5 posts tagged “fashion”
So now that March 1st has passed, I am officially allowed to shop for clothes again. As I've mentioned before, I did end up buying a few things this past year: a summer blazer for interviews; a spangly Indian outfit for Diwali; a winter coat; and a winter suit for a very important meeting last week (BTW, the meeting went very well, I think it was the suit). So I decided that I still needed some professional clothes, and that the end-of-winter sales were coming to a close, so I should get a couple more things, now that I don't have the moritorium guilt hanging over my head.
I'd been feeling rather ambivalent about the point of the whole thing, and wondered if anything had been accomplished. Yes, yes, I've figured out how to get by with less, and have started to learn to make my own clothes. Then I went shopping and realized, Yes, I saved A LOT of money this past year, cuz it turns out, I LOVE CLOTHES.
OMG.
BCBG was having a 70% off sale, and I bought a blazer that will probably never make its way into a professional meeting because it will just attract too much attention. It is grey pinstripe, with a very masculine body and one button, but then these blouse-styled sleeves, that are fitted in the upper arm, and then pleated and loose around the wrists. And if you roll up the sleeves, they are designed to pouf out in a way I can't describe in words, but looks like something Marie Antoinette would wear if she were to go in drag. OMG, do I love this blazer. I got the pants to match (70% off, come on) so I have the full pant suit ready to go. And I bought it knowing I will get very little use out of it. Indeed, I saved a ton of money this past year.
So I've been thinking about how to manage this newly re-found love of clothes, so that it doesn't get out of hand, and thought, maybe I should check out what the trends for the spring are supposed to be. I went to Sweetspot, which I like because they label trends from 'Easy for Anyone' to wear to 'Downright Risky', and the website for Loulou Magazine, which I like because it is Canadian shopping magazine, and sources all the clothes to stores located here. They also have a whole 14+ section on the website, which I think is highly democratic of them. This is what they have to say:
Trends anyone can wear:
1. The Boyfriend Blazer: this was noted as on-trend by both sources. Basically, a loosely-fitted blazer with square shoulders that is a little crumpled and is meant to be worn with the sleeves rolled up, so they are lined with a contrasting material. This reminds me of a blazer I stole from my Dad in 1988, and wore with the sleeves rolled up. I was the hottest sh*t around. (Ange, I'm sure you have a pic of me wearing that and my Beatle glasses.) I was glad to read about the rolled-up sleeves, as this bodes well for my new blazer making its way out of the house.
2. Ripped Jeans: Yes, the pre-ripped, worn-out garment you buy for $150.00. Now, I do see the appeal of these, they can look great as part of the right outfit, but at 35, these are firmly in the rear-view mirror.
3. Huge, exaggerated floral prints: Snore. Hum. Wha? Sorry, I fell asleep there thinking that there is no trend more boring than this one. I'm sorry, but really? That floral print will have to be exceptionally unique and highly stylized if it is going to seem new to me, since florals to me are done, done, done. I understand they were "big on the runway", but from what I have seen, florals that have been tamed down enough for the regular person are all rather blah.
4. Safari: Now, I am rather pleased by this, since the one summer piece I bought last year is a safari-styled blazer, and I was really loving the giraffe prints that were out last year. I had to really fight the temptation to buy a giraffe-print scarf last summer, so this year, I'm hoping the cheap knock-off market will provide me with said garment at a reasonable price.
5. Peep-toe booties: Now, I would contest this falling under "Easy for Everyone". First of all, peep-toes require good-looking, maintained toes, and booties do not fit all ankle and leg types. Plus, I have a personal bias against peep-toes, I feel like I'm wearing little dust-busters that have sucked up every little piece of dust and gravel they touch. Next!
6. Feathers: I'm sorry, but I don't think feathers are easy for everyone, particularly the birds from whom they were acquired. And back me up on this one, moms, but could your child resist grabbing a feathered clip right out of your hair? Not likely. And just because you can buy said clip at Urban Outfitters for $15 doesn't mean everyone should.
7. Stacked Bangles: Have these ever gone out of style? Maybe it is because my mom has always worn numerous bangles with any outfit that this 'trend' seems to me like saying wearing a shirt is the latest thing.
8. Ballet flats: Now, as far as I remember, these were definitely in fashion last year, if not the year before. I actually have a pair I bought from Payless at least 5 years ago. Who writes this stuff? I think that Michelle Obama has a part of this now being called a 'trend', so I'll let her own that, and stop complaining.
Ok, now that trends that fall under "Still in style":
1. Regular floral: excuse me while I take a regular nap.
2. Bold colours: now, this is a trend I need to embrace. The majority of my clothes are brown, black, white and grey. I need to get a few things that are brighter and bolder. Shopping with the personal shopper did help with this, and I did buy a sweater and scarf that were turquoise, which it turns out looks nice with my eyes (so I was told).
