Hey, Readers!
As Fall slides into Winter, I am in full-on research mode. I even dragged my partner through several stores at the mall with the lure of a movie (I know, I’m a monster). Autumnal colors abounded, puffy jackets were a-display, and basics came mostly in fluorescent colors (unnecessary and mysterious).
It was like this everywhere.
For some reason, though, I was totally drawn to white blouses. White, off-white, eggshell, powder, palest gray, cream. I want to wear them with navy trousers! I want my hair in a controlled messy bun! I want to be disguised as normal! But I…I… I can’t stop thinking about a quotation from my favorite director, and weirdo extraordinaire, John Waters:
Smile pretty for the camera, now.
“[I]f you’re young and buy designer clothes, you’re an idiot. It’s for over forty; you need help then. But at twenty, if you’re spending money on designer clothes, it’s ridiculous. You should be wearing the things they copy.”
I have been designing, modifying, and customizing my own clothes since adolescence. I love looks big designers come up with, but I value being unusual and different. I like to take people by surprise. If I wear trousers and blouses, I might fit in really well with 30-somethings at my fancy office, but I don’t want to lose the intrinsic weirdness what makes me me.
Free time.
Looking for that John Waters quotation got me reading and thinking about how much thought, effort, and love we as a society put into both high and low fashion. High fashion meaning haute couture, red carpet, that-dress-costs-as-much-as-my-student-loans. Low fashion being, well, everything else (including what you make yourself that is way cooler than anything you can pick up at the mall).
Here are some of the best observations and musings on my favorite subject (part one):
“When I’m putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion.”-Rihanna
Love it or hate it, her style is her own.
RiRi, that thrill wakes me up in the morning and makes getting dressed a game. I lay in bed and imagine putting pieces of outfits together, like a puzzle. Sometimes I only have one garment to start with, and I wander around half-dressed until I find the missing pieces.
“I think what’s wrong with fashion, particularly men’s fashion, is the lack of creativity behind it.” -Macklemore
That’s what you wanted? A cape? Alright…
You are a little on the preachy side, hon, but you ain’t wrong about men’s fashion. I love a great suit, but seriously, designers. Pants + shirt + shoes ≠ creative outfit.
“Fashion… saved me from being sad.” -Lady Gaga
All hail the Haus of Gaga.
Finding passion in simple things can save your very soul. If I had one wish, I would be a designer in the Haus of Gaga. If waking up to dress ME is exciting, I can’t actually fathom the intensity with which I would awake every morning to dress my hero. Someone that works for her made a hat out of a telephone. And she wore it. *sigh*
“Fashion is chaotic, and it can be an aggravation, too, but it is at its best when it allows you to express yourself.” -John Malkovich
Sir, that is a dope scarf.
I’m not sure there’s any other reason to clothe oneself. Besides the cold. It’s getting down into the low 50’s here in Portland. But I’ll take a charcoal wool coat over a puffy jacket any day.
If you’re in your twenties and your fashion sense runs more toward 5th Avenue than DIY, that’s okay! But don’t forget that your weirdness can and does inspire designers. What John is saying is that since you’re in the most trendy demographic, pretty much everything you wear is trendy.
Everything.
Including over sized grandpa sweaters or teddy bears. Y’all look good, so don’t be afraid to be silly and strange. If you like the idea, but aren’t sure how to pull it off, try putting together the most understated outfit you can (plain bottoms, simple top), and throw a bitchin’ accessory on top. Eyeball earrings. Necklace made of barbie shoes. Bracelet made out of paperclips. See beauty in junk! Garbage makes the best accessories. Don’t be afraid to try things. Making mistakes is how we learn, and our twenties are when we learn who we are and what we like. Mostly by making mistakes!
I like to think these folks learned quite a bit in their youth.
While you’re out there in the world, Readers, designer clothes will constantly be getting shoved in your face, but let your originality shine through. Don’t be a label slave; they have no style. And if you ever need help, swing by WildRoma.com or shoot me an email at talia@wildroma.com.
I’ll see you next week for Part 2!
Love,
Talia