Style Profile #16: Reaux Flagg

Name: Reaux Flagg

Locale: Berkeley, CA

Favorite Shops/ Labels: St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop near downtown LA

Fashion Influences: Dandies, literary figures, my mom, antique shops, thrift stores, Will Oldham, found objects, the sustainability movement

Local Fashion Scene: Newish to Berkeley, but there are a ton of free piles appearing and leaving from which to gleam magical wearable artifacts. The free box on Channing at McGee in Berkeley is a gem.


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Trendspotting: Tom's Shoes

Love or Hate? Tom's Shoes

I recently decided to audit a class at a university for the summer. Ya know, get out, socialize, stimulate my brain - and, of course, scope out the fashion. I began to notice the prevalence of a beachcomber-esque canvas shoe line: Tom's shoes. A few weeks earlier, a couple of different friends had mentioned the shoes to me as well... and then I started to see them everywhere. Like UGGs and flipflops, Tom's shoes have been taken up by the collegiate set and seem to be spreading among students like bad beer at a kegger.

Bad fashion seems to thrive at universities, so it's only reasonable to be skeptical about Tom's. At first glance, they seem to have the same shapeless wonder of the much undeservedly-loved UGG and the simple, basic mass appeal of an item one might see at American Apparel.

However... there are definitely things to love about this little shoe. For starters, they actually do have far more definition than anything UGG can offer and the design, though simple, is pretty darn cute - in a way similar to Vans or Keds. And the casual look means they go with almost everything. Plus, after trying on a pair, I can testify that they are verrrrry comfortable.

Then there is the fact that the company is actually doing something other than just making money, with their One for One policy: for every pair you buy, they will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. I don't know the details of this policy, but it sounds like a damn good one.

So what's the downside? Well, they are cloth shoes, which I generally avoid because you have to wash them to really keep them clean. But more than that is the general icky-ness I feel whenever giving in to a trend that looks to be going viral in its popularity. I cringe at buying anything people purchase simply because it's convenient and trendy - not because they actually like it. But the fact the company is doing a good deed with every purchase is a hard thing to argue with - especially when most of the shoes are priced under $50.

Whether or not I give in and buy a pair, what really interests me is how prevalent they are right now, and where. I have very little doubt Tom's is going to give UGGs a run for their money in the 'comfy shoe' category (is it too much to hope that Tom's will actually replace them?) and that if you haven't noticed them yet, you will. But where are they creeping up right now? Is Tom's only a college thing? A West coast thing?

I'm curious how this trend is spreading. So, I ask you: do you know Tom?

Style Profile #15: Christine Bowles

Name: Christine Bowles

Locale: Chicago, IL

Favorite Shops/ Labels: Actually I don't have one favorite store, shopping is a method of relaxation for me so I love to go all over - boutiques in tiny neighborhoods, big department stores on State St and Michigan Ave, thrift stores, street markets, etc. Wherever I can find a good deal. But I will say that had I to choose, Wolfbait in Logan Square is one of my favorite stores - I always spend twice as much as I should and never walk away empty handed. The added bonus about Wolfbait is that everything they sell comes from Chicago designers and I always love to give back to my own.

Fashion Influences: My influences come from all over: friends, magazines, rock stars, etc. But Chicago is probably my biggest influence. I love to people watch and always have an eye on what I think is cute or awful. I also like to mix and match my fashion. A fifties style dress matched with 80's style accessories and a little 90's style crocheted bag. Something like that. And I love color, I think everyone should always add a bit of color to their wardrobe.

Local Fashion Scene: Chicago is a great scene for fashion. They have so many different styles and personalities going on. In one neighborhood bar you can see the posh socialite to the little girls in grunge trying to bring back the 90's - I absolutely love it.
One thing about fashion is that you have to make it your own. You should be influenced by others around you, but never be a copy cat. Take an idea, twist it and turn it until something represents you. Remember fashion is two things: A way to express yourself and wearable art. Embrace it.


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The Trend That Wouldn't DIe...