3. Ruffles: Now, I did try on a few things with ruffles while I was out with the personal shopper, and while she said they looked nice, I just couldn't deal with them for a number of reasons. First of all, I hate anything touching my neck, ears, chin unnecessarily, and I found wearing ruffles to be just too distracting this way. Also, ReRe would not be able to keep his hands off them. Last reason, I'm a C on a good day, and ruffles make them look like double D's. Next!
4. Metallics: If I find a nice metallic-y t-shirt or scarf, yes, I will definitely give it a chance. I love metallic-looking shoes as well, and have some gold strappy sandals that have been extremely versatile. I give this trend one thumb up, but after seeing a number of tired-looking metallic-y purses and other accessories, I doubt this trend will make it many more years.
5. Embellished Flats: I have flats with pandas on them, and will try to get more wear out of them this year, if I can fit my orthotics in them. Otherwise, embellished flats are just a little too high school for me, and I'm not ready to go back there yet. Except for the boyfriend blazer.
6. Gladiator sandals: Oh, I know this will bring joy to many of you out there (eh, GM?). Unforch, given my foot problems, these will likely never enter my wardrobe.
7. Fringed Bags: Well, that's nice to know. I have a hippy-ish, fringed pleather bag I bought a number of years ago that may make a new appearance this year. Sweet!
8. Coloured nylons: Not going to happen. Moving on.....
Now for the Downright Risky Trends:
1. Harem pants: Sweetspot was very realistic about this trend, and said it may be gone by fall, so suggested buying a pair for under $20 at Forever 21. I think there is a threat, however, like the last time harem pants were in style, that women will find out just how comfy these are (like those baggy sweatpants teens wear now) and will give longevity to this trend. Have a good time girls, I'm sitting this one out. AGAIN.
2. One-piece Jumpsuits: ARE FOR CHILDREN.
3. Super-sheer pieces over lingerie: Ok, this isn't a new trend, but from what I've seen, it is going a little more upscale. I have to admit, I've done this in the long ago past, and it was definitely done to shock and draw attention to myself. No need for that now. To those about to wear this trend, I salute you.
4. Cage shoes: These are gladiators-meet-open-toed-booties. I don't actually think these are that risky, they are very sexy, look actually quite wearable (so long as they aren't platforms) and if I could see a scenario where these would fit into my life, I would definitely indulge. The greatest risk for me would that they would just never get worn.
5. Ankle-strap flats: these are ballet flats with wrap-around ankle straps. The risk here is supposedly that those with less than sexy ankles will look terrible in these. That's never stopped a trend from taking hold. I see this one growing legs, and sticking around. and actually, a flat with an ankle strap would greatly increase my likelihood of wearing them. Stay tuned.
6. Big earrings, massive rings: Um, news bulletin to Sweetspot and Loulou: nothing new, and little that is risky, about these trends. Honestly, did they get the interns to write this one?
7. Burnt-orange lipstick: Ya, definitely a risky trend. I would go in with a few friends on the lipstick, that way it will be used more than once.
And a few (like, 20) more trends from Loulou:
1. Tailored Pantsuits: Wait, what? My pant suit is actually on-trend? Actually, it would be fully on-trend if I had a matching vest as well, but I'll settle for 2/3. Morning daycare drop off will never have been so sexy.
2. Boyfriend jeans: the more loosely cut, crumpled garment, now in jeans form. Yes, I remember these well, from 1989, when I only wore mens' Levi's 501 button-fly. Someone please, give me something that I didn't wear in high school....
3. Leather skirts: Yeah, did not wear that in high school. Or in any part of my life. Moving on.
4. Orange: Ok, raise your hand if you remember in 2000-2001, when orange was everywhere. I'm starting to feel like the trend predictors are stuck on the Island and are time-shifting between one and twenty years ago. Someone get to the Orchid Station and fix this shizz.....
5. Sexy lingerie: Ok, I totally get what is going on here. Loulou (and Sweetspot, with their retail advertisers) are trying to catch those born after, like, 1990 and who never heard of wearing harem pants or jeans that weren't painted on or....lingerie. Yes indeedy, there's this thing called lingerie, and it is sometimes sexy. Better buy some before next season, when it will DEFINITELY no longer come in sexy styles. Go shopping. NOW.
6. Fanny packs: my hypothesis is rapidly becoming a publishable theory.
7. Cotton: I'm not kidding, this is listed as a trend on Loulou. I'm trying to figure out whether their trend predictor gave up all reason for living just before or just after predicting that cotton was going to be a trend this year.
