Entries about expression

You can never be overdressed or overeducated - OSCAR WILDE

The world of fashion once seemed a foreign, unobtainable way of life for me.
Where I’m from back home, as long as you’ve got some trust denim shorts, a coloured singlet (cami) and haviannas, then youre set.
The first few months being abroad, I lived in my jeans and tshirt, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this combination, but luck and fate had something in store for me. To learn to become a true London fashionista.

After landing a job at Oasis, a UK female clothing store selling feminine, classy and beautiful clothes (I could only try to compare it to the likes of Forever New or Dotti in Australia). With a nice little staff discount, I had room to explore the many chains of the store and immerse myself in the latest trends.

Don’t get me wrong, I will admit there were some rather questionable items I mixed and matched, but hey, you have to make mistakes right?

I know it just seems like ‘oh, she got a job in a clothes shop,’ but it really is so much more than that. Discovering your own body type and working with colours, fabrics and styles that will flatter your body shape is a skill that many people don’t acknowledge. Or even how customers open up to you in the fitting rooms, asking for your genuine opinion as well as a fashionable one. I’ve seen ladies nearly burst into tears because a dress won’t fit them and to be honest, it’s at these moment they’re most vulnerable. You not only have to do your job, but kind of be a friend.

One of the most helpful people in our team was our helpful stylist. She is so good at looking at someone’s skin tone, hair colour, body shape, personality, and finding the perfect outfit that will compliment them. I’m no expert in styling, but I’ve definitely progressed significantly. A memorable moment was when a lady was looking for an occasionwear dress and I picked some that she initially turned her nose up at, however, once she tried them on, she was thrilled with how her breasts looked bigger, her hips looked smaller and her legs looked longer. There’s something very satisfying about recommending an outfit and they love it. Because afterall, style is a very personal thing which represents your personality and lifestyle. And that’s what I love about it.

I absolutely love English fashion. It’s so classy, elegant, a bit preppy or alternative but overall its ‘gorgeous darling.’ The great thing about living in such a big city is the diversity and with that comes incredible trends and fashion. You can never be overdressed because all in one common area, the tube, because people are going everywhere, job interviews, the races, work, weddings, concerts, dates and travelling. It takes something quite absurd to make you look twice.

With London becoming very cold over December, the most important fashion item is the all important winter coat. People are faced with the dilemma of choosing between colour, warmth, fashion, length, practicality or price. To be honest, I’m happy for my (minimal) savings that I won’t be staying in London for years on end because I would be too tempted to buy all the beautiful coats that we received in stock. Although I did purchase a lovely tan, short, military coat and gorgeous leather jacket. Despite the thought that it’s ‘boring, drab or dull’ you really cannot go wrong with a nice black or navy coat. The colours of winter this season, burgundy and a deep green, look lovely with these block colours.
Although I’ve immersed myself in the London fashion scene, I still like to think that I’ve got that bit of Ozzy beach babe style. I’m looking forward to bringing a bit of an English class into my wardrobe with all the beautiful clothes I now own.
After now finishing up with my job, I can reminisce on all the great times I’ve had at work with the amazing team I worked with. I couldn’t have asked for a more supporting, accepting and friendly environment and I’ve made friendships that I’m sure will persevere the Pacific Ocean.

Xxx
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