My Fashion icon

From a young age, I was always expressive with the way I dressed. I would put on my best outfits to wear around the house or when visiting my grandparents. My Nana, MaryLou, is someone I have always held as a fashion icon. No matter how casual the occasion was, she would wear all of her jewelry, and when she didn’t want it anymore, she would pass it down to me. These pieces taught me the story and meaning that fashion carries.

I am fortunate enough to carry jewelry that has been in my family for several generations, including some from Italy where my Nana is from. My mom would always tell me the stories behind the jewelry I received and keep it in a special box for when I was older. I always remembered looking inside my ballerina jewelry box, listening to the music playing, and admiring the pieces my grandmother gave me. My Nana always carried herself with luxury and made sure she looked put together no matter the event. Even as she got older, she would still manage to put on all her accessories to complete her outfit.

She was always completely honest when it came to fashion advice, and I absolutely adored that. It showed how much fashion meant to her and how she treasured every piece she wore. Being able to express myself from an early age was so rewarding in how I developed into my present self. It’s okay to take that risk, because all that matters is how the outfit looks in your eyes. I remember when my mom finally allowed me to start choosing my outfits, probably before five, and I would spend so much time getting everything ready from head to toe.

It was always something that I enjoyed, and as I grew into an adult and out of childhood, fashion remained timeless for me. Timeless in the sense that it is a joy that will never fade. It will always be something that excites me and, now majoring in Fashion Merchandising, something that challenges me. Whenever I see someone older, around my grandmother’s age, decked out in an amazing outfit, it always brings a smile to my face. It shows that fashion remains timeless for them too.

It is a way to not only express yourself but to show a piece of who you are to the public. On days when I don’t feel like getting ready, I think back to when I used to get excited to put on an outfit for any occasion. That excitement never changed, but my perspective did. What makes authentic fashion authentic is when a person wears anything they want, even when they’re just around the house. That excitement carries into the rest of your day because even though it is just a piece of clothing, you feel proud of the art you created.

Just like a true artist, it doesn’t matter about the praise you receive; it matters about the praise and admiration you give yourself. Just like an artist, it’s the perspective a person carries when doing any action. When an individual has the confidence to express themselves in any way, it shows a voice that is often hard to uncover. That is a voice I never want to fade away in the future.