Along with many other observations I've made about US fashion since coming back from overseas, I've come to notice that there are certain trends in US fashion that just never seem to die. Like the creature from a bad B-movie - or corn syrup in our diet - they insidiously creep up again and again, decade after decade. And I'm not speaking of the ubiquitous items like red high-heeled pumps or men's polo shirts, but rather a style that won't let go. What could it be? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... the platform shoe.
Now, you might be thinking, 'Oh, come on. Platforms are so 1970's, no one ever really wears them anymore'. But I'm here to tell you, they are aaaaall over the place. Just in 2008 celeb ladies were sporting this look in 80s retro neon colors. Usually, however, the influence of the platform is more subtle, yet it's definitely there. Take, for instance, the cage heels that were so the rage recently. They usually had a chunky heel and a small platform in the front. Or take any wedge in the US for heaven's sake! They are all based on the platform style, with a huge wedge that stays just as wide at the top as at the bottom. Even US espadrilles, which are made to be light and sandal-like, are chunky like this. Or how about platform sneakers?

And the thing is, you just don't see this in other countries - at least not to this extent (definitely not in Japan). Trust me that, if you visit other countries, you'll see spiked heels, narrowed wedges, etc., but you won't see much of the wide, heavy, raised-at-the-front shoes you do here. And when you come back to the States, you'll look around and wonder if all the platform-like heels are made for American's larger feet - or if we're just following the new Hollywood formula of recycling the past in the absence of creativity.

As for me, seeing evidence of the platform heel everywhere just makes me realize how the US fashion industry clings to its roots. Like a 60 yr old woman who's been sporting the same dated beehive because she's still in love with it, the American woman has had a secret love affair with platforms - and all it's bastard children - since the 70's... and it doesn't look to be leaving us anytime soon.

Style Profile #14: Charlotte Gundmundsson

Name: Charlotte Gundmundsson

Profession: Illustrator

Locale: Brooklyn, New York

Favorite Shops/ Labels: If I have money or there's a sale going on, I love going to Opening Ceremony. Otherwise I love Inven.tory and Uniqlo (they hem your jeans for free!). One of my favourite places in Brooklyn are Malin Landaeus vintage on N. 6th street, and the Brooklyn Artist and Fleas for jewelry.

Fashion Influences: My identical twin sister Amanda is my biggest style influence. I also love the tough and girly 60's french yeh-yeh girls.

Local Fashion Scene: The fashion scene in Brooklyn can feel very uniform, almost institutional. Instead of paying too close attention to trends, I like to find clothes that fit perfectly.


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Spotlight: The Most Fashion-Forward Show You've Never Heard Of

In March of last year NBC launched a new, glittery, high-production (spent $10 million just on the pilot!) show that was profiled by Time, NPR, and widely acclaimed by critics... and you've probably never heard of it. It was called Kings and lasted only one season.

Why so short?

Well, I wasn't in the country to see it, but apparently the promos were terrible, and I can imagine that the premise--a modern retelling of the Biblical tale of David--didn't appeal to many. (Why Christian audiences didn't seem to tune in either is still a mystery.) It's a damn shame, too, since the show was actually original, well-produced, and very intelligent. Not to mention that Ian McShane's performance as King Silas (Saul) is one of the best prime time TV has seen in a loooong while. Also, the dialogue is at times casual and modern, and at others almost Shakespearean in its language, which might turn others off but which I adored for the fact that it assumed the audience could handle monologues more intelligent than something spouted by Spicoli (not that we don't all love Fast Times at Ridgemont High, but still...) In fact, much of the show has a Shakespearean feel, with highly potent symbolism running through the whole series while juxtaposed against the shiny New York-esque background of the capital city, Shiloh. Some might not think the balance is that well achieved between the ancient and modern, but I happen to think it works. And even if you don't agree, you have to give the show brownie points for ambition and scope.

Be all that as it may, it was something else that happened while I watched the show that gave me reason to ramble on about it here. I noticed that, episode after episode, the fashions I was seeing on the characters (from over a year ago!) were reflected in the new trends I was seeing pop up in stores. From the princess' 80's style waist pleats now in the Jean Paul Gaultier dresses at Target, to the bilateral ruffles on Katrina's dresses that are now all over H&M, to the prince's narrow, buttoned dress shirt collars which I just saw last week at Urban Outfitters!

