Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Style Wednesday: Making Trends Work FOR you, not TO you...


I don't like trends. They tend to make everybody look the same.
Carolina Herrera

I think a lot about trends.  While this is Style Wednesday and I am writing about trends vis-à-vis fashion, there are trends in home decorating, cars, literature, music - well the list just goes on and on...

I admit that as my taste evolved over the past two years, I suddenly found myself chasing trends in a way I never had before.

You could blame it on JCrew.

You could blame it on fashion blogs.

You could blame it on all of you lovely women whose blogs I visit and who inspire me to try something new.

You could blame it on turning 50.

You could blame it on all of the emails that come in the mail and show me "pretty things for pretty girls" one of my favourite quotes of my Philosopher Queen, Lucy from Peanuts.

Lucy van Pelt.png


But really, it is all of the above and none of the above, and more a symptom of trying to sort out my style than anything.

Having said that, the endless emails and website updates implore us, nay, direct us, to stay current.  We NEED the season's hottest hue, the IT bag, the IT coat, the IT shoe.

This fall, I have been slowly spinning myself away from trends, purchasing instead items that were woefully nonexistent in my closet - neutrals for example or comfy clothing for working in and that more suited the life of a pre-published writer - or purchasing items that met my newly minted style criteria of creative/nostalgic.

Hues that are "in" this fall that are not part of my colour story or my new style have been ignored.  I have ignored the leather that is everywhere this fall and focused on soft and cozy.  I was unable to ignore glitter, but then, I never would completely ignore glitter would I?

But this got me to thinking - how far do you all dip into trends?  Do you find it hard to ignore them, or do you embrace them fully?  What determines what trends you decide to participate in - is it that heart-stopping thing you catch a glimpse of in a magazine or on a website or Pinterest? Now please do not tell you never buy anything trendy - all of us see some 'it' thing that we 'must' have...What helps you justify buying into the trend? Lucy and I want to know!  Do you regrets any purchases afterwards???  I could write an epic poem, and maybe I shall, about my fails...

I thought I would share today's outfit with you, one that is decidedly untrendy I think - A cozy outfit put together for a crisp October day, a creamy crocheted sweater over my blue Joe Fresh dress, grey BCBG leggings and my Fry boots, wrapped up with a blue cotton scarf:


 


You can see there is lots of swing...

With the leather Cole Haan purse I scored in Massachusetts this summer, I was the very picture of fall prep.  I admit to wandering the streets looking for Ryan O'Neal, but alas he has gone from this:
 
 
 
to this:
 
 
 
I'm not judging you Ryan - we all age - you should see my belly.  Though god knows, you have lived a little harder than I have, I think...
 
Have an awesome Wednesday all and stay safe out there!
 

79 comments:

  1. I love that first line from Carolina. I live in a small city, and there are certain trends that sweep my wider social peer group each season. I find it very odd, as you can go to a social situation and all the women are dressed the same, regardless of body type etc. I have eventually pinned it to one local fashion designer, also in the same wider social peer group, who seems to have them all in her thrall. Needless to say, I run a mile from it. I really don't like looking like everyone else (although I will embrace a trend, just not when its worn by everyone single person I know).
    I've made a couple of blunders that were trend driven... the Sergio Rossi patent heels that are the exact shade of maroon as my former school blazer, a colour I therefore hate, yet I purchased it with the sound of "oxblood" running on loop through my mind. I think I've worn them only a handful of times. Floral jeans, which I feel a little stupid in whenever I wear them... I could go on. I am starting to work out when I'm being trend driven.. I was very aware that when I first started reading blogs a lot of the trends that you see sweep the blog world like wildfire, but in the real world, not so much. It's quite an interesting phenomena. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh and your comfy outfit looks lovely - comfy and fashionable

      Delete
    2. Heidi, at certain Sydney events almost all the women look like clones too - one year it was sass & bide, another year Lover... It's a shame as not everyone can look good in whatever designer is popular. I rarely go out any more, so happily I can stick to my small wardrobe of cocktail frocks that are not trendy, but suit my shape and style!
      I'm intrigues by which designer you're talking about in SA?

