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90's fashion, kids style, lace socks with platform sandals, Paper Crown 'Acacia' Lace Trim Silk Shorts, Personal Style, silk shorts
“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta
I’ve been lucky to have a very style-conscious Mama. When I was a kid, she filled my closet with a wide range of stylish clothing and accessories. Everyday I could pick from a handful of outfits, but she always carefully limited my options to make sure I looked sharp. My mother spoiled me with her great taste. This is why now when I look at my closet before getting dressed in the morning I often want to light my current (and less impressive) wardrobe on fire.
The first day of school was a big deal in my family. My Mom always took a ton of pictures. On this day she made sure my outfit was extra special because I was making a “first impression.” Here I am in a red high-waisted skirt, striped shirt, white sweater, white socks, red headband, and my favorite, a thin black belt. I was six years old here and I’m wearing a thin belt with my skirt? That’s classy. The girl next to me is working her pink puffy jacket and I’m wearing white knee socks. No one else in my class wore stuff like this.
I wish I could take all the credit for this but I know my Mom was the one who only buttoned my sweater a couple of buttons so the shirt/belt would show underneath. That’s some quality styling right there and why I feel like my style peaked when I was younger. However, the lace socks with sandals was probably not the best choice…or was it?
I say peaked because as a kid I had a huge wardrobe; thank you Mom and Dad. As I began buying my own clothes, things would hold me back from self-splurging to maintain my massive closet. When you’re younger you think, “I like that, I’m going to wear it.” You don’t have the hesitation (it’s maturity right?) that comes with growing up. Now, abstractly liking a shirt, or purse or pair of shoes is not enough to justify a purchase. I worry, “Should I wear that? Can I afford that? And will that look good on my body?”
I wanted these tan leather hiking boots so bad! I didn’t even go hiking. Nor did I know anyone who went to Stanford. And I was tan! Why I wanted to be a little badass at such a young age is beyond me but damn, that dark lipstick and that attitude – who is that girl?
I like to think my fearless, stylish, six-year-old self has just been waiting for the right opportunity to show up again. I recently tried on a pair of short silk boudoir shorts which in the past I wouldn’t have had the confidence to even try. They looked good, but unfortunately I had to leave them, even though now I wouldn’t be afraid to wear them. Yes I am a normal, insecure adult with bills and a 9-5, but that doesn’t mean I have to accept being in a style rut. To get through a stagnant period you have to make the best of what you have until you can change your situation (or closet). When I can make those changes I plan on channeling my inner six-year-old.
When in your life has your style really shined? If you feel like you’re at your best right now, what got you there?