Ok, so maybe the show wasn't 'forward' in an edgy, pushing-the-envelope kind of way, but it did a damn good job of being ahead of the curve. Moreover, a lot of these new trends don't look good on everyone, so what was even more impressive was the fact that designer Daniel Lawson costumed each cast member in the most flattering style for their size and type--and character for that matter. Even if the styles had not been right on the pulse of what's up and coming (and they were, though subtly), the fashion would still have you itching for your own royal tailor.

It's just the icing on the cake of what's already a stellar show. Too bad no one noticed it when it was actually on the air.

Style Profile #13: Elaine Hepburn

Name: Elaine, Lainey-lu, MissElaineia

Occupation: Charity Education Outreach Worker, Art Therapist in training, Singer, Writer, Artist (in the becoming!)

Locale: London, for now.

Favorite shops/labels: For day to day style and ease, I still love good old h&m, though I usually go for the clothes left on the sale racks that no-one else wanted. I've never had the money to experiment with expensive designer labels but would secretly love to, as I reckon they'd cut to fit really well. Otherwise charity shops anywhere and everywhere - especially in towns in the middle of nowhere and in posh areas of London (for amazing deals!). Fav highstreet shop at the moment is 'Pop Boutique', a vintage-inspired/homemade clothes shop to be found in the tangle of interesting streets in between Neal Street and Leicester Square:
http://www.pop-boutique.com/where/Pop
Or Rag N Bone Vintage clothing in Deptford:
http://www.chriscareyscollections.co.uk/boutique.html
Or the fabulous 'Kitt's Couture' if you happen to be in Penzance, Cornwall!

Fashion Influences: My childhood, my ladyfriends, my Mum! The 60s/70s/80s and the collective unconcsious... (often my ideas come from seeming nowhere...) Working clothes- cowgirls, aprons, Japanese construction workers, India, Africa and countries where all sorts of patterns and styles are worn jostling along simultaneously. The odd glamour-puss; Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe; The Be-good Tanyas, Madonna (in the early years), Bjork.

Local Fashion Scene: London fashion is vast and eclectic, and multicultural - I love it. You can pretty much cater for any fashion whim you might have, it just takes you a while to work out where to find it. Currently I am stuck on Deptford - for its amazing African boutique/tailors, and the retro shops that are still chaff-and-grain, and still retro prices. I've heard there is a huge clothes mountain somewhere under one of the railway arches, where lots of vintage clothing outlets go to source clothes and get the deals, but I haven't quite mustered the energy to go find out for myself! Then there's Southall for anything Indian; whole streets of silks and sparkles, and then with the Indian restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas and Hindi signs, it feels like you are a hop and a skip from the sari emporiums in Chennai!


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Trendspotting: Retro 80's

LOVE: The Sunglasses

I admit the first time I saw someone wearing the flat-lensed, bright-colored 80's shades I rolled my eyes, but I have to admit now that some people can definitely work this look! The key is using the sunglasses as an accent point and not wearing anything else that's too overtly retro, so that they don't look cheesy (and you don't end up looking like an extra from Miami Vice). I even love the slitted shades that are peeping up now. I think they remind me of Hollywood from Mannequin and I can't help but grin. Sadly, I've only seen them for sale and haven't caught anyone wearing them yet, but I'm hopeful. If any city has people who'd wear them it would be here in San Francisco, land of the eternally fashion eclectic.


HATE: The Big Shoulders

Right off the bat, I need to clarify that I hate big shoulders, not puffy shoulders - there is a difference. On a recent trip to H&M, I grabbed a jean jacket with a mandarin collar that looked promising. It had a bit of puff in the shoulders which I thought would look cute. Instead, I looked like I had just stepped off the set of Dynasty! Now, I do realize that this is the look a lot of girls are actually going for (frightening as it is), but I gotta step in and ask 'Why this trend?'

