Holiday Fashions-The Ugly Sweater Lives On

It's funny how certain fashion trends are dictated by the holidays.  My favorite color next to black is red and would LOVE to own a pair of red pants.  I'm kinda digging how so many people are just now catching on to that color since its so Christmasy and all.  I saw this one lady wearing a red coat, red shirt, red pants, red scarf and perhaps was even wearing red panties.  As much as I fancy that color, I felt that was a bit too much on the rouge, but whatever, she seemed happy and that is all that matters.  My next favorite thing about Xmas holiday attire are those UGLY and infamous holiday sweaters that feature snowmans, trees, snow and reindeers.  Some sweaters go bold and focus on one specific feature and have a huge face of a reindeer knitted right on the center with a big red glowing nose.  I was once given an ugly holiday sweater vest by a close friend and she wasn't kidding, she thought it was a real beauty.  I remember thinking, "how can she think that this is a nice sweater that I would actually wear?"  However, I immediately stopped my judging and said, "oh, thank you, this is really nice!"  And wore it for her, I had a big grin the whole time I was wearing it.  That was over 10 years ago.  Today the ugly holiday sweater is a novelty item that one must own and wear during the holidays just for laughs.  I look back now and wish I hadn't buried that hideous sweater I was given somewhere in the deserts of El Paso, TX.....because it would've really made an impact at some of the parties I've recently been to.  Anyways, its Christmas time and we're all still alive.  I think all year many people have been on edge due to the Mayans predictions of the world ending this month.  Now they say that its not ending, obviously-since i'm still here blogging, but a new era has begun, a new era that promises goodness and positivity and anything negative will be extremely minimized.  So on that note, cheers to everyone and may we continue living the good life and add an ugly sweater to our wardrobe for a pinch of additional happiness.

Don't Follow the Trends, Make Them

So I've never been one to follow fashion trends and quirky rules that are set, like never wear white after Labor Day.  Actually, I avoid white all year round, but thats only because my wardrobe consists of dark hues.  Okay, mostly all I wear is black, but if I did have some white, I'd wear any day....even after freakin' Labor Day.  There are other items I wear that are sometimes seen as unusual pieces for a girl to wear.  I get perplexed stares and take note of people, not so discreetly mind you, stopping to whisper a comment to their friend about something I have on.  And I must declare right now, I don't wear anything that is soooo extravagant and odd for this to happen.  It can be a very subtle accessory that sets certain people off.  It is a reminder to me that there are many people afraid to be even a little different.  They remain in their comfort zone...up until of course, the all mighty trend comes in like a tidal wave and suddenly whatever little notion I wore is now marketed to the max and those same people who looked at me like I have 2 heads are now down with the look!  I can't tell you how many times I've seen trends come in and see people get all excited over it and I think to myself......"are they really just getting it?"  Then I laugh when someone tells me the trend is over because fashion says so.  Well, who's fashion?  The magazines?  MTV?  Jersey Shore?  Now, unless we're talking about the piano tie, there are many looks that just don't go out of style.  Fashion is what you make of it.  It's an indication of  who you are or who you'd maybe like to be.  And every day, you get a chance to dictate how your day will be or how people perceive you just by your appearance.  Remember in school, "Dress for Success?"  Well its true!  However, my interpretation of dressing for success is wearing clothing and accessories that YOU like, not what magazines or media tell ya.  This applies to how you style your hair even!  For instance, I've always enjoyed my hair more once the roots are showing after placing highlights from many months before.  Yeah I got stares and snarky remarks in the past, but now, since its a trend that happens to be in, you've got people paying big bucks to get that same look.  However, I did hear today at the salon that while the look is hot, it's going to be out of trend pretty soon.  Go figure.

What can I say...

So it has been a while since I last blogged.  A lot and not much has happened.  I've recently mailed out a bunch of packets to potential publishers.  Although I've received a few rejection letters, I am still waiting in anticipation to see if someone out there actually gets what I'm trying to do.  I've had to take the plunge into social media in hopes that I can get a buzz started about my book.  In doing so, I've learned that its hard not to feel a little vulnerable.  For its not just a book that I'm promoting, I'm promoting myself.  However, I guess I should get used to that if I ever expect to get published.  If there is one thing that I've learned from this experience, is that I can't just sit and wait.  I have to keep working towards making Fashion FYi a published book.  I have new thoughts dancing in my head, one being that I should acquire my much needed images by contacting the publicists of all these fine people I've written about.  Another is self publishing.  And another is....um, maybe praying more.  At any rate, I think I should keep pushing on and have faith.  Having true faith is to believe in what you can't see.  And the reward of that faith is to one day see what you believe.

