Ixnay on the Eggingslay

Some of the current trends have forced me to really examine my would-be position in the world of capital-F “fashion” fan-dom. If I want to write about fashion and trends, does it mean that I need to like them all? Do I really need to blindly conscript to the directions that editors and street-chic gals trolling Forever 21 are venturing into? Must I offer my glib raves about the hotness of leggings, striped tops, pinafores, and pirate belts? I say no. No striped tops, no pirate belts, no pinafores, no leggings. Um, hello? I was in high school in the mid-90s, I got enough of leggings the first time! Pinafores? I did not live to be thirty to simply look like a baby doll – at least not outside of lingerie. Striped tops? Are those ever a good idea for anyone with any sort of a front-side curvature between neck and navel? How about a back-side curvature below the navel? Let’s review: vertical stripes = long and lean, horizontal stripes = wide and chunky. Slapping a wide pirate belt in the middle just emphasizes the point even more.

I have been attempting to ignore these current trends for months now, but I finally need to say something since it’s mid-November and autumn has finally reached San Francisco. Girls here can get away with being bare-legged for most of the year, but over the past week the hosiery has come out of the dresser, and, wouldn’t you know it, the feet were all cut off below the ankle. I love this time of year for the very reason that I get to go for broke on the tights and fishnets, but now you tell me I need to wear leggings? Hush your mouth. I confess to a little longing for the 80s in private – I have more than enough ass-rock and pop stored on my Shuffle to motivate me into the office each day, but does this kind of guilty pleasure really need to be expressed sartorially?

I had a big week at work: many of my Manhattan colleagues came out west for a little tête a tête, and showed us a quick glimpse of what they’re wearing around the NYC offices. I was a little shocked…leggings and floppy sack dresses with heaps of beads? Hmmm. My team was totally polished and pressed for their visits – couldn’t anyone show up with at least a sharp pair of jeans and saucy heels? I suppose they think they can dress down for a trip to the Coast. How dare they? I will admit that they looked totally comfortable, chic, and ready to roll to anything, but that’s no excuse for “professional slouchy.”

I am an open-minded fashionista however, and my opinion can change just like the trends. But revert to the 80s & 90s? I’m not so sure. Now, how do I get more out of these ol’ closet options? How do I turn last spring’s breezy into this fall’s layers? Maybe I could top this dress with a tee and a cardigan…could that chemise turn into a tunic over the right skinny pants?...how about a blazer with this going-out top, boots and jeans?…gee, that denim mini would be cute with some leggings…

Graham & Spencer leggings at Shopbop.com

Comments

[Genevieve]

I have one pair of American Apparel leggings in black, and I must say, that that will be it for me on this trend. I have not worn it under a denim miniskirt--too cutesy. I have worn it under a summertime print dress and layered a black keyhole sweater over it. I treat my leggings like thicker tights and pull on my trusty flat black boots. It's a way for me to do the trend without really doing the trend.