I *loved* the 80's (and, yes, I'm actually old enough to remember it!) and I honestly adored a lot of the fashion - 'winged' shirts, bright colors, bold jewelery. It was fun. It still is, which is why I can appreciate the 80's comeback and how daring so many of these retro looks are. But, I think someone ought to pull a few people aside and remind them that some looks are better left in the past - like MC Hammer pants, tight-cuffed jeans, and, yes, huge-ass shoulders.

Why? For one, it ain't flattering. On a-n-y-o-n-e. Two, the whole look was born from women who were finally entering the office as business women, instead of secretaries. It was a look that emphasized power, telling the good ol' boys that these ladies were not sweet, petite girl-Fridays, but people to be reckoned with. Now, if that's what you're going for, more power to ya! But if you're donning the look blindly for nostalgia or merely the retro-factor, you might want to pass on this one and leave it to Angela Bower.

Style Profile #12: Kimi Klatka

Name: Kimi Klatka

Locale: Cleveland, OH

Favorite Shops/ Labels: I love to shop online to scope out what stores are carrying, there's a website shopstyle.com that is brilliant for searching for specific styles. TJ Maxx and Forever 21 are the first places I look if I'm trying to find a cute outfit, its like a treasure hunt!

Fashion Influences: My sisters and friends are constant inspirations to my style, and I love people watching to see what girls are wearing now. I kind of pick and choose what speaks to me. Comfort is always a priority.

Local Fashion Scene: I live in Cleveland's Little Italy, which is one of the more fashionable areas about town, so there's tons of great people-watching. The fashion of the mid-west is much more conservative than either coast, but people here have a classic, clean style, and aren't afraid to get a little adventurous with color and accessories.



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The Skinny on Sexual Assault

Ok, I like to keep things light on here, but I just have to comment on something this absurd! Apparently, skinny jeans became the deciding factor in a rape case in Australia recently. In a note to the judge, the jury commented that they wanted more details on exactly what the victim was wearing because they, 'doubt those kind of jeans can be removed without any sort of collaboration’. Once it was confirmed the victim had indeed worn the skinny jeans, the accused rapist was acquitted.

Wow. You heard it here first ladies! We need not fear sexual assault as long as we're wearing skinny jeans! It's like kryptonite against sex offenders! They don't have the skill or know-how to get 'em off - unless you saucy ladies lend a hand! Hmm, do I hear the chime of a new jeans ad coming on? Think of the sales once word hits the street!

Of course, we might have to hold off on our excitement until we find out if we're only safe in Australia. Men from other countries might have more dexterity. Only time will tell.

(For more info, see the article in BUST online, here.)

Style Profile #11: Guillermo Riveros

Name: Guillermo Riveros

Profession: Visual Artist

Locale: New York City cuurently; Colombia originally

Favorite Shops/ Labels: h&m, topman, urban outfitters, thrift stores, uniqlo, the halloween store

Fashion Influences: "My So Called Life", Edward Furlong, Eddie Munster, Fairuza Balk and Sonic Youth

Local Fashion Scene: What I love and find so inspiring from the New York fashion scene is the high contrasts. The beautiful outfits you can find on the homeless crazy man screaming on the subway to the snobby lady walking her dog on the upper east side.



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Trendspotting

HATE: Tights as pants

Seriously, this is one of the most hideous trends I've seen take hold recently - and unfortunately one of the most prevalent. When I left Japan, women there were working a similar style, but they had the good sense to pair their black tights with long button-down shirts that at least covered their asses. I can't say Americans have the same discretion. Yesterday, I saw a girl in heather gray tights and a red shirt that just came to her hips, framing the prominent V of her camel toe for all to see. I came very close to stopping and shaking some good fashion sense into her, but thought better of it. I've also seen several girls abusing those shiny faux-leather tights and not covering their asses in those either. And let me tell you ladies, unless you're walking-the-runway thin, you won't look good in these unless they're under a skirt. (Actually, I take that back, I don't care how thin you are, they still look unflattering - the picture case in point! Panty line anyone?). I'm all about experimenting with fashion, but for god's sake make it look good. Don't just throw it on because you saw it in a magazine or it looked hot on the plastic mannequin. And in case you think I'm the only one that feels this way, check out www.tightsarenotpants.com


LOVE: Peacock feathers

This trends been floating around for a while, but I adore it. The colors are gorgeous, it's inspired from nature, and it has a classic feel even with such a bold pattern and color. What's not to love? Earrings and hair clips in particular add a nice flash of color. And despite the price tag of these accessories, the look can be economical if you've got a hot glue gun and access to a craft store. Or better yet, if there's a Chinatown in your city you can get peacock feathers dirt cheap for DIY projects.

