Dita Dishes: on Kate Moss

(photo, http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/)

Kate Moss, model, bad-birl, but more importantly, style icon. She sets trends rather than following them and defies any fashion rules. One rule she does abide by: "Rules are made to be broken."


While the rest of us were wearing booties, Kate opted for over-the-knee boots; while we coordinate our textures, Kate mixes hers. She love body hugging pieces from head-to-toe, while we alternate looser tops and bottoms with fitted ones.


Kate Moss is known for mixing cheaper items with more expensive ones. For example, she may wear a Top Shop tee with Members Only liquid leggings, Christian Louboutin pumps and Balmain leather jacket. As kate Moss states "the advice I now give-never wear a designer look from head-to-toe."  So you will never see Kate rocking an entire Louis Vuitton ensemble.

Tips on how to achieve a Kate Moss-esque look:

1. Don't be afraid of prints.
2. Add plenty of flats to your wardrobe.
3. Wear body-hugging leathers and other textures.
4. Mix investment staples with cheaper items (Jimmy Choo shoes with Zara outfit and Burberry jacket).
5. Follow your own trends. Don't be afraid to stand out.

Liquid Leggings, Members Only $88

Cap-Sleeve Silk T-Shirt, Gap $50

Divided Exclusive Leather Jacket, H&M $160

                                     

Going Commando: To Wear or Not to Wear Underwear? That is the Question!

     According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/, the term "going commando" means "to not wear underwear". This term was derived from army commando missions that were so "so intense that you supposedly pooped your pants. If you didn't wear any underwear then you couldn't defecate in them, which means you could boast about not going in your pants".  Nowadays women go 'commando", or go without wearing any panties, for less extreme reasons than going on covert military missions. While some may think that this practice is taboo or even distasteful, others think that it is even necessary to successfully pull off wearing certain articles of dress, while being classy of course.
     Although such retailers as Victoria's Secret or Calvin Klein have launched lines of "minimizer" panties, which are designed to minimize the appearance of panty lines, tend to 'cut' a woman's shape to the point where the outline of the panty can be seen through the clothing being worn. For example, I've interviewed a number of women who've all agreed that going "commando" is necessary when donning a pair of white pants. (Note: not wearing panties with sheer fabric may be obvious to the public, so do so at your own risk). No matter what type of panty, be it brief, bikini, or thong, some women feel that a panty line will be noticeable, no matter what color, and it also makes white pants appear unflattering. In my opinion, cerain dresses require going "commando" because of the way they hug the (my) body.
     For example, no form of panty does me any justice when I wear a wrap dress (and yes, I am wearing my correct panty size, and I am also referring to wearing one in the summer, without tights). I've tried Calvin Klein's seamless panty, and even thongs, but the result is the same: the outline of my undies still show under the dress! No one should see a woman's pantyline, ever! Although some women cringe at the thought of going "commando", others see it as fashionably necessary. As long as it is done in a discreet manner, going without panties could make a woman look polished, and the silhouette of the garment smoother. What do you think?

Men: How to Coordinate and Accessorize Winter Wear

     I sure hope that men don't think they are exempt from fashion. Although I notice there are some who do take care into what they wear, I have also noticed some who don't, which to me indicates that there is a lack of interest=lazy, or self confidence. But then again, there are some men out there who are virtually clueless. I'll try my best to not come down so hard on you blokes, but this is an issue that must be addressed (this blog is for you, Bossy; Thanks for being the leading man who follows my blog). Although we have finally come face-to-face with Old Man Winter (he's a bitter old geezer, isn't he?), it is just as important for men, as it is for women, to wear warm, yet fashionable clothing this season to counteract with this harsh winter.
     There are two important features of a man's winter wardrobe I would like to address: layering and textures of clothing that are appropriate, as well as key to a warm, stylish, yet simple wardrobe. Layering does not mean that you should look like the Good Year blimp wobbling down Commonwealth Ave. Layering not only allows for warmth, but once you get to your destination you can remove those layers accordingly (and appropriately, no stripteasing, leave that for the Chippendales). Anyway, let's begin with the bottom most layer, the undershirt or t-shirt (H&M,starting at $5.95). It is important, as well as sensible, to have an under layer of clothing against the torso in the winter time. Bottom line: unless you intend on getting cold in your bones and suffering from rheumatoid arthritic pain when you get older, then I say, don't wear an undershirt, be my guest.

