personal style is one of those things that isn’t static; it changes daily and sometimes hourly. i’ve always struggled to break out of the box in terms of style originality–not individuality, which is on sale in most magazines these days, but true originality. i think it’s because truly original style requires some element of strangeness, and for most of my life i’ve made it a point to develop an understated style. (i think there are many stylists and editors who would agree that although it’s fun to style a client or model into a super trendy look, when it comes to ourselves often times we tend to stick with a uniform that’s chic yet subtle–and it isn’t always like that, but it’s not uncommon.)
i can’t remember what magazine i read it in, or who exactly said the words, but some fashion genius once said something to the effect of: “i always try to have one strange element in my outfit.” and we’re not talking subtle strangeness here–we’re talking gold boots in the garden.
for me, that little nugget of style advice–tossed casually from the mouth of some chanel exec during an interview–was golden. so now anytime i get into a fashion rut (which involves my utter inability to style myself into anything original) i remember those words of wisdom and proceed to throw some random element in. adding some strangeness to an otherwise generic look does wonders for the development of personal style, not to mention your outfit for the day.
with that said, for the past few weeks i’ve been marching to the beat of my own drum with my new chanel oversized frames. see?
they’re vintage looking since they have some denim on the sides, plus it’s a total exaggeration of the geeky look. (random note: apparently some people take offense to the term “nerd” since the term denotes less empowerment or something.)
so okay, the oversize eyeglass thing is nothing new (i get that). but mine are a little larger than most and, i think, unexpected on an asian person. lately i’ve been getting a lot of compliments and a few confused stares. but whatever. it’s a good sort of self-conscious feeling that i’m getting used to. i’ve realized that the more i break out of my comfort zone the more i want to do it more often–if that makes any sense. i used to be a stickler about cohesive looks and things that “go” together–and i still am, but–nowadays i find myself more open to experimentation with random shit. it’s kinda liberating.
