#motivationmonday: Feel-good vintage with Rachel Maksy

by The Collected Mutineer

Everyone has something they turn to when they need a smile. And in this day and age, it can be easy to find what you’re looking for. Want cute puppy pictures? Ask on Twitter, and you’ll be flooded with adorable gifs. Need a pick me up from a friend? Just send a text. Need to laugh? There is a plethora of hilarious videos on YouTube and TikTok.

When I’m down, I tend to look for content that will make me feel good about being a cosplay creator and an amateur historian. And about a year ago, I stumbled across the perfect YouTube account that has become a standby for me—and not just when I need some motivation. Rachel Maksy’s channel focuses on vintage fashion, pop culture and literature inspired look-books, with some cosplay and body positivity thrown in for good measure. Rachel is also a stellar makeup artist, who won the NYX Face Awards in 2018 (and thanks to her winnings, she was able to quit her job and become a full time content creator, which is inspiring in-and-of-itself).

I always feel encouraged after watching something she’s put together. I haven’t yet been able to put my finger on why, but there’s something so feel-good about everything she puts out into the world. It’s not just the subject matter, but Rachel herself. Seeing her videos has helped make me a more confident person, who is learning how to deal with the bad days by looking for the good things. And when you’re on her channel, one of those good things is her ADORABLE DOG FRODO. Yes, Frodo. You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Here are some of my favorite videos of hers. I hope they motivate you and give you some inspiration to go out and be creative, be yourself, and be kind. Want to wear that old-fashioned skirt? Go right ahead and do it. Don’t think you have what it takes to make that prop? Try it anyway. You do you, boo.