We all have them. Those items in our closet that are so fantastically fashion forward that they almost never actually make it out of the closet. I personally have a few: a palm-printed backless blouse, a full-length green romper that’s similar in structure to a mechanic’s uniform, and this beautiful, blue blouse.
Maybe it’s partly living in Vancouver where everyone wears practical, athletic clothing that’s often (and unapologetically) printed with a reflective Lululemon icon. I honestly have nothing against that — I enjoy lounging in spandex just as much as the next girl, and would wear more Lululemon if I could afford it — but gathering the courage to wear outlandish outfits is a lot harder here than in a lot of other cities. I wore this blue blouse in Palm Springs no problem, but here I’m met with stares and sometimes strange looks.
So I decided to face it head on. I’m working on being true to myself, whatever that looks like. Sure, sometimes that means leaving the house in sweatpants, a crew neck, and my hair in a top knot, and other times it means dolling myself up in dresses and stilettos. I find that the fun of fashion comes in the variety — there’s simply no limit to the looks you can create.
Needless to say, some passersby on the street took photos of me with their cell phones while I shot this look. Did it make me feel a little bit famous? Yes. Did it also make me feel awkward? Also yes. But I’m finding comfort in my skin, and what I choose to put on it, and there’s no better feeling than that.
All image credit goes to the beautiful Shamayne Zindoga.
Outfit Details
top: ZARA / Jeans: ZARA / shoes: ALDO / bag: Mackage
