UNDER THE INFLUENCE?
HAVE you ever stopped someone in the street or a bar and felt compelled to ask them where they bought their dress, shoes, coat, such is your need to own it for yourself?
I have. Assuming the wearer looked approachable enough. It’s intended as a compliment, it’s the way it looks on her that makes it so appealing.
If the idea of asking a complete stranger where she shops makes you feel nauseous then perhaps you prefer the more subtle and thoroughly modern way of outfit-stalking, via Instagram?
The phenomenon of the ‘mirror selfie’ has developed into an industry.
Girls and women the world over are posting pictures of their every outfit and accessory, hash-tagging where they are from – some in exchange for payment from the brand, others just for fun.
There are even social media accounts dedicated to hunting down the clothes celebrities are photographed wearing, removing the leg work.
But, and there is a big but, what if we don’t suit the clothes we spot on other people?
Have you ever bought something that looked great on someone else and been very disappointed when you tried it on yourself?
I certainly have. It is hardly surprising. Influencers photograph themselves in the clothes that flatter their colouring, enhance their best features and are perfect in that very moment, making us dizzy with lust for whatever they are wearing.
But what about our skin colour, our hair shade, our height and body shape? Not to mention budget and lifestyle. Do you consider those things when you see a top on a blogger/ celebrity/woman on the table next to you in a restaurant?
I have a friend who is appalled at the idea of sharing where she shops with anyone, not even me, let alone faceless social media followers (she doesn’t “do” Instagram). She is the anti-influencer. She chooses, buys and wears exactly what she likes and what suits her. She’s v. annoying, but might just be onto something.