what I wore : a new favorite

by Kaylah Stroup
green hair, black and white striped dress, wiw
Valley Cruise Press, jean jacket, denim jacket
green hair, cleveland blog, cleveland, blogger, fashion blog
fashion blog, cleveland

 

details 
sunglasses – Moorea Seal
jean jacket – thrifted
back patch – Valley Cruise Press
necklace – Moorea Seal
lipstick – Blush My Lips by Essence

I’ve been trying to stay away from posting outfit photos in this dress since I felt like I’ve shared a lot of outfit posts with a black and white dress, and even a couple paired with my jean jacket. Seriously, this is basically the same outfit only three years ago! I consider this my ultimate outfit. Sure, I’ve styled outfits I really liked possibly more than this (like this!) but a black and white striped dress with a jean jacket is kind of my signature look. I feel most confident in this ensemble.

Anyway, I realized it had been a while since we saw my quintessential Kaylah outfit here on the blog so it seems like it’s finally time to show off  my new favorite black and white striped dress. It’s like the ultimate one. (Over half my dress collection is B+W striped, okay?) It’s long enough to not worry about showing anyone anything they shouldn’t be seeing. It’s lightweight which is perfect for summer. It has two large pockets so you could totally go purse-less if you wanted! It’s basically perfect. One of those things I want to buy multiples of, for sure!

Speaking of confidence, I’m realizing it’s something you need a lot of when you have green hair. I’ve been around the color wheel multiple times. I’ve even had a shade of green extremely similar to this one in the past but this time around, man, it’s been rough! I’ve written lots of posts about dyeing your hair fun colors, and maintaining it but something I’ve been thinking about touching on for a while now is dealing with other people’s reactions to your hair. It seems obvious that with a super vibrant colored hair that people will stare and make comments but I guess outside of your significant other’s opinion and that of your boss, it’s not something that people really consider when taking the leap.

With this green it’s rare that I leave the house and don’t have at least one person say something. Sometimes it’s nice, which I appreciate but the majority of the time it’s someone shouting from the passenger seat about how St. Patrick’s Day is over. “Aw, baaaabyyyy, I love the color green” is something I’ve been hearing a lot lately too. These things wear you down after a while. Being shouted at in public isn’t so great, even if it is a compliment. It can be really embarrassing. It makes me want to hide, to wear a hat, to dress as normally as possible. With friends it’s easier to deal with but alone it makes me feel very anxious.

black and white striped dress with jean jacket, outfit post, fashion blog, Cleveland blogger

I hesitate to even share these thoughts because inevitably someone will say something like “what did you expect?” or “if you don’t want the attention than why did you do it?” No matter what you say you’ll never talk sense into those kind of people. I guess I’m typing this because I just want to share my frustrations. To tell you how even after all these years I’m still not fully equipped to handle it. I have so much I want to say on the subject but sometimes it’s just easier not to talk about and to pretend it’s not an issue.

Anyway, lets end this post on a positive note. This hair color is the bomb dot com. No amount of dumb St Patrick’s Days are going to dull my shine. I looove the way children look at it/me. I feel like a cartoon character, in the best possible way. I could always go back to my natural color (lol, what’s that?) but I feel like myself in colorful hair, like this is the hair I should I have been born with. This whole look is me in full effect, it might generate a few stares and annoying comments, but dang it, I am adorable!
xoxo

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84 comments

Kristina Burkey April 28, 2016 - 1:06 pm

I’m so glad you said the thing about your hair. I am going full pink very soon and I know I’ll get comments. I have pink ends now and so far it’s been girls gushing which I love but I’m sure the unwelcome male comments will come along. I know you won’t but DO NOT hide or change because people are rude and obnoxious. Your hair is you! If you dye it “normal” they’ll just say something else about something else. And your crazy hair looks great so WHATEVER MAN to them. Totally understand how the comments bordering on menacing can freak you out though.

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 1:11 pm

Wooooo full pink!!!! I'm so excited for you! 😀

I swear the most annoying comments always happen on days you're already grumpy. Like, please stop yelling down the aisle at me about how my hair is green, I know and I'm just trying to shop in peace.

