Written By Lizzy, Former Fashion Consultant of Miami Dating Coach
Ladies, let me ask you a question. What’s more relaxing or comforting than putting on your favorite pair of Victoria’s Secret sweats, a ribbed tank, and taking on the day by storm? You’re comfy, unrestricted, and ready for anything the world may throw your way. Perfect! Too lazy to put on makeup? No problem, throw on your biggest pair of shades and walk out the door. Got your sandals? Hair in a ponytail? You’re set!
Does all of this sound familiar? Well, I have a woman to introduce you to. Ladies, this is Coco Chanel. She is the innovator of the women’s tweed suit and the inventor of Chanel No. 5 (bringing men kissably close to your neck since 1966) among other things. Chanel wishes to pass on some wisdom to us all. “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny,”
This is one of my favorite quotes. Not in a shallow sense, and not as a means to scold, but because it is the honest truth. Ladies, we are not Barbies or paper dolls. We are not a means for designers to show off new concepts or ideas, and we are definitely not shiny objects to be shown off at the elbow of another person. That’s not what this is about, that’s not what fashion should be about. Clothing, accessories, and fashion are about you. It is about being who you are, what you want to be, and what message you want to get across to others.
There have been so many times that I have argued with friends and perfect strangers about my thoughts and opinions regarding the importance of fashion. It isn’t because I believe women should dress a certain way. Far from that! Women should dress their way, but always keeping in mind to put their best foot forward. Coco gave us the reason, “maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.” Destiny could be anything from a job, to finding money, fame, or love. Don’t you want to look your best for destiny, whatever that may be?
As women, we complain of the superficiality of society. “I didn’t get the job and the girl who did had the best body, ugh!”
Another common complaint that I hear is that, “My boyfriend gets this look on his face every time I slip on my big, comfy, hockey jersey to go to bed. It’s like the magic’s gone!” We piss and moan about these situations, but never stop to realize that society, employers, and men are never going to change. As women we must adapt to society for our own advantage. This is not a means of giving in, but a means of compromising, a compromise that’s for our own good.
Neil Strauss, author of The Game, wrote in his book that, “There are two types of women in the world, lazy women and attractive women.” I agree. I know that temptation, like a triple chocolate cake in your face, will tell you to just throw on those comfy sweats and just go about your business, but it’s so important for women to maintain appearances, not for others, but for themselves. Impressing others with a healthy confidant appearance isn’t hard, and it doesn’t involve insane amounts of preparation or a loss of self. It involves knowing who you are and what you want, and that’s what fashion is all about.
Coco Chanel also said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” If we allow how we live and what we enjoy to inspire how we appear, then fashion shouldn’t be a chore. Fashion will then become yet another way to express ourselves. Express to impress.
Fashion is tailored to each person. It’s important to remember that when answering what’s best for you, the reader. Any questions on your tastes, needs, or desires can be answered on an individual basis. From women in the later part of their lives to the young teen, tastes in fashions and their goals will obviously be different. From young women who think the only comfortable way to dress to class is in a t-shirt and jeans, to plus sized girls who want to hide their curves in over-sized outfits, there is a solution to your personal style. All these scenarios are easily mended and it takes a little thought, a little know how, and facing a few simple truths. All this can be explained and revealed. Even the simplest of questions such as “How do I dress up a white tank?” or, “What shouldn’t I wear in the summer season?”
I hope I’ve inspired the Coco Chanel that I know is in you and that you are now motivated to put down that old tee today and really search your closet. So go on and get out there ladies because destiny’s calling, and now, destiny thinks you look marvelous!