Trendy or Not?

Are you Trendy? No really, are you trendy?

Why I ask... because with Fashion in New York over and all the fashionistas putting in their purchases of the newest and most upcoming designs, designers and Spring looks, I wonder who is really trendy.

Correct me if I am wrong... but you are NOT trendy, when you walk around wearing a cute L.A.M.B Sweater, some Christian Dior glasses or even some Chip & Pepper jeans. Why do I say all this. Because I have been thinking about Muses... and their impact on trends that others in the shopping society then go purchase walking around feeling they have made the ultimate trendy acquisition. But excuse me if I offend... you are NOT TRENDY!!! If you bought it in the mall... and it's copied from another piece, if you feel you look like a celebrity wearing it, you are so past your prime to declare fashion trendy and if you look identical to all the other High schoolers/University Students/Abercrombie & Fitch models.... you are NOT Trendy.

While I get repetitive, I worry about the condition of the Mass shopping droves... who continue to feel they make a fashionable impact purchasing things that Paris Hilton wears, when they walk into the "Popular" store in the mall... when they even get into a line up just so they too can own this funny looking hoodie with Skulls all over it.

Trend: ( my personal point of view) is when you begin a look, a following or a sense of worship. It's being unique enough to cause others to copy. Having trend is to be before those who know it, to start an action that has been slowly starting and making it more of a norm.

trend Show
phoneticsnoun [C]1 a general development or change in a situation or in the
way that people are behaving:Surveys show a trend away from home-ownership and
towards rented accommodation.There's been a downward/upward trend in sales in
the last few years.2 a new development in clothing, make-up, etc:Whatever the
latest fashion trend, you can be sure Nicki will be wearing it.The trend at the
moment is towards a more natural and less made-up look. -Cambridge Dictionaries

Main Entry: 1trend Pronunciation: 'trendFunction: intransitive verbEtymology: Middle English, to turn, revolve, from Old English trendan; akin to Middle High German trendel disk, spinning top1 a : to extend in a general direction : follow a general course b : to veer in a new direction : BEND 2 a : to show a tendency : href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incline">INCLINE b : to become deflected : SHIFT -Merriam- Webster Dictionary

So now... as I sit about the trends that keep popping up... watching movies from your computer without downloading them, going Green, blogging even!! Trends have been as old as time, designers have been aware of the inflated egos of the non-famous and that they too need to feel equals.... welcome the Ready-to-wear collections. While the trendsetters shopped the Atelier piece, the Haute Couture collection and have things tailored to themselves.

Who are the great Trend Setters of the last 100 years... Jackie-O who brought the Pill Box hat to Americans by the way of Halston, Madonna coned shaped bra by the way of Jean Paul Gaultier, Mia Farrow who adopted children from all creeds and nationalities from around the world, Isabella Blow who found the next incredible European designer with gusto and imagination, Oscar De La Renta someone who put pants on a woman when the skirt suit was the only way to be a sophisticated woman. Levi... because you wouldn't wear jeans unless they made them in the first place. Died hair goes to the Kings of France (I know I am dating this) and Make-up that goes to the Pharoah's from Egypt.

I can't stand to read another article about someone bringing and making a hair colour popular, a hair style that will be repeated, a make-up application that we've seen before.... until you put Eyeshadow on your chin, you are not creating a TREND!!! It's been done before... you are bringing a TREND BACK... you read it... back!!! You didn't invent it, yes you might cause a following because of it... and most likely some stylist told you, you had to do it like that. But, my dear dear people... you are not trendy!

Scarlette Johansson for Louis Vuitton!

Don't get me wrong... you all know that I am the first to endorse a campaign (that sounds like I am modeling for the product) with a celebrity modeling the product. But sometimes the idea just doesn't work.

I am a fan of Lindsay Lohan's turn as the face of Jill Stuart and Miu Miu, I love when Louis Vuitton takes a celebrity and makes them memorable in an ad campaign. Loved Madonna for Versace and Nicole Kidman for Chanel.

But I am NOT a fan of this season's use of Scarlette Johansson as the face of Louis Vuitton. Why?? Models are models because they fit the bill in every format. When you take an actress and use her for an ad campaign it is because you are using their sense of style. When you go and start morphing their style for the company's agenda you really start to make a mistake. Now you all might be thinking I am pigeon-holing Ms. Johansson... but she is a Vixen and is picked for roles that take on her curvaceous body... her alabaster skin and her ability to morph into a look reminiscent of the Victorian era.

But the Valley of the Dolls... she does not!! I hate this campaign with a passion. The outfits are truly terrible, the don't flatter her curvy figure and her skin looks like she suffers from the same issues as Lindsay Lohan... and needs to head herself to a rehab soon. What do you all think?