But a word of warning: any good look can wrong if you go overboard. I'd steer clear of the peacock-themed lingerie. Dear lord. If you need to buy that to get your lover's attention, you're doing something wrong, honey.

Style Profile #10: Ms Meka Nism

Name: Ms. Meka Nism

Profession: Musician, performer & artist (www.msmekanism.com)

Locale: Kyoto, Japan

Favorite shops/labels: Hanijiro, Inperial, We go, Chicago, Spins (ALL Used & Vintage) Also, Asian shops always catch my eye. ^*^*^

Fashion Influences: Gypsy Rock!!! My influences come mostly from music. If I feel the rhythm in the clothing, then I can dance to the beat. The colors in flowing material make the energy in the environment come alive. If you walk down the street wearing an artistic explosion, other people's eyes open to the possibility of art in daily life.

Local Fashion Scene: Kyoto Kimonos have a special power, such extreme controlled beauty. The discipline and budget it takes to wear one properly confounds me. Though, I have worn a yukata (light summer kimono) for a rock show or a summer party, just with a different take on obi sash arrangement.
The color scheme of Kyoto fashion is based on nature, which can be muted and basic. A a cool breeze in the land of violent uber pop culture that thrives are clashing patterns and burning fluorescents.
Kyoto lines are clean and orderly, but often slanted or asymmetrical. It's like walking sideways in the temple garden; a subtle but enchanting rebellion.



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Revenge of the UGGs

Not long after I posted my UGG-ly rant, I was perusing the clearance rank at REI and spied a pair of extremely comfy, warm-looking slippers. They were so plush inside I could only fit in a size one larger than normal. They weren't the cutest things ever, but after days on end of nothing but thin socks between my feet and the surprisingly cold wood floor of my new apartment, I was all about warm, fuzzy, and practical.

Then I spied the label... UGG. Ah, yes, life does have a sense of irony. At least I can stand firmly behind my opinion on UGG boots, but I have to admit the slippers are damn comfortable and much more plush than anything else I've seen. However, at $70 on clearance I'm still unlikely to break down and buy them. I've ordered a much more sensibly priced pair of loafer slippers from amazon.com... though they are probably not quite as plush inside, damn it.

I shake my fist at you UGGs.

Style Profile #9: Shannon Hargraves

Name: Shannon Hargraves

Locale: Chicago, IL

Favorite Shops/Labels: Una Mae's freak boutique; anything worth the sale at Target.

Fashion Influences: European styles and the colors of my cat inspire me.

Local Fashion Scene: Diverse and rough, matches the culture; but students rule the economy now.



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Fashion's Guilty Pleasures

After being overseas - and US tv free - for three years, I promised myself I wouldn't get caught up in any of my old, poor tv habits. Ok, so maybe the hubby and I watched a couple reality shows online while in Japan (Top Chef, Shear Genius - although the later doesn't really count since we only watched it because we knew a contestant!), but overall I wanted nothing to do with the overly dramatic, absurdly over-the-top shows that are prevalent over the US airwaves.

But damn it if Project Runway hasn't sucked me in! Don't get me wrong, I still kind of hate the 'contest show' format. Especially when the contestants take it all too seriously and act as if the judges are some sort of demi-gods. I recognize that the judges are respected people in the industry and their opinion can make a career, so it's understandable - to a point. (When contestants start acting like winning the contest will validate their entire existence, that's when the eye rolls begin.) I also hate the hyped-up editing when it makes the show way more intense than it needs to be.

