theHword.com

Don’t believe in magic? I do. The most magical thing happens when I enter a department store and–come to think of it–boutiques and other storefronts splashed with colorful displays of apparel and accessories. It always feels the same. My heart flutters a bit, there is a twinge of excitement that forces a smile and it feels like Christmas morning. This doesn’t always happen right away, as sometimes it requires a bit of work. But eventually I find myself in this magical moment: the moment when I stumble upon and fall in love with the most impractical item in the store.

Such magical moments have led to the purchase of a black sequined beret (which offers no warmth for one’s head during the bitter Nebraska winters); a ballet-inspired dress complete with an chic tulle skirt; five-inch heels; bright fuchsia lightweight driving gloves (see note from sequined beret); and a beautiful gray tank-top embellished with hundreds of mirrored sequins hanging from it (that cannot be washed or dry cleaned). My husband has compared me to a fish–being lured in by bright, glittering objects in the mall–excuse me, water.

Being drawn to the impractical, I believe, stems from the depths of my childhood. My outfit of choice as a child? Bathing suits paired with jelly sandals. I know you all remember jellies. According to my mother, that is all I wished to wear during the summer. I am unsure of the “look” I was hoping to achieve with this combination, but I remember feeling beautiful. When reflecting on how my childhood has affected my adult fashion choices I also recall my first elementary track meet as a kindergartner. My mother dressed me in a red and grey matching t-shirt and shorts outfit (red was our school color) and had put my hair in pigtails tying each one with a big red bow. I remember not wanting to participate–dragging my feet. My guess is that it had something to do with my small stature and lack of athletic talents. She said to me, “Sweetheart, it doesn’t matter what place you get, it’s how you look crossing the finish line.” Now my mother isn’t a superficial woman and my guess is that she was trying to be funny but that moment has stayed in my mind throughout life.

Swimsuits and jellies; five-inch heels; and sequined berets aside, I feel there is a lesson (or two, or three) in this impractical magic:

1. Don’t choose your style–or anything else for that matter–simply because it’s practical. You’ll miss out on a lot of fun.

2. It’s just geography. If you find yourself swooning over the most impractical pair of shoes in the store and asking yourself, “Where would I wear these in Hastings, Nebraska?,” remind yourself that it is just geography. I’ve worn every item listed above while living here (minus the swimsuit and jellies). It doesn’t matter. Take a fashion risk and don’t take yourself too seriously.

3. Feel good about what you wear. Don’t worry about what others think of your fashion sense. If it makes you feel good, go for it.

About the author: Kelly Miller

Kelly is a wife, career woman and self-proclaimed fashionista who lives by the mantra, "laugh, love and live life with style." Her love affair with all things stylish began early--raiding her mother's makeup drawers as a little girl and organizing a number of well-attended Barbie fashion shows in her parents' living room. She believes that beauty is all around and enjoys helping others find their personal style. Kelly works as a marketing professional in Hastings with her husband, Scott and their tuxedo cat Dart.