     Also, the undershirt brings the entire look together, making it look polished and neat. Albeit a simple,  daytime look, a man will look like he put some thought into what he looked like before he left the house. Atop the innerwear could be either a long sleeved shirt or button-down. This layer should be appropriate enough to be exposed to the public. In other words, keep the thermal tops, or as my mother calls them "LCDs" or "long cotton drawers", underneath your clothing! No one should see your underwear, please, and thank you! Some men may even prefer to wear the thermals underneath a t-shirt, and then layer the shirt on top. Whatever works for you, as long as it is neat.
     Let's talk about what bottoms, or pants (cheap finds: H&M, starting at $19.90) that could be worn with this look. This also will tie into textures as well. Corduroys, denim (weekend or days off from work) or whatever casual pants you may choose. Just please, wear a belt, and please, please, please make sure the pants fit well! Other good textures of clothing that are suitable for winter: wool, cotton, cashmere and flannel. You can wear these textures in the form of sweaters, vests, sweat shirts or basic shirts. Textures are important because certain ones are appropriate for particular seasons. For example, wool is more suitable for the winter than it is for the summer.
     Winter accessories include hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, and outerwear, of course (cheap finds: Marshall's, H&M starting at $5.90). Although these items do not have to necessarily match in color, do make sure they complement each other. In other words, if you have a red scarf, make sure your other accessories complement the red scarf. If your scarf has designs, pull out a color in the scarf and have your hat or gloves match that. There is no excuse for having one green glove and one yellow glove. And don't give me that shit about  "I don't care, I just want to be warm" because you know you didn't buy the gloves as a pair that way, and you are too grown to be looking like a Nickelodeon reject.
     Outerwear: my friend recently scored a pea coat for $100 from Macys (I am so proud of him, I think a "movie" tear fell..that's one tear from one eye, work with me here! ). I personally think that men look distinguished, classy, and handsome in pea coats, but there are other forms of outerwear on the market. As long as you are warm and your coat isn't falling apart, you are golden. I work at H&M so you will see I have posted some pricing on here from that mass merchandiser. The cost of men's outerwear at H&M varies from $69.95-99.95. Because these coats are made of wool, and winter garments cost more to make, the pricing will be a bit higher. These prices are actually low for winter coats because at other retailers who specialize in menswear will be priced higher.

I hope this article/blog helps those men who need a bit of help when accessorizing winter wear. Feel free to comment or leave questions.

The "Kitchen Sink" (A Unisex Blog)

I was once told by a friend, "you have everything in there (my bag, which equates to a weekend bag nowadays) but the kitchen sink!" Damn skippy. I may carry around a figurative kitchen sink, but one thing is for sure, I am almost never in the streets and far away from home without the things I may need. I mean, everyone should carry around their own "kitchen sink" of things they may need "just in case". Things do happen that are beyond our control but I still think that there are some preventative measures we can take to ensure some damage control.

     I know someone who carries around extra pairs of shoes, because she has a tendency to break her heels, so, these things do happen to some people. But that is what works for her. There are a few basic items that I think all people should carry with them, just in case. (Please note that most of the following items I am suggesting are travel-sized containers because they are light and easier to carry, so no excuses!)

     Travel-sized toothbrush/toothpaste. And I mean BOTH of them, not one or the other. You never know who you are going to meet, or where you may end up throughout the day, or towards the end of the night! I am sorry, but there are some issues that go beyond the scope (pun intended for your sake!) of popping a mint or chewing gum. Ever notice that some of the most talkative people have the yuckiest breath? Bring a toothbrush/toothpaste to remove the film off your tongue so it won't smell like you ate shit on toast for lunch. Another thing: floss! Food gets trapped in your gums and can cause infection, and infection has a pungent smell that can affect your breath. If you don't believe me because you think I am too fashionable to be intelligent, ask your dentist or go Google it.

