Considering I was five when “Clueless” first came out, I cannot say I had the best style in the ’90s. Yes, I am guilty of donning overalls, scrunchies, and (gasp) the dreaded jelly shoes.

Suffice it to say, attending an all-girls, Catholic school for 11 years of my life did not enhance my fashion sense in any way, shape, or form. Yet, this classic teen comedy never failed to lift my style-impaired spirits. When it was time to leave for college, I was ready…or at least I thought I was. 

Honestly, the extent of my fashion knowledge as a college freshmen extended as far as knowing that browns and blacks were NEVER EVER to be worn together, horizontal striped shirts and dresses only made me look wider, and over-the-top matching (you know those girls, who match their headband with their shirt with their socks with their bracelets and necklaces and okay, let me stop) was an absolute no-no. I had learned the art of minimalism from working as a “model” aka sales associate at Abercrombie & Fitch but as for my more glamorous garment inspirations, I always turned to the trendsetting holy trinity: Cher, Dionne, and Tai. 

Beyond the “whatever’s” and “as if’s” exchanged between Cher and her posse, it was the costume changes throughout the movie that opened my eyes. You are looking at someone who has dressed up as Dionne for Halloween…twice! Red lipstick is a staple in my makeup collection thanks to Stacey Dash. I could easily blame Cher for my persnickety way of picking out shoes, “and they only go on my feet!” And as for Tai, well, I have been there with the curls and, yeah, that did not work out too well. I have gone from a fresh-faced, polo and plaid wearing school girl to a crimson-lipped, 90s influenced, dare I say “hipster?” Although I have been called that, personally I believe I lack that certain “je ne sais quoi” to take on that responsibility. 

In this world of ever-evolving style where it has now become acceptable to go out in public pants-less a la Lady Gaga, shave half of your head like Cassie, and sport mismatched layer upon layer and not give two hoots like Rihanna, I cannot help but wonder what style icon sparked their style.

Lovelies, who has been your style inspiration? Are you “Pretty In Pink” like Molly Ringwald or could you be sporting box braids like Janet Jackson in “Poetic Justice.” Has there been a movie that changed your fashion game? 

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