Fashion Diaries/Be You
My magnificent friend Regina, whom I first met on a plane whilst travelling to Germany for work, once was asked the question by Vogue magazine, “What is the look you prefer for a woman?”
Her classic and brilliant response was, “Be who you are, but be different.” Yes, we should aim to be the best version of ourselves and not be afraid of showing it!
Fashion and me
I have always loved fashion, even going back to my childhood, when I would sketch clothing designs on the inside leaves of my mum’s Mills & Boon books—books that teenaged me would later read in secret, as I’ve always been a romantic at heart.
Growing up, I remember how I was inspired by the BBC’s The Clothes Show, and in later years, by Fashion TV on Sky News.
I did not then have quite the clothes collection I have now, because I grew up in a large family. So it was fun to play dress-up, trying on some of my mother’s clothes and shoes. She even had a nice sheepskin jacket from the ’70s. On one occasion, as part of my end-of-school-year party, where that year we studied the Second World War, we had to dress up in period costume and my mother had loaned me her wedding dress. This was a lovely gesture, as her dress had a ’30s vibe.
“Be who you are, but be different.”
Yes, we should aim to be the best version of ourselves and not be afraid of showing it!
Don’t fall for trends
I saw clothes as art. A way to escape into another world where they would be a background story. I was fond of watching American soap operas like Dynasty and Dallas. With the former show, it was cool to see characters such as Alexis Carrington Colby, a bold, strong, and confident woman in spite of her flaws, rocking awesome and glamourous frocks.
Some fashions were cool at the time, whilst others were not. I once wore pink culottes in front of Windsor Castle. We should feel free to wear clothes or do things not just because they are trendy. We should wear fashion, join movements, support causes, live lifestyles, and speak out because it feels right.
Style
I love vintage fashion, as it is sustainable and better for the environment. Because it’s not like the latest mass-produced trend, it can be different.
I do not like to look the same as everyone else. I knew that I was different, not conventional nor always fitting in with the crowd. So, I appreciated this and acknowledged that it is OK to be, and have, a unique spin. You’ll see this in the photos I share on social media.
I absolutely love to have fun with fashion! I would like to inspire you to find joy, not only in dressing up to go out for a fabulous evening, but also when you are living your day-to-day life!
Be you. Be different
I was not always a confident fashionista; it took time to develop myself and become who I am today.
When I talk about having confidence, I’m not talking about getting things like fashion right all the time. Confidence extends into other areas of my life. I am talking about having my voice heard in work meetings or trying out new things, like becoming a Solo Traveller. Because I loved travelling, I decided to face my fears and leave the comforts of my family life, my friends and even my partner, to relocate and live and work in the Netherlands.
I also auditioned for the BBC’s Fame Academy, in a singing spot. Luckily, I successfully completed several elimination rounds, I also quit a lucrative and well-paid contract job, as I needed to focus on my health.
As my confidence grew, I began wearing a purple wig to my corporate job. It really made me feel empowered, in both a professional and elegant way. And then I started attending job interviews wearing my hair in an afro, which may be less European-centric, and was offered job roles.
Often, we can be scared to be ourselves – be it unique, gutsy, or bold – but we need to know that the world needs us to be ourselves because we add value to it! We can create beauty in our legacies like writing a book, or creating a better and more sustainable environment for our children.
Why do I do this inspirational work? I want to leave a legacy through my storytelling. Sharing “behind-the-scenes” stories of my exciting journey, as well as what you see happening in the moment. My life journey is fraught with challenges and struggles as well as fun and joy, all shared with you!
So be you and be different!
