The absurdity of Fashion Week: at least we don’t put underwear on our heads
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Style
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Traditional media’s coverage of New York’s Fashion Week has been cracking me up. Their reach to cover a story that is (I’m sorry) just a bunch of people hocking clothes is pretty hilarious.
I’m not sure which story was most absurd. Was it the story about the Fashion Week diet? The fashion intelligentia evidently get so crazed during this annual event that they don’t have the good sense to sit down and eat, so they lose weight. Then there was the story about the antagonistic guests who were asked to move from their front-row seats at a fashion show for safety reasons. One slapped the PR agent who made the request. Oh dear. As my mother used to say: “Pretty is as pretty does.”
Or was it poor Kai Ryssdal, host of American Public Media’s Marketplace, who groped to understand the meaning of “on trend” from his guest, Kate Bett? Kate struggled to make this fashion jargon more digestible for Kai. She is author of Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.
That exchange was only slightly more viable than having my oldest brother interview a fashion prophet. While out hunting one winter day, Brent once plopped a pair of underwear on his head to stay warm. I wish I could say that they were clean. His go-to brands are Carhartt and Wrangler. Are you with me?
Looking past the awkwardness of that interview, Kate Bett gave a great summary of what’s on tap this spring: a normal trend. Designers are worried about their comps, so they targeting working women who buy clothes. That translates to a great trend for people like me: classics are in. I’ve never veered far from them anyway, so it’s a bonus to learn that my old classics are on trend. Great colors and small embellishments will set them apart from classics of the past.
In the contemporary market, a great fashion forward dress sells for $400. And that’s progress in a world where a typical designer dress shown during Fashion Week could run well into four figures. Of course, many of us still won’t bite at the three-figure rate. No, we’ll be picking our classics from the vintage market, where we can buy in the single and double-digit range, like this 1980s Pendleton blazer I bought years ago at Goodwill for $5. It’s proof that a great classic never goes out of style. The brilliant blue doesn’t hurt it a bit, either. I’m linking this post to Visible Mondays at Not Dead Yet Style, the blog space that has helped me get acquainted with so many fabulous 50+ bloggers, including its editor in chief, Patti. You’ll be meeting her later this month because Patti is one of my featured guests.
P.S. If you’re into comfortable shoes as much as I am, let me share my latest find: Aravon, a comfort shoe that isn’t ugly. The Aravon brand is made by New Balance, the athletic shoe manufacturer. I feel like I could run a footrace in this menswear-inspired Aravon shoe with a two-inch heel. It’s difficult to find comfortable shoes with a heel, but it seems like Aravon has mastered it. I saw several options at Zappos.
What’s the oldest classic in your closet? What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a dress? Also, I’m selling $100 raffle tickets for a $17,500 ladies Rolex. Your purchase benefits Coburn Place, a charity I’ve written about recently here. If you’re interested, you’ve got a 1 in 300 chance of winning because they are only selling 300 tickets! Contact me!
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
15 comments
Jeannie@gracefully50 said:
February 9, 2013 at 11:21 am
Ha, this is funny! I hadn’t heard of all the hoopla. I have seen the spring trend, and I, too, like it this year. B&W on top of my list! Yay!
You look classy and colorful!! Happy weekend!
cjhammon said:
February 10, 2013 at 5:06 pm
You know what? I’m starting to think that black doesn’t look as good on me now as it did when I was more youthful. It’s almost like it’s too serious. So I’m reaching for color more often. But I sure like the whole B&W trend I see.
Trina said:
February 9, 2013 at 11:03 pm
This is a beautiful, classy, and stylish outfit. It’s just timeless and you look amazing. I believe your article on New York’s Fashion Week was the best part about it. I couldn’t agree with you more.
cjhammon said:
February 10, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Thank you, Trina! I get the giggles just thinking about the tackiness of that scene!
April said:
February 10, 2013 at 8:16 am
Some of the fashion nonsense makes me miss John Galliano, the King of Over the Top!
My oldest garment is a skirt I bought a thousand years ago in Southampton, New York. Found it in a little boutique run by a new-comer to fashion: Norma Kamali! It still looks good, I wear it about once a month, and it always brings compliments.
Ms. Kamali made beautiful, comfortable clothes for years. I haven’t kept up with her career. Is she still showing at fashion week, Crystal?
Cheers, April
cjhammon said:
February 10, 2013 at 5:02 pm
You’ve got to love those pieces that can practically be amortized by the wearing! Kamali–ah, I’ve always love her things. I think she is still showing because I read an article about her recently…she’s gotten into all manner of things–cosmetics and such.
Happy Sunday!
Crystal
Maureen said:
February 11, 2013 at 11:29 am
Oldest piece in my closet is a vintage (1960s) suit that my mom bought for herself in the 1980s. Sadly, the skirt doesn’t fit me right now (and may never again) but the jacket is perfect. It’s a little red and black boucle, with bracelet length sleeves and a notch collar. I had a velvet collar put on it years ago, and changed the buttons to update it a bit. I think every job I’ve ever gotten, I’ve worn that jacket to one of the interviews.
cjhammon said:
February 11, 2013 at 9:56 pm
I think I remember us talking about this jacket! It’s your good-luck jacket, eh? I’d love to see the collar you added. Did it replace the one that was on it…or augment?
cjhammon said:
February 11, 2013 at 9:56 pm
I think I remember us talking about this jacket! It’s your good-luck jacket, eh? I’d love to see the collar you added. Did it replace the one that was on it…or augment?
Lori L said:
February 11, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Thanks for the shoe company recommendation.
cjhammon said:
February 11, 2013 at 9:57 pm
I have to know–have you been in Florida recently???
Patti @ NotDeadYet Style said:
February 12, 2013 at 11:43 am
I agree – fashion can equal craziness. Soon, underwear on the head will be the Next Big Thing : > I really like your classic look. And thanks for the referral to more comfortable shoes – always welcome!
cjhammon said:
February 12, 2013 at 11:54 am
You’re cracking me up, now! And to think my brother started the craze! Hope you like your feature today!
Maureen said:
February 12, 2013 at 1:46 pm
I was working at a men’s store when I had the collar added by our onsite tailor. The addition is like you’d see on an overcoat. I think King Edward was the one who popularized the style?
cjhammon said:
February 14, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Ah… now I get it! Cool idea. I’ll bet you were a little nervous to make a change on a garment that you already loved!