      Delete
    3. So interesting! I think that some of us never learn how to dress our body types properly and many store clerks do not help. Most of us stumble upon this information accidentally, and make lots of mistakes along the way. I SO wanted that horses sweatshirt from J Crew this fall and then I realized "I can't corral the horses I have, why the hell would I put some on top.." and decided not to get it in the end.

      And you are so right - in my little neck of the woods, a lot of things that are trendy get missed, although then I think the next year they are picked up by the uber-cheap clothing companies and suddenly show up here! I get scared when I see something everywhere - am not good at predicting lasting power!

      Delete
    4. Wendy, your horses comment has made me laugh!

      Ruth, it's a designer called Sally Phillips. She does trunk shows in Melbourne and Sydney, and does by appointment only in Adelaide from her showroom. Her stuff is not cheap - would be up there in Sass & Bide/ Lover comparatively, and I just refuse to buy it, because it's a certain style that doesn't work for me (or a lot of others as you mention, but they buy it anyway). Then there are the ones that attempt the look with cheaper stuff, which works even less! xx

      Delete
  2. You look so comfy! You know, telling me not to do something automatically means I am going to do it, so here you go: I don't usually buy trendy. Actually I do struggle to understand the meaning of what "trendy" means. I see fashion blogs talking about the white jeans trend, the skinny jeans trend, the polka dot trend and so on. But to me, perhaps neon and statement necklaces are a bit more of a trend, as the former speak to me in a more "classic" way, while the latter come and go a bit more. I guess you could say "modern vintage" (how I like to define the way I dress) could be called a trend. Full skirts, prints, polka dots and a red lip to me say classic, though to somebody else they could say trendy.
    Ok, ok, I concede, I guess critter sweaters are a trend, and I fell like a sucker. Twice. But calling my style modern vintage is my story, and I'm sticking to it! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AB - you made me laugh out loud!!! I would describe those critters as creative and modern and vintage! It is sometimes difficult to know when something is a trend. I believe that this fall the leather touches on clothing MUST be a trend, because when I was in Winners yesterday, there was a WHOLE rack of skinny pants with leather trim.

      I thought a few years ago that the return of leggings would be a trend, but it has had staying power, because people are wearing them more tastefully than we did in the 80s!

      Delete
  3. Oh you look comfy and cozy and stylish as in having a style that is distinctively you, something I envy. I often wonder if I really have a style but lately there is a post being written in my mind about what I really feel good in and what I tend to gravitate toward. I've also thought that someday (likely very soon) embellished/rhinestoned tops and crazy pants will be so dated and would I care if I love them and continue to wear them? Some trends I go for because I've always loved them and go a little crazy "while the getting is good" iykwim. Like polka dots, I never got over being mesmerized by my mother's polka dot blouse (see, that proves it's a classic). And leather? I've always loved that but won't likely get anything because I already have plenty from years ago, well, except for that fun sweater tunic with the leather pockets. Chambray has been my love forever, I wear them all the time as a house jacket or an apron or as a work shirt (imagine that!), of course my jeweled chambray is the exception.

    Thank goodness I've never felt compelled to possess it bags or it shoes.

    My biggest regrets (that I can think of) are these two: 1. getting Collection pieces just because holy smokes look at how it's now a fraction of the full X zillion dollars it used to be and 2. things during the makeup color days, they were really dirt or paperbag colors not flattering for my coloring.

    You gave me quite a jolt with that before/after of Mr. O'Neal. Thank goodness I'm catching you now instead of with my morning tea. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TR - I, too, have been guilty of purchasing a collection piece because it got to 80% off! I am trying to make a price threshold for purchasing those kind of items now - they can be fun additions to my wardrobe, but I may not want to wear them in 2 years..

      The sequin top is interesting, because I actually think it mostly used to be a holiday classic - you could always find them between Nov and Dec. I am seeing less of them now than 2 or 3 years ago, when their arrival on the scene seemed fun and fresh in June!

