Dreamer


It's such a strange time of the year. Take the weather, for example. Over the past week I've looked outside my window, spotted a bright shining sun, dressed for the beaming occasion, only to be met by freezing cold temperatures and black ice. Note the thin blouse and cami dress I'm styling in this post: it was far from appropriate for the frosty temperature that I faced. We're experiencing a changing landscape at the moment, quite literally through our climate. But is that all? Perhaps not - 2017 is already demonstrating societal change, and February has barely begun.

This week in University I had the pleasure of studying one of my all time favourite novels, The Great Gatsby. Yes, it is a conventional favourite to have, but one which sparked my deep interest in literature many years ago, so one which I will long admire. I think the reason Gatsby is such an appreciated novel is because it faithfully demonstrates how different individuals can present themselves in the context of a capitalist society. It explores the expectations of American society, the ability for one to pursue a dream, and how power can lead to the complete corruption of self-made success.

Living in a capitalist society means that things only acquire meaning when they are placed in relation to each other. Through questioning the value of oneself, no one is ever fully satisfied, because people are constantly aiming higher, striving for something more. I guess this propagates the entire capitalist system, which would therefore stop working if one truly achieved what they wanted. The likelihood of this failure is slim, but is that necessarily a bad thing? If we become utterly fulfilled, then what is our development working towards? I believe in the idea of striving for something more, and simply having a dream. Contrary to a widespread critical opinion, I am fond of Jay Gatsby. Yes, he becomes blinded by his dream, but nonetheless strives for something full in life, perhaps serving to stand for America itself.

America has long prided itself on a dream, and on the hope that prosperity and opportunities are available to any one, despite their social ranking. I think that the basic concept of this 'American Dream' is admirable - it inspires self-growth and liberty. Though we may argue that it's unattainable, it's intentions are nonetheless favourable. This idea is apparent in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby is the quintessential pursuer of The American Dream, and Fitzgerald created him for this exact intention. In framing a narrative around a character so driven by making his dreams attainable, there is a suggestion that we all need to dream a little more, and accept each other for this. Value is vital in human relationships, and a crucial way of working towards an idealised nation.

The reason that I wished to mention this novel in today's post is because I found it rather ironic to be studying it this week, in light of recent actions of order that have taken place in America. This devised 'dream' of America which is founded on favourable intentions is becoming more shattered and corrupt as certain individuals abuse the notion, turning society into more of a nightmare. Following Trump's recent proposal to ban those from seven particular countries from entering America, he justifies his policies by explaining that they will make America great and secure again. But how can a country be defined as 'great' if its policies are founded on devaluing people and promoting a prejudice outlook on life? It's rather saddening that we're still living on a planet where individuals like this are given the power to propose laws dehumanising certain people for not fitting into the category of their idealised individual. We criticise controlling characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby for being selfish and condescending, yet today, we're a collection of dreaming Gatsby's who are still being controlled by them. There's a fine line between real life and tragic fiction at the moment, which is a rather worrying thought.

The lack of stability between the presidency and the constitution following the temporary halt on Trump's travel ban is further diminishing the stability of a powerful nation. The entire proposal of this ban under Trump shows his desired society to be remaining in the past, so I suppose I'm just hoping that the perception of human value can change for the better. As overly sentimental as it sounds, I am a dreamer. I felt like writing something about this today, as talking about some more personal opinions on each new post is something I'm striving to do more this year. For today's look, I styled a recently purchased Baker Boy Cap which I'm slowly starting to see across my Instagram feed. It's a trendy, chic hat to wear, so I love it. I kept my look as simple as always, styling it with a blouse, cami dress and boots. To shoot the look, I met up with street style photographer Moeez Ali, who's a very talented guy, so you should check out his work! I've linked his Instagram before the photos that follow.

As always, let me know your thoughts on today's post and outfit in the comments box below! Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

Faye .x


Photographs by Moeez Ali - Instagram // http://www.joincomb.com



























Photographs by Moeez Ali - Instagram // http://www.joincomb.com


Blouse: Zara

Dress: 

Hat: Topshop

Boots: Zara

~ xxx ~

41 comments

  1. Love this outfit! :)

    Sincerely Miss J
    www.sincerelymissj.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the photography:) You are so beautiful, audrey hephurn look-alike <3
    xo, Yasmin
    http://bit.ly/2l07GIVEAWAY

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad Yasmin! Ah that's too kind of you haha - thank you! .xx

      Delete
  3. Your eye makeup is on point! Love that outfit and gosh what amazing photography!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh thanks so much Carrie - so glad you enjoyed the post! .xx

      Delete
  4. You look gorgeous! Love these photos!


    xo, Jennifer
    www.publicistinpearls.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. You look absolutely stunning babe! I love you cab boy hat too!

    xoxo Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh thanks Rina, so glad you enjoyed the post! .xx

      Delete
  6. I love this - the top under the dress work so well and are so cute together! Plus you wear that hat so well :)

    ♡ Jaime
    http://thejaimeissue.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you like the outfit Jaime! Thank you! .xx

      Delete
  7. I also read the Great Gatsby and I love how you share your thoughts about the book here in a literature point of view!

    xx Margaret
    www.maleemaleehong.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thanks Margaret, I appreciate that! Have a wonderful day .x

      Delete
  8. Hi fay, I love your writing style. And there is nothing I can add to your correlation between The Great Gatsby and current situation in the US. I really like the way you write about it. It is very intelligent.
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your comment Miri! That's so nice of you to say - thank you! Have a wonderful day .x

      Delete
  9. You look lovely. The weather does do some strange things sadly. Its also sad whats happening in the US.

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am such a huge fan of The Great Gatsby too! Also your photos are absolutely stunning!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. So pretty!! you look so lovely!

    http://blackqueenfashion.blogspot.gr/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I absolutely love this romantic layered look! I feel the same way you to about this travel ban. It it not was the United States is all about. So glad it got struck down.

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your comment Kathrine! I completely agree - great news to hear .x

      Delete
  13. Great layering, a dress over a long sleeved top is my favourite fall combo of late! The hat is very inspired ;) The more I read your blog, the more you remind me of Kayture during her 2012-14 years!
    Have a Stylin' Day!
    Much Love, Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your comment Karen! Ah, Kristina Bazan is a great inspiration for me so that's so kind of you to say! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, have a wonderful day! .x

      Delete
  14. Love your stylish outfit! :)

    And your eyes look so pretty in these pics! :)

    YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hope your week has been great so far Faye.


    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. First of all you photos are so gorgeous! Second I completely agree with you. I live in Canada and I have double citizenship. It would be such a nightmare to come back from visiting family and not be able to cross the border. I can't even begin to think about how those people felt.
    Dora
    http://www.adropofindigo.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your comment Dora! So glad you enjoyed the post and agree with the thoughts I've shared .xx

      Delete
  17. Amazingly paired look!
    http://fetish-tokyo.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. this look is bit diff
    MAHI | http://thestyleride.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Loving your photography.
    Amazing photos.
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am totally loving this classy outfit ensemble! <3

    Angelie // Maybelline Colorsensational So Nude Review

    ReplyDelete