Cheap Glam Sugar Punk April 28, 2016 - 4:17 pm

Pretending like you didn't realize your hair was a weird color usually gets pretty funny reaction if you're feeling feisty haha

Jennifer April 28, 2016 - 1:18 pm

I get where you are coming from Kaylah. I don't wear too many crazy outfits or walk around high traffic areas but shouting compliments isn't much different from cat calling. I think a great article sums it up- she talked about tat-calling which you can google and find the article. Pretty much it is about how a girl who is heavily tattooed gets very annoyed by the attention her tattoos get, usually getting attention as a way to pick her up. I've also read articles saying that girls (and men) get touched often without people asking to get a better look at their tattoos. I saw my friend ring up an older lady (like maybe 60+) and the woman just grabbed his arm to look at his tattoo while he was ringing her up. What the heck?! I am totally cool if someone stops me on the street and says "Oh I really like you hair, it makes me think of Saint Patricks Day, even though the holiday passed" but screaming just… ugh… no.

It makes me think about when I use to have gold lame leggings that I would wear when biking in a dress for work. I would get so many compliments, usually from little girls. I got so many people say that it made them think of Goldfinger, which I thought was nice. I didn't like when guys would shout "nice legs," which didn't happen often, I think guys would of preferred I didn't wear the leggings. XD

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 1:26 pm

I know the article you're talking about. LOVE and relate to it so much but the response it got is what makes me nervous to talk about my hair. It blows my mind how nasty people can be and how they feel they deserve to say whatever they want to people.

Once at a water park, so I'm in a swimsuit, a girl came up and was like "Oh my god, I love your tattoos, can I see them all?" I was very gracious but said "Thank you but no" She lost her shit, called me a bitch and this that and the other. This entitlement is what gets me. I am covered in tattoos, yes. I'm fun to look at, sure but I don't owe anyone that right. You don't just get to touch, feel and look because I have tattoos.

People touch my hair all the time without asking. WHY!?

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 1:27 pm

RE – the leggings: Haha! Can everyone just agree that shouting things, whether you think you're being nice or not, is awful!?

Rachel Monk April 28, 2016 - 1:29 pm

Your hair, your attitude, everything is Uber adorable!

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 10:58 pm

Hey, thanks!!! <333

Jeanette April 28, 2016 - 1:39 pm

I can't imagine saying something to anyone about the color of their hair or anything else actually! No one is being hurt and it's just plain rude to comment on peoples fashion choices! I wouldn't care if you colored your hair purple with pink polka dots! (although I may ask you how you did that!)

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 10:58 pm

Hehehe!

Sweet Tea Salvage April 28, 2016 - 2:24 pm

I work at a law firm with a relaxed dress code, so occasionally I'll dye my hair pink or purple. The other firms in our building have a super strict dress code – suit and tie on the daily. Elevator rides in the morning are so awkward! No one has commented on my hair yet, but the stares I get walking into work at times are equally embarrassing and amusing (damn the man!).

But green looks SO good on you. Screw the haters!

Jamie
http://www.sweetteasalvage.com

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:00 pm

Yikes, stares can be so awful. BUT DUDE, how awesome that you're allowed to dye your hair there. That's really awesome! 😀

Stefanie Meier April 28, 2016 - 2:57 pm

I totally understand how sometimes when we make a decision for ourselves it's hard dealing with how other people see that same decision. I know it sounds silly but when I first got my tattoos, I was so happy about them and they were all very real decisions for me but then once I went out and people started noticing and saying things there were times I hid my arms just so I didn't have to deal with that same attention. I know people say you're asking for attention when making different decisions but that doesn't mean you're not human and that your emotions just don't matter. I'm glad you posted about this because so many people I'm sure can relate. I for one, think you look amazing with any hair color.
Stefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin'

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:01 pm

Oh, girl, I feel ya! Totally guilty of wearing cardigans when I didn't really want to just so I didn't have to talk about my tattoos. It's not that I don't love them, it's just that I don't constantly want to talk about them or be stared at.

Tara Hammond April 28, 2016 - 3:01 pm

I seriously love your hair color right now. It reminds me of Nickelodeon slime in the best way possible. I hate that randos think they have the right to make comments on everything >:|

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:02 pm

YASSSSS to that comment! Nickelodeon slime hair foreverrrrr!

Judith April 28, 2016 - 3:06 pm

I agree! Here in Germany I got much compliments from elderly women who said the color of my hair looked very nice and when they were younger they had it just like that. These are always nice compliments. But I was wondering every time why they talked to me. Just because I got colored hair?
But when I visited the US I realised more people shouting out of the car. Just "Hey, nice hair!". I think this is because they can drive away very fast. Otherwise, when you would have met them on the sidewalk, they wouldn't talk to you like this…

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:03 pm

Aw, that's really cute! I LOVE compliments from older women who say they wish they could dye their hair this color too. I always tell them it's never too late. I hope one day I actually convince someone to go for it.