      My fashion regrets would be too many to name, but I think it all began with wearing a dark bra under a sheet white turtleneck when I was 11 years old and flat as a board. Have never quite gotten over that one..

      Delete
  4. I love your outfit! I think it's very stylish indeed, and as we all know, truly stylish people wear what they feel good in and bugger the trends!

    I think that I have almost certainly succumbed to trends in the past, but these days I like to think I've learned from my mistakes and tend to shy away from many trends and 'it' items. For example, I would not buy animal prints or camouflage as I am not comfy wearing them.
    Sydney tends to have a lot of very body con, flesh-revealing fashions every summer, but again, I'm not comfy with too much flesh these days.
    I'm also not great in heels, so the obsession with Louboutins completely passed me by!
    I suppose that my love of J crew is because to me they make sort of classic with a twist stuff which I love. I couldn't do the more trendy pieces like those puffy mini skirts, but I love their pencil skirts and knits.

    I really don't understand 'it' bags either. I'd rather buy an understated, non logoed bag once every decade!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ruth!

      I hear you on letting some pass you by! And personally, there is still much for me to love about JCrew if I can ignore their effective marketing "noise" - i.e. MUST buy X because it's suddenly 30% off! The wishlist does help with that! Well having an it bag is far out of my league so I have never been faced by that dilemma - perhaps when I am a world famous authoress, I will need some guidance!

      Delete
    2. WMM, as soon as your name is on the title page, I'm ready for the bag hunt ;-) Cole Haan wonderful though too, still produce a lot of shoes and bags in good quality leathers, and no sticker shock, especially on sale.

      Delete
    3. I like that Cole Haan does not announce itself on your bag. I'd love a Hindmarch Ebury-- no one's It bag at this point, and it'd be my secret. And yours, of course.

      Delete
    4. Now I have to go look that up! I am not ready for the "it" bag anyway - I don't know what they are!

      Delete
    5. Lane they are just stunning.

      Delete
    6. Ruth, you've reminded me of going to Fiji on holiday 2 years ago, and half of Sydney were there as well... and the women were all wearing Herve Leger dresses, which I found completely strange in a tropical resort. But it was obviously the thing...

      Delete
  5. Trends annoy me because even though I try really hard to avoid them, I end up being sneakily seduced by them and don't realise until later, today I've got a few pieces of furniture waiting to be picked up - trendy things that I bought a few a years ago which just don't go the distance. It's always a waste of money for me to veer from simple classics in clothes, furniture etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tabs - I hear you! It is hard to avoid them! When we were first decorating a house it was the 80s and you can imagine the plethora of "country" items that were in style then... All gone thank god. I really am trying to dress now like I am living in my home, which is not trendy at all!

      Delete
  6. Sometimes I simply get worn down by trends...skinny pants for example. Most of the time I may buy simply because I really like it...my beautiful green pea coat. Others I just keep shaking my head...camo, leggings/ankle pants, animal critter tops . Sorry, sorry, sorry to all who love these. I went years not buying much because I hated the candy colors. Now everything is navy and more jewel colors and it is hard to resist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BB - hear hear - I do think you need to strike on some things while the iron is hot - 6 years ago I searched for months for a navy suit - it was an impossibility around here - like it had fallen off the earth. I think that was one of my first purchases from J Crew, who were one of the few places who had 'em. I jump on jewel tones when I see them now and really love them, because in 2007, it was almost all muddy colours that made me look ill!

      Delete
    2. Not sorry to see the "sandstone" era gone either.

      Delete
    3. BB, I also get worn down by trends -- skinny jeans are a PRIME example, and the cream-colored floral ones I got shortly before moving are a prime example of a big mistake (why did I think cream skinny pants would look good plastered on my bottom half????). Live & learn. WMM, I think that outfits looks quite stylish and on-trend -- swing sweater plus lace look = right in style.

