Fashion is temporary, my fellow Fashionistas and Fashionistos, but style is forever. But unlike fashion, you cannot find style on a rack at a retail store; it must be worked on, experimented with and risks must be taken to achieve the one that is right for you. Grabbing that scalloped lace dress or those dark wash denim jeans is just the first step to figuring out your style. It took me years to find mine. In fact, I am still in the process of pinpointing my particular taste for fashion. That is what makes being a Style Guru so intriguing and exciting; I have the opportunity to find people whose style I jive with.
I ran into this Fashionista on my walk along the Lake Michigan front that Loyola is built on, and conversation about her certain style ensued. The silhouette and combination of colors she decided on that day led me to the details: a sleeveless open-knit cardigan, a blue floral blouse, a long black floral skirt and some accessories. She told me that a lot of what she wore is vintage garments bought an ocean away in the Philippines. In finding this out, I started to like the look even more because it told a story about her (as style should). After asking why she chose her outfit today, she told me that she chose to wear this long skirt because she saw someone else wear something similar once, and wanted to try it out.
She also told me that she changes it up a lot, and likes androgynous looks, as well.
I smiled. She takes chances. So I would describe her style as experimental. This chat shows so much about her and her style. It is risk-taking and fun because the Fashionista was wearing something she normally would not have worn before, and she was sporting two different floral prints. Floral is back for the summer season, and she styled it in her own colorful way.
This Fashionista shows us that style is ours to own. We can pick up all the bold colors at H&M or all the floral prints at Urban Outfitters that we want. Until we wear them and experiment the look they give us, though, we will just be a hanger holding the clothes.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Like I said, I wouldn’t have worn this before. So if I had style advice to give, it would be don’t be afraid. If it works on someone else, don’t be afraid to try it on yourself.”
