Thrifting Queen

Embrace your individuality

June 12, 2012

I just had a very interesting conversation with one of our O.R. nurses. I see her everyday and we often stop and chat. She's a lovely lady. This morning she stopped me in the stairwell and proceeded to tell me that she loves my style, that she looks forward to seeing what I'm wearing every day and that most importantly, she loves that I don't look like everyone else and that my style is "different".

Needless to say, I was quite overwhelmed with her generous comments and obvious sincerity and of course, told her how much her comments meant and how appreciative I am that she would take the time to tell me this.

What really struck me after I took this all in is that a few months ago, I would have taken the word "different" as an insult, like somehow I stick out in a negative way and that I should tone things down to look more like the environmental norm. But YLF (through Angie and all of you) has given me more confidence and now I'm taking that word "different" as a compliment - it's nice to be honing a style that not only speaks to me but appears visually interesting to others.

So Angie and YLF - thank you. Thank you for helping me learn to dress myself and express myself in ways that make me feel good. I still have off days but I think have more hits than misses and I'm constantly learning through your valuable feedback.

Ladies - embrace your individuality! "Different" isn't a dirty word!!!

Posted in the General category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

26 Comments

  • Diana replied 13 years ago

    Amen!

    Being unique and different in my style is very important to me. With the exception of some YLF favorite pieces (but those are mostly basics, like the AE denim jacket and BR martin pants), I am usually turned off from buying something if lots of other people have it.

    I have a friend who makes a point of checking out my outfits every time she sees me and letting me know that she loves them and my unique style. =) Everyone should have friends like that, and friends like you wonderful ladies here.

  • ManidipaM replied 13 years ago

    Amen, indeed! Took me a while to embrace my difference, and I'm still stepping gingerly. But it was plain as the nose on my face that trying too hard to fit in was not for me --- like Diana, I'm leery of wearing too many things I see on other people often!

    Shannon and Diana, you are two of the most distinctive dressers I've seen. Stay beautifully unique and inspiring, please!

  • MsMary replied 13 years ago

    Fantastic on every level! Congratulations, beautiful Shannon!!

  • rae replied 13 years ago

    Testify!

    What a lovely story, Shannon. And kudos to this woman for spreading positive energy to other women - it's too often the other way around. Isn't it amazing how much time and effort we can sometimes put into looking like the crowd when it looks much more "right" to be different?

    ETA: I was just struck by a strong high school memory. I was so so so ashamed of having to shop at thrift stores while everyone else went to the Gap and Vans stores. I tried to dress *extra* different, so that it would look like I didn't care, even though I did. After all that worry? Senior year, I somehow got voted "most fashionable" even though i was not very popular and always thought I had the "wrong" clothes. Turns out people respond well to differences!

  • catgirl replied 13 years ago

    Wonderful to embrace this concept and to hear from someone else. It is true, Shannon - you have embraced your individuality in the best way.

  • cciele replied 13 years ago

    Shannon, you have really hit your stride and so nice that the nurse let you know how much she appreciated your style! I love seeing everyone's style and we embrace those differences .

  • Meredith1953 replied 13 years ago

    Shannon,
    You show joy and exuberance in everything you wear! You really are dressing "your truth".

  • Suz replied 13 years ago

    You ROCK!!!

    And so does that lovely nurse.

    Not to mention, YLF.

  • fern replied 13 years ago

    Yay for the O.R. nurse.
    I got that compliment last summer, from someone I'd just met ("Different, not quite vintage, but there's something unique....). It was a huge confidence builder & very affirming that i was on the right track.
    Go individuality!

  • modgrl replied 13 years ago

    Rock it girl!! You are carrying the flag for ALL of your YLF sisters today. We are so proud and happy for you!!

    I feel like you all crowd into my closet with me every morning and help me get dressed. How can I get a killer look every day??? Not just a so so I got dressed today look, but one that my girls would be proud of!!

    You have totally hit your style groove! Hug your closet when you get home tonight. You got it going on!!

  • replied 13 years ago

    What a wonderful post! Shannon, don't you know there are many others who love your style but are too shy to comment. You are an inspiration to me too!

  • HelenInCanada replied 13 years ago

    Yes. This. Amen, Shannon!

  • Angie replied 13 years ago

    :)

    I'm just so pleased for you, Shannon. You of all people are so very deserving of praise for your KILLER style.

    ROCK ON!

  • christieanne replied 13 years ago

    That is awesome and well deserved. You are bold, confident and embracing your style every day - so inspiring.

    And your OR nurse reminds me to go ahead and compliment people when I think they look great - I think we should spread the good feelings around more :)

  • Deborah replied 13 years ago

    Shannon thanks for sharing this. And this is one of the reasons I love YLF. Angie inspires and encourages us to be ourselves and not cookie cutter images of someone else. Bless the lovely O. R. nurse for sharing her thoughts with you.

  • cheryl replied 13 years ago

    This was great to read. It's so nice that she gave you such a great compliment, I love your style and am glad you are enjoying your style journey!

  • Mo replied 13 years ago

    So happy to read this story! Love that she shared with you. And I agree, cookie cutter is NOT where it's at for me :)

  • Joy replied 13 years ago

    That compliment was so well deserved, Shannon. Your style just gets better and better and you always seem to be having fun. You have given me hope that by posting WIWs, I can get YLF help to become even half as stylish as you are.

  • citygirldc replied 13 years ago

    It's nice to hear good things happen to good people. You deserve the great compliment and you are definitely fashionable.

  • marianna replied 13 years ago

    Love this! Thanks for the reminder.

  • Jonesy replied 13 years ago

    What a fabulous, happy story. She is right about your style, and I love your epiphany about what "different" means to you now. It's so glorious to feel that way about yourself and your style :)!

  • cjh replied 12 years ago

    Great story. I'm glad you had this happy experience, and thanks for sharing.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    /highfive!

    Great story, and I fully agree with the OR nurse AND your view of the word "different"!

    (Rae, your story was fab too!)

  • Vicki replied 12 years ago

    Shannon, this woman made your day and you're making mine here. You know I've "copied" you before and I will again, I'm sure. Thanks to YLF, we ARE expressing our individuality and grow more comfortable with it each day. Hearing your story and the experience you had today, invigorates me and is a loving embrace to each of us. Thank you, and know that you have incredible style! ^_^

  • Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

    Gosh...I sure hope y'all know I posted this not to get compliments, but to encourage you to embrace your individual style because we are ALL FABULOUS in our own unique way!!!

  • Sveta replied 12 years ago

    It was a great compliment and dare I say very much earned!
    Shannon, I cannot say how happy it makes me feel that you don't afraid to be different anymore. Good for you!

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.