In grade school, I realized I was unique in my behaviors and interests. I hid during “dance time,” stayed awake, day-dreaming during nap time, and rarely touched a Nintendo game. Drawing, painting, and dressing Barbie were far more important to me than kickball, softball, or any of the other activities my classmates participated in. While my friends watched Stick Stickley on Nickelodeon, I was mesmerized and inspired by MTV’s House of Style and the Fashion Network. I was familiar with Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Jean Paul Gautier, and Gianni Versace before I knew my times tables. To my parents’ dismay, this was evident on my 3rd grade report card.
On many occasions, I was scolded for cutting apart my dolls clothes and hair in hopes of creating more fashionable, chic look. My bewildered father nicknamed me “Dr. Destructive” for what I considered my own line of haute couture. Ironically, for 15 years, I’ve remained that mischievous girl with scissors in one hand, and a hot glue gun in the other. I, thankfully, have received praise for my designs in recent years rather than time-out.
Despite quirks and idiosyncrasies, I was not a weird-o or introvert that spent hours in front of the TV, cutting doll clothes, or hiding from outdoor activities. Instead, I was outgoing, animated, and convivial, even during my most awkward of stages. My lively, gregarious, and at times crazy personality launched me into the Tampa social scene and initiated several friendships with diverse groups of fun, interesting people. As I made new connections, I became recognizable to Tampa locals and partiers. I charmed key individuals at every bar I frequented and my arrogance led me to believe I was entitled to special treatment at each establishment. With this mindset, it was inevitable that I became a night life promoter myself.
I realized that in going out, my own venues included, I could display ingenuity in what I wore. Dressing for any occasion thrilled me. Finding like-minded friends who would spend the day bargain shopping, brainstorming, cutting, and even sewing with me was a significant style blessing. Nights on the town were opportunity to express my moods and exhibit creativity through what I wore. My personal goal became to never re-wear an outfit I had been photographed in. I attained this objective by rechanneling my “Dr. Desructive” days on several articles of clothing, making them new again and showcasing my originality. Although I’ve had cringe-worthy moments looking back at my creations, I have never seen an outfit I’ve donned duplicated by anyone, anywhere, at anytime, or in any photo. Mission completed.
On many occasions, I was scolded for cutting apart my dolls clothes and hair in hopes of creating more fashionable, chic look. My bewildered father nicknamed me “Dr. Destructive” for what I considered my own line of haute couture. Ironically, for 15 years, I’ve remained that mischievous girl with scissors in one hand, and a hot glue gun in the other. I, thankfully, have received praise for my designs in recent years rather than time-out.
Despite quirks and idiosyncrasies, I was not a weird-o or introvert that spent hours in front of the TV, cutting doll clothes, or hiding from outdoor activities. Instead, I was outgoing, animated, and convivial, even during my most awkward of stages. My lively, gregarious, and at times crazy personality launched me into the Tampa social scene and initiated several friendships with diverse groups of fun, interesting people. As I made new connections, I became recognizable to Tampa locals and partiers. I charmed key individuals at every bar I frequented and my arrogance led me to believe I was entitled to special treatment at each establishment. With this mindset, it was inevitable that I became a night life promoter myself.
I realized that in going out, my own venues included, I could display ingenuity in what I wore. Dressing for any occasion thrilled me. Finding like-minded friends who would spend the day bargain shopping, brainstorming, cutting, and even sewing with me was a significant style blessing. Nights on the town were opportunity to express my moods and exhibit creativity through what I wore. My personal goal became to never re-wear an outfit I had been photographed in. I attained this objective by rechanneling my “Dr. Desructive” days on several articles of clothing, making them new again and showcasing my originality. Although I’ve had cringe-worthy moments looking back at my creations, I have never seen an outfit I’ve donned duplicated by anyone, anywhere, at anytime, or in any photo. Mission completed.
1) Very well written and GREAT vocab!
ReplyDelete2) I will make it my mission someday to find two photographs of you wearing the same thing... Trust me, you'll slip up. And when you do, I'll be there to catch it. I'll be like a fashion TMZ, and you will be my celebrity-victim!