In our world of social media, over-consumerism, fast fashion, and the desire to stand out while not sticking out, is personal style an almost impossible feat? What is easier, following the trends or going rogue? Now, factor in the cost and we have ourselves quite the dilemma. I too will aimlessly scroll on TikTok or Instagram and favorite about eight different outfit videos, all of which I want everything from. If it wasn’t for my small amount of self-control, my bank account would be in big trouble. The funny thing is- after about an hour, I completely forgot about the new Zara top I saw that influencer wearing. The reasoning could be that I have seen something else that I like or that I just got a temporary excitement from imagining how I would style that top and how it would look gorgeous on a trip to Monaco, specifically. Is that all fast fashion is- just fleeting feelings of excitement? If you don’t act on them, they will just fade away, most of the time. Sort of like men. Now, what I have a hard time shaking, is the feeling of seeing a pair of vintage Manolo Blahnik’s on Depop in size 6, selling for $150. I will not only imagine a trip with these shoes, but a whole life with kids and a mortgage on top. With no offense to the Zara top, could I see more uniqueness in the shoes? Therefore, do I feel more authentically myself wearing something that I feel is speaking to me and only me? I love being able to craft my style. However, Manolo Blahniks don’t just come around every day, and neither does a spare 150 bucks. This process takes time, patience, and money. It’s the typical quality-over-quantity concept. You can buy far more Zara tops than Manolo Blahniks, and maybe you may prefer that. I’m not going to pretend like I haven’t dropped a couple hundred at Zara in one outing. I guess it’s a matter of how you would personally prefer to spend your hard-earned money. You may say that you would much rather spend on quantity to have more outfit options, and I would never argue that as a valid and logical point. After all, I am personally an in-between Zara and Depop girl myself. Now back to the shoes. Let’s be real, when are Manolo Blahniks not in? We have to take into account the pieces that are not always conventional or appreciated but are cost-effective and are typically thrifted. For example, while capris are not a favorite of mine for my own body, they catch my eye when I see people wearing them and styling them in ways I haven’t seen since about 2008. It’s not only fun and daring but refreshing and nostalgic. While I know my opinion may be in the minority, isn’t that the point of personal style? Even if you are in the minority with some of the pieces you choose, at least you know they’re an accurate expression of you. And authenticity wins everyday in my book.