Rachel Bjork April 28, 2016 - 3:16 pm

UGH. The tat-calling. I don't MIND people noticing, but YELLING ACROSS A ROOM IS EMBARRASSING. No one likes being YELLED at.

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:04 pm

Right?! I really don't understand why anyone would ever thing that yelling at the top of your lungs to a stranger would be appropriate.

Different As Pie April 28, 2016 - 4:00 pm

I don't understand why people think they can just shout things at others. I would never dream of doing that.
It's other's opinions that have stopped me dying my hair a bright colour. I dyed it copper and everyone at work commented on it for weeks, it really got to me so I dyed it dark. People make me sad. Maybe I should be braver.
You're awesome Kaylah, please don't change for other people. You give me hope that one day I can be who I want to be without worrying so much what other people think.
Claire x

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:06 pm

Aw, that really stinks! I'm sorry your experience was such a poor one.

Sometimes it's tough but you gotta do you! If you want bright colored hair, DO IT. You don't want to get to the end and think "boy, I wish I had done that!"
<333

DollyDayDream April 28, 2016 - 4:08 pm

I've dyed my hair multiple colours for years too and I always get anxious when people comment on it. We do it for ourselves not other people, so when someone says 'Oh wow…green/blue/pink..! It looks good actually' What do they mean actually? Really bugs me. I also get people wanting to touch it? I assume you do too. Creeeeepy. Keep up the awesome hair and outfits lovely, you're right, you're adorable! xxx

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:07 pm

They don't just want to touch it… they do, and always without asking. SO RUDE.

Cheap Glam Sugar Punk April 28, 2016 - 4:13 pm

I've had weird hair colors for a long time and yelled comments like that never get less annoying, but they do kind of get easier to ignore. The only thing I really hate is when strangers ask to touch it, or even just touch it without asking. Usually I'll give a pass to little old ladies who ask, but to everyone else, whyyyyyy?? 😉

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:08 pm

Hah! Same. Old ladies are the only people I can't resist… but only if they're sweet. Sometimes I feel like they can be the snarkiest of them all. 😛

Cheap Glam Sugar Punk April 28, 2016 - 4:14 pm

Oh I just saw in a previous comment that you get the touching thing too and also had the same whyyy question. People are so weird

Meescha Dare April 28, 2016 - 4:18 pm

I learned to not care what people think a very long time ago, and you know what? I'm happier because of it. It's amazing that you do whatever you'd like! People who speak out or shout at you are only doing that to bring attention to THEMSELVES because when someone with green hair walks by, they suddenly feel like they don't have all the attention. You are amazing. Don't ever let people bring you down. 🙂

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:10 pm

I guess I would have to agree with that thought. I understand, to a certain extent but I just can't get over how startling getting yelled at it!

<333

elycia April 28, 2016 - 4:31 pm

I get it!
It's funny you ended up talking about your hair colour in this post because the first thing I thought when I saw the photo was, "whoa, that is the greatest green ever!!"
You rock.

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:11 pm

No, you rock. I miss you so so so much! <3

rhea April 28, 2016 - 4:37 pm

I was just talking about this yesterday with my cousin. I also have green hair and we were out and a lot of people were staring or being like "i love your hair!" and i was telling her i wish people would just ignore me and her answer was "you have green hair what are you expecting??" ugh! the creepiest thing was when this old lady from my neighborhood stopped me to tell me how amazing my color is and she started to touch my hair and i kept trying to get away from her and she would touch it again – it freaked me out! and once a guy was riding his bike with his friend and he was shouting "look at this chick she has BLUE hair" *facepalm* first of all, i have green hair and second of all you are a douche. but on the other hand there was this lady who stopped me, in a nice way (i was having the worst day ever) and she told me how lovely my color is and that she's a hairstylist and she would like to know what dye i used, and that my hair is very nice and that i am so beautiful. haha it totally made my day.

sorry about the long comment but it's hard to find someone who gets me! btw i love LOVE your dress! i wish i wasnt so self-aware and would wear more dresses, you are definitely my inspiration when it comes to this

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:18 pm

I get it, rant on!

