There's something about watching models strutting down the catwalk in flamboyant outfits that fascinates us. It's like bearing witness to some kind of sacred ritual from a world that, deep down, we feel like we will never be a part of.
For, as much as we may adore fashion – to the point of voluntarily placing ourselves in dire financial straits each month just to stay 'on trend' – we just know that walking down Henry Street, wearing a peasant headscarf and oversized spectacles á la Gucci's pack of granny-chic gazelles, will likely lead to a few odd stares.
We at SHEmazing firmly believe that creativity and individuality – especially in fashion – should always be encouraged, and so we are casting off our sartorial jitters and sharing our "don't-give-a-F" attitude to style.
We decided to start small, taking a note out of Katy Perry's style book and spending the day in a turban…in Kildare Village.
When you break it down, a turban is really just a fancy-looking hat, but the thought of venturing out in public wearing an accessory usually reserved for Hollywood icons brings to mind Rachel Green's experience in that negligée – "New York, NOT ready". Indeed, the following reactions sprang to mind before I even placed the thing on my head:
1. That wan has fierce notions of herself
2. Morto for the try-hard
3. Her face is WAY too round to pull that off
4. That's a bit much for Sunday shopping, isn't it?
5. She does realise she's in Kildare Village, not walking the runway, right?
So, can you guess how the day went? Aside from one or two lingering looks (intrigue or vicarious mortification, we're not sure), the response was, well, totally and utterly normal. People didn't give a damn. And the feedback I DID get was nothing but positive.
"I LOVE your turban!" said one very excited male employee at Kate Spade (to be fair, I was walking out with two sizeable bags – OF COURSE he was going to love me).
It was the next bit, however, that totally invalidated any pre-turban jitters that may have kicked in as I walked out of my house that morning: "I noticed you walking around earlier, and I just had to tell you how great it looked."
So, in the midst of a heaving Sunday crowd, this employee had actually stopped to take notice of me BECAUSE of my 'fancy hat'. And you know what? That made me feel really good.
So, morals of the story:
1. Don't be afraid to stand out, whether it's a humble turban or an in-your-face technicolour dreamcoat.
2. If it floats your boat and makes you feel good, take a 'fashion risk'. Most people won't bat an eyelid; others just won't give a damn, and the odd gem will high-five you for daring to be different.
3. You don't need an occasion, and there is no 'appropriate' time or place – embrace your individuality right now, and do your thang, girl.
Jane Haynes
