ASPIRATIONS: WHO DO I WANT TO BE?

Who am I?  What do my clothes say about me?  

My clothes reveal to the world that I am girly, young, fresh, yet conservative- sort of like the girl next door.  I like who I am and the story that my clothes tell.  I feel as though they accurately portray who I am on the inside.  However, there are always aspirations at play that motivate us all to continuously better ourselves in order to satisfy the almost insatiable desire to be truly happy and confident.

What are my aspirations?  Who do I want to be? 

I suppose that my aspirations are to be more of a free spirit- more of a carefree, go-with-the-flow, no stress kind of girl, in both my attitude and presentation through clothing.  I aspire to embody those attributes, and possibly the best way to start is through clothing.  Easy, breezy, light, and flowing clothing captures the essence of a free spirit in my opinion. 

                                        

                                           Free People's May 2015 ad campaign

                            

                                             Free people April 2016 collection                                                        

                                                  From Free People editorial 

The brand Free People embodies my style aspirations.  They market an image of free-thinkers, artists, and dreamers, femininity, courage, and spirit.  Free people strives to create clothes for adventurous, free girls in their twenties who are sweet, tough, and romantic.

The images above portray a sense of effortlessness and ease.  The models in Free People campaigns exude a certain spirit that I'm sure we all dream of.  It almost seems like they are indulging in an endless adventure with friends and fabulous clothing in their well-traveled suit cases.  Even down to the color editing, the ads have an indescribable dreamy quality with milky, subdued hues. 

Unfortunately, the image Free People markets may not be entirely attainable.  Most of us do not have endless summers and never-ending adventures, nor do we see the world in a muted, soft palette.  We do not have the luxury of casting away every worry in reality to be truly free.  The company may use aesthetic symbols in their ads such as soft lines, sepia tones, and a setting sun casting elongated shadows upon sweet faces and gentle rays on beachy, waved hair to create a possibly intangible image.  The flowy, white layers, lace, and even fringe worn by beautiful, thin, porcelain skinned twenty-something-year-olds only add to the image they have created.

Although some images portrayed by Free People's ads may seem out of reach, their ideals can be worked for, and are quite rewarding if achieved.  Free People designs for girls who are aspiring to be free.  You do not necessarily have to be everything the brand embodies in order to wear their clothing.  That is the beauty of it- for some, once you put on the clothing, you are one step closer to being courageous and full of life and spirit.  The company does not use celebrities in their ad campaigns.  Could this be because they want to have an image that is attainable?  Celebrities can be intimidating, even though we may desire to be like them, or look up to them.  An unknown girl, however, may be more relatable.  

Overall, I love who the girl is that Free People designs for.  I love that the brand is all about free-spirits and dreamers, about being a courageous, feminine spirit that is full of life.  I do not think that the brand has a totally unattainable image, and to whatever part may be unattainable- I say, that is part of the fun.  To strive for more!  Where is the fun in staying stagnant?  Improve, change your style, try new things, until you are happy and most importantly- CONFIDENT!