What Iris Apfel Taught Me

This year, I went as fashion icon Iris Apfel for Halloween. She is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to personal style. I love how Iris isn't afraid to take risks and has created her own, unique identity using clothes and accessories. Big, round glasses, layered necklaces and bangles stacked up and down each arm are her trademarks. It's no surprise Iris' clothing and jewelry collection is recognized as one of the best in the world. If you haven't watched her documentary on Netflix, I highly recommend it.

I recreated Iris' look by pulling from my own closet, my mom's treasure trove of a jewelry box and thrifting at Savers. I removed the lenses from of a pair of sunglasses I found at Marshall's to complete the persona. Becoming Iris Apfel made me think about the way I see fashion. The base of my costume, a simple black turtleneck and jeans, were a blank canvas to color myself in statement-making jewelry. With each bangle and necklace, I was adding another element to the canvas. I made sure each component of my outfit served a creative purpose. Dressing up became an art form. 

I think the artistry to getting dressed has been somewhat lost. We're so focused on following the latest trends and trying to recreate celebrity looks, that we've lost sight of individuality. There's really no fun in wearing what everybody else is wearing all the time. I think everyone should try to channel their inner Iris Apfel and be more spontaneous with their style. I'd like to close this post with some of my favorite Iris quotes:

"Fashion you can buy, but style you possess."

"There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude."

"If you make a mistake in what you put together, the fashion police are not going to haul you into jail."

"When you don't dress like everyone else, you don't have to think like everyone else."

"I say, dress for yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something that says, 'here I am' today." 

~Bitsy