Finding Oneself:
From a young age, I discovered the power of expressing oneself through fashion and personal style. Raised in a refugee family that arrived in the United States with little to nothing, my journey into the world of fashion began with quality time with my mama in secondhand stores. Over the years, my style approach has evolved, becoming proof of my creativity, aspiration, and pursuit of individuality.
Escaping Societal Norms and Finding Your Personal Style:
Coming from a background where societal norms dictated how one should dress and present themselves, I found myself yearning to pull myself out of those norms and delve experimenting with my own personal style. The pressure to hide my curves and conform to an image weighed heavily on me. My teenage years were the most challenging times for self-expression without appearing too “provocative” or “showing-off”. I was always pressured to dress modestly and blend in with the crowds. At the age of 18, I moved to Chicago to pursue my independence; I noticed I didn’t feel the pressure of judgemental eyes when I dressed freely in a big city compared to when living in a small town. It was freeing and had emboldened me to continue exploring and being adventurous with styling and accessorizing. I started to experiment. One time I arrived at my retail job in a black and white printed polka dot skirt paired with a pink tulle skirt and a floral crop top (Trust me, I wouldn’t wear this now but it was the concept of dressing outside of the norm that excited me); the flood of compliments I received from my co-workers and shoppers boosted my confidence and urged me to delve deeper into the fashion world. Moving out at an early age provided the freedom to explore beyond my comfort zone, and it was particularly liberating in the bustling streets of Chicago.
Finding Secondhand Treasures and Style Inspiration:
As I grew older, secondhand stores were not just an affordable source for me but they were also a place for inspiration. I found joy in coming across vintage designer pieces that spoke to me. One particular memory was negotiating my way into a vintage Fendi handbag for a mere $100!!! (this was my first designer purchase and I was hooked) These days I find myself searching for hidden gems in thrift stores and consignment shops; whether it’s an online boutique or I am visiting a different city or country, I always find time to see what hidden treasures I might stumble upon. Venturing into thrift stores allowed me to curate a wardrobe that reflected my evolving taste. No longer bound by expectations of how to look and how to dress, I embraced unique patterns, colors, and textures. The move from a small town to a big city instilled a newfound confidence – a belief that individuality is celebrated, not judged.
Personal Growth and Timeless Elegance:
As I reached the age of 27, I started to reflect on myself. My style, much like myself, has matured. Growing into more of a woman in mind and body, I’ve gravitated toward a more timeless and feminine aesthetic. In addition to finding one-of-a-kind gems, I have started building a capsule wardrobe, I now prioritize high-quality, durable pieces over short-lived trends.
My journey through the different destinations of fashion is a witness to resilience, rebellion, and self-discovery. My style evolution mirrors my personal growth, from finding one of kind secondhand gems to expressing myself freely. As I continue to build a wardrobe filled with treasures that tell stories and forever living effortlessly chic, my fashion journey remains a celebration of individuality and the beauty of evolving with grace.
XX
Jenny