Definition of cool

We all remember where we were when we first smelled Marc Jacobs 'Daisy'.


No? OK, how about Gap 'Heaven' or Clinique 'Happy'? Work with me here. Think about the coolest, must-have perfume of your youth, and pretend I'm talking about that.


I was at the Spokane mall (River Park Square, for you locals). 

It was October 2007. 

Someone, I think my cousin Clare, had told me that Marc Jacobs 'Daisy' was all the rage. And I was in the market for a new scent—something I could splash on my wrists to 'dress up' my sweatpants, hoodie and crocs ensemble (oh, college).

I walked through the Nordstrom's entrance, avoiding eye contact with the shoe salesmen, makeup ladies and piano player (as always), and began to hunt for 'Daisy' among the perfumes. It didn't take long for me to spot it because, exactly as advertised, the bottle looks like a daisy. Perfect. I removed the lid, adorned with plastic white petals, and gave my wrist a hearty spray.

THE SMELL WAS INTOXICATING.

Was this what life was all about? Joy, heartache, love, tragedy, triumph and bliss, all wrapped up into one clear liquid. Was it really just a perfume, or was it bottled splendour? I had to stop myself from weeping into my mocha light frappuccino.

Needless to say, I bought it. All my bagel shop tips for a month for the chance to own this sweet, sweet happiness potion? Totally worth it.

Surgeon general's warning: This is not a real cigarette. Smoking a real cigarette may make you look EVEN COOLER.

For me, smell is the most evocative of the senses. Certain smells—freshly cut grass, caramel corn, mouldy shower curtain—immediately take me back to a certain place and time. So, when I was walking to Char's today and a lady passed me wearing Marc Jacob's 'Daisy', I was instantly transported to that autumn evening in River Park Square. 

But the wafting odour of that middle aged lady also got me thinking about the concept of 'cool'. Part of the reason I fell in love with 'Daisy' was that it was cool! It was by Marc Jacobs. The hippest fashion designer of all time. So hip, in fact, that you didn't really need to know anything about him other than the fact that he was hip. The man doesn't even need a 'k' in his name. Mark Jacobs? Don't be daft.

Anyway, back to the question at hand: what is cool? I'll spare you my research process and tell you what I've identified as the key characteristics of cool (in a person, not necessarily a perfume).

What is cool?

Common traits of a cool person:

✓   Fashionable — Cool people are trendsetters. This is either because they stay on top of European fashion trends, or because they go out on a limb and pick something unique to wear. Note: the latter only works sometimes (me attempting to start a 'take the sticker off your apple and wear it on your nose' trend in 5th grade is an example of it not working).  

Tip: If you can't be fashionable because you're just not bothered (me), then at least be hygienic. Flossing and showering regularly is the next best thing. 

✓   Indifferent — Cool people don't give an F about whatever has your gunders in a twist. They're above it. Political arguments? Neighbourly disputes? Fights with bouncers? Please, they would never stoop to that level. 

Tip: If being blasé just isn't your thang (me), then create your own blog as a place to air your grievances. Nobody will read it, but you'll be able to get things off your chest. Win win. 

✓   Confident — Cool people know their worth, and it shows in the way they carry themselves. They don't look to others for reassurance or praise. It's not arrogance, because they're not overcompensating for anything. They just have a healthy, accurate view of their value to the world. 

Tip: Fake it 'til you make it. However, being open about what you don't know/what you aren't good at is also a sign of confidence. 

✓   Talented — Cool people are great at one or more of the following: music, sports, art or generally being smart.

Tip: Not talented? Well, this is the one trait that there isn't really a 'hack' for. However, the good news is, if you master the first three traits, you don't need to be talented.

What happens when uncool is the new 'cool'?

Oh, you're wondering about hipsters? You're wondering what to do when something so clearly uncool (e.g. high-waisted, pleated khakis) becomes ironically cool. 

Here's my conclusion on all that: just don't go in for ironically cool trends. Let it pass. Being trendy is one thing, but sometimes good is good and bad is just so obviously bad. 

Remember gaucho pants (scroll down if you click on that link)? They were those stretchy flared three quarter length trousers that you'd pair with a tank top, a shrug and as many beaded necklaces as you could find. They hit the big-time back in 2004. They weren't ironically cool. They were just plain cool. I got a pair in turquoise, but I never could quite bring myself to wear them. Every cute celeb was wearing them, but still, something just didn't seem right. 

Looking back, I can't believe I came so close to partaking in something so hideous. The lesson: if, in spite of its popularity, a certain trend just doesn't work for you, then abstain!


Woah! Longest post ever. Soooo not web audience friendly. I'll do a nice short one tomorrow. 

Love ya, 
Margaret

P.S. Oh, and also, JUST BE YOURSELF! You're already cool because you're reading this. Congrats!