Oh Fashion!

I'm a lover of fashion.  I suppose it all started when I was a child designing and drawing out clothes with colored pencils on white paper. I must admit, I've always loved looking at fashion magazines, watching the latest fashions being worn on the streets, or on the red carpet or in the movies.  A people watcher, I must admit, I love to see what individuals choose to wear on any given day.  Fashions make me sit and think, sit and ponder.  In fact, you wouldn't believe how many times I have ideas about fashion, a little light bulb goes on in my brain and oh how I wish I could make a whole line of new, unique, fashionable, comfortable clothes.  Then, I'm brought back to the reality, which is, I don't know how to sew.  Ugh! Shot through the heart.

While we're on the subject, let's talk about sewing.  Sewing is a skill.  I could create so many wonderful fashion statements if only I knew how to sew.  My mother has a lovely sewing machine, and she puts it to good use, what a genius she must be!  She says she is leaving it to me in her will.  Now this information should be thrilling, but mostly it's just concerning.  In fact, it's degrading, as I have absolutely no idea how to use it.  To me, it is a strange looking machine with lots of little levers to flip up or down, this way or that way.  It makes funny sounds which I have no idea what they might mean.  Not to mention, the entire thing is controlled by the power of my big toe.  Eew!  "Home economics?" You ask.  Oh sure, I took home economics in high school and yes, I used a sewing machine, probably to rest my head against when I was bored.  To tell you the truth, if I did use a sewing machine, I don't remember a darn thing.  Sorry Mrs. Linta.  I suppose I will have to take a class one day to make my mother proud.  Go on and add it to my ever lengthening, "to do" list.

You know, I remember several years ago, I knew a woman who loved to buy fashion magazines.  Each time I came to her house, she had the latest fashion magazines sitting on her coffee table.  I would glance at them, admiring their beauty.  I found those magazines most intriguing, so I began buying the latest fashion magazines.  Oh how fun it was to buy those magazines.  Yes, they were expensive, but the smooth shiny cover, the bold color print, the heavy weight of all that fashion tucked inside waiting to be discovered, what a thrill!  After all, what's better than being, "up to date" on the latest fashion craze or fad?  Nothing.  Boots now, flats later.  Heels made with cork, the wedge heel, no heel at all.  Patent leather shining bright, traded in for strappy stiletto's perhaps?  Knee high socks, no socks, flip flops, mule's, the perfect slip on, the perfect slip off.  Clam diggers, pedal pushers, stretch pants with or without the stirrups.  Skinny jeans, baggy jeans, bell bottoms, bootlegs, tapered?  Oh how the fashion world keeps us hopping. 

As a mother, I try to teach my daughter about fashion.  New lessons on fashion, old lessons on fashion.  What fashion sense is and why it's important.  How did I become an expert?  Who said anything about being an expert?  Well, I don't know,... maybe I'm an expert.  Define expert?  Haha.  The truth is, I study fashion.  Oh if I were in the movies, a star, the wardrobe I would have.  I can only day dream about it, and I do.  But listen, I know what goes with what,
an I can tell you why it does or doesn't.  I can explain to you how to correct your wrongs in order to make them rights.  Stripes, plaids or solids.  Long, short or tall.  Whatever your shape, whatever your silhouette, I have you covered.  Not that you may ever ask for my opinion.
Yet, I do help my daughter to understand what it is she can and can't wear together.  Why that goes, and that doesn't.  "Let her figure it out on her own."  I'd rather cringe and correct, than cringe and die. Haha. 

Food for thought.  Hmm.  How about this?  *If you are not into fashion, you may be missing nothing, or you might really enjoy what you are missing.  Try noticing that which is being worn around you.  Shoe colors, pant colors, styles, and the such.  Pick up some fashion magazines and embrace those babies.  You might be a trend follower, or soon to be the one who, "set the trend!"  Don't you just love those people.   Do you dress to thrill?  Shock?  Impress?  Maybe you do all three.  Perfect.  Maybe you love color, or stripes.  Maybe you only love black or white.  Whatever the colors or styles, find little moments in your day to appreciate the elements of style in fashion.  Remember to embrace your style,  if you don't have one, find one.  Or here's an idea,...break up your style and do something totally out of your comfort zone, in the name of fashion!   

What's most important is to find what fashions make you feel comfortable & happy!

I hope you take time to enjoy the arrival of spring with a relaxing stroll.  If you're lucky, you'll do it in a new array of fashionable finds. 

Have a great weekend!  
S.