Over the years, my peers have often criticized my bold sense of style. Girls I thought were my friends whispered or laughed when I walked by. Some said my comic strip print sweat pants were too “out there” while others snickered at my glitter sneakers and asked if I thought I was a Disney princess.
I tried to ignore the cruel comments and brush them off, but truthfully…they hurt. They knocked my self-esteem off balance and made me constantly feel like I was being judged. So for a while, I tried to dress like the crowd, wearing dull, monochromatic clothing and trading in my sparkly barrettes for a simple black scrunchie. Sure, I looked like I belonged, but I just didn’t feel like myself anymore.
Over time, I realized that these people weren’t truly my friends if they couldn’t like me for who I was. My style is my superpower; it makes me unique and special, and there’s nothing more beautiful than owning who you are. You should never, ever let anyone dull your sparkle.
Fashion played a huge role in developing my sense of self growing up, and I wanted to project that message by launching Carrie’s Chronicles, a style empowerment website that encourages others to celebrate their individuality unapologetically. Every week, I write three to four articles on topics ranging from fashion and beauty to health, fitness, and food. I also post my favorite looks on Instagram and pose them in front of NYC’s most artistic backdrops.
My hope is that people realize you should never blindly follow the trends or let people tell you how you should dress. Take your favorite runway looks and don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on them!
Today, I am more confident than ever in my personal sense of style. I never hesitate to take a fashion risk, nor do I worry about how others will react. I simply “do me.” When I get the occasional snide remark on social media, I don’t let it hurt me anymore. Instead, I hold my head high because I know that I’m showing the world the real me.
As for that “friend” who once told me I looked like a Disney princess, your words no longer bring me down. In fact, they helped me realize that I have the power to write my own happily ever after.
Want to get to know Carrie even more? We recently caught up with the teen author, blogger and anti-bullying activist!