8. Large animal graphics on t-shirts: Ah hells ya. I have this kick-ass t-shirt with a snarling jaguar on it that my old roommate Ben gave me for Christmas in 1995, when we were roommates in Malawi. We were a total mismatch, considering he was a loud-and-proud Commercial Drive inhabitant that worked on AIDS projects around the world for UNICEF, and I was, well, me. I don't know how he knew I'd love this t-shirt, but I nearly cried when he gave it to me. Truth is, I never wear it because it is, well, kinda out there. This is the year of the jaguar, Ben, you were 14 years ahead of the trends.
9. Brightly-coloured throw-back sneakers: Sorry Loulou, but this trend is only being mainstreamed, it is not new at all. Yes, I know Stella MaCartney and other designers are collaborating with Adidas etc., but really, these have been alive and well in the hip hop world since, well, Run DMC told us to walk this way. And no, I still won't wear them. Just would look like a poser.
10. Lace: yet again a trend that has about a 10-year cycle. To me, lace is just far too reminiscent of Madonna and Prince for me to take myself seriously wearing it, but who knows, maybe I'll see something lacy that I'd like to wear. And you will be the first to know.
11. Big scarves: Well, here's a trend I can get along with. I've got a scarf I knit for myself that I just love, and am happy to hear that it may make it into the spring as well. I'm also glad to hear that I can wear the turquoise scarf I bought for $10 at the Jean Machine cuz the salesgirl said it looked nice with my eyes. I mentioned that already, sorry. I just feel that this is a little too, well, trendy. I'll have to try it out, and see if I just feel too silly wearing scarves when its not snowing.
12. Geeky glasses: God is great!! I guess Jay-Z and Kanye were on to something here. I've been wearing my glasses a lot more lately, and they are definitely geeky, and this just convinces me to wear them that much more.
13. Barrettes and headbands: now, are you starting to wonder what isn't trendy this spring? Maybe garbage bags as outwear? With all the other trends to follow, I'll give this one a pass, basically because ReRe demands to wear anything attached to my head, so this one isn't worth the effort. I don't care if it has feathers.
14. Flapper dresses: People, check back a couple years. Nothing new here. And considering how BAD this style looks on many body types, I think it is time to have an performance evaluation with the trends department.
15. Bustier dresses: thank you, a trend that definitely looks nice on many more body types. Fitted tops, fuller skirts. Nice. Here's a pic of a checkered version at French Connection, which has pockets. I may actually go check this out, if I have something I need to dress up for:
16. Thin belts: Thank goodness. Bought one six years ago, the last time it was fashionable, and was feeling like I was a fashion victim. It will look GREAT with my pant suit.
17. Poufy miniskirts: 35 and happy to have no place in my life for a skirt with kick-pleats.
18. Knits: I know this should make a knitter like me happy, but it just means that there will be that many more machine-knit, made in China products out there mocking the six months it is taking me to finish one sweater.
19. Big Bow Blouse: another hanger-on from last year. Now, if I had been shopping last year, I would have definitely bought one. But given the fact that I didn't wear any of the blouses I already own, I know it would never get worn, so I doubt I will buy one this year.
Do you feel like I'm killing you here? Ok, one last trend.
20. Hitchcock heroine: ok, now this sounds like a trend to me. A full look, not just a single garment. Pencil skirts, high collar blouses, trench coats, handbags that look like you take the midnight train on a regular basis. Loving this. thank-you, people. This is a trend that does not fit my lifestyle, and could make me spend a lot of money. Ding ding, we have a winner.
So, that was exhausting. I deliberately ignored the seasonal trends last year, since I couldn't partake. Now, looking at what is supposedly on-trend this spring, I don't think I missed much. So many trends stick around for years. Other "retro" trends have been surgically removed from my life, never to return, so they can safely be ignored. It is nice to know what will look new and up to date this season, and also nice to know that many of them are already part of my wardrobe, so I don't have that panicky feeling that I'm somehow missing out if I don't go shopping. I am going to go through my wardrobe, and pick out those things that no longer make sense, and pitch them. Ironically, I just got a call from the Diabetes Association, asking me if I had anything to donate. I told them to stop by Wednesday, I will definitely have some things for them. And if it is trendy, and not in my size, it is going to get donated, since it only makes sense to give someone else the opportunity to be in style without the full-price investment. Good thing I didn't cut armholes in my garbage bags.
While most of the past weekend was a bummer (Moms Night Out cancelled, day trip to Hamilton snowed in) I did get to the One of a Kind Show and picked up this one of a kind White Rabbit Candy Wrapper belt from Read My Hips:
The leather and buckle are recycled as well. Love it!
What is the silliest thing you've ever spent more than $30 bucks on?
Submitted by Terri.
