A friend request for Tavi Gevinson

When I was 13, I was nothing like Tavi Gevinson. 

Tavi’s fashion blog, “Style Rookie,” started out as the product of her growing curiosity in fashion and blogging.

Since its launch in March 2008, the blog evolved from a place Tavi posted snapshots of magazine ads and photos of favorite ensembles to a critical analysis of the fashion industry.

Reading her blog is like being in the mind of an industry expert and a giddy teenage girl at the same time. She analyzes fashion magazines and runway shows with such critical insight that you forget you’re reading a 13-year-old’s words - until she talks about how she hates gym class.

Maybe we are not so different.

While Tavi mentions being too shy to say “hi” to Gwen Stefani at the Moca 30th Anniversary Gala, at 13, I am reminded of when I was too shy to order a pizza on the phone.

And while Tavi skips school to sit front row at the Alexander Wang show in New York, my 13-year-old self was watching my Tamagotchi poop.

She doesn’t want to be called out for her age, but honestly, it’s a compliment.

Her detailed commentary includes connections to references beyond her years, such as when she says an outfit reminds her of illustrations in the liner notes of Joni Mitchell’s 1970 album “Ladies of the Canyon,” or praises ’90s minimalism.

Tavi said she is interested in what she refers to as the “anti-fashion,” which doesn’t have anything to do with substance-lacking magazines like Seventeen or the stick-figure bimbos on America’s Next Top Model.

She has a sense of confidence that many girls her age lack. She said she doesn’t care if other people don’t like what she wears and enjoys standing out as an individual.
Tavi takes pride in how she expresses herself through her blog and in what she wears to school. This kind of self-awareness comes easily to her, although for some, it takes years to learn.

And it’s refreshing knowing that there are 13-year-olds out there that are actually interested in something other than Edward Cullen.

She doesn’t want to be called cute, but sometimes you just can’t help it.

Between her squeals in all capital letters to how she hates being called a boy because of her short hair, I feel like I would have loved to have a friend like Tavi when I was her age.

I mean, I would love for her be my friend now.

Instead, I will settle for buying some pieces from her collaboration with the Rodarte for Target collection, available in stores now.

Tavi modeled some of the tulle-pleated skirts and flower print dresses on her blog, but of course, she completes each look with her eclectic style.

Tavi said she doesn’t know what kind of career she wants, but it’s certain she’ll be stylish no matter what she does.

By reading more of “Style Rookie,” I hope I can grow up to be as fashionable – and as passionate about something – as Tavi Gevinson.