So how is it that Runway has captured me? Well, partly because it is a bit silly and sometimes you need a little junk food for the brain. But mostly I think it's the fact that the contestants actually seem to have some serious skills going on, and I am almost always impressed that in the short time given they can actually create something. I can sometimes watch cooking reality shows for this same reason. As long as the contestants' skills are showcased more than their inter-personal dramas (and the judges' arrogance stays at a minimum), it holds my attention and interest.

So damn you Project Runway! You're one guilty pleasure I relish.

Style Profile #8: Gregory Wazowicz

Name: Gregory Jude Wazowicz

Profession: Writer/Book publicist

Locale: New York City

Favorite shops/labels: Topshop/Topman, Uniqlo, H&M, Salvation Army and thrift stores.

Fashion influences: Old wartime photographs, Jacques Cousteau, English teachers, Vladimir Mayakovsky, animal prints

Local Fashion Scene: Young people in Brooklyn can sometimes look like they're in costume. I walk past the most ridiculous-looking people every day. You just have to know where the line is.




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Trendspotting: The Good the Bad and the UGG-ly

While spending last month in San Francisco, I realized that the Uggs trend is alive and well - despite my praying for it to end about a decade ago. Though I admit that some people do manage to pull of the look - usually when it involves one of the darker colored Uggs or the new knitted series, which seems to have a bit more shape to the toe than the standard Ugg. But I stand firmly behind the opinion that lighter colors - particularly the pale pink - are atrocious.(If you need an example, I've provided one on the right... yikes.)
The sad sight of those dirtied, pale, floppy boots sagging around the ankles with sweats or jeans stuffed into the top just kills me, mostly because it looks flattering on no one and makes everyone's feet look larger. Although the newest variation seems to be too tight, too short shorts paired with the boots so that not only your feet, but your thighs look unflattering as well. I have seen this look on one too many sorority gals running about campus in shapeless Uggs. So much so, in fact, that I feel like they might as well hand out the lifeless boots to all freshmen girls upon admission.



I go for comfort as much as the next girl, and I adore warm, fuzzy boots. What I don't understand is how such a shapeless boot has become so popular. Like I said, sometimes the look can be pulled off - not often.

Style Profile #7: Frida

Name: Frida

Profession: 3d-graphic student
http://www.Furipon.deviantart.com

Locale: Sweden

Favorite Shops/ Labels: Yesstyle.com: B-bonJ, Sechuna, Beccgirl. Localshops: BikBok, Monki, H&M

Fashion Influences: My Friend Maggie, an anime voice actress called Neeko :D Pink and leopard, Kera magazines.

Local Fashion Scene: I guess Swedish fashion is known for being rather minimalistic and sparse and young people today tend to pick up the latest trends very quickly. Like boyfriend jackets, ankle boots, nerd glasses and eternity scarves. Because of the very short summers and the fact that our country is mostly covered in darkness half a year, there is rather hard for me to find colorful and playful clothing! :3


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Style Profile #6: Gillian Hayami

Name: Gillian Hayami

Locale: Raleigh, North Carolina

Profession: Professional wanderer, international woman of mystery, space cowboy.

Fashion Influences: I wouldn't say that I have any particular fashion influences that I'm aware of. My approach to fashion is fairly simple: I dress for comfort first. My wardrobe revolves entirely around my beloved collection of comfy pants, except in the colder months when it revolves around my equally beloved collection of comfy sweaters. I love the fall because I can wear them both at the same time. During these months my mother tells me I look like a "bag lady" with increased frequency. I prefer to call it "bag lady chic".
The only other thing that I would say defines my wardrobe is my collection of scarves, which is getting out of hand . Oh and it's fairly important that whatever comfy pants I buy can be worn with Birkenstock clogs or sandals since I hate all other shoes, especially ones with laces or heels that go "clip clop" when I walk. I prefer my feet to make a lazy shuffling sound, and I certainly don't think they should herald the approach of a horse or some high powered business woman, since I am neither. If anything, I'm more horse

Favorite Shops/ Labels: Although I will occasionally drop a bomb on a pair of really awesome comfy pants, it generally kills me to spend a lot of money on clothes, especially when I'm just going to be called a bag lady anyway. Like my dear Aunt Dawn says, "We don't pay retail", especially not for clothes that were imported for a few dollars a piece from India or Thailand. Speaking of which, the best places to find comfy pants are India and S.E. Asia. Street markets in Asia are a comfy pants gold mine, and you can't beat the prices.