     Also, what if you end up crashing at a friend's house? You know it has happened or can happen. You do have to go back out in public on your way home, right? Right. Another must-have item: lip balm. I am tired of seeing adults with dry ass, flaking and crusty lips. It is unsightful and unfashionable. Don't be caught dead in a dapper Hugo Boss suit and have crusty lips, I will judge you for spending hundreds on a suit, and not $1.65 for Carmex. Yes, I will judge you and so will the rest of the world. Imagine someone belting out a Nelson-from-the-Simpsons-like, "Ha-Ha" as you walk by with your crusty lips. Cruel? No, you are too grown for that horrible sense of irony.

     Also remember, the skin on your lips need care too! Even if you don't care how you look, I do, because 9 times out of 10 you choose to sit next to me on the D-Line. Another must-have is hand lotion.  It can be a travel-sized bottle you can throw in your Coach messenger bags (gentlemen), or in your Dior Saddle Bag (ladies). Even if you do work in the salt mines I don't need to see the evidence on your hands, so lotion up, especially after you wash them, which removes some of your skin's natural oils that need to be replenished. Where ever there is skin, moisturize! Deodorant/antiperspirant. For some, this may be optional. A travel-sized container would not hurt, but would is if you knock everyone out around you with your musty arm pits, and then there is no one to talk to, because they are all spread eagle on the floor. Deodorant does wear off, use as needed.

     Brush/comb: For those fly-away hairs that need to be tamed in a cinch, a brush or comb will do the trick. There is nothing fashionable about Alfafa, from The Little Rascals, and no one is looking for his replacement, either. Cash: I am sorry to break the bad news, but there are some establishments who still have "cash only" policies. For example, I went to a banquet last Saturday, and a friend went to the bar to buy me a drink with his credit card, only to find that it was a cash bar. Another example, cabs. I have been in cabs in NYC that allow for credit card acceptance, but those services are rare. You never know when you are going to need cab fare. These are a few items that I think that people should carry in their "kitchen sinks" because one may never know what may befall them throughout the day, or even at night. Travel sized toiletries are not just for vacation travel, but also for everyday convenient use. If you have any suggestions or ideas as to what men and women should carry on their person daily, please feel free to comment below.

    

    

1st Annual Boston Fashion Blogger Mixer

  I don't know about any one else but I definitely believe that everything happens for a reason, and that there are no coincidences. As a new Boston fashion blogger to the scene, I deem it very important that when opportunities arrive, that one must act on them quickly. My opportunity came when it so happened that I viewed Miss Neira's website, http://www.missneira.com/, and saw that this event, The 1st Annual Boston Fashion Blogger Mixer, was taking place. Luna Boston, a very chic, and cozy boutique on 205 Newbury Street in Boston, hosted the event on Saturday, December 12th, 2009 from 12pm-6pm.

Now that I decided to attend the event, the first and most important mystery I had to solve was this, what must a girl wear to such an event?

So, I ransacked my room in hopes of finding the "perfect" outfit, but to my dismay, I learned, that there is no such thing when one is running late! I decided to wear all black, which I thought was my safest bet, because I also had another engagement to attend, that required sophisticated attire. I am just entering this "game" and I am already in demand! (exasperated sigh). Anyhow, I wore gray printed tights (sheesh it was frrrrrrreezing, something like today, actually), and Brown BCBG boots that my sister scored for me at the outlet two years ago for only $9.00!! I had them for two years but yet never wore them, so I figured, why not right? But, for those who know me, know that I never leave the house without my large patent leather croc (faux) weekend bag from H&M (whether I am gone for a weekend, or just for a few hours, I never leave home without it). You may wonder why I am pictured above, in magenta velvet ballet flats? That is because I brought along to the mixer, two other pairs of shoes-the flats to walk to the event, and another black pair. So, I definitely came prepared! (those brown boots were off halfway through the event).

Once I get to the mixer, I am greeted by the hostesses with the mostest, Punky of http://www.punkystyle.com/ and Cassandra Knight of Closet Boston. I also met fellow bloggers Amy Palmacci, The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire http://www.thebargainhunterextraordinaire.blogspot.com/, Lei Ann, a shoe-nista: http://www.givemeplatforms.tumblr.com/, Julie O' Boyle http://www.orchidgrey.blogspot.com/, and Najeema, who gave me some wonderful tips: http://www.astylizedhysteria.com/ (I love Agyness Deyn too!).