      Delete
    4. I forgot about the drab era in clothing. I longed for jewel tones then. Fortunately i have not jumped on the fancy/floral/striped/neon color pants train (sorry again to all who love). Now the thought of cream colored floral ones stretched across my thighs and ass will continue to keep me straight!

      Delete
  7. I generally stay away from trends - stuff that every store is doing or everyone is talking about. As a result, I am usually late with some new things that turn up to be wonderful and have some staying power. The parka, for instance. I thought it was just a hipster thing but I lived in mine last winter. I was hooked and got rid of so many Jcrew ladylike coats.

    I am also wary of those statement and graphic tees/sweatshirts. These could look pretty dated too soon or may have some funny connotations. I almost ordered the Madewell sweatshirt with "Bien" in front and "Fait" in the back when I realized that if one does not speak French they may think my back part is fat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie that tee misinterpretation is hysterical.

      Delete
    2. okay that is funny! I wonder how many people don't understand they are wearing made well on their shirt?

      I love a parka - parka is good!

      Delete
    3. I think it's even funnier that it says "Made Well", half across the boobs lol!

      Delete
    4. I think that's the point ;)

      Delete
  8. OLIVER (STOP) BARING-RT WMM, that OOTD is perfectly you, bobo chic!

    The two trends that I ODd on badly would be prep in my younger years (just say no to polo, grosgrain and critters, you weejun.) and trendy tees more recently. Sucked in by the dreaded trifecta of (relatively) cheap, comfort and cute. All when what I really wanted and felt at home in were crisp shirts. But we are each a work in progress and part of figuring out who you are sartorially and otherwise is accepting and moving past the misses, right?

    Think I was lucky to grow up most of my life well outside the trend race (NS, Caribbean islands and boarding school not hotbeds of the style scene.) Confess, I do own a dog "statement" sweater, but I luff it, bought it for a song and will still wear it.

    Hate to be wearing what everyone else does, but then I have two or three "uniforms" I live in (jacket, silk top, skinny jeans, ballet flats, good bag). Don't do "it" bags, but do make "investment" excuse there. While it's not a trend per se, my biggest "watch out" is falling victim to a look I love that doesn't suit my actual life - two much Brora tweedy romance, white outwear that will stain in a T.O. minute...

    Rambling closet error confessional over and out. Happy hump day...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meant to note big like that you've embraced some fun tees (Paris) as part of Wendy whimsy. And did I miss Bowie's OOTD debut? Nod to trends, don't bear hug 'em?

      Delete
    2. Such an interesting background you have! I would embrace that tweedy romantic look, too, but not the life here either.

      Delete
    3. I would embrace the tweedy look as well, but not the jackets! I am always so scared of looking like Miss Marple!

      Delete
  9. Very cute outfit Wendy!! I have to say, though, the sweater is of the boxy-sweater-silhouette trend :) See, you are wearing a trend! I am not a very trendy person unless the trend suits my personal style. This military jacket trend is one of these and I have overly embraced it. Trends that I have tried and failed at include anything leopard print. My leopard J. Crew Valentina pumps, leopard print ballet flats from J. Crew Factory, a leopard skinny belt from BR, I never wear these. I don't feel like myself in them. J. Crew's "Modern Red"/"Cerise" colors, tried it but it's not for me. Statement necklace trend, big fail for me. I have a few big-ish necklaces from J. Crew that I rarely wear. For the most part I know what trends to leave in the store now, though. That's come with the experience of making akk the mistake ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "akk the mistake" translates as "all the mistakes", whoops.

      Delete
    2. I have avoided the statement necklaces pretty much like the plague - I already have a statement on my chest! As for the sweater - by jove you are right - though I needed to replace an older version - I guess the cuts do change!

      Delete
    3. Hilarious WMM!

      Delete
    4. I had to buy new bras today. Sad and expensive. They don't make cheap bras for breasts like mine...

