Wednesday, April 9, 2008

This thing called STYLE

With my interest in fashion, it's natural that I would have given some thought to the concept of style. I distinguish style from fashion. One can be fashionable but not stylish. To be fashionable simply means to be in touch with current trends, whereas style entails possessing a distinctive aesthetic and necessarily an awareness of self. Some might critiscize interest in fashion as shallowness, but I think developing a personal style is a process of self-evaluation and a way of achieving confidence.

It is fair to say that my mum has had a profound influence on my interest in fashion. Even in the photos of her back then, her sense of style is evident. Despite being petite, she has this air that sets her apart from others and makes her more than just a pretty face (even though she is obviously very beautiful). She KNOWS herself, that's why. She's not afraid to wear spaghetti-strap tops despite her age, but chooses the classy instead of trashy ones and wears them under jackets or cardigans. She has an amazing collection of vintage and current jewellery ranging from the expensive to quirky ones made by art students. Even though I might not always agree with what she wears, she almost always looks good. Most importantly, she has taught me that the best accessory is personality and vitality. And that, perhaps, is more important than anything you put on yourself.

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