The famous designer of the 1920s and 1930s, Elsa Schiaparelli, once said, “In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” As a college freshman, I have found this to be true.
There was a time when I can remember spending at least an hour getting ready for any outing. I spent countless dollars on hair products designed to tame any amount of frizz, or boost any curl. I must admit these products did not always follow through with the results the bottle promised. This fact would simply force me to spend even more time taming my naturally rebellious head of hair. My large walk-in closet was filled with clothes that I spent many hours searching for among sale racks at my favorite stores. Shoes have always been, and still are, my favorite accessory.
I tend toward the unusual, unique shoes that make a statement. I’m not exactly sure what statement my shoes are making, but they are usually good conversation pieces. In my “fashionable” days, it was not uncommon to find me wearing a pair of high heels that corresponded rather nicely with whatever outfit I was wearing.
Then . I moved away to college. This semester I’m taking 19 hours of class as well as spending many hours in extracurricular activities and working. None of my first classes begin any later than 9:45 a.m., which usually leaves me with little time in the morning to straighten my hair and pick out the perfect outfit. It seems as though practicality and comfort has taken the place of my formerly strong sense of style. My routine in the morning begins with me coaxing myself out of bed.
I typically have about 10 minutes until I need to leave for class. This only leaves enough time to brush my teeth, put on some blue jeans and a T-shirt, pull my hair up in a ponytail, and walk out the door. As I’m walking to class, I usually look down and laugh at my wonderful matching skills.
I also spend this time to do some people-watching. Looking around, I notice that I am apparently not alone in my newfound sense of style, or lack of style. It never fails, everyday I see someone whom I imagine is probably taking a large number of credit hours like me. Nothing screams “finals week” quite like the half-asleep student, staggering to class, wearing flannel pajama pants with flip-flops.
I am almost certain that bags under the eyes are a fashion trend among college students as well. I never realized how much lack of sleep could affect my style.
I also see a different type of student. This student has flawless hair, with soft curls that only time could provide for. She also has feet evidently made of iron that high heels could not possibly cause pain to. Her outfit is impeccably put together with corresponding accessories at the height of fashion. I lower my head in shame as I walk by, donning my baseball cap and tennis shoes.
For one moment I regret hitting the snooze button so many times, but this feeling is only temporary. Sleep has taken a more important role in my life these days. To the girls who do resist the temptation to sleep in as long as they possibly can, my cap is off to you. Actually, it’s on, hiding my horribly messy hair.

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