Somebody hates what you're wearing....

Me, Venice, January 2003

Yes, someone hates what you're wearing.  Someone else hates what I'm wearing.  Ultimately, there is absolutely NOTHING any person can wear that will be pleasing to 100% of the population.

Okay, maybe the only person who hates your outfit is some disenfranchised 14 year old with purple hair and a bad attitude.  But the underlying message is the same - you can't make everybody happy.

We know that about so many other aspects of our lives, but we can lose sight of it when it comes to getting dressed.  The idea of choosing a polarizing garment (like my favorite skirted leggings) can be terrifying for some people- they'd much rather wear safe, neutral garments that doesn't say anything, rather than wear something that makes a statement to which some might disapprove.

Giving yourself permission to please yourself, first and foremost, is key to finding a signature and living joyfully in that signature.  But it's very difficult...

Wanting to please other people is a critical part of living in society, and of being a nice person.  But if you know that you're going to have limited success in choosing garments that meet with everyone's approval, you can concentrate on being yourself, and letting your genius, your kindness, and your great big heart shine through in your actions.

me, age three.  How my mother got my hair that straight, I will never know...