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03 November 2010

fashion: art? or plain vanity?


an old friend whom i haven't spoken to in maybe 8 years recently caught up with me in facebook. we used to write all the time when we were kids until life got the hold of us and we were soon too busy to talk. in the past 8 years, that friend has travelled the world and is currently taking up a masters degree at a prestigious university. we're the same age and knowing of my friend's current activities, it got me wondering if my interests are shallow compared to my friend's. while my friend is busy studying and advancing his knowledge, here i am obsessed with shoes and waking up thinking about what to wear. 

everyone have different interests and passions. some are passionate about music. some are passionate about computers. others are even bizarrely passionate about maps. i am passionate about fashion; about personal style and i have constantly said that fashion is my form of art and how i express myself. but where does art end and vanity begins with fashion? or does it always have to go together?

blue polka maxi dress - props
white knit cardigan - thrifted
white wedges - borrowed from mom
necklaces: watch necklace - hongkong | square with bird - gifted from gelie
bangles - carbon finds
rings: butterfly - platinum mall, bangkok | white stone - props


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20 comments:

pinky said...

There was a time when I started to realize that I had begun to dress up so I could have something to post on my blog. I was taken aback, and relearned to dress up for no one but myself. So I could feel good. So I could get things done for the day [cos Im always on the go when Im dolled up]. So I could express myself, my thoughts and my feelings.

By simply looking through your entries, I get an idea of the kind of person that you are, through your outfits. Which I say is a good thing.

BTW, I totally love this. The color is pretty!

Isabeau Jane said...

your fascination for fashion and the like are quirks that define you as a person.. i like that you put in a whole lot of personality in your style choices. A good fashion sense may not be rocket science but its definitely as engaging as any other industry.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story. GORGEOUS dress, I love that corn blue color.

Pinch of thoughts said...

hi gizelle! what the heck if we are in love with fashion as long as we're happy and contented to what we have. fashion is not mababaw, for me it's my way to laugh at life (hahah prinomote ang blog!) i guess fashion is a plain vanity for me kc i don't have any talent especially sa art hehhee...i love your polka dress yum yum! keep smilin! masaya tayo dito kaya go go go!

ching said...

you do things that make you happy. and fashion it is. :)

roanjean said...

Fashion can be an art. But it can also be a statement, an evolution, a revolution, a science...

Bottomline is kanya-kanyang trip and interpretation lang yan. :)


The Explosive Orange

E said...

I think that fashion and vanity are two exclusive things. fashion is about expression, and you can be vain without being fashionable..
just my two cents :)

love your dress!it has the perfect length on you


heyfancypants.blogspot.com

dred said...

i used to feel that way before, feeling shallow about thinking too much about clothes. but now, not anymore. because you're right. fashion is an expression of one's self.

i love your dress.:)and you always have the nicest pile of accessories.

http://dredreveries.blogspot.com

Melai said...

Love your dress gizelle! Kamusta ka na? Well you know at times I feel the same way, whenever I see my batchmates focusing on other things like getting masters, working for corporate and all that, I've always wondered if this is actually too superficial for me to do.

But when I don't think about it too much I know I am happy. And I know you are too, with fashion in you :)
mwuah!

hearts,
Melai of Style and Soul

Meg said...

Fashion can be vain, but you have to wear clothes, so you might as well wear clothes you like!

Meream said...

Often, it's not about changing the world. It's about doing something that makes you happy. And when you do that, you ARE happy. And happy people make the world a better place. :)

Marta said...

you look so lovely!

Cherie said...

i think it's just people who define vanity, for some a certain type is excessive and for others, it's just a normal thing. i love how blogging is an outlet for creativity, not just for fashion but through the photographs that we take.

p.s lovin the skirt length here!~

Kookie B. said...

i can relate to this post. it's got me questioning too. My mom just "scolded" (i know, so kindergarten!) me the other pay for spending way too much on fashion and not saving up for more important things. but i really can't control myself. i'm addicted to fashion...or maybe to all things wonderful and fancy. i think it will only be considered 'vanity' if you only dress to impress and you let your whole world revolve only around fashion.

btw, i love the polka dot dress! i'm seeing curves in here! yowza!

Lisa said...

Like others have said, I think fashion can be either/both art & vanity. It depends on who you dress for--others, or yourself! And really I think that's the difference between fashion and style too.

Love the dress!

ShopGirlXOXO said...

I love your outfit. Its so pretty and looks beautiful on you. :)

LadyNansei said...

I reckon your right about people having different passions. Anyway, you could easily make a great career about fashion and vanity only starts at bragging. As long as your not bragging your all in the clear;D

Sweet said...

I love the way you express yourself when it comes to your styles and taste in fashion...I guess that shows how you are as a person. I have really admired you ever since...I am just so happy that I was able to meet and spend time with you...okay that sounds like a lesbo move hahaha!!!

But seriously Gizelle, our own obsession with fashion does not mean vanity...it is our passion where our hearts wants to see the beauty in us. I guess all we want to see every morning are the beautiful things in life. I am even jealous of you because you are such a bold person in fashion...very forward with your styles...
While on the other hand, even though I love fashion but sometimes I am so lazy to give importance to it.

Hay that is such a very long topic to discuss to...

Kisses
Sweet
PensandLens

Jing Ocay said...

Hi G!I just read this post.I think it's ok to be artistic and vain at the same time as long as you are happy, comfortable and contented.

fashion is wearing something to express yourself.It is through clothes one could define a person's personality. I admire people wearing designer's clothes for they patronize and promote the talent of those amazing designers.On the other hand, I am more inspired when I see people wearing thrifted items and how they manage to make themselves presentable through limited resources.so ikaw girl,isa ka sa nginspire sako.I have always loved your style and your sense of fashion. ;)

Dorothy Souhuwat said...

i like the blue maxi dress..

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