For those of you that don’t know, I like to describe myself as a strong independent woman.  I make my decisions in life and in fashion for myself, and myself alone.  This can be difficult from time to time due to societal pressures, constant comparison, and inevitable change, but it is not impossible.

When I get dressed in the morning I think about myself.  It’s shocking to me how many people appear to think about the weather, the popular girl at school’s opinion, and everything else, before considering what they want to to wear.  I couldn’t function that way.  I don’t function that way.  If people consider themselves when making wardrobe choices, they tend to put on an outfit that reflects the mood they are in:

I prefer to put on an outfit that determines my mood.  

I don’t understand why people question wearing a sequin covered dress to the grocery store or heels on a random Monday morning.  There are bigger issues out there, like crocs still existing.  And world peace.  Why does the fact I prefer sparkle to matte, or height to flat concern you?

If that dress or pair of heels make me feel good, even when I have 6 exams, the flu, a broken nail, and/or the apocalypse is occurring  then who cares that it’s Monday and I’m not attending a Gala? Even though I sure as hell look like I should be.  Why do we have to have an excuse to dress well?  Why do we need a reason to make sure when we wake up in the morning we feel good about ourselves?  Oh, your clothes don’t impact your attitude? You’re lying.

Back in January when I had a Women in American History final that I was stressing over, I went to the mall and bought a new scarf and sweater.  I was on a poor college kid budget, having no more than $20 to my name.. it was the outfit or snacks.  My mom didn’t understand why I bought a sequined blue infinity scarf and metallic top.  The top has since unraveled (curse you Forever 21), but so have parts of my life, I truly believe my clothes are symbolic.  Anyways, I reassured momma that when I look well, I do well.

After I earned a 98 on the exam, my point was made (…studying helped too).

This is a pep talk for the mornings you don’t want to get out of bed.  Put on a floral skirt, even though you would prefer sweat pants.  How can you frown in floral?  That’s against the law.

This is a reminder that I completely support your decision to wear a shirt from your dad’s closet.  Whether it is belted as a dress, or worn like a cape: rock it. Own it.

This is a post for my little sister that is getting sucked into consumer driven society.  I will love you in Justice brand apparel or Xhileration.  If you learn nothing else from me, please know that even though you despise polos *sob* you do love blue.  And you should wear blue every day of your life, if that’s what makes you happy.

This is my rant informing you that I can’t stand the fact that so many people strive to look the same.  Part of the reason I’m SO excited to be heading to the city, is that those clones will be lost in a sea of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes.  I firmly believe that being quirky and different should be embraced.  NYC doesn’t quite give hugs, but it certainly won’t reject you either.  There is nothing the Concrete Jungle hasn’t seen before.

This is a piece of advice to all the Holli-Barbie and Fitch girls out there that need to let go of the logos and find a look they identify with.  I don’t think you really identify with a red sea gull or moose, correct me if I’m wrong.  The verdict is whether you like it or not, how you look is representative of who you are and how you act.

A picture is worth a thousand words, if your outfit is good then your story must be better.

Allison