It really all just comes down to being polite. "Excuse me, I really like your hair" is the best, when people say that it absolutely makes my day. But the same thing shouted from across the street is probably the most annoying thing in the world.

Please please please, wear more dresses. (That sounds creepy!) But really, life is too short to be too afraid to wear something so cozy. <333

xoxolib.com April 28, 2016 - 4:37 pm

I love the color of your hair, it's so juicy! But I totally understand the feeling of not wanting someone to talk about it all the time when you're out just trying to live your life. So many times a woman's body is seen as public consumption but it just isn't. I don't always need the world's opinion on my hair or tattoos or the shape of my body.
I have a policy of only complimenting someone on a choice that a person obviously made that day. Something like "You picked a great hat, today!" or "I like your style!"

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:24 pm

OH MY GOSH, best compliment! "juicy" hair!!!! It really is a juicy color but I would have never thought to use that word. Thank you!

Your compliment policy is a really great idea! I like that a lot. I've been trying to give more compliments to other ladies lately.

Laurel April 28, 2016 - 4:44 pm

People suck sometimes. And in response to the counter argument of "well what did you expect?" the answer is always "to go about my business without being harassed" as is the right of every person ever.

Keep rocking it, Kaylah.

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:43 pm

YES. That. Forever and ever.

There was one time that I just can't get out of my head that that was said. I don't ever remember what was said to me but I was with my ex and his parents and I was nearly in tears over whatever dumb comment a stranger made. His dad said "what did you expect?!" and I felt SO betrayed. Uh, well I expect you to take my side and comfort me. Ughh.

Madison April 28, 2016 - 5:20 pm

Being a lady and dressing, dyeing, or whatever-ing ourselves in a way that isn't viewed as "conventional" is like a double whammy. I hate that random people on the street make us feel as though we have something to be ashamed of and I get what you're saying about wanting to hide. Even when I had a purple ombre a year and a half ago I quickly dyed it back to a brownish because I started feeling anxious, or wearing a bold pink polka dot can make me feel like I have a target sign on my back. But the only way to change the cat calling craziness is to just keep being amazing and fabulous and maybe sending dagger eyes at people who think they have a right to comment on our bodies and our looks. Keep rocking whatever colour makes you feel like you!

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:45 pm

Hell yeah!! <333

sarah juracan April 28, 2016 - 5:27 pm

Well I definitely can relate to the unwanted comments. I am extremely shy and it certainly didn't help at all, and I also had to deal with my parents not being supportive of me dyeing my hair. I guess that none of them understand the fact that we do it for ourselves and not to call the attention. What helps me a lot is knowing that I am being brave doing what I choose despite everyone else and their opinions. I love the comments of children as well and knowing that maybe up to a certain point I am being an example for them to be different. Anyway great post! And I love all of your black and white dresses 😉

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:49 pm

Yes! I really really love interacting with children. I love that they're so accepting and I hope that my brief interactions can show them that people with tattoos or crazy hair are the same as everyone else.

And seriously, every time I kid says "Mommy, I want hair like hers" I die a little. SO CUUUUUUTE.

Marcia Furman April 28, 2016 - 5:49 pm

I had basically that same green last summer…and YES! I got a lot weird comments than my other hair colors. People LOVE to make St. Patricks day jokes…especially little old men! LOL. I really don't understand it, but apparently that's just the way it is hearing this from you! 😀 I personally love it. One of my favorites! <3 The funny thing is, every time I change colors I feel a little self conscious. Just for a few hours. Then I'm like awww yeaaaaaa!!

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:52 pm

DUDE, RIGHT?! It's always the old men with the St Patricks Day jokes!!! What in the world?! I'm curious why they always go there.

Little old men are also the ones who like to ask if the carpet matches the drapes. GAG!

Isn't it funny how every though you change colors all the time you still feel a little self conscious after each switch? I feel like you would eventually get used to it but still, every time I have that moment of "uh-oh, what did I do?!"

Marcia Furman April 29, 2016 - 2:14 am

Ah! I totally had the "does the carpet match the drapes" once! *_*

bec p May 4, 2016 - 2:33 am

Yup, met too – and it was an old friend asking. Bless his heart.

