I really should have told you this story 5 years ago when I started the blog. For so long I’ve only shared it with a handful of close friends. But since I’ve been getting more ‘up close and personal’ with you, I think it’s time that I share it with you. Hopefully by the end of it you’ll agree that it is a story worth the wait.
Something happened to me when I was young. It had such a devastating effect on me that it lasted for two decades. And only in the past couple of years have I been able to ‘shake it off’. So even though the story has a tragic start, it does have a happy ending. So don’t pull out the tissues just yet. Here goes.
When I was young and growing up in China, I was constantly called ‘ugly’. My mother was a stunning lady, so when I didn’t inherit her looks, some people joked that I was ‘adopted’. This is because I had tanned skin with small eyes and mono-eyelids, all of which in Chinese standards equate to the polar opposite of beautiful. So from a young age, I knew that I couldn’t rely on my looks, and therefore concentrated on studying hard.
Before you start pouring pity on me, hear me out. I didn’t let what other people said get to me. Well, not much. The only ‘negative’ effect it had on me was that I never looked at my face in the mirror. There was not much to look at, after all. Even to this day, I never look at myself in public bathroom mirrors, I still feel self-conscious whenever I check the mirror to see if mascara has run after a sad movie.
So now you know why I am such a makeup illiterate and why I have such a unique sense of style. The Chinese culture stresses conformity, but because I was rejected by traditional standards, I became ‘rebellious’ and embraced individuality.
Although I didn’t meet popular standards of beauty as a child, I never felt unworthy, because my parent loved me. Due to their encouragement and support, I developed diligence instead of depression, strived to be original and not conventional. Now that I’m older and have finally mastered mascara, I don’t cringe as much about my looks. Plus, I hold on to the truth that “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” by God, so other people’s opinions of me matter even less, because I am now sure of my worth. Looks are fleeting, it is our character and attitudes that define us.
Who would have guessed that, this ugly duckling would become a fashion blogger and share photos of herself with the world? It just shows, other peoples’ opinions may shape us, but they can’t define us. I wonder if there’s anything in your past that still has a hold of you? I hope that my story can encourage you to ‘shake off’ the labels and shine forth as the magnificent person you are created to be.
Where: Beneath a flowering wattle tree
Wear: Unreal Fur Jacket / Vintage Hat & Dress / Miss Sixty Heels (And a slick of mascara)
Photos by Karen Woo
Chinese Translation by Teresa Ruan (Click below to read)
[spoiler title=”中文版”]我应该在5年前刚开这个博客的时候就和大家说这个故事。
在我小的时候发生了一些事。
年幼的我在中国成长的那段时期经常被别人说“丑”。
先别急着同情我，听我把话说完。我没有让别人的话影响到我。
现在你知道我为什么不会化妆并且有这样独一无二的风格。
尽管我不是广义上的漂亮孩子，
谁曾想到这个丑小鸭有一天会变成时尚博主并且和全世界分享她的相
[/spoiler]
Join us on FACEBOOK/TWITTER/BLOGLOVIN/PINTEREST/INSTAGRAM ID: Cecyliadotcom
Love this outfit and especially your shoes! I am running this awesome Chanel spring make-up collection giveaway that is worth over $158. I think you’ll love it!
Come by soon!
xx
You are amazing and beautiful!! :) Our past can hold onto us strongly.. and often how we see ourselves is what holds us back from being the best we can be :) Thanks for the inspiring and heartfelt message!
pleasure thank you Richard! Thanks for always bringing out the best in me
Love you lots CC! You are looking ravishing as always! :)
I have never thought you were anything less than beautiful – inside and out! It can be hard letting go of words and labels from our past, but like you said, we are always loved, by our parents and God :)
Indeed Mica! It’s only taken me all these years to reveal this :D but it is truly liberating!
You’re a gorgeous and beautiful person inside and out xx
thank you Sheryl, I’m blessed to know you!
You are really WONDERFUL!
Wow, this outfit is perfect. *__*
Lovely greets Nessa
Beautiful story by a beautiful young woman. X
Oh, same here but I don’t blog anymore as I found it too stressful trying to capture the ‘prettier’ of me to share. The thoughts come in waves, and it’s nice thay you’ve share this post… inspiring and uplifting too. Hopefully I get back up soon. Thanks C.
Mrs Lee you are pretty no matter what the camera says! Please get back up soon or at least let’s grab a coffee soon!
I’ve always considered you to be stunning – and so I’m glad that you didn’t let your non-conformity hold you back. It can be such an emotional benefit to be an “outsider” – it frees you to be more creative. Viva la difference Cecylia!
thank you so much Nicole, it means so much to me that you read/comment on my blog!!! You’re so right, conformity can be restrictive and to be a fashion ‘outsider’ only sets the path for trendsetting :D
It’s great that you didn’t let this setback prevent you from being the person whom you wanted to be Cecylia, but you are beautiful anyway (especially since Winston!). Love the blog.
thanks Bob! That means a lot!