Because vanity makes no excuses

Posted on Tuesday, 08.18.2009 03:05 PM

Tags: random thoughts, movies

What is The Reluctant Stylista?

You know how it is, fashion is intimidating to most people.  Either they claim not to care about it, or they're afraid any attempt to spruce up will fail miserably. Yes, fashion is intimidating--but it doesn't have to be. Forget all your preconceived notions about the well-dressed because style is not a privilege.  Everyone deserves to look good and be able to define that for themselves.  Fashion is supposed to be about fun and expression when you get to the bare bones of it, and The Reluctant Stylista wants to do just that. This is, after all, pretty much a sandbox for my styling endeavors.  It's not a bible, it's a diary of a not-quite-so-little girl who discovered she likes playing dress up.

Who is talking about what?

I'm Alexandra Lapa, freelancing stylist, fashion writer, full-time creative director and occassional web designer.  I was interested in fashion photography when I was still in college taking up Multimedia Arts.  I loved preparing my own shoots, planning the concept, look and mood.  That's when I started getting interested in fashion itself, particularly in styling.  When I tried learning more about it, I became frustrated that not many people were talking about it, not even online.  Maybe because it's a fairly new occupation or hobby, I don't know.  But I yearned to know more and wondered if others did, too.  Hence, I put up something that would chronicle adventures (as well as misadventures) in the world of styling so people could learn more about it.

I was a regular tomboy when I was a kid.  I'm still one, pretty much--only now I appreciate looking good as opposed to the childish protestations to make-up and frills I used to possess.  People get this idea that if you're boyish, athletic or adventurous and free-spirited, that you automatically don't care much about your looks.  I was like that, once.  And I must admit, it was partly due to people's expectations that I naturally turned away from anything that would make me look vain.

But the truth is, no girl--when left to her own devices--will pass up the chance to look prettier.  Every girl has that inner cheerleader, Victoria Secret Angel or Dita Von Teese.  Whatever she may be, unless she wanted a sex change, is NO exception.

What other people might consider frivolous and vain, I view as a smart choice and investment.  You've heard complaints that pretty girls get all the perks?  Well pretty AND smart will pay off so much more.  That 10 minutes you've been reluctant all this while to add to your morning routine will get you pretty far in anything like you wouldn't believe.  It doesn't even cost as much time or money as you think it would.

And if, like Andy Sachs, you might be thinking "Oh I don't want to primp because I want to be taken seriously."  But hey--if you really wanted to be taken seriously, then you have to look like you mean business.

So go ahead, pick up that mascara.  You know you want to.

Tags: random thoughts, movies

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