I had a small realization the other day, and really wanted to right it down. Since it's fashion related I thought this would be the best spot for my ramblings.
I have struggled most of my life to "fit in" with my wardrobe. Growing up I never felt like I wore the same things that everyone else did. We didn't buy brand names or go on shopping sprees like a lot of my friends. My parents were very practical in every department, and clothing was no exception. We were given the essentials with a few splurges for Christmas and birthday, but even then, we probably needed it, and it was purchased on a budget. We were taught that if we felt we needed more, we could work (either a part time job or chores at home) and purchase what we wanted. I don't want to make it sound like my parents weren't very giving and
that I wasn't grateful, because I was and still am! There are many
aspects of my families lifestyle that I appreciate now that I'm trying
to run a household on a students budget. In fact, I contribute most of my
love for sewing and designing to the times my mom and I designed and
sewed my school dance dresses.
This mindset provided MANY lessons, but I will only go into one right now. When I went shopping I knew I wasn't going to get a bunch of pieces, so I needed to make them count. Looking back now, my wardrobe consisted of all kinds of colors and patterns. I didn't want to waste my money on a plain t-shirt when i could get a geometric patterned, asymmetrical neck-lined top instead. This also meant I had to come up with creative ways to wear what I had and to make it different each time. I will now admit that, before kids, my favorite pastime was creating new outfits with the clothes in my closet. Sad, I know. I remember a friend once telling me that I could put any combination of pieces together and it would still turn out great. I was honored by the compliment so I gave her theory a try. I put together an extremely colorful outfit and went to school. No comments, no compliments, and no haters. It made me laugh all day to think everyone else thought I thought I looked good :)
Anyway... Enough of the rambling back-story...
I want to tell you all a secret about fashion school... VERY FEW PEOPLE WEAR TRENDY OR NAME BRAND CLOTHING! There, I said it. Does that surprise you? I didn't really notice this until I had been out of school for a few years was and trying to keep up with the ever changing trends. Granted, a big reason was we were all poor students trying to support ourselves. But it was also because of the many creative people we associated with. Everyone was trying to be unique, to have their own style, to be their own person. I mean, that makes sense right? How many designers do you know who try really hard to look like someone else? ZERO! It's all about being you. wearing what you like despite what others think, say, or wear. I finally have the self confidence needed to not care about what others think. If it is a t-shirt and diamonds studs day, or if I want to dress up for a simple BBQ, then so be it! (I do need to mention that fit and color make a huge difference in looking your best, but that is a topic for another time!) For now, just be you, wear what you want. Throw a colorful outfit together and see how it makes you feel!
