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

Okay, I’ve been wanting to use that title for soooo long now! Finally, using it now makes some sense. ha ha ha!

I suppose a little introduction is in order…

My actual name isn’t Giggles. It’s Denise. ^_^ My sister occasionally calls me “Giggles McGee” because I laugh easily, a lot, and loudly (like a hyena, she says). I like to think that I brighten up others’ days with my gregarious and careless laughter but who am I kidding? I think I enjoy being smile-y, happy and perky more because it makes me look younger than I actually am. :p

And, yes, I can be just a wee bit vain. Or maybe a lot vain. I can’t really tell. ha ha!

I like a LOT of different things. I am easily influenced by people around me who encourage me to try and and see if I will be interested in the stuff that they’re into. So yeah, I’m very open and receptive to new things and experiences. And, I’m very excited to share new interests and experiences here.

Among the topics that I’m very passionate about are: fashion, do-it-yourself crafts, graphic design, and nursing (because I’m a nurse!). I suppose these topics will comprise the bulk of my blog… so those who hate these topics… you have been warned! hihi!

Anyway, enough introduction, on to the posts!