Be the Brand YOU: Embracing Fashion as an Art of Self-Expression

I never really had a personal style, and honestly, I still don’t. It all depends on my mood and how I feel like dressing up when I wake up. Growing up, I loved dressing myself up, and I started my own experiments early on. My mind was always buzzing with outfit ideas, even as a kid. I remember once wanting to wear a pink strapless top with my yellow belly pants—but I didn’t own one. So, I got creative and used my pink flowy short skirt as a top instead. That moment stuck with me, especially since my dad was doing a photoshoot for my sister and me. Looking back, I realize that fashion has always been about improvising and making the most of what I have.

To me, fashion is beyond just clothing—it’s an art. It’s about pairing the right colors to make them blend beautifully, understanding fabric textures, and ensuring the pieces suit not just your body but also your skin. For example, I avoid polyester because it irritates my skin and holds sweat in an unpleasant way. Understanding these details makes a huge difference in feeling good in what you wear.

There’s often confusion between style and trends. Your style is what you naturally lean towards, your preference. Trends, on the other hand, are just what’s popular at the moment. As a teenager, I felt pressure to follow trends just to fit into a friend circle. But my parents taught me to be humble and grateful for what I had. That lesson shaped me into someone who plays with fashion without the need to chase trends blindly. Instead, I became resourceful, using what I already had and turning it into something fresh. Thinking about it now, I laugh at how silly I was to think I needed to “fit in.”

Now, I’d say I’m a minimalist—but not at the same time. I don’t shop often, mainly because I’d rather spend my money on trying new foods (laughs!). But when I do buy clothes, I make sure they can be worn in multiple ways. I once had an old pair of jeans from the fitted jeans era, and instead of throwing them away, I cut them into stylish half-pants. I recently wore them to brunch with a striped blue-and-white shirt and black heels—effortlessly chic and repurposed!

One tip I’d give? If a shirt doesn’t fit you well, use safety pins on either side at the back, thread a ribbon through, and it’ll give you a customized fitted look.

When people ask me how to upgrade their wardrobe without spending too much, my answer is always simple: Think before you buy. Ask yourself: ✔ How many times will I wear this? ✔ How many ways can I style it with what I already own? ✔ Am I okay with being an “outfit repeater” (like Lizzie McGuire)? If yes, congrats, you’re mature in fashion!

Of course, I also suggest checking out JELLYBEAN by Az | Clothing (www.jellybeanbyaz.com). Yes, I know what you’re thinking—“Of course, she’d say that!” But genuinely, I do my best to keep everything affordable so that fashion can be enjoyed by everyone, without breaking the bank. Every purchase supports the idea of making style accessible to all, even during inflation when spending guilt kicks in.

JELLYBEAN by Az was founded to encourage people to explore their personal style without fear. Whether you follow trends, mix and match quirky pieces, or are still figuring out what your aesthetic is—you’re welcome here. I want people to feel confident in their choices, knowing they didn’t have to overspend to look good.

So if you ever feel lost in fashion, just remember: Be the Brand YOU! You don’t have to fit into a mold—you just have to find what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. And if you still don’t know what your style is, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re in this together.