Cheers to the readers!

Yoliswa Dube

THE idea of having a column of my own sounded exciting.

I wasn’t aware of the amount of commitment and thought that would go into sustaining it.

If you had asked me a year ago what “Pattern & Style” meant to me, I wouldn’t have given you a plausible answer.

I probably would’ve been indifferent and attached no sentimental value to it.

But ask me now and I’ll tell you Pattern & Style is more than just a fashion column that’s been running for exactly a year today.

Now, I’ll tell you it’s a lifestyle — it’s about making a conscious decision to look your best every single day.

Pattern & Style is about building confidence through your wardrobe and making sure whatever space you’re in — you turn up.

It’s about ensuring the brand that is you remains fresh and consistent. For the past year, during my bath every morning, I’ve thought about what to write for the next issue and it has been a pleasure because of you the readers.

I know I’ll get some interesting feedback which will steer me in the right direction for the next Saturday and the next and the Saturday after that.

I’ve received feedback that has toppled me off my chair, some that has put a smile on my face. I’ve chuckled to some of the feedback, some of it has left me shell shocked but most importantly it has given me something to think about.

Some have focused more on the column’s banner and misused my number for personal “gratification”.

They have even called and dropped a few pick up lines, but that’s okay.

Reader’s feedback has kept me motivated nonetheless.

It’s great to know someone read and made the extra effort to come through with feedback.

Any writer will tell you nothing feels better than hearing what a reader thinks about their work.

When I ran “A man with a watch is a man with a plan” — it got some men a little wet under the collar. Some felt a watch was a necessary accessory while others thought it didn’t make much of a difference but most importantly, it got them talking and thinking.

And then came “Stop borrowing hair” with some liberation for the ladies — getting them to understand a woman’s beauty doesn’t depend on her wearing a weave.

There’re lots of ways to look beautiful without over indulging in artificial accessories. This is what Pattern & Style is about — keeping you in check for your everyday life.

You may not always agree with my views and that’s really okay but at least I’d have given you something to think about. It has been about being relatable, practical and relevant to what would be referred to as the ordinary person.

I wouldn’t have been able to do this for so long without you the readers. Particularly my mother who has read every single article, she’s been my number one fan and the first victim of my pen.

My brother, relatives, friends and colleagues have also been victim as I try to make fashion a relatable and exciting aspect of life — thank you for letting me do this.

As this baby turns one today, I’d like to say THANK YOU to you the readers! Please keep reading and don’t stop slaying! Remember, how you dress could be the difference between you and your next big break.

Feedback from last week’s “To tuck in or not to tuck in”

Your column is getting steamier and spicier. It’s relatable and more enjoyable to read. I was dying reading it; yellow bone came at me like a sucker punch! I wasn’t ready. Then the thriving mkhaba — I flatlined. Nice piece. — BK

Hey MaDue! I love Pattern and Style. Nice one on tucking in lemkhaba! — 0713 536***

I read your article — I hope to get more tips from the fashion guru. — Lance, Harare.

Some men actually think wearing a formal shirt and trousers without tucking in is actually a casual look — it’s hideous! —Thandie.

Hey, I just read your column. I’m slim and have a bit of a flat chest. I’ve breast fed three babies. What kind of bra can give me a lift and help me look better in my clothes. — 0772305***. Masvingo.

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263774 492700, send an email to [email protected] or follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr.