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As New York Fashion Week starts tonight, I am posting this almost in protest because I am not there in NYC as this semi-annual event unfolds but also in protest for other reasons.
As a late-comer to this cavalcade of blog that are commenting on the "State of the Fashion Union", I have to add my two cents (ok, make it about fifty cents) about the view from the "left coast"
Here’s what I am afraid of — more black is the new black. PUHLEASE.. Most of the country wears a heck of a lot more than black, grey, brown and beige. Life is lived in 3-D living color– and it’s not just courtesy of MAC, MUFE or Mercier thanks ever so much.
Life is lived in color and you should wear color—brightly , boldly and with confidence that you are making a statement. Wearing black as the new black (and trust me I am still in the " pink–or green– is the new black " mode) makes a statement that it’s all about conformity, safety and not being very confident in your own personal style –unless that black is carried off with sserious thought– like black leather pants, some great heels and some amazing jewelry (now we are talking)!!
What I am sick to death of from NYFW —and you rarely see this at LAFW– is that it seems that the magazines gobble this stuff whole– and regurgitate it ad nauseum.
Show me a few styles from some high end designers where people can really pull off the look without having to be 21 or tone it down. From over-the top-frou-frou ruffles to slit to "omg you can’t wear that out the door" dresses, while I hardly live in middle America, I *listen* to what they are saying.
Granted I am also the one who has at least 30 pairs of denim in her closet but most aren’t the big name brands–though there are a few that would surprise you. Typical LA chick you might think, but I also wear a black on white pin-striped flippy skirt with a red gingham check almost preppy shirt that totally works.
I am all for creating one’s own style, not buying the entire look right off the mannequin or model. Get a pattern, find a good tailor and have some things made that actually are proportional to your body. Consult a stylist or personal shopper as well as stylish friends to make sure that you have identified your style. You might think it’s too expensive to do that but it’s couture at its most egalitarian– honest. It’s where YOU get to express YOU as you see yourself or wish to see yourself. (thank you to my couple of fashionista friends who have helped me learn that –again and again and again!)
Watch, look and listen to NYFW and view it as a catalog or source of inspiration for you to pick and choose styles or themes of clothing to test drive. You will know what it is when you try it on….. and it shouldn’t make you look like a birthday cake either– or a funeral.
that’s the LA Story!
Stevie from Fashiontribes.com for the LA Story Blog
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