Side note.... I am in love with the Orange dress... Fantastic Louis Vuitton, FANTASTIC!

Tell me they aren't changing the world of FASHION!!!

OK OK.... I know I am harping!!! But please people tell me they aren't ever changing the world of fashion and of how we see it. I know you are saying... this is just W's way of paying Homage to a story about a couple who loves each other just as they did for Angelina and Brad... but when you look at these shots they don't look like Celebrity to me... they look like Perfection.

I know some people are sad that models don't take editorial first in American Magazines, and then I tell you... WHY WOULD THEY??? These two, are sublime to perfection, their visual presence is not like any person in Hollywood. And to be honest, they aren't celebrities persé, this is an Athlete and a Designer savvy Soccer Mommy by all meanings.

There is a reason why these people are muses, because they rock a photo spread like no others. They are making me want to re-enact the poses... goodness help my husband, because they make me want to Fashion not my wardrobe but my whole life after them.

Do you feel nostalgic??

OK.... I don't know where to begin other than it's Friday night and your adorably cute friend comes into the house with pants reminiscent of Rhoda... asking me if I like these new baggy, high-waisted pants on her new svelte self? I pondered... why do they make jeans like these. To only realise the 70's are back and in full force. I am not talking about 70s styling that reinforced the over the top of the 80's. I am letting you all know about the kitsch and stylings of the 60s flower child behaviour that flooded over to the 70s with the Extremes.

Extremes you say... yes, you either wear your jeans Super Skinny... oh yeah we are already doing that... or else you wear them super baggy and super high waisted... and that is knocking at your North American doors people. England has already adorned this look, perhaps Mary Tyler Moore didn't live in their living rooms and remind them of the atrocities that brought on Dynasty.

But can we enjoy the look again... how long will it last? I don't know but not only is it affecting your wardrobe, it's playing havoc in your home decor. But I like it in my house more than on my body. Perhaps this is I displacing my body issues on the stylings that are out there. Do you do 70's. And when is too much nostalgia just plain old Tacky??

Do you wear celebrity duds?

With Miami swim week well and done, the highlight was Jessica Simpson's first time out Swimsuit runway show. Now it got me thinking... does anyone really wear clothing created by celebrities???

Jennifer Lopez came out years ago while dating the industrious Sean (P.Diddy) Combs, and created the ever mainstream J.Lo line, it's kitsch apparel that makes me think of Puerto Rican Mamasitas combing through racks to get an item. The worst was her version of the Juicy Track Suit... the J.LO suit caused a flurry of buyers.

Victoria Beckham aka. Posh, she worked together with the label Rock&Republic to create a signature jean collection. I am sure you know which one it is, it's the one with the crowns on all the emaciated females walking around the city. But they had a falling out and please wait by the edge of you seat, because DVB will be coming out soon.

Justin Timberlake made William.Rast. It's actually pretty decent but confused by it's laid back styling that I can't see it fitting in this decades wardrobe savvy. It isn't a logo line, so I don't know how it will compete in the world of Hollister, American Eagle or Abercrombie & Fitch.

Now we all are aware of the clout that Sean John has within the fashion community, right after Tom Ford was given an award for his work with Gucci Homme they honour the likes of P.Diddy with a CFDA award. I have to say his runway show is pretty fantastic, his mainstream threads are abysmal... and please the man made a coat from Raccoon-Dog.

So do you wear it, do you wear anything a celebrity puts their name on Fashion wise. I just can't put my foot in the sole of a Jessica Simpson shoe, I will never wear a J.Lo pair of shades, House of Dereon is highly overrated- would never want to look like a member of Destiny's Child and really Kimora Lee Simmons herself is getting face time in every celebrity mag, her credibility for Fashion keeps falling and falling.

So let me know... debate me.... because personally I find all these items SAD. Ohhh don't get me started on L.A.M.B.!!! You need style to present style... so do this make them style aficionados?

Los Palabras!!

My Spanish/Mexican way... for the last week, I have had the pleasure of being kept busy by my Mexican guests. And it has me thinking of Street Vendors. Why you ask? I had gone to Mexico in 2003, now the trip wasn't as memorable as one month in the humid/hot province of Veracruz might sound. The shopping was exhilarating!!!

The Haggling... ohhh the haggling!!! I realised that I had the gift of bargaining... Ironically I couldn't see myself doing it well in English speaking North America with my head held high. But why was I needing to bargain. It's because I was purchasing like I had a fire in my pocket and my wallet needed to be left behind. Seriously, I fell in love with the eccentricities that was jewelry and accessories from the street merchants. Things that might have looked festive and vacation worthy, but you could bring back home and it not seem like you spent too much time on holidays.

