So everyone at this point is on Instagram right? How about Tumblr? Or Pinterest?
You have at least heard about these sites, right?
I bring this up because these social media sites have a corner of users who love to reblog/post/share/pin inspirational quotes on a lovely graphic background. I saw one the other day and it got me thinking about the personal relationship people have with the clothes we wear.
I know there are people who believe that clothes are just what you wear to protect yourself from the elements. But I strongly believe that there is a reason why you chose to buy those pants, that skirt and that shirt you only wear on the weekends.
Refinery 29 is a fashion site based out of New York city. I've followed them for a while on social media and they've been posting aesthetically pleasing quotes on their social media accounts. A few weeks ago on Instagram, they post a quote by Bill Cunningham.
"Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life." -Bill Cunningham
There are days where I just want to curl up in a ball and hide away from the world. On those days I dress in a pair of trusted go-to jeans (with lots of stretch) and a huge comfy sweater. I might wear a big cocktail ring or necklace to feign effort and I'm off to face my day.
I buy things because I envision a use for them, that applies to clothes (beyond protection from the elements). I know that might not be the smartest way to shop but I can’t help wanting to be prepared for anything. That boxy orange shell I bought for $10 at Dynamite is going to be worn at all the patios next summer, obviously. I have a huge knit cardigan that is a glorified blanket with sleeves, I usually wear it with old brown suede boots. Not only warm but I also look like I’m headed to a cabin. Isn't the dream to perpetually look like you're about to go on vacation?
In all honesty though, when do you buy clothes? Do you buy them when you’re feeling good about yourself? Or is it a pick me up purchase? The sad truth is that many women (and of course there are men who experience this too) feel that they aren’t attractive or fit enough to wear the clothes they see hanging in stores or on the glossy pages of a magazine. They can hate the way they look and when you need to replace a pair of pants, you end up going for whatever "fits".
For that reason, I find Cunningham's quote problematic. I know people who avoid fashion and style altogether. This is a fashion and design blog and I don't want to deviate too far from that, but fashion isn't known to be an accepting place. Unfortunately there are people who do view fashion as a hurtful thing, a reminder that they may not fit some idealized version of people.
To look at fashion as a shield to provide protection is looking at it the wrong way, unless Cunningham literally means shielding us from the weather. If that's the case, then I'm way off here.
The armour we use to live through everyday life should be the confidence we gain from our accomplishments. But why do we have to look at life as something that needs to be battled? Yes, life can be a struggle but it's a necessary struggle. Life is what you make of it, it doesn't have to be a war comprised of struggle, defence and strategy.
I think fashion is better expressed by Lynn Dell (who used to be an editor for Cosmopolitan and regular on the Advanced Style blog) who said "You must dress for the theatre of your life." Fashion isn't a bulky piece of armour you hide behind, it's a tool for expression. Dell has another famous quote that I don't think gets the recognition it deserves.
"To dress is artistic, fashion says me too, style says only me."- Lynn Dell
I have exams next week so I don't know if I'll have the energy or patience to blog, but I would like to encourage you, my dear, sweet, lovely reader to go out and buy something that you like that you may pass because you think it wouldn't suit you or any other excuse you make. Take that item, put it on give yourself a compliment (or two) and picture what you could do with it.
Have a great weekend!
