A Minute With Mandy: On Fashion, Art, & Awkward

H&M Turtleneck Sweater x Leather Cage Skirt

Remember those pages in the back of gossip magazines that used to trash celebs and their outfits? I loved turning to them in the past, as most of the time, the spirit of the outfit was grasped by me, and it wasn’t always all bad. After all, fashion is art we live our lives in, so why not tell our “now” story with them? We’re all different, and so are our fashion choices. I often get asked if I regret certain outfits I’ve worn (often by my mother), and the answer? No fucking way. They’ve all captured a feeling, memory, or simply what I wanted to try at the time. Those intangible things are fucking GOLD IMO.

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane: specifically, back to an outfit I was most proud of in high school. The theme of our school dance was something to the tune of “Odd Ball” or “Crazy Ball,” I can’t remember. What I do remember is putting together my first TRUE streetwear outfit. Back in the day where it was weird to wear Converse with dresses (esp at a private Catholic school), I decided to take it a step further (why the F not) and try my hand at something more vogue, yet punk.

It included: a red tie up halter top from the Gap, a pleather tube top, an asymmetrical flowy rainbow colored shirt, rolled down hosiery socks: each one different neon colors, and a pair of heeled patent mules. I borrowed my boyfriend at the time’s skate hoodie to top it off. This was also the first time I played with the half crimp half curl hairdo. It was also the first time I tried my hand at DIY nail art (red nails with black flames). Awkward? Who cares. Awkward trials lead to mastery later.

Because I couldn’t dig up the exact photo, here’s a similar vibe I had going on back then: glitter lightning bolts, patent leather, and that studded belt I wore until the leather broke. Don’t miss that rhinestone tattoo btw. OMFG. Memories.

Back to that outfit: it somehow ended up winning some best-dressed award! Looking back, as crazy as it was, it was fun. It sparked something within me to continue playing with randomness when it comes to fashion. Today, streetwear is a legit thing, and it’s so inspiring. That outfit inspired one of my OOTDs for NYFW this season, and it was fun to take a look outside my chic box and go for textures and things I hadn’t tried before.

NYFW Day 2 OOTD

I have been obsessed with harness pieces for a while now, yet never pulled the trigger. This past NYFW, I said F it and ordered a mini skirt I had my eye on from Etsy. I have also been loving the trend of sequins: from pants, skirts, to bomber jackets. For NYFW, I brought them together with sneaks for a comfortable, yet fun look.

The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to be a loud version of yourself. Play with fashion. It’s supposed to be fun.

H&M Knit Turtleneck Sweater x Oblepikha Harness Shop x Fenty Puma