I’ve always been style forward. Even in high school, I had a very distinct and sophisticated style (I didn’t own a pair of trainers as a teen.)

After months of receiving compliments from a particular classmate, I invited her to go thrifting avec moi.

I’ve also always had a keen sense for scouting un petit shopping gems.

Since a sufficient number of years have passed, I can now share this story without shedding a tear or feeling warmth on the apples of my cheeks.

“I am absolutely SWOONING! I love this belt.” Squealed my 11th-grade self while thrifting with a classmate one weekend.

This belt met all of my fundamental needs.
The belt was:
Gaudy ✅
Unnecessary ✅
Obstructive ✅

Thus, I needed it.

“Do you absolutely love this belt?” I asked my newly invited shopping mate rhetorically.

“I don’t know about that belt. I don’t think it’s something I would buy.” My shopping mate replied, face partial squinched.

The aforementioned conversation is one of the reasons I’m not particularly thrilled about shopping avec mes amies. Just kidding, j’adore mes amies.

For the most part, I do tend to shop alone. Mainly because I’m super spontaneous. The likelihood of finding someone to take a last-minute international shopping trip for the weekend or going on a mini road trip is slim to none.

Besides, now that I’m on Instagram, I’m never alone.

Shopping with one or fifty people truly does not matter, if you know your style.

When you are secure with your style the opinions of magazines, bloggers, friends or influencers do not matter.

Every fifteen minutes I receive an email from fashion and style editors warning me as to “what’s in” and “what’s out.” My favorite is when two magazines have conflicting “what’s in/what’s out” articles published simultaneously.

Whose advice should you follow during these conflicting times?

The answer is simple, yours.

Unless the friend, editor, or influencer is financially contributing to your purchase, does their opinion truly matter?

Now there is a caveat to my aformentioned statement.

There are times when a TRUSTED friend or professional is needed. The word trusted is essential.

Sizing is one of those times. I have had to elegantly (and sometimes forcefully) inform une ma amie regarding proper fitting. It takes a true and loving person to tell you if something you are wearing or considering purchasing is ill-fitting. This is never an easy conversation but it could save you possible embarrassment but mainly discomfort.

Irrespective of this one caveat, follow your heart and your style mes amies.

Remember that belt? The gaudy, the unnecessary, and obstructive belt that ma amie detested.

The following week at school she was wearing it.

Oui! After taking me home once our day of thrifting (I didn’t start driving until I was vingt-trois) ended, she circled back and purchased the gaudy, the unnecessary, and obstructive belt.

Once everyone left her locker swooning over the belt (to which she took full credit for sourcing) I asked her why would she buy the belt after suggesting I didn’t.

Her response was:

“Did you really want it? If all it took was for me to tell you not to, I don’t think you really, really wanted it.”

Lesson learned.

Have you ever experienced such a (fashion) betrayal from a friend or loved one?

Ciao for now 💋