a baggy t-shirt (duh), and my running shoes. I grab my music, and out the door I go. Four miles later I am a new woman, triumphant, sweaty, soaked from the rain, and awesome. I literally just got back from running, and I feel terrific. It works. Trust me.

Image via examiner.com

2: Wear Heels

Pumps. They never fail to make me feel sexy and confident. It doesn't matter if you're going to work or school or the grocery store or to your friend's kid's birthday party. People will probably look at you like you're crazy (or if you live in the city they will think it's totally normal, but I live in a navy town where the female uniform consists of sweat pants, a Winnie the Pooh t-shirt, knock-off Ugg boots, and five kids), but if you let them determine how you dress then you might as well stop at Walmart on the way home and pick up some mom jeans and a slurpee. This is not about fitting in. This is about feeling awesome, and you deserve it. We all do.

Image via World Record Academy

Disclaimer: Wearing your super expensive Louboutins in the rain is probably the ultimate form of this act of rebellion. I opted for red suede Zanottis. Yolo.

3: Buy Underwear

Shopping on a day like the one I'm discussing may seem like an attractive idea (retail therapy, duh), but beware of the dressing room. Rebellion should not be confused with causing yourself to have an emotional breakdown. The irony of purchasing underwear during one's time-of-the-month is obvious and good enough, no need to put yourself through the stress of the dressing room's unsavory lighting (unless you're a real glutton for punishment or if you have fantastic genes). Buy yourself some new panties to replace the ones you ruined when your period started earlier than expected (gross, I know, but if this has never happened to you then that shit isn't fair, share your secrets now). You'll be glad you did.

Image via sodahead.com

4: Wear White

This is piggybacking on the blog post from the Man Repeller mentioned previously. I don't even own any white skinny jeans (I know, I know, I'm missing out, eventually I'll buy a pair when I find the right pair), so my white rebellion typically manifests itself in the form of either a white shirt dress or a white skirt of some sort. Really, light colored clothing in general is a good idea because it attracts stains from dirt, blood, and guts, right? Gross/cool.

This is a sample of ways to grab life by the horns and ride off into the sunset. How do you rebel when the cycle hits?

Happy Wednesday, everybody!
Love, Ashton