Always a Fashion Girly 👧🏽

Growing up as a shy and closeted queer kid, I often found solace in the pages of fashion magazines like W Magazine and Harper's Bazaar. These magazines weren’t just collections of clothes; they represented worlds full of luxury, innovation, and artistic expression that felt like an escape from everyday life. For me, fashion was more than just what you wore—it was a way to connect with my identity and express feelings I couldn’t always put into words. Even though I didn’t always have the means to buy high-end fashion, I learned to appreciate thrifting and customizing my own outfits. This not only saved money but also gave me creative freedom to develop a unique personal style that felt authentic. Over time, I realized that fashion isn't about brands or price tags, but about how it makes you feel and how it reflects who you are. Keeping up with current trends through magazines and other media became a way to stay connected with the broader fashion community, helping me feel included despite my initial shyness. It’s empowering to blend inspiration from iconic fashion issues directed by influential artists and directors like Solange and Emerald Fennell with my own style choices. For anyone navigating identity and style, I’d say embrace what resonates with you—whether it’s high fashion or thrift finds. Fashion has the power to boost confidence and celebrate individuality. And remember, it’s perfectly okay not to care about others’ opinions; the most important thing is how you feel in your clothes and in your own skin.