      Delete
    5. They don't make 'em cheap for the flat chested, either, WMM! :(

      Delete
  10. I have always liked trendy pieces, even as a kid, but I never liked looking like everyone else. I don't chase the trends; rather out of any trend I pick out things that are "me," that I would pick regardless of whether they were popular or not. I don't like critter, animal, heart sweaters and no matter how many bloggers wore them I don't want them. Same thing is happening now with lip sweaters - just awful!
    Leather, leather I always liked. It was huge last fall too, so I am surprised that it is so big this year still. I am glad that I picked up so many quality pieces last year. You can't buy cheap leather, its pointless. It has to be quality.
    I love your outit. It's comfy and it's you! Those are my main criteria. Who cares if it's in style if it's not comfortable?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A - totally with you on cheap leather - SOO not worth it!!!!

      The lip sweaters scare me...

      Delete
  11. in a minority here, but the "makeup" colors were great for me, and I wouldn't mind seeing them again, in moderation, of course. Nothing new tours philosopher-divas, but isn't moderation the key to almost everything? One spangled item makes an outfit, an entire spangled body makes you look around for the rest of the travelling entertainers...

    I tend (ahem) to turn my thoughts to the great difference between the ankle-length skirts and dresses of 100 years ago and the little flapper-shimmy dresses that succeeded them. Changing trends are nothing new, sometimes more dramatic than other times, that's all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. um, that was meant to be "to us," not tours. sigh.

      Delete
    2. Fred - you are right! We actually haven't seen dramatic trend shifts in the last 15 years or so - mostly variations on a theme if you ask me!

      Delete
  12. Your outfit suits you; you look comfortable-- as in, yourself. No one would mistake me for trendy, but I do have different shapes than I did a few years ago. I have much slimmer jeans and pants, longer T's. No animals for me, but cute on others. I try to imagine an outfit I try on in one of my usual life situations; if I can't see myself, I don't
    buy. Having to write down what I buy helps avoid regrets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. am with you Lane! - am still wrestling with almost all of my fancy pants for that reason. sigh... I guess if style was easy, everyone would look fantastic all the time, expressing themselves in the perfect way for their unique self!

      Delete
  13. During the first couple of years of my blog, when I was turning 40 and trying to find my style I definitely succumbed to trends. I could blame JCrew as I was obsessed with anything JC at that time. Of course that was partly due to the fact that the very few items I bought from JCrew in 2007-2008 I absolutely adored! Anyway I remember modelling an outfit on the blog, a JC pencil skirt, sweater and the Bubble necklace in bright coral. I saw my friend Kiki at the library a few days later and she said to me ARE YOU ON CRACK. Well she reads my blog and as she explained to me I was looking like a fashion victim! Of course she's known me forever and remembers the days when my uniform was jeans, black turtleneck, wool coat, done.
    I no longer own the bubble necklace or any components of that outfit. I still have some of my older JC pieces but mostly the dresses that suit my figure. I've definitely stopped buying trends and when I look at the shopping sites what I'm thinking is "I don't really like anything."
    Today I'm wearing dark brown riding pants, dark brown silk tee shirt, red kiki flats, brown LV bag, beige trench from Brooks Brothers (definitely not trendy) and my pale pink Hermes scarf. Maybe the LV and the Hermes make me slightly fashion victim but I don't care, I love those items and I use them every single day. I definitely fall prey to certain brands but trends, not so much anymore.
    Great topic as ever Wenders!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DaniBP, I don't remember that post, but I am horrified at the thought of you wearing a bubble necklace. It just seems wrong!!! (I own about 5 and do wear them from time to time... but they are so un-Dani!)

      Delete
    2. Dani, I love that your friend pulled you back from the brink!

      Delete
    3. Isn't that funny! Only my friend Kiki could do that... I remember she shouted it at me IN THE LIBRARY which made it extra funny!

      Delete
    4. Oh Dani, I can't imagine you in a bubble necklace any more than I can imagine myself wearing one. I've never tried to copy a J.Crew catalog/website outfit as others do successfully. It just feels unnatural for me.

