Just In Time

THIS GIRL 

"If there is one thing that scares us, it is the thought that any part of our life has been wasted. We look back and we ask why we let it happen what was so important that it could steal our youth, our strength, our capacity to be somebody – just to be happy. Is it too late to begin again? Never. It may be with a different set of rules, a standard of values that has changed drastically, but begin again? Yes. Many have started over and have had more happiness and contentment in a short time than in all of what is known as wasted years. Anyone who has ever traveled a trail of tears wishes they had know then what they know now. But we did not know, and life is not lived hindsight. We did what we knew to do- sometimes with great ignorance. But if we know the difference now and want to begin again- then why not? And why not now?"

- Joyce Sequichie Hifler 

This quote makes me think of all the time that chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis & my autoimmune disease have stolen from me. It has opened my eyes to see that tomorrow may never come. The way I see it is to spend the time that I have here on earth doing what I love, with those whom I love. Below are examples of a certain type of work I love doing. In this instance I am talking about wardrobe, hair, and makeup styling. Even though this was hard for my stamina, mentality, and self consciousness... I did it!

Since my jaw bone was removed and replaced with titanium this February, I have been dealing with an identity crisis. Doing this assignment was a way for me to directly face my fear. Another exercise I found to help me feel secure about my new jaw, is to create a new self portrait. Even though I stopped drawing, painting, & sketching because of pain, I think it's about time to get over it. I am going to be in pain anyway, I don't want to lose anymore creativity, skill, or youth over it. Point is it's time to start living my life right here right now. I recommend you do the same, no matter what is going on in your life!

FASHION 

As a Harper's Bazaar Style Ambassador, I styled a gig for Va Va Voom Mascara by Physicians Formula. I call it "Now or Then", Decades of #LashOut Fun! Surprise for Your Eyes! Below are the 4 spring looks I came up with. You might recognize these looks as an iconic time in fashion, yet we can still wear them today. I named each style at the top in hot pink, it represents the epic fashion period they were created in. Next to the style is somewhere you could go wearing the same makeup, outfit, and accessories while looking extremely in-style and hot today! 

All looks were created using Va Va Voom Mascara. This is a great product for getting those long lengthy lashes you've always wanted. I have had some hair loss from illness so, I need all the volume and length I can get! This mascara doesn't clump, it's water proof, and did I mention that it stays on my lashes for at least 24 hours? Pretty awesome with these Austin allergies, or in any weather!

 Mod Girl to Art Exhibition 

#LashOut #VaVaVoom #Mascara #SpringEye #SkyHighEyeLashes #FactoryGirl #Twiggy #60's #EdieSedgwick #AndyWarhol #Warhol #Flirty #Mini #Dress #Spring #Mod #Makeup #Pixiecut #Fashion #Movement 

Doe Eye Look

Flower Child to ACL

#LashOut #VaVaVoom #Mascara #Summerlove #Music #AlmostFamous #Hippie #60's #70's #Summer #Love #Lace #Flowers #Peace #Happiness #Carefree #LongHair #Groupie #ModernDayGroupie #Summer #Spring 

Flower Child ACL

Rock Goddess to Center Stage

#LashOut #VaVaVoom #Mascara #Glamour #Rock #Sound #Photography #RocknRoll #Loud #CurlyHair #Hair #BrightEyes #EyeColor #Color #GirlsJustWantToHaveFun #Gold #CarrieDiares #Sexy #Music #Leather #Hairbands #Dance #Summer #Spring #Drama 

Rock Goddess 80's Band

Modern Muse to Fashion Week

#LashOut #VaVaVoom #Mascara #Secret #Garden #Butterfly #Fashion #SmokeyEye #PerfectCurls #Architecture  #Beauty #Couture #Trendy #Happy #Today #FrontRow #Catwalk #Nature #Creation #Me #Summer #Spring #Harper'sBazaar #Magazine #Key

NYC Fashion Week 

COLLAGE OF MY #LASHOUT STYLES

Thank you to my loving husband Brian Miller, who shot & crafted these photos.

To find him click the following link LinkedIn 

To see some more looks from the shoot stay up to date on my Instagram Page

PAIN

I just want to thank everyone who has helped me on my crazy journey called life. I hope that everyone that contributed to my Indiegogo campaign "It's Times Like These We Learn 2 Live Again" have received their gifts. I can not explain how much your outpour of love means to my family and I. I do have at least one more surgery coming up, and hopefully we won't have to do another campaign. But if we do, I hope that we can adequately explain what my family and I are going through. I also intend on making a video so that people can understand the disease better and also be another avenue for hope.

