Why I'm starting a blog about fashion

Shirt: Goodwill | Jeans: thvm 

This is my first post, so that means that everyone reading this probably knows me personally. What you may not know is that even though I usually dress like a hobo, I love fashion.

When I was in middle school, I read the Harry Potter series. Naturally, I went on to watch all of the movies. I grew up with these stories. And as one goes through teenhood, one develops obsessions. I loved the movies but I was particularly obsessed with the British actress who played Hermione, Emma Watson. I followed her career, and I remember one day I saw pictures of her in a fashion campaign. It was for a British fashion house called Burberry.

Burberry SS 2010 shot by Mario Testino

I admired the trench coats, elegantly cinched at the waist. The way the shadows in the clothing and makeup lent Emma a mysterious appearance. The sense of relaxed sophistication in both the fashion and photography. I knew it was just an advertisement, but I had unearthed a new interest.

Following this discovery, I avidly watched Burberry’s fashion shows. I was awakened to the existence of fashion houses such as Dior and Valentino. I read about fashion week, designers, and icons. I was enlightened but alone! Nobody I knew was really interested fashion, so I looked for outlets to talk about it. My cousin and I emailed each other often, sharing our interests. I had a tumblr account dedicated to fashion for a few years.

Maybe this comes off as a meaningless pursuit, but we all need some form of escapism.

I love things that are imaginative and fictional, but what I love more is reality that is touched with imagination. When I realized that I could change my life (or at least how I felt about it) just by writing, creating art, or putting on an outfit, something in me sparked. (Below left: how I hope I look when I’m inspired.)

by photographer Richard Avedon

Fashion – and more personally, style – isn’t reserved for rich people. I realized that I didn’t have to have a certain amount of money, or clothes really, to be considered stylish. Actually, I disregarded others’ opinions and just deemed myself stylish. 

I think fashion just felt like an indulgence until I realized I could write about it. But this blog isn’t about me!

The point of this blog is to help girls/young women who want to dress well but don’t have much spare time or money. (Tbh I don’t have all the answers so I’ll be learning too.) It’s also going to include some topics relating to the high fashion world, such as street style and sustainability in the fashion industry. Overall, I hope to work on bridging the gap between college fashion and the fashion industry. 

Gigi Hadid shot by Steven Meisel for W Magazine September 2015

My biggest wish is that my posts help someone, whether it lifts your mood or gives you ideas on how to work with the clothes you have. I really believe that the most important part of fashion is feeling empowered in the outfit you’re wearing, and in turn, making the most of your day. In the words of the late fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, “Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life!”

Thank you for reading!