Here are some quotes that help encourage me and let me know that I’m proud of my fashion sense.
“You’re amazing. Don’t forget it.”—Paula Mason
“You’re my icon” and “Fashionable 💅 💄 4eva!”—Sara Newsom
“Be You. The World Will Adjust.”— me
“Keep being the wonderful, incredible, beautiful person you are.”— my cousin Emily Gaffron
“Beautiful inside and out.”— also Emily
“You’re like, so trendy.” — The Trendy Bunny Studio
“Joy is everywhere. You just have to spot it!” —Joyfullyyoursamanda
I really think I’ve found my definition of style. It started two years ago on an overnight trip and the first night changed my life. I began to dress nicer even if no one cared how I looked. All because of a cute blonde in a pink cherry dress. Originally, I was longing for a female companion. Pretty soon it was all about my fashion sense. The following summer I bought a bag from Amazon. I’m all about Coach now.
I’ve really begun to come into my own and have plenty of inspiration from my cousins as well as my adopted family. I get plenty of positive reviews and likes on Facebook and Instagram for my style. But, for every 50 comments left, about four are negative. What do I focus on? You guessed it.
My immediate family is not so much on board but that’s ok. Most of my family likes what I’m doing. My dad says, “They’re just trying to be nice.” I listen to what they say and just walk away. While most will agree with my definition of style, there’s one person who will easily bring me down.
One of those people who didn’t know me that well had the audacity to make a mean comment about my definition of style. I’ll be posting this in this in third person format to protect the innocent.
My character just picked up some floral ruffle tops from Amazon a few weeks ago. He then took some selfies of his try-ons and even wrote a blog about it later in the week. He felt really confident (just like he did when he bought his Coach tote back in February). He got some wonderful comments on Facebook. “You look Amazing 🤩” and “You are rockin’ both” while offering their opinion on which top they liked better. They preferred the pink floral the most. My character had a critic though and they didn’t like that he was wearing lady’s clothes. They planned to do something about it to set him right.
My character talked to his adopted mother and told her what was going on. She commended him for having his own style and told him how proud she was to have him be part of her family. A day later however, the critic struck again with the same question and told him it was really strange that he was wearing lady’s clothes. He vented to his cousin, a famous blogger, about what he was feeling. He also talked to his teacher and longtime friend of 25 years. He learned there will always be people who love to hate on other people. This made him stronger and his definition of style became even better.
Shaming is not all right, no matter what form it takes. Fat shaming, body shaming, poor shaming, it’s all unacceptable. How about gender shaming? That’s where I stand. It’s not all right to shame anyone for being different. Don’t disown your son for carrying a Coach purse or for wearing lipstick. Don’t shame your daughter for wearing a suit or for going goth. For me, I’ve done really well. My confidence is higher than it’s ever been. My friends, family, and coworkers have latched onto my fashion sense.
“I love what you’re doing. It makes me happy to see you so happy.” — Wally Wells
My friend Wally from my old church in Slippery Rock (she’s retired now) is on board with what I’m doing. Also, most of my family members are on board with what I’m doing, so why worry? Just wait until I buy makeup from ULTA and Target. This is really going to take it to another level.
“I’m so happy you’ve found so much fulfillment in your life.”—also from Wally
“I applaud James for his confidence and for going against society.” — Dana Mitnik
I’m going to close off the blog with the encouraging words I received from Dana. I was worried that they might tear me down for my definition of style but they too are definitely on board. I even showed them pics of Sara’s favorite artist, Harry Styles. I didn’t mention Hunter Schafer though.
“To each their own” and “You have your definition of style and I have mine.”— also Dana.
“Don’t ever feel ashamed for being you.” — James Gurksnis (aka Mr. Stylish).
Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 