Style vs. Fashion: Tips on Developing the Former

Fashion is essentially the popularization of someones sense of style. That which is fashionably acceptable hails from the runway's filled with the creative expression of the industries approved designers. Fashion is much like copying off anothers paper. Yes your answers will be correct but no one knows what you know, what you are really capable of. Style is quite different from this. It is a rebellion against the popular opinion and a choosing of personal expression over public acceptance. Style is risque, unique, edgy, slightly out of place, yet "just right" for you. Style is the un/blendable choice.

When working with people the first question I ask them is "who are you?" The second thing I look to determine is what they are attempting to express through their look; what are you wanting to say to people? Tuning into your style requires a clear and concise answer to both these questions then your creativity can free fall into whatever depths you are experiencing. This is the meaningful side of Styling that many people don't get to experience because they fail to see it as art. Just as a poet picks up a pen to create, a FASHIONIZER opens drawers, opens closet doors,  and looks under beds to pen their message. Fashion is fun but style is evolutionary. Get tired of copying someone elses style and find your own. Here's a few tips to help you on your journey.

Tip #1. KNOW THYSELF: This is much more complex than it sounds and lies at the root of many personal issues people face daily. Not knowing who you are creates a web of problems all connected to a center of insecurity. The only true way to know yourself is to spend time alone in deep thought about your life's demographics, the things you have experienced, how you responded to your experiences, your habits and their cause, what needs to change, what is awesome, and many more what's, how's, and whys. As it relates to fashion, have a moment of mirror honesty; focus on what you want to see in the mirror.  Seek to determine what colors you like most, what trends do you absolutely adore, what brands seem to keep you satisfied, who in your circle of family and friends do you fashionably admire and why? After answering these questions, take an assessment of your closet then match what you said you like with what you are actually buying. This will speak volumes about your reality and help guide your next shopping trips. If you aren't buying what you say you like, a change needs to come! Don't waste your money buying on impulse or last minute shopping. Treat your style as a precious jewel, handle with care.

Tip #2. GET OUT OF THE SQUARE; TRY A CUBE: What is that one item in the stores that you look at and think "oh my God I could never wear that" or "I like this but I don't know what to do with it?" Now I'm not talking about those things that are eyesore hideous or figure damaging....I'm talking about those items that give you that cliffhanger feel when you see them. You know what I'm saying ;o)! Buy that item next time, take it home and play in your closet with it. Style is all about pushing yourself to an edge, becoming raw, and vulnerable. You might discover that the item is just not for you but the goldmine in this is that you are making a habit of dressing "outside the box."


Tip #3. EXUDE CONFIDENCE: I don't care if you have on a Walmart door buster; if you discovered it and you love it, your duty is to wear it like you mean it. Give it your all honey, Sashay Shante, yes you, YOU better work!! Pardon my memories of a drag queen from a former life. I would say 70% of style is confidence; not necessarily how or what you are wearing but how you feel in it. Where there is no spark, there shall be no fire. So if you wish to look hot, ignite internally. People will fall in love with your overalls, kangol, and wingtip oxfords simply because your energy romances them so. Note: Do not confuse confidence for arrogance.

Tip #4. BECOME A DJ: Back in the day, before they were called "producers," deejays used to be responsible for mixing up a track to get the sound they were looking for. In the spirit of production, mix up what already exist until you get the look that you can FEEL and in the process, you just might come up with something new (they call this trendsetting). If you saw a look you love on the street, in the store, or in a magazine, take in the elements and attempt to recreate one or two of them by changing the style; or you might just add some pieces to it. Often times, accessorizing is a secret weapon for letting your uniqueness shine through. Take inspiration from others but make it your own through the *missy elliot voice* Reeeeeeeemix

Tip #5. DO FOR SELF: Care not what others think. DRESS FOR YOU. Wear those things that make you feel like a post sunset summer breeze with a scent of lemon. Be selfish and self-absorbed with your style. Determine, what YOU want, how YOU feel, and what thoughts YOU want to inspire when you look in the mirror. You have to like looking in the mirror and if you don't, hop back up to tip #1. Free yourself by being yourself. Everything around you, including your circle of friends, should reflect the beauty inside that makes you different from everyone else. Yes people have much in common and we relate through our commonalities but the entertainment of life is found in the individualism. *now singing*  It's your thing, do what YOU wanna do, I can't tell you....

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”-Gore Vidal

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