All too often, 'rules' and 'regulations' are placed around fashion and we can find ourselves quite easily overcome with the need to have and posses the latest, hottest, most fashionable pieces available. It is quite a tempting situation, fueled by our need to be original, yet somehow we all end up looking the same.
Fashion for me always has, and always will be completely subjective. Whilst I will dabble around the fringes of what is fashionable, I have come to know myself extremely well and am more than happy to go my own way and do my own thing.
When I was young I was desperate for blonde tips, an Eastcoast windcheater and jeans. (yes my friends, it was the early 80's). My sensible Mother told me that blonde tips were 'tarty' and that the other items were too expensive. I was livid. How could I possibly hold my head up high at school wearing nothing but no-name, inexpensive clothes. Being quite private in nature and not likely to share my Mother woes with my friends, I adopted an 'I don't care' attitude. Although I was desperate for blonde tips to be just like my friends, I pretended that I didn't like them. In reality, my choices were governed by what I was allowed and not allowed to have. In hindsight, this was the best thing to ever happen to me! It forced me to be creative with my style of dress based on the items I had at my disposal.
The fashion rebel was born.
My point is, that all to often we listen to, and are governed by what others deem to be fashionable. Whilst on a recent trip to Sydney, my girlfriend and I stumbled across some old sewing books in an op shop. Many hours of hilarity ensued as we read what now seems to be ridiculous fashion advice.
Whilst many of the general guidelines are sound in nature, the rude undertone to this particular book is what I found most disturbing.
Attitudes like these, which were common place at the time, are the reason why so many of our Mothers and Grandmothers have particular outdated opinions when if comes to fashion. Like blue and green should never be seen and other such nonsense.
This table outlines what you should and shouldn't wear based on your flaws. Good grief.
When I was a child, we had to dress up to go to the city. And yes, only skirts or dresses were acceptable. Thank goodness things have changed.
What fashion advice will you pass on to your kids? We all know at some point we are going to be Nanna's. What type of Nanna will you be?
What a great post- this is fabulous!
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Michelle
www.michellesstylefile.blogspot.com