Let’s Talk About Style
Hey, girl let’s talk about style and you finding yours. Style to me is expressing myself through my clothes, personality, and daily life through clothes. However, the true definition of style is a distinctive expression; the state of being popular; fashionable elegance …etc. But this definition doesn’t have to be set in stone. Style is forever changing, and as we go through different phases in life, we find out what works and what doesn’t work for us. Exploring with your own version of style can be liberating. After all, the only rule to style is to have FUN!
Growing up, my fashion interest was deeply influenced by a special lady in my life—my grandmother. My grandmother worked as a seamstress, and was really good with the sewing machine. She was delicate with her hands the way she wove together fabrics, making something out of nothing with just a needle and thread. She made every outfit she wore and also made my clothes too. There was nothing this lady couldn’t do. No matter the occasion, she would always look her best everywhere she went. I’m talking about two-three piece suits with matching hats, matching shoes (often heels), and lavish jewelry to church. She was the epitome of fashionable.
Fast forward to how she impacted my style choices. As a young girl, things were easy and simple because my mom chose all of my clothes. That all changed when I went to middle school and was forced to wear uniforms. Like most people, I hated being limited to what I could wear. I learned very quickly that the only solution to this problem was to accessorize.
If you know anything about Memphis, you know that in the early 2000s, beauty supply stores were notorious for all of our middle school fashion needs. The going style back then was colorful belts, feather earrings, and big bangle bracelets. People would wear polos, vans, and converse (some real and some fake). Everywhere you looked, people were rocking these styles. Anyway, my go-to outfit was khaki pants, polo shirts, and these knock off colorful, pinstripe Polo (Polos Assn.) shoes. I think it’s important to note that the clothing I wore was cheap and fake for a few good reasons. The first being that my mother was a single mother, and it was more important for us to have clothes on our backs, than to break the bank trying to keep up with the Jones’. The second is that money does not equate to style. The girls that get it, get it. It took me a few years to understand this concept.
Over the years, I’ve learned to incorporate different styles into my life and I’ve developed a signature look as well. During the week, you’ll most likely find me in business casual. However, on Fridays, I usually dress down in jeans oftentimes paired with some kind of blouse. I’m a sucker for a good matching suit set, it gives BOSS! I love dresses for an easy going feel. They are effortless and an entire outfit! All I have to do is add accessories and a cute pair of heels and I’m good to go. I like experimenting with bold colors, shapes, and prints. To say I’m obsessed with cheetah print is an understatement. Plus, it’s a print that will forever be in style no matter what.
There are so many categories and styles to choose from including but not limited to: casual, minimalist, boho- chic , vintage, street wear, preppy and business just to name a few. To me, finding your style is trial and era, you won’t get it on the first try. Choosing your style first comes with choosing to love yourself and your body. That’s the most important step. Having confidence would be the second step. You have to know that you are that girl. It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mentality! Feeding yourself positive thoughts about your body and yourself activates the “IT GIRL” factor. Also, knowing who you are and Whose you are plays a huge role. Being the treasure and apple of God’s eye is enough. He loves you just the way you are. I am here to remind you of that. Take the leap of faith and express yourself.
