trends

My Favorite Fashion Trends

I have to admit, I don’t like a lot of fashion trends. Maybe it’s because I tend to like more classic styles, but then again, I do like to have fun with my wardrobe, so maybe it’s just because a lot of trends are tacky and/or unwearable by the vast majority of women. There are several trends that have popped up recently, that I really love, and try to incorporate into my wardrobe whenever possible:

  • Exposed zippers–It doesn’t matter if it’s on a dress or a shirt, I love the slightly edgy look of an exposed zipper!
  • Peplums–This is not a new trend, and it’s certainly not a first-time trend, but I like the way a peplum dresses up an outfit.
  • Moto jackets–Another edgy look, I especially like a (faux) leather jacket in an unusual color like blue or purple.
  • Lace–You have to be careful not to overdo it with lace, but I have one lace dress, and one lace top, and they instantly make my look more special.
  • Leather (or faux-leather) trim–I’m seeing lots of leather trim on shirts, dresses, skirts, and pants. It’s a nice extra detail, and again, makes a regular outfit just a bit more edgy.
  • A-line/fit-and-flare dresses–This is one of my personal favorite looks–a dress with a full-ish skirt. I remember this shape being popular when I was in junior high, but I think the updated version is much more flattering. This shape is also my natural habitat when it comes to dresses, whether it’s in vogue or not…I’m just happy to be dressing fashionably for the moment!
  • The statement link necklace–I love a statement necklace in the first place, but I really love the link necklaces that are popular now.
  • Animal print–This is another trend you have to be careful with…too much animal print is scary. But as an accent, it can be a very fun addition to your wardrobe!

There are plenty more trends that I hate, but for now, I’m having fun finding ways to incorporate the above into my wardrobe…who says grown-ups can’t play dress-up, too?

The 60s Called–They Want Their Clothes Back!

I’ve been on a quest to find some new summer-worthy shirts. I’ve been pregnant and/or recovering from pregnancy for so many summers in the recent past that I’m down to about four or five summer tops–not enough variety for my liking, and not enough pieces to make laundry an easier task. So, I’ve looked at about every online retailer I can think of–Lane Bryant, Avenue, Target, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Macy’s, and about every other place I’ve heard of. Now, I know the plus-size market is smaller in the first place, but seriously–if I see one more ugly mod print, I’ll scream. Horrid blocky patterns in even more hideous color combinations–black and turquoise, black and hot pink, black and white. This is not my idea of high fashion–heck, it’s not even my idea of passable fashion. I really don’t see that a return to 60s clothing styles is helpful or necessary. I’d get on board with more 40s and 50s style fashions (and actually, as far as dresses go, I’ve had some luck with that) but please, no more 60s and 70s Laugh-In inspired clothing.

And the few times I have found something I like, I look at the tag, and discover it’s got a good deal of rayon in the fabrication. Am I the only person in America who hates that material? I keep reading about how easy it is to care for, how well it wears in comparison to cotton, blah, blah, blah. Every time I’ve owned a piece of rayon based clothing, however, I’ve found that it begins to look shabby after only a washing or two. I just can’t get on board with the stuff. Give me a plain old cotton shirt any day, or even a poly blend, but please leave the rayon out of it. Of course, this has further narrowed the clothing available to me to purchase.

I’m starting to feel like Lucy and Ethel being made fun of for saying they “haven’t a thing to wear! I can certainly appreciate why they would say it, anyway. And, I’m guessing I’m never going to find a new shirt ever again! (OK, it’s possible that was a slight exaggeration…but of course, the fact that I “haven’t a thing to wear” was 100% truth!) But seriously, I’m beginning to wonder how long it’s going to take to find something that’s in my budget, and fits my style and fabric expectations. It’s almost enough to make me want to learn to sew…almost, but not quite!