The other day, I wore it to the gym. I was excited to have a warm head and also look stylishly cool. As I scanned my card, ready to jump on the treadmill to burn the Christmas feast I had devoured the night before, the receptionist looked my way and dropped a chuckle.
He laughed at me!
I’ve been laughed at before for my clothes. But never have I felt so insulted by it. I love my Russian hat! What’s wrong with my Russian hat?
When I was in New York City two weeks ago, everyone and their cousin had a Russian hat. The Christmas market in Union Square had them for sale at every outerwear stand. I wanted one so badly because I knew that nowhere else in the country would people be wearing the Russian hat in masses. I could wear something and be different. Because the Sammy style is often the different style.
Dressing against the grain is risky business. You bring attention to yourself. Without words, you scream “Look at me!” When you dress to impress, are you vain? Or are you only using your body as a canvas for the art that is fashion?
And so my question lies in whether dressing is shallow. Is trying to look your best with material possessions and multiple colors and shapes of cloth an act of vanity?
Or is it an act of confidence? When wearing my Russian hat, I feel good. I know I stand out but I thrive in that understanding of my difference.
What fashion item(s) give you confidence? Email us and spill your fashion vanities at erinsammyawkward@gmail.com
