Spring/summer has arrived and as I take 99% of my photos outdoors, they are all out of sync. It is a little frustrating but it is what it is I suppose. At least I’m in line with the seasons in the Northern hemisphere (ha!) though whatever that I’m wearing may be considered ‘out-dated.’ What is fashion anyway with a perpetually dribbling toddler to care for?
If you know me in the ‘real world’, you would notice that denim forms a big part of my identity. When we went to NY and Iceland a couple of years ago, I came back with nothing (I know!) except for a vintage denim jacket from Narnia Vintage. I loved it so much and wore it even when I was heavily preggers and literally bursting at the seams. It continued to be my most worn item postpartum but I was itching for an oversized fit so I purchased one from Topshop to fill in the gap. Ever since I got my hands on them, I’ve kinda *guiltily* placed the vintage one in the back burner but I can assure you that it is not going to that donation pile. It’s one of those pieces that I know I would reach for again in a matter of time. Besides, it just holds too many fond memories that I would never ever want to let go.
Wanna hear a funny/embarrassing fashion faux pas? Although I’m a self-professed lover of all things denim, my relationship with it hasn’t exactly been smooth-sailing. When I was in high school and still living in Malaysia (note: Malaysia is hot all year round), I opted for an oversized denim jacket with a fur-lined hood from good ol’ Topshop to take with me on holiday to China. I felt good in it as it was really cosy and did the job. I took it to a couple of winter holidays and eventually it came with me to Australia. I continued utilising it (as one does back in the days before fast fashion became a huge thing) and felt reasonably comfortable and stylish in it until…
It landed in the hands one a friend’s gigantic ex-bf (for reasons that I’ve forgotten about). He put the jacket on and it fitted him, very well. They were laughing their heads off, so did I! I was very embarrassed as you could imagine and knew instantly that it had to go, far away!
2 important lessons learnt here. Just because it’s denim, it doesn’t guarantee versatility. Also, oversized isn’t always associated with ‘cool’ in fashion. Actually… in this world of street style, that jacket might work especially for someone who has a quirky sense of style. Back then, it certainly didn’t and I was oblivious to it.
So my style journey hasn’t always been spot on (I don’t know if it ever has) and I learnt a number of lessons along the way. I think I’ve come a long way since. Although there’s so much more to experiment and play with these days, I can say that I’m happy with the way my personal style has evolved. I know fashion doesn’t entail a right or wrong answer and it’s bound by many constraints. As long as I feel good about the clothes I have on, I’m on to something.
There you have it, that denim story that I would like to bury in a hole somewhere. Truthfully I don’t mind a bit of self-deprecation. In fact, if I’ve managed to make you laugh, my embarrassment was definitely well worth it!
I’ve got so much to share and I’m trying to build the blogging momentum up once again.
x