Breakfast at Tiffany’s.. The future of luxury shopping?
From Lucky Magazine to Harper’s Bazaar (to our own advert-clouded consciences), the new year doesn’t symbolizeslate-cleaning and rebuilding, as it usually does when discussing our wardrobe. Instead, fashion powers are preaching reinvention and risk-taking as we leap into the new year.
Terms and idea such as “Shop Your Own Closet” (Harper’s Bazaar) give us something that’s atypical of contemporary fashion rags – “Don’t Buy.”
Businesses left and right are falling victim to our country’s rapidly declining and destroyed economy, and you have to agree – if a FASHION MAGAZINE (whose profits are largely influenced by advertisers set out to seduce you into spending) are telling youthat it’s time for (GASP!) logical and economical fashion decisions, something serious is happening. Once again, it’s time to adjust the way we look at fashion and consumerism.
Last year, I encourage you to create some “Fashion Resolutions” as an attempt to readjust the way we look at typical resolutions, and to challenge our ever-growing style capabilities… Here we are a year later; most of our net worths – halved, budgets – strict and checking accounts are getting shy. Is it the end of the “fashion budget”? Hardly. But for “budget fashion”, it’s time to boom.
2009 Fashion Resolutions
1. Embrace Accessories!
I’ve never been a big jewelry-wearing girl and I only hopped onto the waist-belt train about three months ago. I’ve been completely neglecting the transformative power of costume and fine jewelry, hats, scarves, etc. How embarrassing! This will be a style-altering experience.
2.Set Up A “Shoe Acquisition Plan” (SAP)
It sounds so executive, doesn’t it? I’ve decided that, yes, I need shoes. Sorry, economy/checking account, I get one conscious life on this earth, and I WANT SHOES TO BE A PART OF IT! So… I’ve decided that every 3 months, I may have a pair of shoes of my choosing… BUT! They must be strategically chosen and must contribute to my wardrobe as a whole – not too crazy or “can-only-wear-it-with-one-skirt”-y.
3. Give Indie Designers Some Sweet Lovin’
Oooh, this might be my favorite “resolution”! Contrary to what a drunken frat-type boy said to me at a roof party last weekend, the best thing to do for the country right now is to support independent designers! Maybe he didn’t see the value, obviously having shopped at A&F/Hollister his entire life, but the more cash we can give to non-corrupt sources, the better of we are (and the better we feel, I think!) – so places like Etsy and Smashing Darling will definitely be on the top of my shopping lists this year. [Besides, they’re not horrifyingly expensive AND chances are good you’ll have a one-of-a-kind item to show off!]
Psst… Know of any other good indie sites? Send ’em to me and I’ll add them!
4. Get Architectural!
That’s right – it’s time to get voluminous, get angular, get architectural! For the most part, solid pieces are the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe, so why not make them interesting? The more versatile a garment is, the more outfits you can create and thusly – the more valuable. Besides, why wear a scoop-neck, long-sleeved cotton top when you could be wearing a 3/4 sleeve, oversize-hooded, textured cotton top? Eh? Visual interest = success, in my books!
5. Don’t Buy Clothing, Invest In Clothing
A common misconception among beginner fashion lovers (and Americans in general) is that the more you have, the better. Such is not so with fashion, unfortunately. We’ve all been there… Seeing the prices at H&M or Forever 21 and thinking “…I could have it all!” I beg you, persevere! Luckily, internet outlets (as well as amazing stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s) provide the best of both worlds for willing shoppers.
6. Kick Poor Body Image to the CURB!
Just like the majority of women on the face of the earth, I struggle weighing what I’d LOVE to wear against what my self-conscious side thinks I ought to wear. Many times, this “little devil” voice prevents me from taking some really fun risks and trying no things – criminal! So listen here, poor body image, you’re done! This year, you’re taking a very, very backseat to my adventurous side and we’re doing things MY way!
I also asked my Twitter friends what their fashion resolutions were this year… Here are their answers!
All good! So it’s time…
What are your fashion resolutions for 2009?
xoxo.
