Let's Talk Fashion - Part 1

With recent costs from my big Cancun excursion, I have had to cut down on shopping drastically. Fashion is one of my many passions, and as a result, I am experiencing what I have self diagnosed as "Mall Withdrawal." Last week, in an effort to feed my clothing addiction, I had sifted through a heap of clothes I have had in storage for a couple of years. I managed to salvage several classic pieces of apparel, but most ended up in the bin I designated for donation - those in the donation pile I was absolutely certain I would never wear again. This task was difficult for a clotheshorse such as myself, being fully aware that fashion trends are cyclical: what was in-style a decade ago or so will surely make its way back en vogue in a matter of years. Remember the 80's? Well, apparently it is creeping into the new millennium, and has been for some time. I wish I had saved my leggings from back then.

My interest in fashion can be traced back to my mother. Her uncle was a freelance designer overseas, and ran a small boutique that made clothes exclusively for women. Inspired by Western and European fashions, my mom's uncle regularly tailored custom clothing for her, so she always had something chic to wear. This sense of style was ingrained in her being and followed her for years. I remember growing up how well put together she always looked, and that she insisted the same of her daughters. From the time I started Kindergarten until I reached the 3rd or 4th grade, I wore pretty little dresses with tights and matching shoes. My hair was always groomed with matching accessories. Shopping back then with my mom was never excruciating, and fortunately for the both of us, it is still just as fun when we go shopping together now.

There is much to appreciate about fashion such as the craftsmanship of couture and the artistry of its various styles. I personally enjoy the aesthetic that clothing demonstrates: accentuating our unique figures and often times making us look like the runway mannequins we wish we were.

More style talk tomorrow. Stay tuned!