2008 Woodie Awards
Life through the eyes of a fashion guru
Fearless - or somewhat close
Sheree Whiteley
Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: Culture
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Before one of my roommates purchased the magazine and put it on our coffee table, I’d never even heard of such an award (I’m a “Vogue” girl). But one day, while curled up on the couch cursing my lack of cable television, I happened to glance down and catch a glimpse of the cover. What a cool award. It’s almost like winning “bad ass of the year.”
Maybe that’s because I value fearlessness so much.
Growing up, I was a very shy, socially-challenged child. I had (and still have) a very quiet voice, and back then I was quite timid and devoid of any outgoing characteristics.
I grew out of my fearless stage slowly, and I also began to
recognize the fears that other people have.
I had a friend in high school who was deathly afraid of spiders, as so many people are.
It was odd, though. He was a big, tall guy – the kind that you would picture as a super-spider-squasher.
One day he journeyed into the bathroom and screamed like a little girl.
When he came back to the living room and I went to investigate, I found the smallest spider I’ve ever seen hiding in the far corner of the bathroom.
After throwing him a “seriously? This is it?” look and picking the spider up with a piece of toilet paper, I realized that perhaps no one is truly fearless.
The realm of fashion contains the fears of many.
I’ve come to adore innovative and off-the-wall ensembles, and have often heard the phrase “well, you could pull it off. I know I couldn’t” all too many times when shopping with friends.
Labels, cuts, colors, fabrics – there is a whole host of things
in the area of attire that people fear.
I still remember my first day at Boise State.
My initial thought wasn’t “wow, how am I going to trek across campus in five minutes?” “Where is the Math/Geosciences Building?”Or “Why did I even bother to buy this general parking permit?” Upon first glance at the campus and people on it, the thought that went through my head was, “Is there some kind of tennis shoe/sweatshirt dress code that no one bothered to tell me about?”
That thought hasn’t changed. And I’ve noticed that it applies
not only at BSU, but just about everywhere in this fine city.
So many people are afraid to venture outside the typical-apparel box and try something new.
Tuesday I decided to make use of my leg warmers from ballet class three years ago and, yes, I did stand in front of the mirror and contemplate whether or not I’d get weird looks while walking to class, but ultimately I decided “who cares? I thought they were fun, and so I gave them a shot.
It’s not a big fear to conquer, but starting with something like what you step outside your front door in may be the first of many steps to conquering bigger fears.
I still don’t believe that it’s possible to be completely fearless – but I do think that it’s possible to get close.
What fun is the world without taking risks?
Wear something that you’re not entirely sure about. Break away from the norm. What scares you now could end up being something that you enjoy. Who doesn’t enjoy turning a few heads - wear something out of the ordinary and make it look good. Flaunt it. And why you’re at it, kill a few spiders.
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