Styles change over time. They evolve to what your going through in your life. In my darkest times I either wore all black or I wore nothing but workout clothes & sweats. In my happiest days I wear anything I want – neon colors, crazy prints. Everything you can imagine. Looking back I realized I went through a couple different phases of style and along with that came a lot of self realization and an understanding for myself.
I am 4
Stalking through my moms closet, finding everything from Ballet flats to full Tuxedos. From time to time taking a HUGE leap of faith and cutting something to make it more interesting or just for the satisfaction of using scissors ( I now know I ruined a couple of pretty great Theory shirts.) Along with my love for cutting things up – I went into a phase of cutting my hair, creating bangs or going with a sort of mix & match length type of look. I had no idea or memory of fashion – all I know is clothes really fascinated me.
I am 8
No idea where I am right now in life because honestly, I am going through a weird phase where I remember some things, but also forget other things. My mom also used as an experimental time for herself – but of course my mom is going crazy with every type of clothing she can possibly find in Nordstroms, from men’s clothing and women’s clothing to even the weirdest little jewelry for American Girl Dolls. For her work she has always been forced to dress blandly and in full business attire so I truly think she went crazy on me instead of herself. Im talking full Camo (including a newsboy cap and even SOCKS.) Giving over control of your clothing is something that I could never imagine doing today because I feel that only I can embody my own personality.
I am 12
Getting somewhat into middle school (my timeline might be slightly off) and I am going through a phase where I am just starting to get boobs and don’t even know how to act. Do I wear a V-neck and risk failure or uncomforted? Or do I wear a sweatshirt and hope it’s air conditioned in every SINGLE room. This was also the time I started my dreadful period and being the person I am – I am too afraid to wear tampons so for six months straight I wear nothing but Abercrombie jeans, Ugg boots and a XXXL grey sweatshirt. But hey, I was young and going through a new stage in my womanhood. After that passed I moved onto the stage of wearing things that were cute, but ruining them by slapping on a cami underneath EVERYTHING I wore.
I am 14
Just getting into high school and trying desperately to fit in and make some new friends. I didn’t really know myself so I ended up following whatever I saw the seniors wearing & dating a guy much older than me to make up for the fact that I have no sense of self. This is the type of stage where I wore a cardigan everyday and a pair of brown boots with my jeans. I was insanely self conscious and refused to wear anything but jeans, I stuck strictly to the rule of no yoga pants (which I abide to till this day). STILL not doing my brows, but these things take time.
I am 16
Falling slowly in love with WWW and other fashion inspirations all across the globe. I was just getting into Netflix and binge watching Gossip Girl & The Carrie Diaries. I am just now getting an eye for individuality and finding my own style. With that came my interest in finding my next path in life. I wasn’t too set on college and didn’t truly know what I wanted to do with my career path. I started to plan my trip to London (alone), which was truly one of the most amazing and life changing experiences I have ever done. I truly recommend traveling alone to anyone who is looking to find themselves or even to learn more about yourself. I started to gain confidence via my fashion. Wearing unthinkable things and becoming a standout at my school – going against everything that I had previously known.
I am 18
I have just dropped out of college. Honestly going through one of my darkest times, busy in though on how I can regain my style and my love for fashion all over again. Truly thinking that I can never get back to the fun, adventurous person I used to be. I had a large influx of weight during my time in college which gave me an excuse to loose all sense of style and start to wear comfy clothes everywhere I went. When I left school I was alone and felt like I had no real way of life and this is when my style hit an all time low.
I am 20
I now live in New York City. I work for Harpers Bazaar and am living my best life. I am back to my stylish roots and have the best confidence I have ever had. I can wear anything, can feel anything and I am not afraid to be open about it. I am on the road to my goal career and my personality and clothing reflect that. I am headed back to school and ready for my second chance at life and I am fully prepared to do it right. But I do have to say that NYC cant change my London & Washington roots. I refuse to fall into the path of all business casual clothing, head to toe neutrals and minimalism – because honestly, that is just not me. I still embrace myself the best way I know how to – with my clothing.
Between The Clothes & Me 