Comfort Zones

When I started doing refashions, it was mostly to make things I thought other people would like. And in a way that's a good thing. In other ways it's not. Branson has been trying for years to get me to feel comfortable with myself. Personally, I just wanna fade into the back ground and lounge in baggy sweats and a t-shirt. Or, I used to feel that way. Doing refashions, or even creating different articles of clothing, has given me a sense of confidence and pride. It took me, and my pride, almost 2 years to admit that my husband has a pretty good fashion sense when it comes to what I look good in (insert his ridiculously smug smile here). 

I tried to find a sense of style growing up, but it was nonexistent. We are supposed to enjoy growing up, being kids, and blossoming into young adults. However, I was always swarmed by the feeling of guilt; guilt because I was always a foot taller than my classmates, which meant I was shopping in the women's section by the time I hit jr. high. There isn't anything wrong with what women wear, but as a 12 year old child, I was mortified that I couldn't wear the cute things everyone else was wearing. That's where my guilt came in. I felt guilty I couldn't look like my classmates. 

The great part about growing up with limited access to fashion is that I used that opportunity to observe. Everywhere people went, I looked at how they put themselves together. A lot of people thought I was weird, starring at them. I am weird, but not that weird. My eyes function just fine, so why not use em? I started to look to women who didn't care about their appearance. Most of the things these women wore were not my idea of cute. Granted, I do like my lounge clothes, but I just can't see how you can be confident if you don't try to break free of the lounge attire. So that's what I did. I started breaking free of my comfort zones, and I started buying, making, or refashioning pieces that I felt complimented who I was, and what I wanted to be. 

If the 12 year old me could see me now, she would probably giggle with glee. I'm now 20 years old, embracing a talent I've had all my life, and I'm changing myself for the better with its help. I don't worry what people will think of what I wear, because I have made it so I am comfortable. My projects aren't just made up on a whim anymore. They have days, weeks, or sometimes even months of planning and serious thought going into them. 

Actually, if you looked in my closet now you would see a variety of styles. Why? Because I am not the same person everyday. Some days I like outrageous floral prints. Other days I enjoy high heals, a nice blouse, and a leather jacket. When you start to explore your personality, you start to open doors to your style. There is still room for growth, and there always will be. So don't be afraid of tearing down the walls of your comfort zone. Start taking the time to appreciate yourself, your features, and learn how to show them off in a way that will make you confident. You won't find confidence in one day, but the more you try, the better off you will be.