Never Fully Dressed It’s amazing what a smile can do.
Never Fully Dressed A smile is a powerful thing: they say that once smiled at and the world was changed.
Abraham Lincoln diffused intense political confrontations with a smile (and a corny joke). A smile, offered without artifice or guile, makes everything else seem a bit less significant. After all, anyone who’s seen the Broadway musical “Annie” or its 1982 film counterpart knows, “It’s what you wear from ear to ear, and not from head to toe, that matters.”
But last week, while on vacation at the beach with my family, I noticed something peculiar while out on my morning walk. The number of people smiling and speaking as they walked by—whether it was by saying “Hey” or “’Morning”—was far fewer than the number of Never Fully Dressed people who walked by without saying a word. In fact, many folks made what I figure was a concerted effort to look straight ahead and not acknowledge that fact that we were passing within feet of each other on an uncrowded beach.
I’ve also noticed this particular social conundrum at home. On several recent hikes in the national forest near our house, my children and I have been walking down a skinny trail in the seeming middle of nowhere, and other hikers have passed us by—coming within literal inches of us—without saying a word. When we speak to them, it’s like they’ve been startled by some strange forest creatures.
My older daughter notices it. After the last time it happened, she said, “Mama, what’s wrong with those people?” And since she’s six-years-old, she isn’t being sarcastic, and she doesn’t mean it in a pejorative sense: that they’re being rude. She says it because she thinks they might be sad, or even sick. Never Fully Dressed
But she’s a small-town, Southern kid. So she’s used to strangers speaking to her. Seriously: try teaching your children about “stranger danger” when you live in a small, Southern town. It’s a particular challenge, because just about every person who encounters you on the street, in the church parking lot, or in the grocery store checkout line is going to speak to you.
But I digress.
I find this lack of acknowledgement odd, and a bit sad, for a number of reasons. Mostly, because a smile will get you almost anything. A smile will get you almost anywhere.
When my husband was a psychology major in college, his professor told the class about a study in which participants were asked to take a survey while holding a toothpick in their mouths. Some participants were asked to hold the toothpick pointed down, which forced a frown. Some were asked to hold a toothpick pointed up, Never Fully Dressed which forced a smile. The results were statistically significant: the participants who held a toothpick pointed up completed the survey with much more positive results. Simply smiling can change your emotions.
But let’s return to the unsmiling beach-goers I encountered last week: logic tells me that cultural and regional differences play a large part in how we acknowledge each other. People are different, and in different parts of our country and the world, people act differently. However, I worry a good bit about a loss of civility in America, and so it seems to me that if we stop smiling and saying “hello” to each other—especially in the South—then things are becoming dire.
Remember the Magic 8 Ball? It reminds me of rolling it around in my hands as a kid, asking it to tell me the future, and the words “outlook not good” popping up in the water-filled window.
Never Fully Dressed You know what? We’re all tired. We’re all over-worked and over-stimulated and needing a break from the noise of the world and at times, each other. So here’s what I think: I think if you want to walk by a complete stranger in an uncrowded space—like on the beach or on the trail, or even on a neighborhood street—you do not have to speak to him or her. I get tired of talking, too, and I could talk to a wall.
1 . Beaded Brown Leopard Choker Necklace
An eye catching piece to add the right amount glitz to any outfit, perfect for the festive season. Coated in rows of glimmering gold beads stacked in our favourite leopard pattern.
2 . Running Wild Pouch Bag
A timeless mini bag cut from sleek black velvet, embroidered with illustrations of leopards and palms. A tasseled drawstring gives it it’s classic “pouch” shape, with a button fastening and a detachable long and short strap so you get to decide how to wear.
3 . Bright Rhinestone Body Chain
The cutest body chain to elevate your outfit, a gold chain with colourful pendants spaced throughout. Can be doubled up and won as a necklace, we love multi-wear! The perfect accessory to put on when wearing a plain tee, swimwear or a jumper!
4 . Square Grey Sunglasses
Oversized square frame sunnies with grey lenses to complete your look.
- – Square shape
- – Comes with a silver case and cloth inscribed with the Never Fully Dressed logo
- – Never Fully Dressed branding at the top of lense.
5 . Fuchsia and Navy Fur Scarf
A gorgeously soft faux fur scarf in a vibrant fuchsia, with a contrasting navy detail. A must-have pop of colour for otherwise simple winter layering.
6 . Mono Water Bottle Bag
The bag you never knew you needed is here…Our very own water bottle bag in an all over rattan effect. With a cross body strap and a detachable wallet to put your card, a key and some change. Perfect for festivals!
7 . Aspen Knitted Dog Jumper
Match with your fluffy best friend in this chic but cute jumper! Keep your dog warm and cosy when they are out for their daily walks or when they having fun in the park. Get the matching jogger for yourself!
8 . Pink And Orange Iris Mini Dress
Drenched in vibrant sunset coloured blooms, the Iris dress is flawlessly compatible with the sunshine. A soft glossy fabric for a breezy and comfortable feel, all season long! Pair with bold heels and a bag or trainers for a more casual fit.
– Breastfeeding friendly
– Centreback zip and tie fastening
9 . Orange Monet Wrap Dress
Go hand in hand with the sunshine in our gorgeous Monet dress. With a wrap tie waist you can adjust to compliment your shape, as well as inner ties for added security, your confidence will beam! Pair with chunky heels for a party or trainers for daytime, add layering necklaces to complement the neckline!
– Can tied for full or low coverage
– Can be used as a duster
– Breastfeeding friendly
– Suitable throughout pregnancy
10 . Fuchsia Tile Sleeveless Wrap Dress
Our gorgeous vibrant fuchsia pink sleeveless can wrapped and tied as a dress or worn open over leather pants or denim shorts for summer. As versatile as you make it! The tiny golden tile print is such an eye catching detail and pairs perfectly with pink. Guaranteed make you feel amazing whether you’re out for dinner or just sitting in a pub garden.
