"Every day is a fashion show and the world is the runway." - Coco Chanel
I will confess right now that I am NOT the person one would ever ask for fashion advice.
Even as an artist, one who loves design and color, I simply don't get it.
I am just too practical. Yeah. There you have it. I realize that I wear what I buy so it better be comfortable (that's NUMBER ONE.) And, NUMBER 2: It has to be affordable.
Let's start with that word: Affordable.
I was reading in a magazine this month about "the season's breath-of-fresh-air looks" with new colors, details and re-dos on old themes. Then I read:
"Here are some flattering ways to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank."
Well, that should be fun, I thought foolishly. Although I already "enjoyed" the 70s-inspired looks in the 1970s, I turned the page.
The first "look" is all about how lingerie is leaving the bedroom and heading straight out of the house. Supposedly, all one has to do is "throw on a blazer" and no one will think you forgot to put a blouse over your camisole. Apparently, robes are leaving the house, too, so why not skip the whole blazer-thing and just head to work in that nice lacy nightgown and silky robe?
I'm still wondering where that "look" works. I can't imagine seeing this fashion trend at my local grocery store or the library.
I was still pondering the "where to wear" when I began adding up what this "look" would cost to buy:
Sexy camisole: $360
Flats: $440
Cropped pants: $110
Clutch: $1,095
WHAT? I hadn't even gotten to the blazer and it was already more than many people spend for a mortgage payment!!
What happened to "without breaking the bank?"
Clearly, my concept of "without breaking the bank" was quite different from this fashion editor's idea of what constitutes PRUDENT SHOPPING.
I'm going to attribute my Real-World Fashionista Concepts to growing up in Wyoming where a warm coat was a luxury to be savored and buying new clothes usually meant school was starting soon and we'd be making a trip to JC Pennys for socks and underwear.
Don't get me wrong. I love pretty clothes but I feel like I'm on my own fashion planet when I look at FASHION TRENDS.
For instance, I decided to research 2016 trends prior to writing this post. Let's consider: VICTORIAN.
This look includes ruffles, puffy sleeves, high necklines and loads of flowers. Sounds a lot like my senior high prom dress.
Then there's THE X-FACTOR, which is that style in which the shoulders are bare. All I can think of is COLD SHOULDERS. Believe me, when I buy a sweater, I WANT it to cover my shoulders!
I was amused to read that COMFORTABLE SHOES ARE TRENDING NOW. Gosh, it takes a TREND to wear shoes that don't hurt? See how far out of the loop I am?!
Also mentioned: PAPERBAG WAISTS -- NOT THE EASIEST TREND TO WEAR IN REAL LIFE. Actually, I was encouraged that somebody in "Trends" understands that there is, somewhere, REAL LIFE.
Then there is: MARLED KNITS FOR SPRING, ALTHOUGH IT DOESN'T SOUND QUITE RIGHT ON THE SURFACE." Shoot, I was thinking it sounded a whole lot warmer than having bare shoulders during a spring snow storm!
I imagine it's about now that you're wondering what Toby's Real Life Fashion Trends would include.
Here are my top 6:
1. Fleece is always a good choice -- especially in spring when one day is 75 degrees and the next day
the snow is blowing into drifts. Fleece everything--pants, tops, jackets, sweaters, gloves and hats. You can't go wrong with FLEECE.
2. Comfortable shoes are ALWAYS the best choice--even if they're ugly. Trust me on this. Buy shoes that FIT and it's easy to smile. Don't and, well, you've seen enough wedding photos. Enough said.
3. A white shirt that fits well. I shudder to tell you this, but "white shirt redux" is also listed as a 2016 FASHION TREND, but my white shirts actually look like white shirts with buttons down the front, cover the shoulders and cost less than $700.
4. Jeans that fit well. If they fit well you won't have to ask if they make you look fat. You'll know you look terrific--especially if they're combined with that great fitting white shirt. Do give some thought to the length, however. Too long and the pant legs are dragging through the dirt. Too short and they look like they're too short, not cropped.
5. A purse that works. Every woman has different essentials and the small suitcase that one woman carries over her shoulder is just not the right choice for the woman who only wants to keep her car keys in one place. I read that "Half Moon Bags" are pushing "Buckets" aside. Honestly, who cares? I'd jump OVER THE MOON for the right size bag for me.
6. Accessories that make you smile. Yup. It matters not that you bought those fantastic earrings at the thrift store or that nifty necklace at Nordstrom's. What matters is that you LIKE hand-carved dragons or sparkly gems. In fact, I'm kind of a pushover for funky and unusual accessories so if you want to splurge here, it's okay. (NOTE: "Splurge" is still considered in the PRUDENT SHOPPING technique category.)
To wrap up, here's one of my favorite quotes to remind you that it's always your choice:
"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers. And, style is what you choose."
--Lauren Hutton