It was such an honor to see Rebecca Minkoff's exclusive 2010 collection (which means it is not in stores yet and I was there, omg!!). I am holding one of her lovely creations in the pic above. There are some other pieces that I saw that were to-die-for! Her trends for this collection were lots of stud detail, blue leathers, braided leather, zippers and tie dye. There was a red studded leather hobo that I thought was very chic, for those who are afraid to wear bold colors but feel comfortable wearing colorful accents. A blue studded leather clutch and hobo that shared almost the same detail as the red hobo, but it also resembled the detailing on the tan leather speedy that I am holding (shout out to Joe Farese, Luna Boston's stylist for letting a novice like myself use his camera!)

Another hot accessory in RM's 2010 collection was this lemon yellow zippered clutch! If you would like to see pictures of these items, and are a member of Facebook, do become a fan of "Luna Boston" and the pictures from the event can be viewed there. Unfortunately, I was unable to load those pictures onto this particular blog, as I do honor copyright laws! Lastly, another favorite piece was a satin handbag by MZ Wallace, called "Velvet Storm" and rightfully named, because I was "caught up" in how beautiful that bag was.

Noteable mention: Hpnotiq was in attendance, serving some of the tastiest drinks and appetizing 7-layer dip I have ever tasted!

The DOs and DON'Ts of Women's Work Wear

(This blog is dedicated to my dearest Arlin; Thanks for the idea behind this blog and I hope it is helpful to you).



Women have come a long way as individuals and as a collective evolved, from the restricted and subservient housewife and mother of the past, to an independent powerhouse making strong career climbs in today's society. There are very successful women everywhere, who excel in various fields such as science, law, education and fashion. Not only do her work ethics speak volumes, but also how a woman presents herself in the way she dresses at work does she tell the peers and superiors alike who she is.
Although women have various careers, there are still dress codes enforced so that employees demonstrate professionalism and good taste while at work. However, there are some women out there who have difficulty assembling work wear. Here are a few tips to help those in need of help assembling a work wardrobe. First, a woman must have the following pieces as staples, that will hold her work wardrobe together: a dress jacket/blazer (the one shown above is from oldnavy.com), skirts, and slacks (image above, from gap.com). These items can be worn interchangeably so they are the most important to have when constructing a work wardrobe. Other items that are appropriate for the workplace may include blouses/shirts, cardigans/sweaters/vests, and dresses. One key factor when selecting these garments is the appropriate colors.

Color is the first element a person sees when it comes to choosing garments to wear, as well as the first thing people will notice when they see you approaching the water cooler at work. The colors you should choose for your staples should be neutral (in this case, black, gray, tan, and brown) or navy blue, because staples are meant to mix-and-match, so they must complement most of your work wardrobe, and it is also cost-effective. You don't want to be drab and boring and blend in with the wall paper at work, but you don't want to match the colors of the packaging in the snack machine, either.

Another important factor to remember when dressing for the work force is fit. Your garments should fit you well and complement your shape. For example, a skirt too tight and a shirt too low may look unflattering, unprofessional, and your coworkers may wonder what other line of business you are in, aside from your day time profession. Remember: If you look good, you will feel good, and that will translate into how others perceive you at work as well.

Another factor is pricing: you don't have to break the bank to score wonderful work clothes. There are plenty of stores that sell good suits, for example, for less. Off-price specialty stores such as Filene's Basement and Marshall's have designer suits for less. Or, if you are not really into designer labels, mass merchants such as H&M and Zara have some nice coordinates you can mix-and-match with what you already have at home; for the thick and extra curvaceous, try Ashley Stewart specialty stores that have some very stylish clothing for work.

