XXI

                For most young people there are usually 3 birthdays you look forward to; your 16th, your 18th, and your 21st. At 16 you get your license and can drive free of domineering, over cautious parents; at 18 your can legally get tatted, pierced, and stoned and don't have to worry about doing any of these things in secret anymore. But 21? That's the most celebrated, and hyped up birthday of them all! 21 is the perfect case in point for YOLO. Cause after 21 you can gamble, rent a hotel room, get access to the chicer cousin of the likes of Mr Rickys and Secrets (lounges like MAXBAR, and Shrine) and why of course kiss worries of gettin caught under aged drinking goodbye. Since I joined team XXI a month ago, I have pretty much exclusively concentrated on the last two. 
              However, much to my surprise the lounge scene that I thirsted for for so long is not exactly how I pictured it. Ive been to about 6 different lounges since bday and aside from the overpriced drinks, the hit or miss DJ's and the ehhh choice of men 'older men', the most eyebrow raising factor has been how people dress at these shindigs. In the fantasy of Brittanyland, everyone would be dressed like they are about to attend a fashion show. But what I've experienced thus far is quite the contrary. Now maybe its the lounges I been to or maybe its because I need to switch to places where there is actually a cover charge (not that I'm complaining about that #teambrokephibroke). Eitherway, the observation has struck a burning question in me; how do people in their 20's dress?
             If taking the leap into the Dubb Club and forever leaving your teens is such a big deal, shouldn't it come with a grown and sexy dress code? Shouldn't there be a distinct marker from someone who's 17 and someone who is 23? Of all the many forms of self - expression should your wardrobe not seek a fitting change to bring in decade number two? And if so, where do we find such models? Are the manuals handed out when we renew our licenses? Is it a soul searching process? or does it just naturally happen? Who is to say what's 'age appropriate' when the world is your oyster?
            Personally, my style has taken on a edgier yet more sophisticated look in this brave new world. I look at my style idols like Rihanna, Blake Lively and Adrienne Bailon and I feel so enlightened and empowered by their personal style. Its so fresh and individual yet you can tell they are just, free. And its the best kind of freedom. Creative expression through hair, makeup, and dress. That's the goal. I haven't figured out everything about who I am, who I want to be or how I want to be perceived. I haven't even figured out what companies to apply to when I graduate; but what I do know is on this journey to self discovery of my new 21 year old self. I want my appearance to journal the liberation of my soul, from the inside out. After all, that's what your 20's are for right?