      Delete
    5. That is crazy funny, Dani! I got a green one for cheap at a local shop, wore it once and it has never been worn again. I really have taken most of the j crew out of my wardrobe, except for tees, a few sweaters and my new Kiki collection!

      Delete
    6. In hysterics Dani! That's what friends are for,be gentle with me next year!

      Delete
    7. I know I know, and she was right I was on crack: JCRACK
      A bad friend would have said it behind me, not to me... Kiki saved me from myself!

      Delete
    8. Hilarious story Dani! Of course you would get confronted in the library (a normally quiet place!) hehehe

      Delete
  14. Hi Wendy! I love your outfit... it is so you, and it looks extremely comfortable and chic at the same time. I strive for that combo every day... I hate to be uncomfortable, but I still wanna look good!

    I am definitely not into trends, and I never was even when I was a teen. I actively avoided things that were trendy: those big chunky silver Tiffany charm bracelets, North Face fleeces, those gray suede old man New Balance running shoes. Mostly because I thought everyone looked pretty stupid wearing the same thing, and I thought the bracelets were fugly, but also because I preferred jeans and a t-shirt or hoodie every day. So, ok, I wasn't fashionable, but I was comfortable and happy!

    Now, I buy what I love, and still ignore trends. I am also not going to buy anything leather this season just because it is everywhere. I refuse to wear neon colors and super high heels. Most of my favorite clothing is from 2005-2008, mostly J.Crew, with some new things thrown in. I am applauding your newly minted style, I think it's really challenging and excellent to know yourself like that. I am all for being yourself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot some of that stuff!! I agree - I buy what I love now and try to avoid the excitement of the new stuff!

      Delete
  15. Hi Wendy, I definitely don't follow trends right away. I like how Marie put it - wait and see how much staying power something has, then bite if it suits.

    Another cosy outfit today, but absolutely stylish!

    ReplyDelete
  16. As I said in my September - Renew post "...beware of succumbing to trends. Even the chicest designer fashions stop being unique when everyone has them, or a knockff version. They become unoriginal before the end of the season."

    I live my own advice and very rarely succumb to trends although I do like keep my look current. To me that means mostly classic pieces with shapes and features that are not "of the moment" and also reassessing my accessories on a regular basis. Trendy shoes and accessories in particular can look dated very quickly.

    Take a trend, for example the leather embellishments on everything this fall that you mentioned. These pieces are everywhere (see quote above) and as such are a huge turnoff for me, I will not even try one piece. Most of them look very poorly constructed and shapeless anyway, which is totally not my style. The attention seems to be given to the accent and not the core piece. Instead of the latest embellishment, I am always enthralled by fine fabrics and crisp tailoring. I get excited about wearing a years-old piece that fits perfectly and still looks new. My goal is really to look GOOD, period. I have no motivation to look like a fashion insider. I'm neither motivated to buy, just for the sake of something new.

    I think J.Crew has mastered the art of selling trends. IMO it's really the essence of the brand now, which is why I haven't been buying.

    Loving the sweatshirt dress with tights and boots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. xoxo - great points! I do think much of J Crew has succumbed to trend lately, although a bit of it, in very small and cheap doses, can be a good cheery addition! I do love fine fabrics as well. Everytime I wear my Marc Cain knit wool skirt, I am always smiling!

      Delete
    2. Yes everything I loved about J Crew - it was unlike our High St trend led fashion has died.

      Delete
  17. I follow trends so I know what they are and can advise my clients - who always want to know what is "in". However - I never, ever advise them to buy trends unless it is something they love and works with their personal style. For example, my mom was emailing a few weeks ago complaining about skinny jeans. She is 77 and was having a hard time finding straight or boot cut jeans. She is not a skinny jeans person, doesn't have the figure for them and basically hates them, but was considering buying a pair. Of course, I prevented that from happening.
    For me - I like what I think is unique and interesting. I like the leather trend but haven't found a single thing that I think is worth the price or expense of cleaning. Having just returned from NY we saw a lot of really stylish women-some very trendy and some just looked great in their outfits. Being of sound shopping mind I came home with a DVF dress that I love - though won't wear often because it is an evening style - and a list of boots that I will ponder and a bag I'm obsessed with. The boots and bag are expensive, but not trendy-just good stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me, the key now is to really think on things. I am more likely to spend more money on a real well-fitting bra than most of the things I see that are cute! A DVF dress is in my future as I love them, but I need to try on in person!

