20 March 2011

Is it Possible to be Fashionable, but not Trendy???

As I was flipping through a staff recommendation at Barnes and Noble, the "Charleston Magazine" and I came across a list of people who were named "Charleston's Most Stylish." I was so excited to see who these individuals were, so I kept skimming through the magazine and I totally agreed that all of these people had a unique sense of style. All were attractive, trendy, comfortable and confident; however, few of them spoke against following trends.



For example, when asked what trend you would never follow, Jasper Brollin, one of the stylish gentlemen listed, replied, "Trends themselves. Why would anyone want to look the same as everybody else?" Ok...I thought, but as I reflected on this statement and I began to compare it to the outfit in which he was photographed. Which was a pair of D& G reading glasses, a khaki suit from Asos, a coral colored button down, rings on each finger, and a scarf from Roubinacci that was tied around his wrist. Now what was most shocking to me was the choice of footwear, which was a pair of H by Hudson MILITARY BOOTS. So anyone who is remotely into fashion is 100 perfect certain that military boots was a major trend during the fall/winter 2010 season. Great choice, in my opinion, but clearly this was influenced by some trend.



So I kept browsing through the spread, and came across Mimi Apker, who is an Interior Designer in Charleston, SC. Her response to the question of something she hated was, "Trends. Dress for you body, rather than simply wearing what is of the moment." After reading this I thought, I completely agree with dressing for your body and your shape, but the outfit of choice was a BLACK, STRONG SHOULDER, SEQUIN DRESS by Ali Ro, with a black and green satin scarf. This also was interesting to me, simply because the 80's trend was so hot and heavy this season, as well as sequin. This look was so trendy and amazing it made the cover of March's issue.



I'd like to think of myself as a fashionable person, but I live for and by trends that are suitable for my body type, shape, and my complexion. Therefore, all trends are not for each and every individual. I feel that fashion is centered around trends and without a them, what direction would fashion take from season to season??



The seasonal direction of fashion is determined by designers and what they display during their popular runway shows. These looks are then converted into everyday Ready-to-Wear fashions for you and me, which determine the hottest new trend. So, my question is, if Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, and all other fashion magazines, did not feature the monthly fashion trends, what would retailers decide to sell, how would we choose what to wear, and how would we distinguish what's fashionable and what's not?? How do trends play a part in your wardrobe decisions.

2 comments:

  1. Good question. I use trends as a basic formula for my style. I pull a lot of inspiration from it. Current faves are the pastel nails, color blocking and leopard print. I think they're awesome for the girl who is fashionably cluseless or lacks the time to plan a look. I think the problem offcurs when taking too literally. Trends shouls be interpreted.
    great post, Ash!
    www.neshaknows.wordpress.com

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  2. I completely agree with you. All trends aren't for everyone and I think it's important to pick and choose what look is suitable for your body type, and tailored to reflect your personal style. Thanks Nesha!

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