We are Du Jour
02 December 2009

Take some inspiration from M.I.A. And she’s with child in this dress…..
I used to want to go into the fashion business, but peeks of the “cut your throat with my 5 inch Louboutin stiletto” industry told me it wasn’t for me. After living in Manhattan for a year and working retail on 5th Ave, I became exposed to the serious side of fashion. The word I soon came to associate most quickly and unfortunately to fashion was judgment, and following closely behind, hypocrisy. Dirty looks on the streets from self-proclaimed fashionistas, and every average Jane assuming the title of fashion guru and ergo New York City’s sidewalk fashion critic. I decided fairly quickly that I wanted fashion to be a part of my life that I enjoyed; not something I criticized others for.
The people I admire most are those who follow their own trends. This goes beyond fashion. The clothes we put on our bodies are just a small piece of the image of ourselves we give to the world. And just as we grow on the inside, we grow on the outside as well. We are constantly developing the way we want others to view us. Not only does this help others to see who we are as individuals, but it also helps us to see ourselves for who we are. If you ask me, there are 3 important things to remember when it comes to personal style:
- 1. Trends are not meant for everyone – You don’t have to follow them. There are plenty of crazes that A) I would not be caught dead wearing for reasons of my own taste and B) I just simply don’t have the body to pull off, regardless of how cute I think it is. And I’m ok with that. Trends come and go, but style is timeless. With that being said…
- 2. Develop your own sense of style – Brand yourself. Don’t dress for others – dress for yourself. You will never be able to please everyone else, and why would you want to?? Think about what your lifestyle is like and when you feel your best.
- 3. Keep an open mind – Maybe that top won’t look as heinous on you as you think. So next time that tiresome saleswoman and self titled “stylist” sneaks article of clothing x into your dressing room, just try the damn thing on. (Not saying she knows what she’s doing, maybe she does, but either way, you might be pleasantly surprised.)
It’s true that clothes do not make a person. And I believe that there is much more to life than appearances. But how many times a day do we give and receive first impressions? I realize that time is not something that everyone wants to waste in the mirror. However, the littlest changes can make a difference and greatly effect both how we carry ourselves and how others view us. If you are confident from the inside out, others will see that. Not to mention that life is already serious enough, so lighten up!
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