I arrived in New York City in the midst of one heck of a snow storm in the hub of Chinatown with my camera bag and red polka dotted suitcase full of mostly thrift shop finds. I was a newbie and I knew they knew it. Being a southern raised, sixteen year old female photographer in the fashion industry is just about like being a valley girl in MST. It’s almost unheard of and at New York Fashion Week, I was lost in the midst of pros. Of course, I had the same right to be there as the rest of them; I was covering the week’s runway shows for a social scene magazine, NFocus Louisville. Although I can’t share shots of the runways with you, I can show you photos of street fashion right outside of Lincoln Center and tell you a little bit about the week itself. Although the week was glamourous and fascinating, I saw a side of the fashion world that part of me wishes I had never seen. Girls inside the building were young—too young and unhealthy to be setting the body image quo and the fun side of fashion was clouded by regality and professionalism. There were more looks of distaste than I had expected and the center loomed with hostility. However, outside I met some bright and fun New Yorkers with the love of fashion and in my opinion, the right ideas about it. Like all life experiences, I found a silver lining that made the trip abundantly valuable. I arrived in New York City in the midst of a snow storm in the hub of Chinatown with my camera bag and red polka dotted suitcase with mostly thrift shop finds and a mind overwhelmed with romantic ideas about this magical seeming world of fashion and couture; but I left with the notion that this industry needs many reforms before I can say I’m a part of it. Check out the trends and stay posted for my upcoming blog, “Looks of Louisville!”
My best wishes,
-A
As all good hipsters know, a new item may only be your grandma’s closet away. Before you brush past the purses and head to the loafers, keep an eye out for a colorful tapestry bag. I’ve got a feelin’ it may be a spring essential.Roll on the red and relive the roaring 20’s flapper style in the 2000’s. Flappers were all about rebelling from the status quo, as a student at Manual, you may appreciate that.Supermodel royalty, Willy Cartier mixes grunge and straight up piracy by decking out in all black, and throwing on a satchel and double breasted coat.Mark my words, Manual. Give it months…(or let’s be real, give it years) for Kentucky to pick up on this trend. Who would’ve thought Harry Potter knew what was up with his choice of specs. Snatch a pair of these “John Lennons” before your best friend does.While polkadots (right) are very bold and heals (left) are very bronze, my better judgment warns you not to go overboard. You are young and spicy, who am I to smother your flame? High school is meant for experimentation. We try and hope for the best. Go ahead and use similar philosophy when picking shoes, but be careful.Like Medley warns, we see a lot of loose fitting clothing around finals time. Although the hipster oversized sweaters are out, try a loose fitting cardigan or coat.Mix up decades. Look simply inspired with essentials; lips from the 20’s, a hat from the 90’s, makeup from the 80’s and glasses from the 70’s.Color blocking isn’t out, it’s evolving and it’s hotter than ever. Add a brite bag, shoes, coat, or bling for some color against neutral colors.I’ve never seen someone try to make a ball cap high fashion, but I can honestly say it works. Spring is around the corner and what better way to welcome it than with a new hat trend?This tricky shoe holds the mystique we crave. If I saw you wearing these during center hall 2:20 rush hour, I would break out in applause.The tease of the tee pulls together a matching bold colored suit set. Got a job interview? Try this.I will let you in on a secret, I’m hesitant to share. You can get valuable items at Peddler’s Malls for super cheap. It’s not used, it’s vintage;)Want to look warm even when you’re freezing? Do a coral lip and cheek.Caught between two hair fads? Maybe both will work. I commend her hombre into color dye. Although, before you go crazy, the color doesn’t have to be permanent. Experiment around with hair chalk first.There is something I just love about the way chiffon moves in correlation with my steps and I am happy to see it’s still going strong. Chiffon maxi skirt for summer might make its way to my closet.Sometimes all black is the way to go. I, personally try to avoid the look, but the white collar and cape adds a touch of dark professionalism.Why didn’t God give me some red, red, red? I’m a natural blonde and with that, often time comes the pale skin tone and light eye color. I hate being blond and this subtle red color is another option for my skin tone.Try these shiny opaque shades while you’re young enough to pull them off.I’m not sure what these shoes are called, but they are making an appearance in almost every bit of Fashion Week coverage that I’ve seen. The deep v-line is going from the neck the shoes.This color goes with so much and looks so happy. Brighten up your day by wearing bright pants!Yes, another excuse not to fix your hair! Although winter is coming to an end, wrap up in a silk scarf and shades for a fashion forward down day.Want to look formal at jr. prom or casual at sr. prom? Try a 50’s length dress, right below the kneecap, this style is modest and pretty.This H&M top is a little crazy, but toned down will black, it’s a pop of individuality in an otherwise boring outfit.See a pattern? Everyone has on a hat! As we welcome spring and all of the rain that comes with it, will you dare a hat?
Fashion is fun and what better way to have fun than by embracing youth, individuality, and the people in our lives that sculpt our personal style. Cheers, Manual!
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