Fashion FYi is on Facebook Now!

So I recently returned from my fabulous trip to New York City where I finally got to meet my dear literary agent Grace.  Her advice to me was to promote my book which is currently circulating through the hands of various publishers, via social media.  So I created a Facebook page to showcase my book Fashion FYi.  The harsh reality of trying to get published these days is that one has to become a social media whore in hopes of landing a publishing deal.  And you can't just dip your toe in the social media waters either....you have to dive in and completely submerge yourself until you are dripping wet with "likes" and numerous posts.  As technically savvy as I think I am, I'm still a bit wet behind the ears when it comes to this.  Mainly because this is all to promote myself!  How weird is that!  I've been forcing my family and friends to "LIKE" my page and post comments.  Kinda funny.  I feel like I'm forcing fun upon them, which is basically what this is...at least for now.  I'm sure the pressure will ease away soon and this will become a much easier process....I hope so, for the sake of my family and friends.  And if you should happen to be reading this, it is in your BEST INTEREST TO LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE TOO...http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-FYi/393723293997434.  I thank you in advance.  :)

Annie Hall

So I must express how much I enjoy incorporating menswear inspired fashion accessories in my wardrobe.   It is in my humble, yet sophisticated opinion, that a woman reeks of wild confidence when she decides to mix it up a bit and wear a tie or a pair of cordovan oxfords.  Of course, nobody ever pulled off this look quite as good as Diane Keaton did in Woody Allen's 1977 film, "Annie Hall".  Not only was Diane Keaton's character, Annie Hall, a major box office success, but she also managed to launch a whole new and amazing fashion trend.  Throughout the film, you see the notorious Annie Hall sport oversized blazers, fitted pocket vests, wide leg slacks, sensual ties, bohemian chic hats and sexy fedoras.  It really revolutionized fashion, making a huge impact in the industry of style.  I've often wondered why some women always shy away from this look.  I think for many, the fear lies in having their sexuality questioned or judged; however, they sadly fail to realize how much more feminine and sensual they really do become. I myself always get shifty eye glances by people passing my way when I feel like channeling Annie Hall, but it doesn't bother me.  I've grown to become quite the confident woman.

Fashion FYi Update

I'm excited to announce that my Fashion FYi book is finally completed...at least for now it is.  Looking back, I feel a sense of uber joy that I decided to continue on with what started off as a small and fun thing to do over a weekend.  That small and fun lil project eventually turned into a 584 page book covering over 280 fashion designers, illustrators, icons, stylists, etc, etc.  Alas, my love letter is finished.  I truly hope that the book gets picked up soon by some wonderful publisher.  I am positive that this book will help many fashion students as well as enthusiasts get their fix on fashion history, knowledge and interesting factoids.  Now on to Volume II and III.

Channeling Vreeland

I woke up this morning and realized how much time has gone by since my last post.  It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and pressures of work and mundane routines.  But every now and then, when I finally get a free moment to myself, I remember.  I remember my old life, the one where I lived in a big city, exhibited my photography in galleries, designed clothing and had fashion shows.  The one were I entertained guest in my tri-level townhome and attended glamorous fashion events to hear the exquisite dark haired and violet eyed Liz Taylor speak.  Various circumstances can and will change the path of your life.  You come to terms when you realize you may not be able to make a living out of doing something you are truly passionate about.  Seven years later, you suddenly find yourself packaged up in a cube and programmed to do what you never intended to be your life.  Every day a bit of your soul is sacrificed so you can pay the rent and utilities.  However dismal I may sound, I am not....I am quite the opposite.  It is because of my circumstances that challenged me to rediscover what I once enjoyed being and led me to begin the love affair that will help me find that state of being once again in the near future.  Diana Vreeland once said, "A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later."