The gorgeous Zoe as photographed by myself.
My spring break was definitely productive. I worked a lot, I got to hang out with friends, I managed to pull off appearing on Breakfast Television, and most importantly, I had an epiphany–yes, another one! Now, I’m the kind of person who regularly has random epiphanies on just about anything (I’m going to stop consuming dairy! I’m getting a second job! This hat will change my life! etc), but my latest revelation really struck hard and left a bruise…
It all started with changing my favourite colour from pink to orange last month. I know it doesn’t sound significant and it probably doesn’t make any sense, but switching from hot pink to tangerine was definitely the ticket. Like Helen running away to Troy and launching a thousand ships. You following so far? Anyways, this seemingly innocent act (okay, so Helen ditching her husband for a younger man is not so innocent, but you get the idea) was basically the symbol of things to change.
With a new favourite colour, I slowly began to gravitate towards all things clean, simple, and minimal–Jil Sander, Zara, Steel-framed architecture, asymmetrical things and leather. This taste for modernism was subtle, and at the time, I don’t think I realized it was even happening. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks later, when I had finished setting up my photography equipment for an outfit photo shoot, and looked for an outfit to wear, that I realized…WHOSE CLOSET IS THIS?! I DON’T LIKE ANY OF IT! I DON’T WANT TO WEAR ANY OF IT! I lost it. I began to savagely pull clothes out of my closet, muttered fervently under my breath and swore I’d get rid of it all.
I was so overwhelmed by the atrocity of my entire wardrobe that I began to reject the idea of clothing itself. I seriously questioned the fashion industry, consumerism (we really buy too much crap we don’t need) and legitimately considered becoming a nudist because they never have to worry about buying clothes (but later realized that Winnipeg weather is not ideal for nudists). Yes, I was stark raving MAD. Thankfully, I calmed down eventually, and had the sense to call up blogger big-sis Kylie, who help me rationalize and stop freaking the hell out during my crisis.
LONG STORY SHORT: just as peoples’ personalities change and grow over time, so does their personal style and aesthetic. On the surface, it seems like that is all it is, but at the same time, I feel like there is so much more. This isn’t just preferring one colour over another, THIS IS A COMPLETE 180! Over one revelation, I realized five things: 1) I am the same person; I just outgrew my old style 2) I need to GET RID of the clothes I no longer want to wear 3) I need to STOP buying CHEAP clothes that DON’T FIT well 4) I need to IGNORE the trends that don’t suit me and LEARN the shapes, colours and fabrics that look DO compliment me and 5) I need to INVEST in some expensive, but well made CLASSIC pieces.
Perhaps the biggest duh-moment, is realizing how I ever managed to dress myself without basics. I mean, I didn’t even have a black tank top before this, I had to go buy one!!! Why I put up with the difficulty of dressing myself in an odd assortment of things that hardly went together (that’s like building a house of bricks, without the concrete) when I could have had a nice set of well-made basics is BEYOND me. Why was I putting myself through such hassle in getting dressed? I had finally discovered the secret of chic French dressing for myself, and that, my friends, is just where the story of my old life ends, and the sequel begins…
By Strawberry Freckleface August 4, 2011 - 3:43 AM
>Great shots! Love that top/bralette she is wearing.
strawberry freckleface
By Anonymous June 17, 2011 - 8:30 PM
>She. Is. Breathtaking.
By Amy May 22, 2011 - 2:39 AM
>Totally love this post and agree wholeheartedly with your new realizations, which are things I've recently realized for myself as well. I got rid of a ton of old clothes that I hadn't touched in ages a few weeks ago, and I felt excellent, and I realize there is still so much more I need to get rid of, and so much more to learn. Thanks for the inspiring post, especially because it can be a tough thing to come to terms with when you're running a fashion blog! Good luck.
By galatea. May 4, 2011 - 9:17 PM
>great shots and you photogrpah too!? awesome x
By Michelle Lee April 26, 2011 - 4:03 AM
>amazing
By Heini April 12, 2011 - 8:29 PM
>You´re not alone, I have those moments of self-doubt every once in a while and sometimes they lead in a complete transformation, whether it was my style or musical taste. Change is good and normal for kids of our age. So embrace it :)
By Raman April 10, 2011 - 5:55 PM
>so true!! sometimes an overhaul is needed so that you can find the perfect style! these photos are amazing!! x Raman
http://viabellafashion.blogspot.com
By artemis April 10, 2011 - 3:31 AM
>i have been fashionable since i was a tween & i am in my mid 40s now but believe you me, your fashion preferences will still swing other ways as you mature & change as well, this is only the start. i thought i was already set in my fashion ways when i turned 40 but i was mistaken. between 40 & now it has constantly changed. just recently it took a more ferocious, edgy turn. and i took it, not bad for a midlifer. so fellow pinay, here's to more fashion "swings" & i have no doubt that you can rock every change you make…more success raez♥
By hildesolli April 9, 2011 - 10:05 PM
>Beautiful :) Love the makeup.
By Lydia April 9, 2011 - 9:08 PM
>Beautiful!
By annie markantonatou April 9, 2011 - 7:48 PM
>I hope you have strength for everything! but in your 20's you can do anything!!!
http://anmarkdesign.blogspot.com/
By Roxy Heart April 9, 2011 - 6:25 AM
>Gorgeous photos! They look so professional!