Let's recap:

1. Get your staples you can mix-and-match with: it is cheaper and more polished to get neutrals : until you become a Kimora Lee Simmons, you must comply with the dress code at work already in place.
2. Colorful tops, sweaters and accessories can accent your staples, or even trendy prints (don't go overboard with channeling your inner "jungle goddess" and wearing too many animals at once). Unless you are a can-can dancer or you work on the Vegas strip, also keep the colors to a minimum.
3. Fit is very important-you want to look polished and tailored, not tight-and just because you don't wear tight pants..slouchy, baggy ones are also not acceptable. You're an adult now, get a belt or a tailor! Baggy pants should stay at home on the couch with your snuggie.
4. Lastly: people see what you look like first and you want to be taken seriously. We women have come too far to be set back in the work force because we want to wear "Juicy" on the back of our asses.
   

Fashion Industrialists Can and Do Make Bank

(This blog is dedicated to my dear friend Elizabeth, follow your dreams and don't let anyone discourage you from doing so).


'Can you make money in that (industry)?' my mother asked, after I informed her of my decision to continue my education in Fashion Merchandising. I am sure most people assume the same thing, that people who obtain fashion degrees don't make much money. Although Boston is quite renown for it's business, medicine, and law schools, there are a few of us who venture into non-traditional fields who not only love what we do, but are successful doing it as well. I would like to shed a bit of light, and even dispel some misconceptions about those who choose to venture into the world of fashion.
Do you remember the scene in "The Devil Wears Prada" when Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) rips Andrea a proverbial "new ass hole" (come on I am sure you all have either heard or said worst things than this), when Andrea laughs at the staff for having trouble choosing which belt to adorn a particular dress for a fashion ad? Ok, if you don't remember, or are just plain oblivious to the whole scenario I am here to help you out: Andrea Sachs was a frumpy fashion victim who worked for the Editor-in-Chief for a fictitious magazine, called Runway. Because she graduated from a prestigious college with a degree in journalism, she thought she was too intelligent to take fashion seriously (as I've clearly witnessed while working among some of Harvard's elite). So she thought that because she had not an interest in fashion, it had nothing to do with her at all. Boy, was she tragically mistaken.
Miranda asks "something funny?" and Andrea replies "no..just that both of those belts look exactly the same to me...and I am still learning about this stuff and.." Miranda responds "Thissssss ssssstuff? Oh...ok you think this has nothing to do with you ..you go to your closet and you select, I don't know, that lumpy blue sweater for instance, because you are trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that sweater is not just blue, it is actually cerulian, and you are also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002 Oscar De la Renta did a collection of cerulian gowns; and I think it was Yves Saint Laurent (eves san lar-ant is the correct pronounciation...if you are old enough to wear/afford it you should damn sure know how to pronounce this designer's name correctly, or any others.. I'll concoct a special blog just for those types who name-drop, but drop the wrong name) who showed cerulian military jackets and then cerulian quickly showed up in the collections of 8 diferent designers.
"And then it filtered down to the department stores and then trickled into some tragic casual corner where you fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it's sort of comical that you think you made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when in fact you're wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this very room, from a pile of stuff." You see, Andrea was wearing a sweater that was picked by the very people she was laughing at. Now, who has the last laugh now? As one of my good friends would say "know your facts before you speak"..but for the sake of this blog I will rephrase that as "know your facts before you assume". There are a lot of people out there in the world who have a very narrow view when it comes to people who work in the fashion industry.
This is not an "easy" "flaky" and neither is it an underpaid industry. Several hundred of thousands of people had to make intelligent and damn near remarkable decisions so people like Andrea could go into a Brooks Brothers or Ann Taylor's and merely select what they want or need to wear. It took a lot of marketing, merchandising, and planning to get that cerulian sweater from "just an idea" into millions of retailers worldwide. Just to give you an idea of what a degree in Fashion Merchandising could reward (and I am not saying that hardwork doesn't add to the equation), here is a short list of fashion industry jobs that do make "bank" (according to PayScale, and www.salary.com)