C. April 28, 2016 - 6:08 pm

Thanks for sharing your feelings about unsolicited comments. I've got a lot of random comments about my hair as well. Usually, they are nice, so I answer with a smile. I just ignored the other ones (life is too short for me to care!). The other day, this lady stared at me and said "OK, I have to ask: why green?" with a disgusted look on her face, I just smiled back and answered: "why not?". She shut up and left!
I was in France a few months ago, and there, nobody commented on my hair, but people stared with very mean looks and rolling eyes. It was way worse for me and I wished they would speak…

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:58 pm

EW. So rude! That's always my response when people ask why because seriously why not?!

Lauren April 28, 2016 - 7:28 pm

Some people can't accept that tattoos and hair colour and makeup and clothes are a personal decision, because you like how you like, not because you want strangers to shout things at you, or want constant attention! Thank you for being so honest xx

Kaylah April 28, 2016 - 11:58 pm

<333

Shannon Crissey April 29, 2016 - 12:50 am

That is the most amazing green and I hope it's not just perfect picture taking making it look so good! I would awkwardly stop and stare with envy of I ever saw that!

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:44 am

Oh no, ya caught me! It's all photoshop. My hair is actually brown.

😛

Mindi Wooley April 29, 2016 - 1:44 am

I absolutely adore you enough as it is, but I reeeeally love this post. It's so crazy how people feel entitled to touch others or to put them down because of things like hair color. I just can't even comprehend the way some peoples brains work…why do they think that's ok? So frustrating. I've been buzzing my hair on a regular basis for nearly a year now, and although I hear more compliments than put downs, it is still very hurtful when someone has something mean to say about it. A customer even dropped a few f-bombs at me while I was at work when he first saw it and kept asking me what the hell is wrong with me. And another customer didn't realize that I was behind the counter and asked one of the other girls if I was in a cult or do I worship the devil….um, why? I'm working on finding something new I can do for work, because I reeeally want to dye my hair fun colors. Working somewhere that won't allow me to be me has really become a problem. It would be so nice if people could just let go of their hate and accept that everyone is an individual with a right to live their lives in peace the way they want to live it. Keep being you girl-you ROCK!

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:47 am

Wait! Oh my gosh, she asked if you were in a cult because your hair is short!? GET OUT OF HERE. That is seriously the dumbest thought process.

Slowly but surely it's becoming more and more accepted. This month a girl who works for my local post office dyed her hair BRIGHT red. I feel like even though I don't know the post office's rules that that was probably a huge victory!

Good luck on the job hunt! <33

Mindi Wooley April 30, 2016 - 1:43 pm

RIGHT!? So dumb!

And i agree, its definitely getting better. Im from a teeny tiny town in Texas with a very cowboyish vibe, and there is a little old lady that works for the city and always has fun colored hair. Its awesome and everyone loves it 😊 There is also a girl that works at the police station here just outide Fort Worth that has full sleeves and doesnt have to cover them up.

It makes me so happy to see people not having to hide their personalities and lifestyles at work. High five for workplace victories!!!

Unknown April 29, 2016 - 2:05 am

long time lurker here. Anyway I so so so relate. As someone who has been dying their hair unnaturally for over a decade, the comments range from 90% great to people telling you about their wife who did it "back when it wasn't so trendy" and yknow the occasional not so nice person(or overly nice person). Sometimes I feel the exact same way, just because I have neon hair doesn't mean its not rude to stare! Also I don't always want to talk to everyone…the list goes on. But it is something you take on with the hair…which is part of the reason i AM glad it is becoming more regular.
I so feel you though, this is the way I feel best, most me, and the number one reason I do it is because i like it, it makes me happy and little kids stare in wonder :)…Not because I want to be noticed every time i walk down the street or in the store.
I have a tattoo of a crazy haired lady and i love it, it makes me feel a little weird when i rock a natural color. Anyway…just coming out of the nowhwere to relate and say i love love love your page.

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:49 am

Yeah, I can definitely agree with the glad it's becoming more and more regular. Some days I do really love chit chatting about my hair but other days I really just want to buy my dang dog food and not have to hear about your cousin who dyed her hair pink once and how it didn't look good.

