Jeans & Blazers with Miles of Style: Opposites Do Attract
Fashion Inspirations
Make it your own
I don't know about you, but I have never liked the idea of a buying or wearing a matched outfit, no matter who the designer is. When I see clothing that fits the image in my mind of what I am shopping for, I always feel the need to alter or pair it with something that contrasts the look of the new piece. That is just part of the look that I am after. I don't want canned fashion, although it sure would make things easier, I somehow feel uncomfortable, like I am wearing clothes from a stranger's closet. Clothes that are not really representing me.
Perhaps a little mix and match, to put it mildly, even when I finally spot the perfect fashion find, I have an urge to pair it with something completely unexpected, maybe a white t-shirt and structured black wool trousers or worn-out leather boots with a tiny floral print skirt. I am not sure if I am able to accurately analyze my fashion dysfunction but I have always felt this way -- even before it was considered "interesting" so this is about as close as I can get to a therapy session with myself. And since we are talking about self expression, I think this is what we see in youth, a sort of "finding one's self" through clothing experimentation, which is by the way, is where many trends begin.
If you want to know what will be hot this season just look to the pierced and dramatic bright hair do's of younger fashion icons at your local mall and you will soon see toned down, somewhat tamer, mainstream versions of these styles with an inflated price tag, all at a Macy's near you with a celebrity spokes person leading the pitch. When this occurs, the trend's days are numbered, how fickle fashion is. The look will last for a while and then burn out, only to return some time in the future with everyone commenting on "how great that era was, let's do it again".
And so the media proceeds to re-invent each season with a few stylish tweeks, and it becomes a fad or a trend leaving all wannabe fashionistas with a new purpose in life. I think that is how the business of fashion is, unless one is willing to take a risk and have a bit of fun with clothing by adding a few personal, unique touches, one can not really "own" the look. Dare to wear a classic cashmere sweater that belonged to your Aunt Eileen, with her permission of course, or add a locket that was your Grandmother's favorite piece with your new Saturday sexy black dress. Wear it with passion and it will be your style. You will feel the difference. Whether you wear old jeans from the resale shop or the finest designer woolen blazer, no body else will look like you, anywhere!
Style is the Attitude Applied by You
Anyone can put on the latest trend or monthly fashion flair but a true style maker creates a look from within. It has attitude, originality, grace and edge, while representing one's identity. Not that anyone should over analyze the art of getting dressed every day, perhaps one can look at fashion as an opportunity to have fun with clothes and showcase an inner creativity. Mix it up and see what works and what doesn't. The way one feels in clothing typically reflects how a look appears to others. If it feels awkward chances are this is not a style that is going very far so rethink what really lights the soul not what hangs in the showcase window. Sport that trendy new must-have but add something personal and familiar that comforts the confidence, dare I suggest a pair of worn out jeans that fit like a glove and a classic new blazer?