How to Create Your Own Fashion Statement!

Last week I told you guys that I would write a post about how to figure out and make your own fashion statement, so as promised! :) There is a reason that the way you dress is called a fashion statement. Because when you get dressed, do your hair, and put on your makeup, you are literally making a statement. A statement about what kind of fashion you are into, what kind of lifestyle you enjoy, what era you like, and many MANY other things! I think that's kinda cool! So, it seems only right that you make a conscious decision about what signals, or statement you wish to project to the world! And, it seems only fair, that you have the right to change that fashion statement whenever you wish!

For me, I do not like, that when a person decides that they wish to convey a different
emotion or fashion from before, that they get made fun of, and get labeled a "poser". This is simply people being ignorant! We all go through different phases and stages of life, and these different things make us into who we are! And sometimes those different stages call for a fashion change, or influence you in a way that you wish to convey through fashion!
I have gone through many fashion changes in my life! I started dressing very eccentric when I was in high school, because I went to a private school with a strict dress code, and so that was me trying to rebel against that!
Today I dress different than I did in high school. I still dress pretty eccentric, but a bit more fashionable than then. But I believe that my high school fashion statement still is a big part of my fashion statement today!

And that's what it's all about! It's about us evolving, and picking up bits and pieces of stuff along the way!

                         My fashion statements throughout the years!

-High school (age 15-18). Because I went to a private school with a lot of strict dress code rules, I was all about bending the rules so I could still look cute. I figured out every loophole I could so that I could wear stuff I liked, but not get into trouble.
My high school fashion essentials were: Men's ties (before Avril Lavigne thank you very much!), fishnets, converse chuck taylors (I wore them to graduation with my gown and everything), chunky shoes, big boots, fun skirts (they had to be past my knees), funky hair, Baby Spice  hair, and headbands.

-After high school (age18-20). I experienced a LOT of fashion statement changes. I turned 18, so I went out and got my lip pierced, and my ears pierced, and got really into skateboarding and anything punk. I became OBSESSED with batman, and any batman related clothing or accessory. I also backpacked around Fiji, Australia, and Vanuatu for two months, so I liked anything comfy and easy to pack into a suitcase! And then closer to turning 20, me and my sister really got into skinny jeans, and the whole emo fashion. And to this day, I find that I still keep a lot of emo fashion elements.
My after high school fashion essentials were: my Batman tshirt, converse chuck taylors (I will always loove these shoes), lots of black eyeliner and hot pink eyeshadow, skinny jeans, skate  shoes, tutus, my studded belt, funky earrings, and my brand new lip ring.

-Living in China (age 21-23). I was all about Chinese fashions and hairstyles, because I was experiencing the Chinese lifestyle and culture for the first time, and I became completely immersed and in love with it. The second year I was there, my style was more Hippie because me and my Hippie Chinese friends did a lot of traveling. We all traveled on trains, shared each others clothes (even the guys), crashed where ever we could find, didn't take showers, and played music!
So while living in China, my fashion essentials were: my new brightly colored
hair, brightly colored skinny jeans, clothes that I bought from cheap roadside markets, face masks (for the pollution), high-waisted skirts, those mittens with strings attached, my peace sign earrings, my old man china hat, big belts, old lady sweaters, headbands, and my guitar.

-After I got back from China (age 23-24). I was still a major Hippie, and I
really got into wearing t-shirts tucked into high-waisted skirts and shorts.
My fashion essentials were: Headbands, my high-waisted shorts that I got at Goodwill for $2.oo, old lady skirts that I would cut short then pull up over my belly button, thick belts, red lipstick, anything that looked like it was from the 70's and lots and lots of hair accessories.

-Now (age 25). I think my style now is just a really random mix of all the different styles I've adopted over the years, plus some more random ones! I would describe it as a mix of: Pinup girl, 1950's housewife, Emo, Hippie, and the 1970's.
My fashion essentials are: Headbands, bows, bandanas, summer dresses, chinese dresses, victory rolls, pin curl bangs, high-waisted shorts and skirts tucked into t-shirts, stockings, tights, fishnets, red lipstick, lots of liquid eyeliner, corsets, high heels, tie dye shirts, and my combat boots.

Now that I've given you a look at my fashion statements throughout the years, I'm gonna tell you how to make your own!
A fashion statement is you deciding (and then writing out on paper, collecting pictures, and envisioning) the direction you would like for your personal style to go! I like to do this about once a year, or simply whenever you feel in a rut and want to mix it up a little.
How to make your OWN fashion statement:
First, you need to think about, "What am I all about RIGHT NOW?" What are you really into? Is there a certain culture your really into? Or a movie? Or magazine? Book? You can literally find inspiration EVERYWHERE! In nature, standing in line at the supermarket, or just looking at a travel magazine!
Next, look at pictures for inspiration! Look at magazines, blogs, pinterest, anything! Keep a folder of all the pictures you like, so you know which styles you tend towards.
Then, write down EVERYTHING that is inspiring you! Examples; eras, culture, decades, cartoon characters, countries, animals, a certain group of people, bands, a certain color, the possibilities are ENDLESS! So write them all down, then take some time to read over your list, and really think about it. Do you like zebras? Maybe start to incorporate some zebra striped clothing! Do you loove the color blue? Start wearing it! Look for blue accessories or clothes next time you go shopping! Do you like the music of the 70's? Maybe find some tie dye! Do you see what I mean? I'm gonna show you what my list looks like, so you can see what to do:

What's Inspiring Me Right Now:

*50's Housewives

*Leopard prints

*Hot pink

*The 60's/70's Hippies

*Pin up Girls
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My Inspirations Make Me Want to Wear:

*Adorable dresses, aprons, heels, and an-I can cook anything- attitude!
*Leopard printed clothing and accessories (fake of course!).
*Hot Pink in my Hair!

*Peace Signs, tie dye, and a recycling, all we need is love- attitude!
*High heels, victory rolls, pin curl bangs, corsets, stockings, fishnets, and sexy dresses and skirts! 

So there you have it! Now, get inspired and go make your own list :D Then whenever you go shopping, carry this list with you, and only buy things that fit in with your inspirations and wants. I promise you, you will look, and feel, FABULOUS!
Have so much fun!!! <3
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Peace Love and Fashion Statements
Jess <3