Fashion Speaks

  Fashion is artwork that we wear, day in and day out; the art that reveals and speaks volumes  about who we are without the need of uttering so much as a word.  This is not to say that fashion is the most pertinent or critical method to communicate who we are as people, but it is the most apparent layer of our  being , so therefore has the most impact, initially. Surely we are about more than the clothes we  select to put on our backs,  but isn't it true that an individual’s choice of clothing, hair style, shoe choice, and even accessory choice all impact our initial perception of him or her? And even more so, doesn't it truly allow us to determine whether there is a commonality or a uniqueness that intrigues us to learn more? Fashion is a treat for the senses; a visual melody of hues, fabrics, silhouettes and textures.

A flowing, flowered print maxi dress softly communicates a comfortable elegance, tastefulness and grace. A sequined black mini, paired with a blazer and sling-backed pumps communicate business-ready with a fun and flirty flare. A comfortable pair of faded and distressed denim, matched with an over-sized blouse or sweater communicates comfortable, casual and ready for coffee talks. What we select on a daily basis to clothe ourselves in, whether we intend it or not, transmits a certain message to those around us.

It is for this reason that Portia Delaney, the main protagonist and narrator of my upcoming novel, despises her work attire. A medical office administrator is not left with much choice when it comes to daily fashion selections. It boils down to one very boring and abrasive word, "scrubs".

Alright, outfit, yes outfit. Well this is the most inexcusable tidbit of all. I’m here selecting an outfit for a first day at a job where my only selection can be from an assortment of various coloured scrubs, when I want to be making a selection between Gucci and Versace.  Lavender it is, I suppose. With that disgruntled decision made, I reach for my terribly ordinary lavender scrubs, quickly pull them on, jet into the bathroom and whisk a brush through my hair while applying a pinch of foundation and bronzer, because I’m too pale to even stand it. I add a bit of tinted lip gloss and I’m set to go. Yes to go to my, err….ummm… bore of a career. Pay increase or not, just the thought of getting compensated to give up my dreams on a daily basis makes my stomach turn, and anxiety take over. 

Portia initially allows herself to suffer from fashion workday/weekender syndrome. Her career choice limits her ability to express herself by way of her true sense of fashion and she’s left feeling drab and masked throughout the entirety of the work week until Friday evening when she truly feels inspired to dig out her designer duds.

As she becomes more committed to attaining her dream career as a fashion designer and stylist to the stars her drive opens doors for her career and the doors of her wardrobe. All the showstopper looks collected over the years are finally strutted on the regular, and the true outer Portia is able to make a full appearance as desired.

“Portia Delaney, you look like you should be on the cover of one of those big time fashion mags you’ll soon be styling for!” She remains completely fixated on me and proceeds to accost me by running her hands all over the crinoline and layers of my couture masterpiece. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and admit that I would want to have my way with me too. The emerald green fit and flare gown is so flattering to my bust and waistline with the scooped neckline and the corset style bodice, I look like I’m straight out of Vanity Fair, the William Makepace Thackery novel, not the magazine. My hair is now piled in ringlets on my head and bedazzled with pearls. My exposed neck is adorned with a rose gold chain, elegant yet understated with a tiny pearl encased diamond dangling from its end. I’ve finished this ancient-made-new again look off with my BCGB stilettos and an ear to ear fuchsia pink smile

The pieces and products in the everyday life of the superlative and creatively freed Portia Delaney include the following:

  Fierce footwear

Whether dazzling crowds with her designs or finding herself as the one being dazzled  by her handsome companion, Portia’s footwear is always first rate and usually increases her 5 ft 6 inch frame by 3-4 inches.

  Enormous shades

Let’s face it ladies, when we can get away with it, going au natural in the eye makeup department is always a possibility when you've got some large stylish frames to throw over your recently awakened and puffed up eyes.

Marc Jacobs tote

In the early chapters of the novel, it is this signature piece that allows Portia to still feel some connection to her fashionista tendencies during the gruelling 9-5 days at her scrub- overrun office.

A little black dress (or 50)

I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Kate Spade store in the neighbourhood of Yorkville. The event was hosted by ELLE Canada and in the words spoken so eloquently at the opening by their Editor in chief, Ms. Noreen Flanagan, “Every girl should have at least 50 little black dresses in her closet”. 

 A comfy pair of loose fitting boyfriend style jeans

For those days of jet setting, meeting up for chats with the girls or having a quiet evening in, the boyfriend denim is a must.

 Vibrant shades of lip glosses and lipsticks

Red, fuchsia , maroon, violet, frosted pink, whatever the colour, a well-defined lip is never a bad idea.

Beyond Portia and the world of trends, style and fads, fashion promotes the opportunity to allow true individuality to shine if we stay true to ourselves.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:
http://becauseiamagirl.ca/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_AQA1xb4Is&feature=youtu.be
http://plan-international.org/

Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley @City_Rhapsody

Happy reading!

Jessica Ashley