      Delete
    2. Julie - in jeans at 77, what a cool woman your mum is.I'll be in a fleece boiler suit then and loving it.

      Delete
    3. Tabs - Absolutely everyone is in jeans here. I've rid her closet of cords as they do her no favors-but denim is my best friend.

      Delete
    4. WMM-You would look great in a DVF dress and the quality is wonderful. I now have 3 and always seem to want another. My friend tried a maxi wrap dress-just stunning for on her 5'8" frame.

      Delete
    5. Oh when I am away next winter and am going to look for one!

      Delete
  18. SF has so many trends here... hipster seemingly be the most prevalent. Peplum was a trend I've never gotten into because it just doesn't flatter my body well enough.
    I think that sticking to classic pieces seem to work the best while incorporating an item or two that is on trend. And not spending a ton of money on it, either. Will stripes last longer than one season? Most likely. ;) At least, I hope so!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Picasso wore stripes, so surely it is good to go????

      Delete
  19. I did buy a high/low black dress earlier this year, and I do the skinny jeans, wear leather jackets, striped tee, boots (I am a boots girl, there are some people who will wear sandals until it snows....but I couldn't wait for autumn to "officially" start so I could wear my boots again!) ......otherwise I don't do much for trends. I always keep reverting back to a mostly classic look. Even Stacy London has succumbed to the ombre hair trend now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw Stacy's hombre look - I thought she looked so cute! I may yet go fuchsia!

      Delete
  20. I don't pay much attention to trends. I did in my youth and have the scary photo's to prove it. I tell my clients that trends tend to last five years or so. If the look is something you love, invest the first year and you'll get maximum dollar per wear for it. If you decide to invest in year three, pay less for it because it will only be "in" for two more years.
    A touch of trend can help you look current but can also make you look like a fashion victim if its not flattering on you.
    I tend to let my accessories define my originality. Carolina Herrera's quote is perfect. I hate to say it, but I don't buy trends. If I love it, it looks flattering on me, I don't define it as a trend. I call it a "score" and I'll wear it for many, many years.
    I have been in the hunt for a great handbag with NO logo at all. No name, no markings, just a quality piece. It's a tough search without spending a fortune which I will no longer do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer! It is hard to find a logo-free handbag in my experience! Let us know how you make out! Like the idea of the "score" - I think that makes perfect sense!

      Delete
  21. Is spandex trendy? depending whether it is or not then I am or not trendy...Those statement necklaces was one I succumbed to but I felt like it was medieval torture and i was constantly rearranging it! it was sooo annoying - they dont tell you that when yuo buy it...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CSW- I don't know if spanx is trendy or not, but it is helpful! The statement necklaces would sit on my chest like a pirate's treasure... sigh...

      Delete
  22. Aw, you look totally like a post-published author in this great outfit! I love it when the right balance of comfort and style come together. I like trends in the sense of seeing the natural changes in fashion, and there's usually something out there that aligns with ones own look. I do try and steer away from the 'trendy' though- usually something so extreme as to be knocked off a million times by F21, right? However suddenly contemplating some frankensteinian fun with a plain wool coat and thrifted leather jacket sleeves...hmmm...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too funny - I am looking forward to being able to say "Post-Published" author! I love your style - it is so not trendy and so classic and you!

      Delete
  23. Your post definitely made my morning, WMM. Thank you, I will try to remember that....trends to work for you not to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi ebelandi - you might like my post this morning - about investing in good costume jewelry versus all the cheap stuff out there (some of which I recently bought!)

      Delete

Kindness is a virtue...