I don't mean buying those tsotchkes that read tourist all over them. I am talking about really merchants who are trying to sell to their own people. Some artisan work, that looks a little more modern over matronly.

Why am I telling you all about this... so that you yourself can go holidaying this year while being your own personal trend hunter. Find the next big thing, wear it and feel proud that you could have bought the same inspirational piece in which designers world over have used as a platform to start a collection. So if you aren't into Vintage... as I am NOT! Please feel free to get out of the box, travel to another country and shop the local merchants. You'll be surprised what you might find!

Double D's make a Plus size woman??

I am an advocate for women to have options no matter what size they wear. I had been a voice for people needing to have style no matter what physical condition they are in. But there is one comment I can no longer listen to and stand aside without making a point to correct some.

I have on many many occasions heard this sentence... "Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14." Playing devil's advocate I truly didn't question it much... I didn't think it was all that true but her curvaceous figure could have caused for some odd measurements that in this day and age would be perhaps a larger woman. Until I was watching a program on TV, regarding Plus Size clothing and that women in N. America are averaging a size 14 and Marilyn Monroe was considered a size 16. Too which, I just couldn't stand it!!!!!

Marilyn Monroe was a curvy woman, busty to an extreme in her heyday! Not an athletic body at all, her curves left much to be desired to the women who are film stars this day. But what were her measurements truly? After a bit of research... which really wasn't that hard, I bring you the real Marilyn Monroe.

Height: 5 feet 5 1/2 inches
Weight: Varied, 115 - 120
lbs.
Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's
Claim)
Hair color: Blond Eyes: Blue

These are her official measurements... I bring you a sizing chart. Why because you can do the comparison yourself. But look this is not no plus size female. A waist that not only is small in everyday standards, she would wear an XXS if she was present to see that size exist.

So please, people who want to promote Plus Size clothing, it's important that all woman are given the right to wear clothing, that is comfortable, fashionable and classic looking without demoralising the character of someone who has no one to speak for them.

Finding my inner beading bliss!!

So since I have fully engrossed myself into my jewelry world, I can't help but read about what other people are doing. I don't know why but I have taken a keen interest in beader's. I found some really interesting and cool blogs that I think might be interesting if you wanted to see some interesting crafting and bead work.

Read Tammy Powley's world of jewelry, she just wrapped up a month about pearls at Jewelry & Beading.

The inner workings of Margot Potter, who gives you a free tutorial at The Impatient Blogger .

The excessively quirky behaviour that is Jean at Snap out of it Jean.

And get a simple how-to tutorial for cell-phone jewelry from Katie at Katie's Beading Blog.

The picture you see to your right... is my first necklace creation. I am very proud of it, and it already has someone ready to purchase it.

My newest addiction!!

I've never shopped online, I don't know why; but I like to hold and touch the piece I might buy. I like to see the colour up close and personal. But I know some of my closest friends who will buy anything online, from store browsing online to Ebay. But I think I am a window shopper of the Internet world. Nothing can stop me from browsing.

So what do I love to browse through? I am a new addict of the independent online boutique of Paper-doll. What I like that they have, I love the collection of I Clothing that they carry, and of course House of Spy.

So if you venture out and shop online, here are some great pieces that will bring you more options then your local mall.

Do you FACEBOOK??

Not sure if this fits... but in the wake of an article I read in The Toronto Star, I had to ask!!! I am a facebook addict, I must check my facebook acct. more than I do my own email acct. I keep the page open and refresh throughout the day, of course I get to do so because I am at home and not confined to my desk at work.

So this weekend I had the privilege to read an article in the Toronto Star about how the city of Toronto boasts the most Facebook participants worldwide. Personally I believe it has a lot to do with the winter months boredome that drove us all onto it, at least that is what did it for me.

Type in the word Facebook in Google and watch the plethora of information that will come to you. From bloggers blogging about the workings of Facebook, some how it's an invasion of privacy, and others who are in attempts of boycotting it because well they call it Creepy!! But let's be serious... how else can you find old elementary school friend, get an update instantaneously and see picture in a grouping without having to open large attachments.

I read in a computer savvy blog that they think Facebook is the Social- RSS feed. Think of it as a news ticker, the stock exchange for social activity. So is this the future of computerization. Everyone knows the business you want them to know, they see the pics you want them to see, and they know your relationship status because you posted a change to your profile.

Facebook- Invasion of privacy, or personal tabloid fodder about yourself to your social group??