Oh, it's like Vox knew I was hesitating posting about a couple dresses (3, actually) that I just bought for a friend's wedding. I feel like I need to list my half-dozen excuses for buying these dresses first, because the amount I spent on them was, to put it mildly, silly. And much more than $30. Does it make a dif that they were on sale? I got them at an independent boutique who was having a crazy end-of-summer sale. Ok, for the excuses:
1. The wedding is a 3-day Indian/Iranian affair, and from past experience, the outfits the other women will be wearing will be over-the-top gorgeous. I'm tired of being the plain Jane white girl who looks more like the wait staff than the other guests.
2. It's 3 freaking days, and I don't have 3 outfits that both fit and are appropriate for a Muslim wedding. I don't have one outfit that fits and is modest enough for a Muslim wedding. And it's next weekend, and still too warm to wear a pashmina to cover whatever would be revealed by too-revealing outfits.
3. I haven't bought any new dress clothes (other than maternity clothes) for more than 2 years.
Forget the excuses, here are the dresses:
This one is wool crepe, and lined, so it hangs really nicely. I'm tempted to get my hair styled like this as well, but I think that might be a little much.
This one is actually a Michael Kors, but was on sale at an amazing price. I think it is really versatile, and I'll be able to wear it to lots of different types of things. This may look a little revealing, but it is for the Iranian night, and I've been told that it will be quite a party, and OK to dress like this.
And are you ready for this? I decided to splurge on a dress from an Italian design house who I have always loved, but never thought I would own. Oh, yes, it's a Missoni:
I just got the dress, not the entire outfit. I know, go big or go home, but I just don't see a whole lot of opportunities in my future to wear the whole thing.
I am in love with this dress. I visit it in the closet, washing my hands before just to make sure I don't get some stray baby mess on it. I have to admit, tho, that I feel quite hesitant about this purchase, it just seems so extravagant. And even tho it was on sale, I've considered returning it. But it is just so fabulous, and yet, comfortable and will allow me to chase after a toddler without too much trouble (um, bougie much?). And as much as I may be trying to keep it clean, I think it could take a stain better than, say, the first dress. I'll wear this one on the evening where we are actually taking lil'ReRe; we just thought it was too much to ask him to sit through the wedding ceremony the first night, and to have more than one late night in a row.
This will be my Christmas party-circuit dress. I'm sure I'll be wearing this dress 20 years from now, or lending it, under pain of death, to a daughter or niece who can prove her deep and abiding appreciation for mid-20th-century Italian knitwear.
It's funny, because I've shown these dresses to whoever has visited over the past week, and everyone likes the first one best, but I'm stuck on the Missoni. I feel like I've revealed something shameful, I'm blushing for real, knowing everyone will know of my silly, silly purchases. Maybe I'll just tuck in the tags, put on clinical strength anti-perspirant, and stay away from smokers..........
You know, I understand that shoes and purses don't have to match these days, but you've got to be kidding me. In fact, I even asked my son if he was going out dressed like that. He responded by popping a pacifier in his mouth and heading for the door:
At which point I marched him back upstairs and helped him pick out something a little more coordinated than this embarrassment of an outfit. I mean, come on, is he colour-blind?
This morning was wicked: lil'ReRe was up at 5:30am, and didn't want to go back to sleep. I somehow coaxed him into what resembled sleep a couple times, but each time I tried to get him back in his crib and sneak back to my own bed for a little more sleep, he was standing up in his crib crying before the door closed. By 6:30am I gave up and started our day. This didn't include taking a shower or anything; most days I can barely feed myself. So we did our morning thing and he finally went down for a nap around 10am. An hour later he was up, and I thought we'd better run some errands. I needed to get to Whole Foods to pick up some over-priced organic food, which is in a posh area of Toronto called Yorkville. Most people dress up to go to Yorkville, even to shop in the middle of the day. I was wearing my light blue MEC coat, jeans and sneakers. I carried the funky diaper bag my sister got us, that matches my coat, just so I looked like a made an effort. As if the fashion gods wanted to make sure I would not remain self-deluded, on the way home, I ran into this man walking up Bay Street towards Yorkville:
I am not kidding you. He looked a little more manly than this, in a black pea coat, jeans and boots. We did make eye contact as we passed each other, but it wasn't so much that he was looking at me, as looking at me looking at him, with a kind of KEEP AWAY sort of icyness. Ya, it didn't matter that my diaper bag matched my Gore-tex. High fashion is just not something that can be a part of my life right now and I just have to accept it. So I took my little boy home and fed him his organic yoghurt and quinoa puffs, trying to convince myself that I finally have my priorities straight.
By the way, if you don't know who this man is, live blistfully in your ignorance.
