The Day I Figured Out My Style

Personal style is confusing.

According to society standards, everyone should be unique and true to who they are when they style themselves, but they must also follow fashion's trends and rules. Therefore, everyone is responsible for finding that magic combination, because that's easy (FYI: trying to convey sarcasm in writing is tricky).

I struggled with this for a long time.

Throughout middle school, I styled myself with what my meager score-keeping (summer job) and babysitting money could buy me.

Throughout high school, I styled myself as to what was acceptable by my peers - and my high school dress code.

Throughout college, I styled myself with an unnecessary overwhelming and overstocked closet of cheap finds from Plato's closet.

It wasn't until two and a half years after graduating college that I figured it out.

I worked part-time for the salon that I had been going to for years at the front desk. As a perk of working there, the stylists often liked to try out new techniques and styles on me.  It was during this time that I discovered the edge that could be captured in that of a platinum blonde. And not just blonde - but with some pink thrown in.

I loved it.

Suddenly my love for leather leggings and bold floral prints made sense.

Suddenly pairing my staple leather jacket with a top adorned with a feminine lace illusion neckline captured my personality perfectly.

Suddenly having neon-pink nails wasn't a crime if the rest of me was dressed in black.

I had been a girly dresser all of my life. But I had finally found my little bit of edge.

Fast forward to the present, and I am no longer purchasing clothing just because it's cute or in style. I have to be in love with it, and it has to represent me. (It also has to fit with the current season's capsule wardrobe, but that is a story for another time). I am still rocking my bright white-blonde hair and have even discovered the greatest toning shampoo that has kept it cool and even turned it a grey-purple hue.

I wish I figured this out sooner. I wish I would have spent less time conforming and more time embracing.

Having hair that looks more grey than blonde is often misunderstood. I often get the comment: "Why would you want your hair to be that color when it doesn't have to be yet?"

My response? "When that time comes, at least I know I can pull it off." :)

Photo Credit: Kmellema Photography