Want to follow each other?
http://www.fashuhneestah.com/
By Claire April 8, 2011 - 11:17 PM
>I can relate so much to this. I went through this "dark age" if you will of wearing logo shirts hoodies and skinny jeans. Thank GOD that's over with (mind you it was in grade 7). I think that not buying cheaply made clothing is a great rule to live by.
http://www.notimeforchitchat.blogspot.com
By Clara April 8, 2011 - 8:46 PM
>Beautiful!
xxx
By Ivania April 8, 2011 - 5:39 PM
>ahw man you're so talented Raez, these should be in a magazine. your entire blog should be published. I don't consume any dairy either, except for occasional yoghurt. It's so useless for your body!
By Prisca Umba April 8, 2011 - 4:08 PM
>Dude, I so UNDERSTAND what you are saying . Went through the exact same thing :).
P.S Sorry for calling you dude , I just do it to everyone .
By Milda April 8, 2011 - 1:52 PM
>This is such a stunning photoshoot!
great styling and lighting and the way it feels as if the viewer is standing outside of the door.
I feel the same about clothes – full of cheap unflattering pieces :(
but at least you look stunning in everything!
By Anonymous April 7, 2011 - 11:27 PM
>extreme close-up whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
By costra y ampolla April 7, 2011 - 10:46 PM
>Raez you're cool in front and behind the lens!
love the black lipstick!!
By Cylia April 7, 2011 - 9:52 PM
>though, there was nothing wrong with the way you 'used' to dress. The minimilastic trend has been almost pushing bloggers to do the same.. and even when considering the pro's and the con's between 'overdressed' and less is more.. you probably, now, come out counting more pro's for 'less is more'.. but that doesn't mean being 'overdressed' should be pushed out of the picture. and I totally agree with you that people grow and so does their sense of style. Accepting is the only thing we can do:) resisting just costs too much energy. I am ready for the 'new you'! Let's begin this journey;)
By Vasilieva April 7, 2011 - 9:05 PM
>brilliant
http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
x
By costra y ampolla April 7, 2011 - 8:57 PM
>Raez you're super cool in front and back of the lens!! love the black lipstick!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By Liana April 7, 2011 - 8:56 PM
>omg everything you just said is what i've been thinking about lately too! totally glad i'm not the only one thinking this way :)
amazing photos too! you're very talented!
Fashion Bag 411
By Emmie van der Veen April 7, 2011 - 6:44 PM
>Haha! Wow. Guess that happens to all of us at some point. But hey, if you want to get rid of your red-roses-jacket… I'm willing to pay for it. :)
By Angel Nicole April 7, 2011 - 5:16 PM
>Have a blog sale !!
I'm sure a lot of your readers would purchase things :)
xx
http://2170.blogspot.com
By **OnYxStA** April 7, 2011 - 4:11 PM
>Cool shoot and the model looks like the infamous British supermodel Erin!
Onyxsta says BLEURGH!!
http://say-bleurgh.blogspot.com
By rouli April 7, 2011 - 1:21 PM
>such a beauty
love the bra!
kiss
By amalie April 7, 2011 - 11:56 AM
>wow she looks gorgeous! you take great pictures raez xx
By Joana Gomes April 7, 2011 - 10:28 AM
>wow, she's a really good model and you are, as usual, a great photographer.
By fashion suicides April 7, 2011 - 10:08 AM
>I enjoyr reading your post; you write lovely! Been there too ;). I'm actually thinking of making a serious "closet makeover" today!
http://fashionsuicides.blogspot.com
By Jacquie April 7, 2011 - 8:16 AM
>I understand where your coming from, 'growing out' of your clothes is something most people go through and it feels great to have a good purge.
noireetmince.blogspot.com
x
By Dodo April 7, 2011 - 7:53 AM
>Those pictures turned out really well!
By Marjolein April 7, 2011 - 6:30 AM
>Aah Raez I have the same thing. I have a million things, but I just want nice and cool basics. But it's hard to resist the cheap ass items.
But you inspired me; I'm gonna sell of throw away the clothes I never wear, since my wardrobe is about to explode.
By Maria Elba April 7, 2011 - 5:58 AM
>so lovely! love the lace bra very elegant
By bravegrrl April 7, 2011 - 5:45 AM
>great post… i think everyone goes through this in one way or another… can't wait to see your future outfit posts…
By Anonymous April 7, 2011 - 4:05 AM
>great idea!
By Roya April 7, 2011 - 3:08 AM
>lol, I just went through this like two months ago. If you're learning this now at 17, you're way ahead of the game.
By Kayraheart.fashion April 7, 2011 - 3:00 AM
>these shots are amazingly gorgeous!!!
By Mom Fashion World April 7, 2011 - 2:54 AM
>Wow! She's gorgeous!
Nice lipstick!
http://momfashionworld.blogspot.com/
By Natasha Negovanlis April 7, 2011 - 2:41 AM
>Well put! I am sitting here grinning, because I just did a major closet purge myself! I started investing in classic things like a good pair of black pumps, a suit jacket, a nice watch, etc. I too, used to buy things just because they were on sale – which in the end, made me even more broke! Spring is a wonderful time for fresh starts. As a fairly new admirer of your blog, I wish you all the best!
By Rebecca Jane April 7, 2011 - 2:23 AM
>It might have something to do with the spring cleaning vibe I have been feeling lately but I too am up for a wardrobe revamp. Sounds like a good epiphany to have in my books.