• Sourcing Manager for Lululemon Athletica: $63,542-151,862/yr
• Director of Retail Franchise: $91,100-$195,614/yr
• Merchandise Manager: $39,301-$72,640/yr (typical $53,081)
• VP of Merchandising: $98,689-$154, 212/yr
• Head of Licensing Operations: $68, 454-$137, 320/yr (typical $98, 057)
• Assistant to VP of Production Manager: $52, 451-$83, 171/yr (typical $66,321)
• Assistant to Merchandising Manager: $45,214-$71,156/yr (typical $57,291)
• Ready-to-Wear Buyer: $43,246-$71, 518/yr (typical $55,347)
• General Manager/VP: $96, 693-$179,700/yr (typical $133,445)
• Product Manager: $57, 792-$95,882/yr (typical $75, 218

Yes, mother, to answer your question, fashion merchandising students such as myself can acquire such a degree that will allow for a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. Remember this: Hospitality is the #1 most lucrative business in the world, and, you've guessed it, the fashion industry comes in at #2. So, to the "Andrea Sachs" of the world, take that cerulian sweater and shove it.
(Quotes were taken from The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Fox 2000 Pictures by Director David Frankel.)

Do Bostonian Women Have A "Uniform" Sense of Style?

Boston is known to have some of the most Prestigious schools in the nation, breeding some of the most talented and intelligent people in possibly the whole world (hint of arrogance and patriotism...). There are prominent doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers just to name a few. While this city is quite known for its conservatism, from the building structures to the way most people dress, I have come to wonder: do the women who live in this city unconsciously follow some sort of uniformed way of style?
I've come to notice that most Bostonian women, whether she's a college student from out of town, or was born and bred in this very city, rarely display a unique sense of style. I am not discrediting the few women I do see every day who do stand out from the crowd and even I have made a double-take to admire those who dare to be different. But I have to say that the majority seem to wear pretty much of the same things, for example, the uniformed style of dress has been of late, a Longchamp tote, black leggings, Uggs or tall riding boots, and North Face fleece.
Yes, I am guilty of wearing Uggs, and right now I own two pair (possibly alluding to the fact that I may score another pair), and I am not discouraging anyone from wearing or buying them-they are quite comfortable, however ugly..yes somethings can be bought for function are not always fashionable..anyways...I wear them to run to the store, or if I've overslept and need to dash out of the house to school or work. However, my concern is this: however long it takes for me to leave home to go to school or work, I've noticed at least 6 out of 10 women have a Longchamp tote, with black leggings, with either Uggs on or riding boots, and the optional North Face fleece..of course mixing and matching these trends.
One woman may have the Uggs and the leggings, with the Longchamp tote, or another woman who is going to work may have on slacks, Uggs, the North Face fleece and her Longchamp tote. Whatever the combination is, it is indicative to me that that is the Bostonian "uniform" of choice this season. This also shows that most women tend to fall victim to wearing several trends at once (I will have a special blog on this later..it's quite sad actually). Again it is not the items I have illustrated in this column that are an issue, but the fact that several women tend to imitate this exact look down to the last detail. I just want to know, are people in Boston so conservative at work, that they retain that same demeanor when dressing for the weekend or a day off? Loosen up, Boston, is all I am suggesting.
Trends are what they are for a reason, and I don't know anyone who would be caught dead wearing anything that is not in style (well, I don't know them personally but such creatures do exist). Although there are employee dress codes enforced at many businesses, it seems to me that women here tend to follow a certain dress code outside of work, because I see the exact same look repeatedly and on several women at a time, in a given day. This can be indicative of three things: either most people are too lazy to deviate from what the masses are wearing; they are afraid of standing out from the crowd and not being accepted as a result of it, or they just don't know how to develop their own sense of style and it is easier to copy someone else.
Readers, when you leave the house for now on, look around and see how many people (women were used as an example for this column because I am one) are dressed alike. It doesn't have to be a Longchamp tote with riding boots and leggings, but just notice how many people have the exact same items on worn the exact same way. Please, someone tell me I am having a hallucination and just seeing the same person all over Boston, simultaneously..a million times over....

3 Winter 2009 Important Trends for the Recession-Conscious

 (To the Fashion Merchandising Dept Chair @ Bay State College, Patricia Nugent, for inspiring me to start my blog with my first writing assignment in her Fashion Merchandising Course).



