A Minute w/ Mandy: The Importance of Our Voice

Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny

The fourth of July has always been one of the most special holidays for me. If you’re new here, welcome! Let me take a couple minutes to introduce some lesser known facts about myself, in relation to this topic. I grew up as a military brat and went on to graduate from the Naval Academy, and later served 6 years as a Marine officer in California. As an American and one that served, there’s nothing more important to me than the freedom of my family and our country. I’ve always been a sass mouth and smart-ass, and that vocal freedom is something we all often take for granted, especially in today’s world. For today’s post, I want to hone in on just that: the importance of our voice.

Our voice is freedom.

I often get saddened seeing other Americans telling other Americans what they should do, believe, or say, and what is officially right or wrong. That’s not freedom. When I signed up to serve my country, it was to defend that very right to have an opinion, regardless of what it was. The right to speak your voice through voting, social media, and in public (without breaking the law of course) without fear of incarceration. I wanted to defend the right of every American to live out their dream and share their voice with the world. It’s your right to dress, speak your mind, and live your life according to your own personal beliefs. I love that we as Americans are blessed enough to have that option.

Don’t fear debate.

Our voice is important. As we know from experience in our careers and personal life, there’s always more than one right answer to solve problems. It comes from seeing things through someone else’s eyes and voice: it takes a conversation, not an ultimatum. If you know me in real life, you know I’m always down for a rational debate. It’s what helps each of us grow. It’s why it’s a cornerstone of my content: without limits. When we divide things, we limit each other, and our growth as a nation.

Change your mindset.

Read outside your comfort zone. Experience new things, and think outside the box every once in a while. I love learning from my friends who share different ideas and thoughts on life, as it helps me discover new things about myself, and how I navigate the world. Listening to others should never be a crime. It’s how acceptance is born.

While I am no longer actively serving in the military, I would without a doubt lay down my life again to protect the freedom of each of your voices and my own. My challenge to you: go out and celebrate just that. Celebrate your individuality and that of those around you. It’s a powerful freedom.

What are you proud to stand for?

Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le SkinnyAimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny Aimee Nielsen Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt x Nike Lunarsandiator x Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny

OUTFIT DETAILS

Top: Cropped Tee, Alexander Wang (OLD), similar here

Skirt: Short Sunshine High Waist Skirt, c/o Aimee Nielsen

Sunglasses: Small Rectangular Cat Eye Sunglasses, eBay (original designer ones here!)

Bag: Jetsetter Convertible Graffiti Print Backpack, c/o Henri Bendel

MAKEUP DETAILS

Primer: Ambient Light Correcting Primer, Hourglass in Luminous Light

Foundation: The Influencer Clean Longwear Foundation, Sunday Riley in 140

Highlighter: Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, Fenty Beauty in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal

Blush: Air Blush Soft Glow Duo, Marc Jacobs Beauty in Lines & Last Night

Contour: Match Stix Matte Skin Stick, Fenty Beauty in Mocha and Rum

Eyes: Naked Petite Heat Palette, c/o Urban Decay

Lashes: Ardell Wispies, Target

Lips: Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, Fenty Beauty in Spanked

Photos by Lydia Hudgens, makeup by me.

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