Why fashion? I often ask myself the same question. I never really took the time to unpack where my love for clothes and putting them together originated; it’s just always been there. There’s something about the rush of mixing and matching to create outfits, and then adding a little something unexpected that just ties everything together. It’s fun, it’s exciting, but, most of all, I love that it has the power to increase confidence. When someone is wearing and outfit they enjoy, it shows. It’s something so simple, but it makes a big difference.
Early Days
For me, I think my exposure to it at a young age was a factor contributing to my love for it as an adult. I was born and spent the first nine years of my life in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. Bucharest is no New York, Paris, Tokyo or Milan, but, just like any big city, it has its fair share of fashionable people. Romanians also tend to really care about appearance and the way one presents themselves, and my family was no exception. Both my mom and grandma were stylish ladies and I learned a lot from them growing up.
Coming to Canada was a big change for the whole family. I remember feeling slightly lost in the beginning, which is to be expected. As I was entered my teenage years, I began experimenting with different looks. Unfortunately, the look that was popular around that time was the “scene” or “emo” look, which is great, for those who are able to pull it off. Hint: I was not able to pull it off. It made for an awkward couple of years, but making mistakes is key for learning and evolving. Plus, there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with going through an awkward phase as a teenager; it’s like a rite of passage. No regrets here!
Finding My Style
University is when I really began coming into my own, falling back in love with fashion and style, following four years of wearing a high school uniform every day. Every. Single. Day. It did not allow for much self-expression, so you can imagine my eagerness to have the freedom in deciding what I wear every day. Around that time, the TV show Pretty Little Liars was in its prime, and I found myself getting a lot of inspiration from lead character, Aria Montgomery’s wardrobe. For those of you who have watched the show, you’ll know that she made some really wacky accessory choices, but she was a total style icon and her outfits were always a hit! I mean, earrings with spikes? Um, not really a subtle choice for day- to-day accessorizing. But, it was forgiven. Her clothing combinations made up for the overly- aggressive jewellery.
Following university, as I entered my professional life, I felt like I was losing my personal style, in an attempt to collect more “business casual” pieces. However, after a few years of dressing for work, and for myself, I discovered that I could balance both identities and find pieces that are versatile enough to wear both ways. Ultimately, this led to the discovery of my personal style, which features a little bit of everything and is expressed through my work clothing, my day-to-day clothing and pretty much every piece that lives in my closet.
Conclusion
I’ve gotten comments over the years from people who claimed they did not understand my decision to choose a houndstooth blazer, straight legged jeans, and loafers, for example, over a hoodie, a pair of sweats, and some casual slides. As I see it, both are the same and require the same amount of effort. I’d still be putting on a jacket/sweater, pants and shoes. The difference is that, when it comes to my personal style, the first outfit would raise my confidence and bring me excitement. The opposite may be the case for someone else whose personal style is sporty and who prefers to wear hoodies and sweats or joggers – a sporty outfit may be what they feel most confident wearing and what makes them happy.
The beauty of it all is that it is our decision what we wear and how we choose to present ourselves to the world or how much of ourselves we express through our style choices. And we can make the decision which makes us happiest and most confident. This can evolve or change, we don’t have to reach a point where we’re completely bored or unhappy with our style. It is something that is ever-evolving; it is a journey.
What is your experience with fashion and style? Do you enjoying hunting for clothing and creating fun outfits? Do you enjoy expressing yourself through the way you dress? Was there an ah-ha moment when you realized you loved fashion and started becoming interested in it, or has it always been a part of your life? Tell me about your own experience with clothing and fashion. Can’t wait to chat!
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