What's Wrong with a Little Fantasy?

Saw a clip of an interview with Diahann Carroll, a woman I've actually admired for a long time. She rose to icon status when she took on the role of Dominique Devereaux on Dynasty. Carroll is well-known for her overall glamour and elegance. In the interview, a comment is made about having to wear makeup a lot, to which Carol makes an excellent point. She responds, saying that some makeup is nice, "fantasy is nice." She continues, "I like a little false eyelashes and a little titillation", explaining it makes life a little more enjoyable, bearable. I couldn't agree more.

In my tryst with clothes, presenting well is apparently controversial. I'm constantly receiving weird comments and attitudes from people all the time. It's so odd and annoying that people are offended by someone being intentional and taking some pride in their appearance. Almost as if they're saying, How dare you look put together and glamorous? It makes me think of the Diahann Carroll interview, "fantasy is nice". So what's wrong with a little fantasy? Life is short and cruel; why not romanticize life with outfit stylings and pairings? For instance, every time I wear heels (usually kitten heels, real slight work), I get comments. Things like: "I hope you brought a second pair of shoes" (which I don't, I always commit to the bit) or "Don't your feet hurt?" I highly doubt you're actually concerned with my feet. I think they just want me to know that they think my fashion choices are a bit frivolous and nonsensical. The weird part is I respect their choice not to try as much as I do, and the lack of elevated style. I don't feel the need to comment on how I think they play it too safe, and that they could do with some heels. Their clothes have no bearing on me, so my fashion choices should have no bearing on them.

It's so bizarre! I even had a friend ask me to "tone it down", basically stop dressing up so much. She claimed that standing next to me made her feel self-conscious. As a retired people pleaser, I flat-out told her I would never consider it. And honestly, it was such an egregious ask. Now, I did somewhat empathize with her, so I was willing to help her with her personal style to boost her confidence. Unfortunately, that never happened; with every attempt, she never really tried. And by the end of 2025. We were no longer friends. I was unwilling to take on her insecurities, as that's unfair to me. And I was not willing to be apologetic for doing something I love. My fashion choices are never made with malice, so it's irritating that it's treated as such. It all just comes across as very manipulative and controlling. Not cool at all.

At the end of the day, I'm always going to work towards being comfortable in myself; no one's going to change that. And I will only continue to grow and push the envelope stylistically. If some of you hate me now, you're truly going to hate me more, especially as I'm currently eyeing a pair of vintage Prada purple suede boots and a top with fur-lined sleeves. Yikes for them.