This article originally appeared on ringsabelle.com (my previous blog) in February of 2017.

I wore this particular outfit to Naeem Khan, which was the show I was most excited for this season. I’ve been very excited to see his work for this year so I wanted to put together something special to wear that day. I take a lot of care in what I choose to wear; always ensuring my entire look fits together and describes how I am feeling in that moment. I carefully hand select the vintage pieces I find, restore them to good health, and wear them with pride. The morning before the show, I even made a special appointment with my good friend Heather Schnell to curl my hair in a retro style.

After the show I had asked the lovely couple next to me to take my photo – which they were kind enough to do – even complimenting my outfit in the process. Which is why, during their quick snap, I was so surprised to hear from behind me:

“Wow. That girl looks like vintage furniture. I guess everything gets recycled.”

Fashion is all about expressing yourself. If and when you dislike something that someone else is wearing – and it will happen – it’s important to remember that the things you say are not just harmful, they are rude. I said nothing while my outfit I had worked on for weeks was torn apart in seconds. I knew I felt good in what I was wearing and I wasn’t about to feel bad about it because someone else thought it resembled “furniture.”

So here’s to all the women who choose to wear colour instead of the ubiquitous NYC black, and for stepping out bravely in something totally unexpected.

And to the women that choose not to follow every trend; that wear what makes them feel their absolute best and reflect their own personal style. Not what everyone else is choosing to embrace.

This NYFW I learned that when you stay true to yourself and your personal style, wonderful things can happen. After all, fashion is all about expressing yourself. Even if you decide next season to go as a shag carpet.

Thank you for noticing my personal style WWD.

XO

-Belle

OUTFIT DETAILS:
CAPE: Vintage 60’s
FAUX FUR: Imposter 4 U
YELLOW CARDIGAN: Vintage 50’s Cheerleader
DRESS: Vintage 70’s
DRESS 2: Glittery Topshop
BEADED HANDBAG: Vintage (date being researched)
SHOES: Prada

SPECIAL THANKS TO HEATHER SCHNELL XX