Superficiality. What a superficial world we live in. Even those who so haughtily insist that they are "deep," aloof or unconcerned with so-called "appearances" indeed fall into the trap of the superficial. Is it really so bad of a trap? I do not think so. Honestly I think that we can't help but be superficial: the astounding diversity found within the human gene pool is natural and inherent. We had little (besides copulating) to do with this diveristy- which I am not sorry to point out- is manifest in the superficial.

Now, going back to the obvious, what is on the surface is what one first sees upon first, second, and even third glance. What is she wearing? What about her hair? Oh, and let us not forget the shoes. [It is quite possibly always about the shoes, if you ask me.] To defend the inevitably snarky comments that ensue when examining the "other's" outfit, clothing, accessories, hairstyles, etc. are all an expression of one's inner self, right? Blah blah blah.

Maybe it isn't always so deliberate; there are most definitely the sort that pick up whatever crumpled fabric lies about on the floor to clothe their bodies and run out the door in pursuit of their various (and probably quirky) endeavors. This in itself, however, may be arguably an important unpatterned pattern of stylistic expression through fashion sense. How profound.

So here is where I get to the crux of the matter: why is it that there are so many fashion victims out there? I do not think that it is possible to be a fashion victim without trying. Deliberate input is key: this is my disclaimer. Thus, Joe who picks up his crumpled t-shirt off the floor is exempt from my rant. I am targeting those people who instead of following their gut instinct, try too hard to be "fashionable."

Why is it that people who are clearly confident and carry themselves in a certain way admired for their sense of style? I find myself admiring people whose clothing I would never wear, simply because they are so clearly in their own element enclosed by the millimeters of clothing wrapped around their bodies. I turn the former question on its head and ask, why is it, then, that people who are probably trying way too hard get snickered at? The ease at which people notice the unease that surrounds a person who is not abiding by their own "style" is alarming.

I am going to interrupt my rant to provide some input in my attempt to be useful: whenever I examine an outfit either on myself or on another and determine that it is quite bluntly ugly, unflattering, or simply awkward, I rearrange the look in my mind and remove probably one or two accessories, simplify the color scheme, or think "I should have worn black."

The next step would be to try out this "simplicity" rule for a while until that feels comfortable, then look to whatever inspires you. I am sure that you will be free with a style to call your own. (Then of course we can all be free to explore the "inner selves" of all people we find interesting at first glance.)