Thomas Jefferson once said, "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." I, however, beg to differ. It's all good and well to stand up for your beliefs, but it is terribly boring to dress like everyone else. Plus, if you don't even make an effort, it shows. A guy once told me that he just didn't understand why people cared about fashion. He was also wearing orange spandex.
I am not trying to say it is illegitimate to be uninterested in fashion. Far from it. And if you want to live your life as a lemming who goes with the fashion flow, so be it. It's fine to have the urge to blend in.
In high school, I was mocked mercilessly for wearing moccasin boots. (To those junior high boys who called me Sacajawea -- they were in Elle last month. Booyakasha). Someone actually dressed up as me for Halloween, because my clothes were just that special. If getting made fun of for your clothing choices does not resemble your desired life trajectory, that is okay. I think you should listen to what I have to say, as it is coming from someone who was a close runner up for the Best Dressed award my senior year.
People might scoff at this now, especially members of my sorority who see me as the sole member every week who comes to meetings in tie-dye and pajama pants and is occasionally compared to that scary girl in "The Grudge." Others who know me might also wonder how the hell I got a fashion column when I go to class generally looking like a bum, especially in my furry pea-colored fleece, which makes me look like the Loch Ness monster, and slippers. Others question my prowess because I have begun wearing leggings under virtually everything I own -- I have to get my money's worth since they will be out in negative three weeks by my calculation -- and pink Chucks, because I am just that emo.
My mantra has always been that you don't actually have to practice what you preach, especially if what you preach is, well, brilliant.
Without further ado, here are some trends that I am dying to try as soon as I can shop somewhere that is not Fashion Square. I also must procure some much-needed funds from the Tooth Fairy.
-- Kimono-style tops: Very cute for going out and also useful for hiding burgeoning beer bellies.
-- Tiny purses: Surprisingly in style. They may just be a backlash from the Nicole Richie bag that looks like it is walking her, but if your iPod is going to be tiny, I suppose your bag can be too.
-- Smiley Parfum: This perfume is supposed to be the new Prozac -- instant happiness without the prescription. Although it is sadly only sold at Henri Bendel in New York right now, with the scent of cocoa and orange, it just might be worth the trip. If it can combat the stench of first floor Clemons during exams, I would make the journey.
-- Behnaz Sarafpour for Target: This line is to die for. Seriously adorable dresses that you could wear to a formal for under $50 and designed by a world-famous designer. I'm kind of obsessed, but, sadly, her stuff is only in stores through December, so run to your nearest Targét.
-- Glitter: On ballet slippers, flats and other shoes is very of the moment. Glitter on your face is, however, still very unattractive and really has not been in style since the 'NSync concert you went to in 1999.
Trends and styles are fun, but that's not really what this time of year is about. By this time next week, people will be packing up their stuff to go home for Thanksgiving. A little R&R, some stuffing, the pretense of studying. The after-Thanksgiving Day sales are obviously a fairly important date on any fashionista's calender, but I do realize that food and family are at the top of most people's to-do lists for the week. It might be a little early to be saying this; regardless, have a good break. It's a stressful time of year, but just try to live your life, with a small, glittery bag.
Alex's column runs bi-weekly on Fridays. She can be reached at jospin@cavalierdaily.com.
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