The Secret Style of an Abandoned Cart

You know she’ll come back. She always does when it’s a slow work week or when she’s watching E! News on the couch. You’ve been sitting there patiently waiting to be revisited, zoomed in on and examined, just like when you first met. You’ve been pushed aside, slowly and methodically elbowed down to the bottom of her mind by those all too similar to you. You can’t help but take it personally.

She’ll never pull the trigger, though; she always ends up playing it safe. You deserve better! Your spark glows brighter than whatever she’ll end up settling for, probably something classic and tasteful that her mother will love. She won’t end up on cherry blossom blanketed Parisian cobble stones or under the epileptic lights of Tokyo’s chaotic streets — all the places where you shine. She’ll be flash-frozen in fear of reaching her full potential, politely smiling at acquaintances, always the picture of appropriateness, never making those around her loosen their collars or scratch their heads from bewilderment and confusion or possibly envy.

You are the outlandish item she’s placed in her digital cart that she will never buy. You are within reach, yet elusive; your singular design high above most people’s comfort levels. You outwardly disdain the heather crew neck tissue-tee that always gets called up for the big show while you wait on deck, bored, next to the flattering straight-legged dark wash jeans that will “check out” before ever going on sale.

You know that deep down her fashionably-closeted self is waiting to break free. Your dramatic buckles or neon embroidery or exaggerated shape could be the catalyst to unleashing her true style. Oh, that you were a garment upon her shoulders so that you might touch her closet. You are a pair of star-crossed lovers, destined for a glorious encounter one day, only to meet a disastrous end. Without intention, your inspired silhouette will dwarf her confidence even though she knows you could do wonders for her esteem.

Her styles lives in you, surrounded by the great, misunderstood pieces of our time, periodically being removed and placed into bolder consumers’ carts. Maybe it’s better this way. Her clothing can go on representing her daily truths: a pseudo-sensible young professional, balancing a limited budget and penchant for stain-inducing foods. Her style embodies safety and comfort; arguably chic in its simplicity. But you’ll remain a stylistic secret, forever hers, hidden in that cart just a click away.

Written by Kelsey Moody. 

Image shot by Kristina Yenko