Do It Like You

“My condolences to anyone who has ever lost me, and to anyone who got lost in me or to anyone who ever felt they took a loss with me. My apologies for the misunderstanding or the lack thereof. I’m sorry you missed the God in me and I’m sorry you missed the light.” - Khelani

I’ve always been heavy into poetry, specifically spoken word and when I first heard this intro on Khelani’s “You should be here” album, it resonated with me. “I’m sorry you missed the God in me and I’m sorry you missed the light.” So real. When I thought up Quietly Dope as a concept, I knew what I wanted it to feel like in my head. I knew it needed to be a space for style 100%, but I also knew I didn’t want it to stop there. The fashion world is fickle, and we as women as so so hard on ourselves on so may levels. The many sayings , quotes and cute memes that riddle social media constantly speak of confidence being that special secret ingredient to true stand out style. Brands, labels, designers , the industry is so saturated there is no 1-of-1…unless, you add the something intangible.

How many times have you been walking down the street and seen someone wearing something you have at home or something you may have wanted to buy? How many times have you seen something you loved and wanted but said “too many people have it, so I don’t want it”. ?

I’ve been guilty of that myself and it wasn’t until this year that I’ve really been able to grasp the true idea of individuality and stand-out style. It wasn’t until this year that I began embrace who I was and who I was becoming. I was evolving as was my outlook on what true personal style is. It has never ever been about what is being worn but who was wearing it. Just like your fingerprint ,your style will always be unique to who you are. I know it can be easier said that done, but comparison truly is the thief of joy. How “she” wore it worked for her, but how will you make it work for you? That certain something intangible comes from within. I took a step back and looked at my current Style Spotlight features, and it clicked almost instantly. To the naked eye, or even to my readers, they have nothing in common. Different in appearance, age, gender, background tied together by the light that exists within them and the confidence they exude that translates across the images of them I’ve chosen to feature.

Everyone regardless of shape, or size posses something within that adds that something special. I say all that to say, do not let the confusing style world have you looking at her , her and him saying “i wish i could”. Style is personal, don't ever do it like them and don’t try to. You’ll end up disappointed every time looking for what can’t be purchased. Style isn’t a label, it isn’t a pose, it isn’t a size. You can’t do it like anyone else so why try? Don't ever do it like them, do it like you. 1-of-1.