Thank you so much!! <3

Alyssa Hill April 29, 2016 - 2:10 am

Love, love, love this post! I feel the same way about my vivid hair. I LOVE it (you're actually the person who inspired me to take the plunge!), but I hear you on the unwanted attention. Sometimes if you're in a certain mood you don't feel like talking and answering hair questions! Thank you for sharing that. I don't have any friends with vivid hair, so I feel weird talking about this. It's great to know someone else feels the same! ❤️

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:50 am

Woooo! So happy to hear that. <333

brookeranee April 29, 2016 - 3:07 am

I dyed my hair an emerald shade of green about a month ago & felt weird about it at first. (Kinda like when you get new glasses & feel like everyone knows you just got them!) I know I get strange looks from people, but I have gotten a lot of compliments on it too. I haven't gotten the St. Patty's Day one, but I was asked if I did it for Earth Day. I never even thought about that! I only wish my hair color came out as uniform as yours-mine is a little splotchy & multi-colored.

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:50 am

Oh, Earth Day! That's one I've never heard!

Unknown April 29, 2016 - 1:11 pm

I am happy you have the same issues about your hair colour as me! I feel the same way as I should be born with bright colours on my haid instead of that dull natural colour. Now i feel just like I am myself but I would love people to stop and stare and give uncomfortable comments. I feel the same way and you are right you can't talk sense in to those people!! I LOVE the vibrant colour of your green mine is a bit more forest green as I didn't achieve that bright colour of yours.
Big love from Belgium,
Stéphanie

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:51 am

<333

Adrienne April 29, 2016 - 4:20 pm

Those comments make me so angry on your behalf! It's harassment, is what it is. Totally inappropriate, just b/c your hair is not a "normal" color does't mean it's okay. Not to mention I bet if you were male you wouldn't get a fraction of the comments. There are a couple of organizations out there, one is called Hollaback, and one is Stop Street Harassment, you might look them up and see if they're active in your area. Or just bring me with you and I'll start punching people who comment. They won't be expecting that from a 40 year old woman w/ a streak of blue hair, right? 😉

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:55 am

Hahaha! You're awesome. <3333

The Evil Banana April 29, 2016 - 4:55 pm

oh i totally understand. I have more "interesting" cateye glasses and a half sleeve of dessert sweets on my arm… never mind if i add a H&M cat dress and blood red lipstick. Everyone has a opinion and thinks they are entitled to share it. It's something I've never understood in my 32 years. Your not dressing for anyone, but yourself. We're a selfish species by nature, so people tend to think the world revolves around them and actions are taken to their amusement. Continue to do you cause its what makes you feel complete and whole inside. Life is short, have fun with it 🙂 I used to stress about make-up until i read a interview with Kat Von D who states to the effect "I'm not a make-up artist, make-ups just fun, why take yourself so seriously? you wanna wear purple lipstick, wear purple lipstick"

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:57 am

Ohhh! I wanna see your half sleeve! 😀

Anne Pieser April 29, 2016 - 5:39 pm

Aaaah Kaylah, the pictures are so much fun to look at and your story makes the whole post just so personal. I love to see that bloggers don't just have a nice face but feeling soul, too. Your style is so inspirational. I've actually started writing a novel with a main character inspired by your orange and pink hair. Really! Will probably take me years and years to finish it, but just thought you should know, before you let some a*hole get you down.

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:57 am

Ah! That's so awesome!!! Good luck on your novel. 😀

linziloop April 29, 2016 - 7:14 pm

I was once sat on a bus on the way home from a night out. A guy punched me in the face as he got off the bus and legged it. Why? Because I had pink hair. He had laughed at my hair the entire journey and I'd just turned away and not said a word back for fear of making things worse. And the worst part? Not one person on the bus asked if I was ok or stuck up for me.

Another time, I was in Bruges (again with pink hair), and I was looking in the window of a shop. My partner told me that two young girls had just stood there laughing at me, took my photo and then ran away when they saw him look :/

Do I still colour my hair? Hell yes. Because even with al lthe shit I've got, it still makes me feel better and more 'me' than having my natural colour (which is mousey brown and totally boring)

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 11:58 am

WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That is insane.

