Sometimes you know about something for years, maybe decades, before you realize that it deserves your attention. Fleetwood Mac was like that for me, especially Stevie Nicks.
Whether she’s becoming possessed by music or daring us with her unpredictable wardrobe choices, her poise and authenticity are always beautiful.
You know that scene in the Devil Wears Prada where Meryl Streep schools that girl from the Nanny Diaries on how there is no escape from the fashion industry?
No?
ef it, I’m gonna find the clip. Here, watch this:
Yes, Meryl Streep absolutely rules, but that’s not why I asked you to watch the scene. This movie came out in 2006, based on a book released in 2003. It’s hard to remember, but that was well before the whole street-fashion craze took hold, starting in 2005 and gaining momentum until … well, now — and possibly into the future.
When the street-fashion blogging scene erupted, it had the potential to be radical. Power seemed to shift a bit. It was acknowledged that one could have plenty of style without much money … thrift store ensembles were as legit as designer threads, if put together properly.
For a moment in time, fashion was evolving from the ground up rather than the top down, as described in the video clip. Even the heads of fashion couldn’t ignore the phenomenon when the dress code began to slip from their clenched fists.
And then things shifted back the other way. I’m not really sure how it happened, but when I read the blogs now I can hardly tell the difference between this and looking at models in expensive clothes in magazines. The bloggers have gone over to the other side. Sartorialist, Style Bubble, Street FSN have come to constant self-promotion and name dropping. Lookbook,which could be really cool is instead like high school. Everyone is seeking approval from some imaginary fashion god and the kids who bought their style with their parents’ credit cards are taking attention from people who actually put a creative outfit together. I’d almost rather read the magazines — it’s sad.
If you run or know of a legit street fashion blog, please leave a comment or send me an email. Restore my faith!
This is a new adventure. Once a week I’ll pick out a few photos from different street fashion blogs anywhere and everywhere. It’s a sampling of how people in many places use style as expression. {To see where the photo is from, click the “caption” tab at the bottom right of the slideshow.}
[slideshow]
You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away …
The boots are what make you look, but the whole outfit is pulled together subtly with color. The scarf on the backpack is also a nice touch.
This one’s for the boys, though ladies could pull it off too. {That’s what he said … heh heh heh. I had to beat you to the punch on that one. Anyway …}
You probably have a collared shirt with a hole in the elbow and another with some unsightly stain on the front, right? Get them out of the closet, cut ‘em up and spend a few minutes at a sewing machine (sewing by hand wouldn’t take long either). There you have it.
Best worn my metrosexuals and daring types with good senses of humor.
Find yourself an ugly-cool sweater — whether at home or your local thrift joint — and start cuttin’. Add blocks and strips to a dress you already have or another thrift find. Wear with or without a loud blouse underneath and tell spring we’re ready.
This is a contemporary peasant look. Join thrift store finds of various patterns with fabric as the common denominator. Clearly, silk will work well. Bring togehter with strong lines in geometric shapes, Make it form-fitting. So fresh.