I want to make up for lost time and also appreciate the journey I am on. Having this illness has opened my eyes to a whole new world, and has given me a whole new appreciation for people that are suffering from chronic pain.

Here is an example of a signature guitar pic necklace that I made for my Indiegogo supporters!

Writing Things That You Love On The Mirror With Lipstick Can Change Your Life

THIS GIRL

I've been thinking a lot about what I want "This Girl" section to be about. It can be kind of boring to read about my day to day life, all the exciting stuff you can see on my twitter feed in a few short words https://twitter.com/rachelleBriton 

I have decided that this portion of my blog will be about what inspires me. Maybe a photo, a movie, a quote, a painting, etc. I hope that this will also be a source of inspiration for you too. Today This Girl's inspiration comes from my friend Marques Harper. He use to work as a writer for the Austin American Statesman. He now is working in L.A. pursing his dreams. Marques wrote this beautiful statement. 

"If you are not vigorously pursuing your dreams, you are wasting time and adding to the carbon footprint of life. And with life there's a guarantee of death, but it's the pursuit of love and the dreams you have for your life that matter the most. It's in that pursuit that we truly come alive. Got it?" -Marques Harper

I loved it so much I wrote it on my mirror with lipstick!

  

FASHION

Have you seen the big uproar about the new Free People ad on you tube? 

Watch the video and tell me what you think?

Here's my point of view:

I'm stunned by all the dancers out there, being so critical about this ad. If you are a dancer then you know how hard it is. You all make me fear going back into the studio with all the judgey comments. I've danced my whole life, everything from ballet/point to hip hop. First of all, this girl never mentioned that she was a professional ballerina. I am not agreeing that she has perfect form, I actually think it isn't perfect for a reason. She even says "No matter how Good the person is, if you connect with someone, while looking at them, its because they are showing their emotions while they are dancing..." As a fashion designer and label owner myself, I think is is a reflection of the Free People's spirit. You can dance at any age. This girl is a dancer. She is dancing isn't she? So what if she isn't a professional dancer? No "perfect people" required for this brand. We are talking about Free People not Capezio. Professional ballerinas are going shop at a dance stores, because they must all match. Recreational dancers, dance teachers, modern dancers, choreographers, or people getting back into dance again will shop at Free People which happens to be a much bigger market. Free People is genius, after all dancing's a workout trend. Why would we want to see a world class ballerina dancing for Free People if we are considering buying their product if we can't dance like one either? This ad is not about ballet it's about the brand and passion. Sometimes we aren't always great at what we are passionate about but, why not keep trying. As for this woman she has great flexibility, good improvisation, some dance background, and room to grow. I think it's great. Try to get a model to not be stiff on film or the runway, it's harder than it looks. My best models are always dancers. They can feel the rhythm of the beat and react to the crowd. I'm giving this model/dancer and Free People a virtual high five!

To read more about this champaign check out this great blog 

http://www.refinery29.com/2014/05/68003/free-people-ballet-video?unique_id=entry_68003

PAIN

Having chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis can be not only painful and secluding, but it can also be extremely mentally challenging. One big problem that I struggle with is that I look pretty normal, so people don't know how bad I am hurting. It's particularly hard if I don't know someone or haven't seen someone in a long time and they don't know how sick I am. They usually assume I'm fine because I look fine, therefore I'm usually expected to be the same person I've always been. 

I feel like bringing this issue up because I know that I'm not the only person that struggles with this feeling. This assumption happens to many people with other illnesses as well. It's been something that has been called to my attention in my life, that I would like to address. For the people out there hurting I want you to know that this is normal and no one is trying to offend you, they just don't know any better. If you are having a hard time dealing with this issue please e-mail me or write on my blog about it. We can find a way to deal with this. 

It becomes more challenging because I don't want to walk up to everyone I meet or who does't know my circumstance and say "Hey, I've got this really rare bone disease called Chronic Sclerosing Osteomyelitis......." First of all it is not a well know disease, so sometimes people want to go into the details which can take hours to explain, and the grueling questions can take a toll on me as well. I won't lie there are times that I have straight up teared up and told people that I can't talk about it anymore.

For me the easiest way to deal with this is to try and feel the best I can in the moment, and to not bring up how sick I am unless absolutely necessary. I don't want a pity party, I want to feel as normal as I possibly can! I don't really like talking about it, it makes me feel worse. Although, everyone is different, some people like to talk about their illness because letting go of that inner struggle is a release for them or an outlet. I have found that having a loved one help explain my situation when needed can be the biggest relief, but again that is for me personally. 

Tip: Ask those you love for their support. They want to help I promise!