My Fashion Story. Get some tissues beside you when reading this!

I recently got a question from a beautiful young fashionista asking me: 'Did you ever get criticized and how did you deal with the criticism.' That question has lead me to publish this post today because I believe that my story  will touch someone out there who has gone through something similar like me, even if it's not in the area of fashion. 

Ok so firstly let me take you back to my childhood. I didn't grow up trying on my mother's clothes and shoes before I knew that I was interested in fashion. To be honest, my mum dressed me up as a boy when I was young. SHE WANTED ME TO BE A MALE CHILD! (crazy, I know! ha) I never expressed any love or passion for fashion until I entered my teenage years.

ACTUALLY, it all started with a tiny bit of purple eyeshadow. From 6th class in Primary school, I had started experimenting with makeup. That electric purple was the first makeup product I had placed on my face and I remember feeling like a goddess with it! Many of my childhood friends may still remember. BUT, as I grew older I started experimenting more with colours, especially eyeshadow and let me be honest, I looked like a CLOWN most of the time. From the electric purples and blues right to my tomato red blush, there was no stopping me. When I got to 1st year of Secondary School, that's when my gear shifted towards fashion. I stuck with the makeup BUT I was more focused on my style. At this stage, I think I replaced my purple eyeshadow for other colours lol. The main problem I had in school with (some) teachers and the principal, was the way I customized my whole uniform daily. I really did dislike the uniform and I did believe in creativity so throughout my 5 years in school I never wore my uniform the way I was supposed to. Yes, I was disobedient but hey, I was a rebel. Soon enough, The teachers got used to it that it got to a point that they knew me as the most fashionable girl in the school. The principal was still on my case but I killed his beef and still went H.A.M lol.

One thing I know is that I was not inspired by anyone and I did not go to the internet, magazines or TV to copy a particular style and till today I still don't. I seriously don't know what it is but I can say that I have no fashion inspiration. Although, I admire Solange Knowles because of the way she embraces ethnicity and african culture through her style. After Erikah Badu, I don't think I've seen any other black celebrity woman embrace it as well as she does and Solange and I have something in common: Uniqueness. BUT still I wouldn't say she has been a source of inspiration to me in terms of me finding myself or anything like that.

Ok, criticism. YES, i was looked down upon. People judged me straight away without knowing me BECAUSE of my style and many hairstyles. Fellow black brethrens of course. I come from a christian family so the tradition is to serve God, go to church etc. Being a member of my church for many years, I had to go through some high and lows, especially the lows. I went through a period where I allowed people to walk all over me, tell me what I could and could not wear, and just basically control every single thing in my life. Maybe I was young but I was definetly not naive. I had a right temper and was quick to snap at every ill statement against me. AND BTW, I never dressed like a slut or anything. I liked to call my look Retro. (If I can find some pics I will post them up!) 

It was pretty ok in school though. People know me as a fashion lover but then again you always had the slags of the school who would look down on you just because you want to look good. TILL TODAY, I still live with that. Whenever I walk through town in Mullingar (my hometown) the way people would stare at me as if I had two heads. But then again, it's a small minded town where most of the people here have NO taste in fashion or are just messed up in the head.

What annoys me the most is when a girl sees another girl dressed beautifully and assumes straight away that she loves herself or is stuck up her own ass. Who are you to judge, after all you may end up working for this so called 'stuck up girl' so it's best to shut your mouth, get your life sorted out before judging another girl you see on the street. What's wrong in looking beautiful and being comfortable in what you are wearing?

I do not seek to please anybody but God so what anyone has to say about me is just a complete waste. There's nothing that anybody can say to me at this point of my life that will bring me down. I am confident, not cocky. 

For those of you out there who are dealing with such things right now, don't worry about it. stay strong. I have had so much abuses thrown at me because of what I wear etc, been called so many names but hey, I'm still alive. I don't let things get to me as much as I did in the past. I'm learning to block out the world and it's negativity and do everything that I want and that God wants for ME. I listen to my mind, my heart and God.

And maybe you should start too. However, my whole fashion story has affected me personally. I now find it hard to trust anyone and I really just like to stick to myself these days, focus on my career and do what I love best. There have been incidents where I would not talk to people I would usually talk to and all of a sudden they'd say Im full of myself etc. No darling, I'm just trying to stay away from your bullshit, trouble and especially your two-facedness. (ha don't think that's a word but it works in this instance lol) 

Currently, everything is going pretty well. My parents love me for who I am and support me in whatever decision concerning my endeavours in becoming a fashion stylist/buyer. (that's what I want to specialise in)

I will be participating in a lot of events this summer to gain more experience which will prepare me for the fashion course I will be starting in September. I am in intern in Dirty Fabulous Vintage Boutique for a month or so and I'm in charge of the maintenance and repair of vintage clothing. What an opportunity to work with such beautiful, elegant and chic clothing. I HAVE TOUCHED A WEDDING DRESS FROM THE 1940S THAT SOMEBODY ACTUALLY WORE. lool the feeling is great :) 

A big major thank you to everyone supporting me on this journey and those keeping up with my blog daily. y'all are great. If you have any requests either here or on youtube PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEAAAASE, holla at me on my facebook, twitter or comment below on this post. I love you guys, even if some of you may hate me lol :) thanks for taking your time to read this! 

Stay Beautiful <3