Media dictates culture; magazines feature clothing, shoes, food, and what everyone is and should be “doing.”
In light of that tradition: welcome to Trend Tuesdays.
What are our credentials for being a cultural attache?
DT: I’m glad you ask!
My credentials include a 4-year degree in Media & Culture, crippling envy for people who can afford to fully express their tastes, reading magazines and watching fashion police from ages 6 - 21 instead of playing sports.
You could say I’m an expert. You could also say I’m a rocket scientist, doesn’t make it true though.
KT: I have been reading the pages of fashion magazines since I was 6 and I’ve watched Project Runway, Gossip Girl, What Not to Wear, and America’s Next Top Model religiously.
I’m a self-proclaimed expert and my rule to live by is “Fashion is fleeting, but style is forever.”
DT: From my mouth to your ears, here are this Tuesday’s trends tried by True.
Looks We Can’t Get Enough Of
Out-of-the-Box Heels
DT: My personal experience with heels is limited to a pair of nine-inch platforms I wore for a Halloween costume.
That being said, heels and heel culture are pervasive and visually stunning part of fashion then, now, and going forward. Status, sass, and sexy saunter are afforded by these shoes.
With modern pop and rap music glamorizing heels, like in Bodak Yellow, heels and heel culture are rising up like yeast in a pastry.
Or at least I think it’s like yeast, I’m not sure, I’ve never had a carb before. 💁♂️
KT: Interestingly enough, high heels were actually initially worn by men and have been around as early as the 10th century by horse-riding cultures. The fashion item spread throughout Persia, and into Europe, and remains a closet staple today.
High heels have been a part of history for a long time, but that doesn’t mean that we should have to limit ourselves to the classic silhouettes.
Out-of-the-box-heels give a real statement look to an otherwise, perhaps normal outfit.
My personal favorite is ones like the Yves Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Opyum heels which debuted Spring/Summer 2017 and have been a classic of the fashion house since they hit the catwalk.
Cool Kid Bomber Jackets
DT: Ahh, the bomber jacket. I distinctly remember my first experience with a Bomber jacket; it was a few Black Friday’s ago. We made eye contact from across a crowded H&M and I knew we were meant to be together. As I grabbed it, some other kid thought he felt the same connection.
I had to politely remind him with a shove that, that bomber jacket was mine.
Loving childhood memory aside: bomber jackets are one of the hottest items you can treat yourself to. They complete every outfit and gives any look an extra edge. Live your James Dean fantasy and rip one out of the hands of an equally deserving person at a mall today.
KT: I think out of all of the jackets to make a comeback, bomber jackets are by far my favorite. The military has had such a huge influence on fashion, just take a look at combat boots, army green, navy stripes, aviator sunglasses, or trench coats; I could go on and on.
I really love the versatility of bomber jackets; you can throw them over a skirt, and it immediately adds a cool edge.
Some of the plain and tamer designs look good with just about everything. Recently the trend expanded to jackets with art on the back panel, turning those staple pieces into statement pieces.
Take a look at Timothee Chalamet or Sebastian Stan and you’ll definitely want to run out and get one for yourself.
Mixing Prints
KT: You may be thinking to yourself, why would anyone ever mix-prints?
When done right, your ensemble embodies that certain je ne sais quoi and I promise you, you’ll be the fashion icon in your circle. All your friends will be begging you to go shopping with them.
The best way to approach this style risk is by finding a consistency between prints. Similar colors in various prints, for instance, can create a more refined and cohesive look.
It’s a challenge, and something to try because it pushes you out of your comfort zone, and makes you really think about what to wear, instead of just throwing something on.
DT: Devil’s advocate: mixed print, if done haphazardly, can and will hurt my eyes.
There are certainly ways to mix prints to give you the perfect fashion concoction, that cannot be denied. But I ask you as a seeing, feeling human, do NOT mix animal prints. If I see 2 different animals on your outfit-
You know what? No. I don’t even have anything clever to say about it, just don’t do it.
As far as mixing patterns in general, give it a try and give yourself over to a fashion risk. Wearing something that makes you happy is far better for your mental health than throwing on something that makes you sigh when you zip or button it up.
