On sticking out like a strangely dressed thumb.
I have been thinking about writing about this since I read FashionFabi’s post about people calling her “Naca“. I wasn’t familiar with this term before I read her blog entry. This is what it means, in her own words:
“Naca” (pronounced knock-uh) is a term constantly used in La Ceiba (or Honduras?)to describe a girl who mismatches, likes to shop at thrift stores, doesn’t stick to local trends and likes to take risks. It’s a twisted definition of the word “trashy”.
I was quite surprised that people called her that because I have been visiting her site frequently, actually admiring her outfits. She mixes and matches her clothes like a professional stylist and she seems like she always looks like she just walked right out of the pages of a magazine. The way she dresses screams confidence, individuality and creativity and I really love how she puts clothes together.
Apparently, very few people in her hometown shared my thoughts. Name-calling was just the tip of the iceberg. Someone went so far as to steal the photos from her blog, photoshop her face onto a nude body, and pass it around via MMS (I think this technology probably has done more harm than good to quite a number of individuals.). She said she caved for a while, dressed up the way an average person in La Ceiba would, but later decided to throw all caution to the wind and proceeded to dress the way she wants to. I say, Good for you, Fabi!
Anyway, this story struck a cord in me because not long ago, an Aunt told my cousin that I have a weird fashion sense, because I loved and bought this top:
I’ve always told everyone that I will dress the way I want to and I don’t really care what other people think. It’s 98% true. The remaining 2% was a little bit bothered about the comment. I know it’s not as hurtful as what was said to FashionFabi and I did kind of expect my aunt to make such a comment (because she likes things to match especially when it comes to clothes)… but I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of irritation when my cousin told me this. Perhaps it’s the people-pleaser in me that felt a little irked. Sooo… that’s how it feels to be criticized for looking or being a little different. How… unpleasant. Hmm. It made me think… do I really dress that weird? Do I look strange? Does everyone really think that I’m strange?
After 10 minutes of thinking non-stop and feeding my already-paranoid self with thoughts of people talking behind my back calling me “weird”, “baduy” (fashion victim), and all sorts of things…. I stopped myself. Will I really change the way I dress just to please others and look like just about everyone else? I don’t think I will be pleased with myself if I ever dress to the dictates of a matchy-matchy society. :p Fashion’s supposed to be fun and the “weird”way that I dress is how I derive fun out of fashion.
To FashionFabi and everyone who dares to be different (not just fashion-wise!), please continue to take the risk. You inspire me and a lot of other people to remain true to ourselves 
February 28th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I think that top is cute. :] It probably wouldn’t look good on me- yellow makes me look really pale. I don’t have a neat, wild-wacky fashion, but I think it’s awesome when someone else does. So! Don’t get discouraged and keep being yourself. ^^
February 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
HUH? I tried the black piece of that top!! i really love the collar but I was bit taken aback by the sleeves.. hahaha I don’t know.. But the sleeves in this pic are “tamer” and not as pointy as the one I tried on before! huhuhu
Geeezz!
You know why people don’t understand your fashion sense? Maybe it’s because you’re up to the riskier and more high fashion looks - something most ordinary people wouldn’t envision. Fashion is all about self- expression and creativity- effortless or not… and i know you know that. haha don’t be bothered my dear dear friend! At least there’s an osang who can say, “hey that looks nice” or ” I love that….”! hahahaha
February 28th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Miss_nomer: thank you for those words of encouragement!
Dianaslittlehelper: Haha Yeah, I MADE you try it on! :p Thanks, muhfriend! Really appreciate the compliments everytime I get one from ya!
February 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
jeez lady, alam mo, i forgot to make you kwento pala. i was at a coverage in Makati Shang, at this furniture shop, and one of the VPs actually has the exact same top but in white!
hay naku, if i knew you’d start doubting yourself, you doofus id’ve not told you anymore. hahahaha wag mo na pansinin si “auntie” may pagka-weirdo rin naman yung mga damit nya eh. i should know, she makes me wear some pretty horrid things. 
hahahahaha good for me my closet’s pretty big. hahahahaha!!!
March 1st, 2008 at 2:22 am
I LOVE THE TOP. How can anyone not like it???
I’ll never wear something like that (cause I can’t carry it well enough) but it looks good on people! :3
March 1st, 2008 at 5:26 am
Wee! Thanks Tiff! You’re a real pal. hehe! So what you’re saying is that you don’t fall under the category “people”? heheheh! :p I bet it will look good on you!
March 1st, 2008 at 5:28 am
LUJ: hahah! well for 10 minutes lang :p I wouldnt say she dresses weird but her taste is simpler than mine. I have a tendency to be histrionic. But you already know that. hahaha!
March 1st, 2008 at 8:35 am
The top looks nice!
Do not be bothered by being different bec that is the way you are. If you are happy with what you do then that’s it…it’s really hard to please everybody you know esp if you’re in a different time zone 
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
mrsawesomeplanet: Thanks… I think that’s one of the more important things I’ve learned after 26 years (oops, there goes my age. dang!) of learning to deal with other people. It’s really impossible to please everyone without sacrificing one’s beliefs and consequently being unhappy about one’s self. I’m quite happy about being different, actually.. I would be thrilled to be called a “NACA” if it means dressing as fabulously as Fabi. haha!
Oh i think this qualifies as a whole other blog entry. hahahah! So long. :p