By Monika Sept

     From experience, I know how hard it is to keep up with the “in look” with fashion of today, but let me ask you this question:  What is Fashion to you?  Good question, a lot of answers.  This is your own opinion, and in my opinion, fashion is what you make of it.  I know that we all are trying to keep up with the latest trends.  I ask myself this question every day, “what is in or what is out,” and again fashion is what you make of it. 

     We all try to keep up with the fashion industry in Paris, New York City, LA, but it is really hard with the fashions changing right before our eyes.  Besides, we’re in Jefferson County, where fashion is both functional and fussy.  Even our nicest restaurants lack a dress code, but our county probably supports more hair salons per capita than anywhere else in the country.  Visit our local eateries and you’re likely to see someone dressed to the nines dining with someone in cut-offs and a t-shirt. 

     Most of us, when we bother, strive for a look that makes us feel good.  Can you honestly tell me if you go to the store and find a shirt you have to have because it is the “in” thing that you buy it, go home, and put it on?  Some do, but I know there are women out there that know exactly what I mean.  You buy it and throw it in your closet.

     We tend to feel like fashion is what we want in our closets, but to be honest with you, the styles that I see now I would not wear because they are not “me.”  I am comfortable wearing a pair of jean shorts, a fitted shirt, and flip-flops.  To me, that is fashion.  I remember not long ago, I was walking through a store and I saw a lady wearing a cute outfit.  I found something that looked almost identical to it.  I went to the dressing room, tried it on, and the look on my face was priceless.  I just could not see myself wearing something like that.  So I left the store and went home to look through my closet and see what I had to “work with.”  Ladies, I found it.  This time, I already had it, my look. 

     It may take you a while to find something that defines you, but you will get there.  You need to feel good inside.