I like to think of myself as dramatic. I am expressive in every way, shape and form- an artist and a muse through and through. This deeply reflects in my attire, my lifestyle, my overall demeanour as a not-so-human being. Fashion dictates my attitude– my Venus in Furs, a cruel but loving mistress.
Recently I’ve been reflecting on the ins and outs of my year ahead, and one of my favorite ones is choosing to dress up all the way, no matter how mundane or simple the activity will be. Maybe it’s just getting your nails done after trudging through smoky hot Makati streets, or eating sushi while hopelessly watching Carrie Bradshaw worry about Big going to Paris (he’s NOT worth it!!!). No matter how small the activity, I want to make it a point to get a little fancy just for the sake of being fabulous.
I find that the dramatics of ones soul is only ever sincerely reflected in the way one presents themselves in the stillness of their own room. That being said, I think dressing up at home or just for a mundane activity motivates one to improve style and their overall presentation too. Fashion really does make a huge difference. ‘Dress for the part you want’ or however the saying goes.
As we get back into the habit of third spaces and quiet days, let me take you through all the different ways we can romanticise fashion and life, even in the most mundane parts of the day:
1 EXT. A CAFE ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK - MORNING
Morning coffee to try and forget the rest of the day that’s about to happen. Your coffee costs more than the book you’re reading, but you’re fine with that. Dress to match your current read because it’ll make you a much more alluring than the guy next to you “reading” Dostoyevsky, I promise. I personally like to bring just a book bag (sometimes literally a book bag) so I can focus on my reading. Add on a velvet scarf to pair with your lucky Mary Janes and a locket hiding a picture of your lover.
2 INT. THE ATELIER, WORK - MIDDAY
It’s freezing cold, and the only sound you hear is the click clacking of your boss as she surveys the office in her old pageant heels (so DWP coded!). Dressing boring for work is out, high end comfort is in. Start embracing the office experience and experiment with layered lounge wear. Kitten mules are key, and big bags are sooo in. (Looking at you, interns who think that their tiny little handbags are going to help them survive in the corporate world!)
3 EXT. THE GROCERY - AFTERNOON
Nothing worse than having to get up on a perfect Sunday afternoon from your perfectly warm sheets to go to the horrendously lit grocery store that’s just a little too far from your home. Incorporate the same need to be someone’s airport crush into the activity and dress in understated chic: a satin skirt and a comfy knit, paired with a baguette that holds only your keys and wallet (because what else do you bring to the grocery?). You can also start carrying an eco bag, because not only is the planet slowly dying from the overuse of plastic, but your local supermarket’s free bags are plain UG-LEE. For makeup, do with a bare face and red lipstick, which personally is like going to Church without a bra under a bulky sweater- which is to say that this is a great idea because no one will notice!
4 INT. YOUR BEDROOM - EVENING
No one can see you, but it does not matter. The Sunday reset is all about tapping into your inner Dionysus and indulging in all the things you wouldn’t usually indulge in throughout a work week: sushi, chocolate, jazz. Wear a long, dramatic silk robe (or your favorite sweater) over your cutest pjs. Light candles and spray your favorite mist into your air conditioning. No makeup required after an everything-shower, but gloss yourself with your favorite skin care products. Jazz music plays in the background as you read a book or watch your favorite film. Now is the time to take care of your soul. Missing: an Earl Grey (martini) and an Italian cigar, lit.
I think people should be less afraid of how they’re perceived and more afraid of how boring they’re making their lives out to be just for the sake of fitting in. Who cares if people find you odd for wearing pretty dresses and statement pieces out in public? I say challenge the notions of simplicity. Embrace nonconformity.