When I was younger, I spent too much time trying to be 'effortlessly cool,' mimicking others' styles instead of embracing my own. (Honestly I had no idea what my style was at the time).
I was constantly putting too much effort into looking effortless and it was a mess. I looked like I was trying too hard. I didn't realize that those who truly pulled it off were simply being authentic with their clothing choices.
The recurring trend of minimal makeup often resurfaces, with magazines and social media offering detailed steps and product lists to achieve a 'natural' look—ironic, considering the effort involved. As a teenager, I got my beauty advice from magazines like Teen, Seventeen, or YM. You'd find me raiding my mom's makeup stash (in our small-town options were limited to Merle Norman or Walmart) layering on Elizabeth Arden to hide my freckles, thinking I was nailing the 'natural' look. Again - trying too hard.
In 1999, Meg Ryan, forever my fashion icon, stunned at the Golden Globe Awards wearing a casual sweater with a formal gown. That's when it clicked for me that true 'coolness' meant finding your own personal style and sticking to it.
I've always felt most confident in jeans and a t-shirt. It's been a consistent look of mine from middle school to now. The more worn in the jeans the better. The t-shirt could be a new white v neck or one of my old ones that has completely lost it's shape and bottom hem. I feel like I can pull off the look most anywhere especially when I take the time to style it right. But even when I throw on the combination and don't do anything else - I feel myself. Not saying that I look "cool" by any stretch! But, it is authentic and that's better than trying too hard (especially to be like someone else) in my opinion.
The blanket coat in this photo give me the same effortless vibe of my jeans and t-shirt combo. Maybe it's the texture of the Kantha that makes it seem relaxed and easy to me. The top layer is faded hinting at the fabrics underneath. It's obviously a vintage piece with comes with stories I can only imagine. It's one that I've wanted to keep for myself - but I already have a green mid style that I've personally claimed.
I love that our coats are so unique. That most everyone who comes in can find the one that fits their personal style. Watching you go through the racks trying to find yours - we get a glimpse of your personality or your style. I get tickled when you find colors or patterns that you don't like and you apologize. There's no need to say "sorry". I'm always excited when someone discovers "their" coat and lights up— even if it's not a style I personally favor, somehow I fall in love with it when it's found by just the right person.
That's when the coat that I was unsure of becomes effortlessly cool.