Christine Achille April 30, 2016 - 12:16 am

First of all, I've been following your blog almost since day one and you're awesome. Having just turned 55, I'm probably way out of your target demographic, but you remind me of me when I was younger 🙂 My two cents on this hair issue is that I think a lot depends on where you are. I lived in New Orleans for years, in the French Quarter mostly, and having bright hair there is no big deal. I might even go so far as to say it's normal. Nobody looks at you strangely and if anyone does say anything, it's more along the lines of "wow, that color is fabulous, maybe I'll do that next time I do mine" … However, my husband and I recently semi-retired and moved to Florida and are living in a REALLY conservative, culturally homogeneous town. My hair is a lovely, bright grape Nehi kind of purple. When I go into town, I get more eye-rolls than I got from my kids when they were pre-teens. I've had a few little old men compliment me and they always seem very sincere, and little kids always wave to me in the grocery store. One little girl saw me and said "Mommy, her hair is purple! I want my hair purple!" and her mother (bless her heart) replied with "Baby, if you had purple hair you'd never get a job." Sigh. 🙁 I never really cared what other people thought of me and I still don't. I'm thinking when this color starts to fade, I might put in some turquoise highlights. Keep on being awesome, Kaylah, and thanks for being you 🙂

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 12:01 pm

I've definitely noticed that as well, that location plays a lot in to it. I would LOVE to live somewhere where no one thought twice about my hair but I also wish that was everywhere! Glad to hear New Orleans is pretty cool about it though! I've been wanting to take a trip down there for SO long.

Purple and turquoise is one of my all time favorites!

Thank you so much for your kind words! <333

Sarah April 30, 2016 - 3:18 am

Such a cute outfit, this is a stellar signature look! Looove your hair as always too. 🙂

Kaylah April 30, 2016 - 12:02 pm

Thank you Sarah! 😀

toastersxtoasting April 30, 2016 - 4:05 pm

Oh man. I feel you with the comments in public. My hair is currently all Flamingo Pink from Punky Colours and even with pink I get the weirdest comments. I remember in one post you said to be ready for people touching your hair without asking—YES x Million to that comment.

But anyways. I'm glad you aren't letting those comments get you down. You were my inspiration to finally take the plunge into full-head fantasy hair, I wouldn't want you going "natural" unless it was something YOU wanted.

Thanks for always being candid and open with your audience! We feel ya, girl

Kaylah May 3, 2016 - 9:55 am

<3333

Cath. May 1, 2016 - 10:23 am

I love this look! You've got this really cool and subtle Beetlejuice thing going on 😀 And think about it like this: People aren't mean about your style because it's different, they are mean because they are jerks.

Kaylah May 3, 2016 - 9:56 am

Hehe! I'll take the Beetlejuice thing as a compliment! 😛

Nicole Hokenstad May 2, 2016 - 1:15 pm

I'm lucky enough to live in a small town. I feel like larger cities give people anonymity to yell weird shit at you. In my town people politely ask questions about my tattoos (I returned to my natural hair color, which can still elicit a "do you really have more fun?" from a truck full of farm boys) and say thank you when I explain them. No matter what folks say, please don't dye it a "normal" color!!!!!! I think all of us followers draw inspiration from, or live vicariously through, your look and it's just fantastic!!

Kaylah May 3, 2016 - 9:59 am

Regarding people feeling like since they're anonymous they can yell whatever they want, I guess I would have to agree with that. But small towns, in my experience, aren't any better. People just stare there, or worse yet, whisper! Rude people are everywhere.

Thanks! 🙂

Michelle Kilkenny May 2, 2016 - 6:11 pm

I have been reading your blog for a while and this shade of green is by far my favorite color you've had! I have several tattoos and I have grown to think of them as filters. They filter out judgmental people that I do not need in my life. I feel sorry for people who think that everyone's style should be confined within a certain set of norms. What a boring way to live.

Kaylah May 3, 2016 - 9:59 am

Hah! Thats a wonderful way to think of it! 🙂

bec p May 4, 2016 - 2:28 am

I love your hair color. It looks great on you, such a happy green! I've been dyeing my hair for years, and have received quite a few comments, but almost all have been overwhelmingly (yes, sometimes obnoxiously) positive, thank God. There is definitely a change in social dynamic when you have bright hair or tattoos or piercings. People assume I'm outgoing and friendly and they want to engage – it's almost like they've been waiting for someone who looks safe, and for some reason, my hair makes them feel like I'm that person. Most everyone who has touched my hair has asked first, but I have had the occasional person grab my shoulder or touch my arm to get my attention. They often assume I'm wearing the color as team spirit and try to guess which college or professional team nearby I'm supporting. Since I like a lot of sports, I usually just say, "yep, you guessed it" and smile. The weirdest phenomenon was when I dyed my hair – inspired by you! – in layered peacock colors. Strangers would literally argue in front of me as to whether it was green or blue!

Erin M May 9, 2016 - 11:15 am

I love the teeth pin on your jacket!

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