Fashion is a Feeling
I’ve never thought of myself as being “fashionable”. In fact, only a few months ago, I did not realize that I could even be categorized by such a term until, one day, on the way home from my last day at my previous job, I caught the subway with my now former manager. Naturally, I was rambling (because hey! quitting your job and then commuting home with your boss can be a little awkward). In spite of an 8-hour day, you could say I had a bad case of verbal diarrhea.
“You know what’s weird?” I said to him as we were waiting for the always late F train to arrive on the platform. “People always say that I look like such a bitch or that I seem unapproachable, but then I open my mouth and it all changes. I’ve never known what that meant, but I’ve heard it from a few people now, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately as I look to start my new company.” I assumed it had to be because I was a bit quirky and some people may not understand my sense of humor. I waited with baited breath for my former boss’ response.
“I think it’s because you’re fashionable”, he replied, “and that can be intimidating to some people. It’s not easy for everyone to dress well.” I literally GASPED out loud! “Do you think so?”. “Yes” he replied, with an assured nod. “That's so strange! “, I said, “I’ve literally never thought of myself as being fashionable!” Ever the rational one in our workplace relationship, he replied with “So write about it!”. So, now, here I am.
I suppose the reason I never felt fashionable was because I never really had the option to be so, and anyway, I never really understood the definition of the term. I’ve come to feel as though the media and society have a distorted view on fashion, and what it means to be “fashionable”; a value I believe my insight adds to as a part of my business.
Until recently, I’ve always felt like the basic bitch in a room with my friends who work in fashion. One is an amazing designer herself (check her out: Danielle Guizio). Sure, the latest trends are cool, and I can always appreciate a good outfit, but being “fashionable” in the way society currently portrays the word, well, it’s simply unrealistic. The guiding principle for my fashion sense is that I always look good, (whether at work, at the gym, wherever), but to do so affordably and simply, because I have to. I’m not the type of person to invest in expensive “statement” pieces. Let’s face it, I'm in my mid-twenties, living in NYC, and while I can’t afford a closet full of designer pieces that ultimately make up the same “all black” outfit, I also don't want the added stress of ruining an article of clothing that costs more than my rent. At this point in my life, I’m all about experiences so I’d rather dance in the rain than rush home in a cab just for the sake of saving designer heels from a few sprinkles!
Sure, I follow the Instagram accounts of top fashion bloggers; while I respect them and admire their work, most are simply not for me. Yes, the pictures are cool, and the models always look great; but which normal Millennial girl has hundreds of dollars to drop on a wear-once dress or basic shirt? Of course, I can appreciate a good pair of denim overalls, but I couldn't wear that to work! And work is where we all spend most of our time. I think that’s the “gap” I see in fashion. I am going to fill that gap!
Realistic, affordable, fashion; pieces that are professional and flattering but don't cost a fortune; that sort of thing. I always think you should dress for the job/life you want, not the one you have. Yeah, I'm a poor Millennial living in NYC, but if I could cash in on “outfit compliments” from executives from my former job, and on the shock on people’s faces when they realize my outfits aren’t expensive, then I’d be RICH. And one day I will be. Why? Because I am a hard working young woman, dressed like a #girlboss at all times, for any occasion. You are YOUR own brand, so represent!
I’ve since come to understand my own fashion sense and have realized that fashion is a Feeling. It’s been said before that fashion is a form of self-expression, and I agree with that statement…to an extent. I personally do not believe that the clothes you wear should be a direct view into your internal issues (ie: wearing something because you want to make someone else unhappy, or wearing a ton of pieces because you were never allowed to do so when you were younger). However, because fashion is a feeling, not a reflection of who you are, then wear whatever makes you feel. Wear clothes that make you feel confident, sexy, and happy!
I think what it comes down to is that we all want to look and feel good in what we wear, but not all of us have the ability to put that “feel good” look together. I used to style my late father, and continue to style my sister; both family members genuinely lacking the ability to create eye-catching outfits of their own.
My eyes fill with tears as I think back on how both my sister and my father have told me how good it felt to be complimented on their outfits and how nice it was to be noticed. What a beautiful feeling, that I take for granted! If sharing some outfit ideas, can help just one person have a “feel good” day, then that’s reason enough for me to post them! The best part is, you are have the freedom to add finishing touches from your own feelings, and can get back to the important things in life, like getting out there to really experience it! With confidence and the right style, you’ll be sure to attract your own attention!
My future features will allow you to embrace “expensive taste” without the hefty price tag, because you don’t need money to look like a million bucks!