No matter where one lives on this massive planet, everyone is influenced by fashion in some way, be it directly, or indirectly. Now that Winter is approaching, and most people have tucked away their summer wardrobe (unless you live in the Florida Keys, California, or vacationing on an island somewhere; there is no reason why I should be seeing flip flops and shorts..for the season-confused, check weather.com or your local news station)...anyways I was rudely interrupted by the mere thought of some people who neglect to walk by a mirror on the way out....back to our regularly scheduled program....Now that Winter is approaching, consumers everywhere are gallivanting to the nearest store in hopes to score the latest fashion trends.
Even in the midst of a recession, which has affected even the average shopper's spending habits; people still want to dress fashionably. Therefore, Winter 2009 trends must reflect power, hope, and humanity, despite any financial turmoil the world must endure at this point. The color green, higher necklines and ornamented merchandise will ensure that the wearer of these trends will continue to exude strength and confidence.
Green is manifesting itself in many ways, through clothing, footwear and jewelry this season.
Green is one of the trends because it symbolizes hope, in spite of an uncertain future. Also green can mean luck, and is also the color of money. In Chinese cultures, jade is worn for good fortune. Green can also be associated with the world's concern for saving this planet's natural resources. This color is important this winter because throughout this recessional crisis, people need to feel a sense of hope that the economy will get better. Adding the color green to one's wardrobe may even allow one to feel closer to nature, or even God(or whatever higher power one chooses to worship). While green is a symbol of optimism, high necklines this winter exude strength and confidence.
High necklines are important this season, because they not only represent confidence, but also the wearer appears more conservative than he or she would have in the summer. Since it is cooler, the clothing is most naturally going to cover up more parts of the body (for most of us who are fully conscious of the seasonal changes in our region of the world). People may be more reserved when it comes to spending money since the recession began. Therefore, this reserved attitude may reflect itself in the way people are choosing to dress nowadays (and again I am referring to normal people who are in the right frame of mind and do not think it is normal to wear Havianas as the snow is melting on the ground. Also, designers are very conscious of how the recession has affected everyone, and has used this to translate conservatism into fall fashion.
A consumer may choose a garment with a high neckline because it is also more frugal (and warmer around these parts, and for the umpteenth time I am making reference to those people who do not wish to catch cold in their joints and bones in the long run for not wearing the proper winter attire). Ahem, as I was saying, a higher neckline is more frugal than purchasing jewelry to elongate the neck. Higher necklines exude royalty, in spite of the world's current financial struggle. Structurally speaking, a garment with a high neckline almost forces the wearer to stand erect (referring to those who know how to conduct themselves when wearing certain attire and know there is a certain decorum and canons of taste by which most decent people abide by), and in doing so the wearer gives off an air of confidence and strength. Ornamentation is another important trend because it declares how the world shows appreciation for various cultures, and that bond that fashion creates can allow for a more hopeful, and even speedy financial recovery (work with me here).
Ornamented clothing and accessories can also substitute for purchasing expensive jewelry if one wishes to aim for that "expensive look", but definitely for a fraction of the price. Also, this trend pays homage to the Far East, which is important, because, if not any other time, humanity must embrace each other for its cultural differences, especially during wartime and economical turmoil. Ornamented pieces this season also appear futuristic, another sign that, despite the world's current financial status, humanity, namely designers, tend to remain resilient and creative enough to continue to wow the consumer with the latest trends. Lastly, ornamented merchandise tends to exude glamour and richness, despite how much money is in the wearer's bank account. In that aspect, this trend also represents power and confidence.
Throughout history, humanity has managed to withstand the ravages of war and poverty. Rich or poor, black or white, what the consumer has in common with others is that he or she wants to feel a sense of control, power, and confidence, which reflects itself in self expression, or fashion. Designers know that the consumer will always want to be "in the know" when it comes to the latest fashion trend, at any price. Also, they are aware that the general public relies upon the designers to be able to create their strengths, hopes and dreams in three-dimensional form. Although no one may be certain of his or her financial future at this point, consumers are still willing to pay a small price for new fashions. Winter 2009 trends include the "lucky" and hopeful color green, regal, high necklines and futuristic, multicultural ornamentation. It is vital that humanity remains optimistic and strong at this time, and these trends are a strong representation of just those qualities that keeps the world thriving.