When I found out my article you see before you was to be based on a style icon, I couldn't have been more excited. The first person that came to mind for me was James Dean; in my opinion the most trend-setting and modern icons of his time.

James had one of those attitudes that had everything to do with his style--- a stylitude, if you will. This man couldn't have been a better idol for myself. He was undeniably a "cool cat" wearing untraditional pieces such as his blue jeans, fitted T-shirts, his "Texas" vest, or red windbreaker--- regardless, he stood out. Not only did he dress the part of "cool", he oozed it just walking down the street to the market.

As I said, this young man's style was more than just what he wore. He walked down the street not only with his daring sense, but he also had that sexy-cool "swagger" that most men dream of today. And lets not forget that cigarette that seemed to always be clinging to his bottom lip for dear life. His hair was always either greased back or slightly messy in an undecidedly "Johnny Depp" demeanor. But even Johnny doesn't hold a candle to James. Regardless, James always looked cool. James' immortal style had a hold on his every day life too, from his clothes to his fast cars he loved to race down winding roads. Sadly, James' cool cars couldn't keep up with the rest of his demeanor.

So how do you grasp James' sense of style? One must always feel comfortable first of all. If you don't feel comfortable dressed as James, the look isn't for you. Don't fret, just move on. Surprisingly, this style can be transformed from a men's style to a women's style quite easily. You may already be almost there! Anyone can look at James and think "Ok, I get it. Jeans, shirt, jacket. Done!" No. The jeans are a slim-fit boot-cut, always, and usually darker in color. Shirts must be tight or form fitting, the simpler the better. He was also known for his basic single-color windbreakers, usually red. Add a lovely pair of classic Ray-Ban glasses for the added touch. Insert cigarette. For men, you would opt for a leather black boot. Something vintage would work best--- 2nd hand clothing store anyone? For women, throw on some black soft-leather heels, a "worn" purse, and maybe even an adorable fedora for the added touch. And don't forget the Porsche 550 Spyder.... But hopefully you can drive it a little bit safer than James could.

Everyone has those outfits that are absolutely adorable but they never just quite fit right. Maybe its a precious piece with a corset that squeezes too much in the middle. Maybe its something simple, even loose, and it was just so much cuter in the boutique window than it is on you? What about something simple as a sexy pair of heels that just murder the balls of your feet? What do you do!? Just remember this one thing: "Fashion Over Function"!

Picture your cutest outfit you have. Is it that comfortable? I know for a fact that the cutest outfit in my closet is one of the least comfy. The pants fit great but my rear end feels cramped or stuffed in there, the shirt looks stunning but the buttons never quite stay connected, and the shoes are divine but my entire foot throbs after 2 hours of wear. I personally don't understand how women wear things like corsets or those body suits that some girls squeeze into just to lose that extra inch for a particular outfit. Why put yourself through all that pain for some cloth!?

What about that adorable outfit you saw while walking past a shop display window and of course you went in and bought it only to find out that it was too tight in the chest region, you felt if you released your breath fully you'd snap the gown in two, and maybe the skirt was even too tight... But you look fantastic! Why? Fashion Over Function. But let your air out! There's no need for all the suffering!

Everybody knows about the pair of shoes. We have all had one or more pair of shoes that were just absolutely perfect for a specific outfit; for ladies I'm sure the reasons behind the perfect pair would generally revolve around either the heel height or the look of the toe. For men it's usually color or toe shape as well. But your feet are very important to your stature and health of your spine! Don't put yourself through all the pain!

Maybe the problem is with the clothing design and the images we're forced into believing are the norm. When designers shove pencil thin models wearing skin-tight outlandish designs that only they have a chance in, of course that's where we get the idea! There's no doubt in my mind the stereotypical "looks" and figures the majority of population covet derived from the industry. Fashion should pertain to the majority anyway; wouldn't that benefit their business anyway? They currently showcase great fashions and awesome pieces, yes, but they can only relate to a minority of the public. Fashion should be about the people. Forget "Fashion Over Function" and live by "Confident & Comfortable". Dress to impress, yes, but dress to impress yourself. When you have put on the perfect outfit that puts a smile on your face when you look in mirror, and you feel equally great; your shoes fit snug and comfortable, top and bottoms are all on and you can move and breathe freely, you have succeeded. Always remember, though, that you only have make yourself happy. When you are comfortable in your own realm, your surroundings are unimportant and it shows. Look past the stereotypes pushed upon us and express yourself and express it loud.

Style is something you're born with. You either have it or you don't. You can't really LEARN it. You can follow trends, sure, but not everyone can really ROCK what they're wearing. Thats because personal style comes from within. You have to look deep within yourself and figure out what you are really like. Think: self expression. The only way you can truly express yourself, though, is to be happy with who you are. You have to be comfortable with who you are inside and know that your differences are just your uniquenesses.

So how does one learn how to develop that personal sense of style? Well, remember those uniquenesses? This is where those come in handy. You have to embrace your qualities and really let lose and be yourself. I'll use myself for reference... I'm a character. I have a whacky sense of humor, I love to act crazy, and really let go with my friends. In fact, my personality is so strong that it comes out in everything I do. Over the years I've been able to really learn that the crazy things that I do, say, like, or wear, etc. are qualities that I should really embrace. In doing so, I really learned my personal style. I went from being a (natural) blonde to a fiery red-head, I really started getting into the many facets of fashion and how each piece can really express who I am, or sometimes just how I'm feeling that day. I start with the shoes and work my way up. Custom Pumas usually or some hi-top Nike Dunks-- the crazier the better. Then pants, I always go for a low-rise boot cut, its just what looks best on me but I get as many washes or colors I can find. Shirts are easy, they can probably be the most expressive part of the attire-- or would it be the shoes!? I always try to find fun patterns or things going on to express myself. Don't forget you can always layer! But accessories are always what sells the outfit; hats, belts, jewelry, watches, scarves, etc. can always express personal attributes. By the time I'm all dressed I'm usually either a mesh of name-brand clothing of all the brightest and most exclusive, or rare, variety. But I stand out,  feel like a million bucks and like I could take over the world. And it shows. I'm much more of an extrovert and more likely to be the life of the party when I know I look as good as I feel. My personal style at that time would have officially taken over my body and made me a much happier person.

Think about it. When you're dressed to the best of your personal likings, in your personal confident zone, you are more likely to have a great time and be more social. It's like you glow when you enter the room and people sense it.

So as it seems I've come to the realization that fashion and emotion truly are connected. There are those who turn their nose at fashion saying that its either too flashy, to which I say those people are stuck in their shell. Or that it costs too much, a white T-shirt goes a long way and can look good with anything. But no matter what you wear just always go with your gut feeling. Don't let yourself fall into a fashion rut, put on whatever you want as long as you feel good.