I get off at Sundhara. As I walk with Kathmandu Mall to my left, headed towards Basantapur, a whole new subject starts crawling into my mind. People and their clothes; and more.
Fashion, is it? Or is it the new trend? First of all, if it’s a trend, it can’t be new and if it’s new it ain’t a trend! What I call it is “Going wrong”.

I’ve seen a lot of youngsters, maybe at Basantapur, Thamel, Durbar Marg or Jawalakhel, who try to dress up, hoping that the next guy or girl (good looking of course) turn their heads for another glimpse. They do that, but to have another laugh instead. The clothes, the hair, accessories, shoes, everything is according to them fashionably top notch. And the only thing I can think of is, “Do you even have a mirror?” Then I stop to mull over what they’re thinking. What they see in the mirror is not what ‘is’ but what fashion wants, rather what the viewer’s want, and that’s when they go mirror blind. I blame them. But in some ways, I don’t.

I blame them for believing what they see on the TV, what their favorite celebrity’s wearing, but then again, that’s the whole point of fashion shows and popular faces endorsing brands. Thus they score. What we don’t see is what isn’t shown to us. I know. How to see the “not shown” right? That’s why I don’t blame them.

I know what it’s like being under your peers’ microscope. When you’re at a get-together or a party, people literally look at you, no, wait; stare at you starting from the biggest strand of hair on your head to your toes! From what you’re wearing, what color; whether that is the wear for that day or not, any accessories or not, why too much of it, what shoes! The thought alone is exhausting! And all I wanted to do was, wish them on their big day and be a part of the celebration. (Thanks a lot grandma, for this dorky sweater!)
Today, as I go through my past, it reminds me of that sweater. I take it out and wear it to college. I appreciate how much love grandma put into it. Now, I don’t care what people think because I’m no model, yellow just isn’t my color and high heels hurt! But you know what? I feel warm, comfortable and most importantly, I feel I’m me.

To be yourself is all that you can do (thank you Audioslave :-)). Who cares what that good looking stranger thinks? They simply pass by. Life can’t be tried in a trial room, but clothes can!

(With all due respect to everyone’s opinion.)