My old roommate thinks I'm mean because I wouldn't openly share clothes and/or shoes with her. If she really needed something then I would be like "oh here this works for you." But it was very rare.
One time at my graduation dinner, she was telling my sorority sisters about how I don't share clothes. And I said something along the lines of, "It's because, to me, clothes are not a commodity (even though they really are haha). I struggled for a long time to find clothes that fit and to develop a style that was flattering for my body. So those are not just clothes. They are little treasures that I fell in love with in many thrift store/Old Navy/Target dressing rooms. Those moments when I was able to look in the mirror, feel comfortable in my skin and feel good about the clothes on my body."
To elaborate my awkward pre-teen and teen years further:
I vividly remember crying at the store many, many times when I couldn't fit into the shoes or clothes that I liked. It was so sad and traumatizing. And I'm sure many of you can relate. Yes, even womxn that are smaller than me can relate because we all had an awkward stage when we were younger. For me it was particularly difficult to find shoes! (I have wide feet.) Fuck! Everyone needs shoes at least ya know! They wore out after a year and you almost always needed to get a new pair at the beginning of the school year. It sucked! And I'm sure my mom felt bad for me too because she was there every time that this happened and comforted me.
I vividly remember crying at the store many, many times when I couldn't fit into the shoes or clothes that I liked. It was so sad and traumatizing. And I'm sure many of you can relate. Yes, even womxn that are smaller than me can relate because we all had an awkward stage when we were younger. For me it was particularly difficult to find shoes! (I have wide feet.) Fuck! Everyone needs shoes at least ya know! They wore out after a year and you almost always needed to get a new pair at the beginning of the school year. It sucked! And I'm sure my mom felt bad for me too because she was there every time that this happened and comforted me.
So YES! I am very protective of my clothing! I'm not going to let you borrow shit unless I know I can trust that a.) you won't also fall in love with it or b.) you won't just simply forget to give it back.
Now that I know where to shop and what fits well, I'm happy, more confident, and excited to get dressed on a weekly basis. And don't get me wrong, I love my jeans, t-shirts, sweats, and lounge wear. Lord knows pants and dresses can only be comfortable for so long! But I am very content that I have a nice, thought out, fitting wardrobe to dress myself for work and going out on the town. ;)
Now that I know where to shop and what fits well, I'm happy, more confident, and excited to get dressed on a weekly basis. And don't get me wrong, I love my jeans, t-shirts, sweats, and lounge wear. Lord knows pants and dresses can only be comfortable for so long! But I am very content that I have a nice, thought out, fitting wardrobe to dress myself for work and going out on the town. ;)
My wardrobe empowers me! My wardrobe symbolizes my resistance to an industry that does not accommodate womxn of my size as widely as womxn that are smaller than me. They are my shield and weapon in this society that is so consumed with being perfect and thin. I am perfectly imperfect. And I love it. And I will go to war to defend my love for my body (with words of course :) ).
I've never said that out loud or written it anywhere. And I believe this has value. My experience demonstrates struggle and human-ness. #thestuggleisreal (I say is, and not was, because I still struggle to find clothing that fits, I just don't cry about it anymore. I move on to the next article of clothing in my pile with even more hope that I will find a new treasure.) ☺️Call me selfish all you want, but a lot of the clothes I have took a lot time to find; sifting through clothes that was extra small or size 5. Or a size XL, but shrunken to a medium after so many washes. (If you know me, you know time is particularly valuable to me.)Thank god I have patience for clothes shopping at least! Lol!
I've never said that out loud or written it anywhere. And I believe this has value. My experience demonstrates struggle and human-ness. #thestuggleisreal (I say is, and not was, because I still struggle to find clothing that fits, I just don't cry about it anymore. I move on to the next article of clothing in my pile with even more hope that I will find a new treasure.) ☺️Call me selfish all you want, but a lot of the clothes I have took a lot time to find; sifting through clothes that was extra small or size 5. Or a size XL, but shrunken to a medium after so many washes. (If you know me, you know time is particularly valuable to me.)Thank god I have patience for clothes shopping at least! Lol!
I also destress when I thrift/shop. #retailtherapy
I'm sure my Tía/Madrina can relate.
Also, bargains!! No better feeling than to find something you love (and it fits) on sale/clearance. Or flash sales at Goodwill.
ya feel me or nah?
-alex.
**Bonus pic to get into the Halloween spirit.
I'm sure my Tía/Madrina can relate.
Also, bargains!! No better feeling than to find something you love (and it fits) on sale/clearance. Or flash sales at Goodwill.
ya feel me or nah?
-alex.
**Bonus pic to get into the Halloween spirit.
