I have not worn my classic closet staples lately and I have no plans of wearing them unless necessary. I thought of just tossing them in the box with the intention of donating it (my clothes are not shabby, I promise) for a total wardrobe change.

My role as a Vice President of Davao's premier blogging community will be interacting with PR managers and probably big names from known brands. My usual jeans and shirt would be too underwhelming. And I hate to think that I might sell myself short just because I have not made an effort to look, if not impressive, at least presentable. Bad impressions have higher chances of breaking deals, you know.

Last Thursday, I did the unthinkable. I went out to catch up with my college buddies wearing a cropped top in public for the first time (midriffs during cheerdance performances are not counted). Not that I'm saying I'll be wearing such when facing brands and managers because that's not gonna happen. But what I'm trying to say is, I upped my style recently.

I would be lying if I say I got the hang of it immediately because it felt a little awkward at the start. I actually brought a cardigan with me in case I come to my senses and realize the blunder.

But as I stepped out of the car, I left the cardigan, strutted towards the coffee shop with what felt like a giant flashing neon sign on my belly that reads: look here! And started not to care about what people think. I've never felt so FREE.

Sarah, Farah of budgetbarbara.com, and Dianne

Of course, while some compliment me for the change - a drastic one at that - some just couldn't handle my fire. Haha. You're too old for that! they say. Wear something decent! they judge. Well, as long as I'm not offending anybody, I will rock whatever clothes I want to wear. What other people think about me is none of my business. Kung naiitiman sila sa legs ko o napapangitan sila sa katawan ko o kung di bagay ang damit ko, problema na nila yun.

Look! Even my mom noticed the transformation, she got me these. Prayers were answered. Her daughter is finally a girl.

This is me now.

Sarah, 33. Fashionista wannabe. Expressive. Unapologetic.

I dress up like an eighteen year old with a devil-may-care attitude college student in tees, jeans and Chucks. So, what's the big deal?

I am almost thirty.

It seems like people have have been poking their noses with the way I dress because I have been told quite a lot of times to dress up appropriately according to my age. I don't know what that means but I certainly dress up appropriately according to my lifestyle. Simpleng tao lang po ako. I don't get out of my way to spend a fortune for clothes and fashion. I am never really crazy about them to begin with.

This is what I usually wear for work.

But, I do go out of my comfort zone sometimes, especially when the situation calls for it. It is fun to dress up once in a while, even when wearing heels would make my feet scream murder.

Dressed up or not, whatever clothes I sport on, I never fail to make people yawn. My style goes in between looking blah and just uh-okay. Acceptable, yes. But definitely not interesting. Which I think is probably good because it doesn't grab too much attention. Too simple to pass as stylish. Too boring to be noticed. It is not unflattering, nonetheless.

Well, I don't think anybody would disagree to what people would oftentimes say, it's not what you wear but how you wear it. Kaya sige, dadaanin ko na lang ito sa confidence at smile. Haha. I think I can pull off wearing a cheap, not-so-fabulous dress without those trinkets and a make-up on, can I not?

I like to believe it is a blessing not being a fashionista. Fashion breeds shopaholicism. And I don't have the luxury to splurge on a lavish fashionable lifestyle. Even those who claim to be bargain hunters are still shopaholics who are just afraid to admit they spend hefty amounts for discounted items. No judgment here, okay? I actually admire some people who take pride of their style and show off how they wear it. Some #ootd posts I see are actually amazing.

On the other hand, I disdain people who would starve for fashion. Those who try so hard wearing overpriced clothing but is buried in debt. Those who spend more than they earn just to attain some pointless status symbol. Unless you're suffering from delusions of grandeur, then you're excused.

I have no qualms about people being fashionable. But if you can't afford that kind of lifestyle, don't push yourself to be in it. Stop trying to look rich and pathetic.

I used to think fashion is for creativity and self-expression. But now, the way I see it, I think otherwise. Fashion now became a stigma of shallowness. Where surface appearance is more important. Where the brands you wear define your socioeconomic status. Where trendy is the new unique. Pfft.

This is when I dare say, I am glad I'm not a fashionista. Well, I never was, never is, and never will be.