All part of growing up

As I’m going through the post-graduation-beginning-career stage in life, I begin to ponder about life and how my taste in fashion has transformed.

It was not long ago where I shed the awkward teenage years - of not knowing what I look good in - ugly hairdos, baggy tees, flare jeans, and chunky wedges that were large enough to kill a rat (I’m still amazed that I was able to run in those for 20 metres to catch a bus).

And right now, I’m changing my wardrobe from a largely tube tops and jeans combo to a feminine work dress and funky summer outfit closet. I’m still pretty much figuring out what suits my shape and what doesn’t cut it. What is my style, and what is fashion. But hey, even if this takes a couple of years to iron it out, it is still alright. I think everyone deserves the option of being well put together.

After a while, I realise dressing up is always fun. Fashion is dynamic. Subjecting to yourself to the latest trend is a big no-no, but injecting elements of the latest trend into your staples to complement your style, is a big yes. You can be flamboyant one day, and the next, subtle and sweet. All in your signature dress sense of course.

I still remember as a young child, I often sneered at my sister’s extravagant taste in fashion - I really preferred to be dressed in sloppy board shorts and big school tees - then to carry LVs or wear $100 plus shoes. And to buy anything more than SGD$50 was outrageous.

But time has changed, and age has helped me to appreciate my sister’s keen eyes in fashion. It really is not about buying branded goods, it is about  investing in classic items that will age gracefully with you. 80% staples, 20% trends. It is also about comfort. Sometimes it does pay to spend a little more for the extra luxe touch - I rather not slip on a pair of $5 shoe, if it will cause my feet to break out in blisters.

Just like most women, I have come to love my Chanels, Tiffanys, LVs, Ferragamos, Tods, Louboutins, and Bottegas.

I know I can’t really score them all, and yes I do realise that it is really a matter of careful selection and learning the art of putting the pieces together tastefully make them work for you. Decking oneself out in branded or expensive goods from head to toe is crazy, it is fashion pornography.

Mix-and-match I would say, is something that I have learnt. Avoid looking too over-dressed or too under-dressed for any occasion. Pair a $10 dress with a $100 bag and you can look spectacular. Pair a $1000 dress with a $100 bag and you may look over-kill.

But at the end of the day, I’m now a great beliver of good classic pieces, vintage are a big come back anytime. And I am working my way on selectively acquiring those pieces that would still work magic 20 years from now. It is all about being a smart shopper.

Enough said, I’m awaiting the arrival of my leather boots, snake-skin print pumps, and (chuckle) my 2.55 to arrive.

Little girl has come a long way ehz?