OK people, I’m about to take your hand as I lead you into a new realm of the Dlush blogosphere.
Today, we are going to talk about fashion, an issue that we should all take seriously at this critical time in our nation’s history.
Yes, there’s a recession, but that is no excuse for people to use the current economic depression as some morbid excuse to dress like a frump.
But don’t worry… I won’t try to pin the blame on you all. Recently I’ve been perusing my favorite shops for fresh, original digs, and have been leaving empty handed and uninspired.
I’ve flipped through different fashion magazines and felt like I was in Zoolander. It’s like there’s some evil corporation that controls the entire fashion industry and is trying to sell me…well, garbage!
There is literally a new movement for the Spring 2009 runways that they are coining as “Depression Chic.”
Are you serious people?!?
I go to work everyday knowing that my meager hourly wage tax dollars are going towards AIG employee bonuses, I don’t need to pay more money on clothes that are just going to depress me further.
I understand that runway and high fashion styles are supposed to verge on ludicrous, but, these days, I see the same played out trends I saw last year -- even on the alleged “fashionistas” who walk amongst us.
Seriously, I thought the 80’s inspired leggings and neon geographic prints were going to have 15 minutes of revived fame, not a whole two years worth!
I just feel like people have either given up on being innovative with personal style, or they slop together juxtaposing trends that couldn’t be more uncomplimentary to each other, and call it “new.”
But I’m not giving up hope just yet. Instead, I have created a bailout plan to help pull all those in need out of this fashion crisis and back into style prosperity. And the best part is, these tips to looking great won’t break the bank.
Think Bright, not Blinding. The spring season is always a good time to break out those bright clothes you haven’t been able to wear all winter and this spring neon colors seem to be in fashion.
While these colors can be totally fun to wear (and a fresh way to welcome the sunny weather), pairing too many different colors together can often make you look like that flower box outside your window.
To create a more refined spring look, find a color combination that mixes a fun pop of color with calming neutral pieces.
Try a pair of teal ballet flats with your favorite tan trench coat and jeans, or a bright yellow clutch with your favorite navy blue dress. That way, you have a fun and flirty conversation piece without looking too obnoxious.
Work with what you got. That’s right, when money is too tight to be splurging on new duds, pull out all those clothes shoved in the back of your closet or drawers.
It’s amazing what a little bit of spring cleaning can do for your wardrobe. You might just find that those distressed Abercrombie jeans that were SO cool 5 years ago look great rolled up with a nicely tailored blazer and some peep-toe pumps.
Now you’re ready to hit the town looking like a million bucks even if you only have $20 to your name.
Go Vintage. If you do feel the need to have a shopping spree, why not hit up your local second hand shop?
These places have a lot of good finds for a lot less money than department stores. HOWEVER, don’t go all Mary-Kate-Bag Lady-vintage crazy with your wardrobe. Like color, too much vintage can be a bad thing. And we’re trying to avoid that whole “Depression Chic” idea, and wearing a whole outfit from Salvation Army might make you look like the economy really has gotten the best of you.
How about looking for cool, oversized vintage sunglasses or jewelry to pair with a cardigan? It will spunk up an otherwise ordinary outfit.
And last, but most importantly:
When in doubt, keep it simple! Its better to edit an outfit carefully than to slap on a million different looks and end up looking like you have multiple personality disorder.
When you take a step back and look at yourself in the mirror, there should really only be one piece of your outfit that makes a statement. The rest should be well fitting and show your real sense of style.
I have found that those who are truly fashionable are the ones that are bold enough to have their smiles or charming personality be the focal point of their outfits, rather than that awesome bag or killer set of shoes.
Follow my advice and I promise that months or years from now when you are perusing old Facebook pictures, you won’t have that “What was I thinking?” feeling that makes you die of embarrassment.
And there you have it: a recovery plan that is simple, straightforward and recession proof.
Too bad economic crisis isn’t as straightforward as fixing a fashion faux pas.