Local Fashion Scene: I know nothing of the local "fashion scene". I'm not sure there is one in Raleigh, and I don't tend to notice those things anyway.

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Ad Rant

By now I'm guessing most people out there have seen Diesel's new 'Be Stupid' ad campaign. Some have claimed that the ads are not about 'dumbing down', but about living in the now, being creative, doing what your heart wants instead of what's 'best' in a rational, rigid world. Now, I would be all for that if all the ads actually expressed that sentiment, but the most prevalent ad shows a girl exposing herself to a security camera with the tagline: 'Smart has the brains, but stupid has the balls. Be stupid.'
So... I guess throwing caution to the wind and being creative has more to do with showing my breasts Girls-Gone-Wild-style than bettering myself with a career and education.
I don't mean to be one of those people who takes things too seriously, after all it's just an ad, but we also can't just sit back, shrug our shoulders, and act as if this isn't partially a reflection of society's view of women. Because the fact is that to a lot of people it's much more acceptable - and far less threatening - for a young woman to act ditzy and 'fun' than it is for her to be serious and studious. I just don't see why an ad can't be witty and empowering. Why does being 'ballsy' for a woman automatically correlate to her exposing herself or taking pictures of her crotch? Is the the only way to be spontaneous as a woman to be loose with your own body?
Of course not, but sex sells, and so does the humor of the ads - which also is what tells us not to take them so seriously. But the bottom line is that such ads reaffirm the idea that women are often respected more for their looks than their intellect, and hint that looking sexy in Diesel jeans (or out of them) is going to get you more places than dedicating yourself to enriching your mind. To me, I think it's a bit optomistic to feel that (as cheapjab.com stated): "It’s telling me not to go to law school and be a lawyer and save my money so I can eventually do what I really want to do, which is be a writer; it’s telling me to write now, even if it puts me on the poverty line." Maybe that poverty explains why the women have no clothes in most of the ads?

Everyone's free to take these ads as seriously or lightly as they like. They aren't likely to cause any girls to drop out of college to go pursue playboy, but I think we have to admit to ourselves that they definitely are there to titillate and that they do nothing to play down the Britney Spears-like mentality for women to flaunt their bodies rather than brains for attention and affection. It's disappointing that a company like Diesel, which has done some pretty creative ads in its past, would take the easy way out by using some exposed flesh to stir up buzz. The company might end up feeling what many of us did after all our crazy college days of spontaneous, 'ballsy' abandon: regret.

Style Profile #5: Alaina

Name: Alaina
Locale: New Zealand
Favorite Shops/ Labels: Zara, workshop, Karen Walker, Marc Jacobs, Zambesi, and I drool over excessively styled haute couture shoots.
Fashion Influences: Printed silk, the sartorialist, big statement jewelery, bold abstract patterns, fashiontoast, Grey Marle, pop art, neck scarves.
Local Fashion Scene: New Zealand has the most wonderful spectrum of fashion from high fashion labels up there with the big brands, to practical, comfortable, affordable indifference.


*Interested in being a Peach?*
Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) you name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com

Style Profile #4: Mike Lukich

Name: Mike Lukich

Profession: Graphic designer by day, musician/writer by night; www.mikelukich.com

Locale: Hammond, IN

Favorite shops/labels: H&M, Urban Outfitters, Goodwill and other resale shops, Levi’s (for jeans), dollar stores (for sunglasses)

Fashion influences: Fellow musicians/artists, my wife, superheroes, weather, Andy Warhol minus the wigs, Marc Jacobs if he designed clothes for the military and/or gas station attendants

Local Fashion Scene: Ha ha ha ha ha...uh, utilitarian? Durability and affordability are probably key criteria, for men at least. Hammond and most of northwest Indiana is working class/middle class, so fashion is mostly what you can find at Target. Fashion and culture in general can be described as urban meets suburban, I suppose. Of course, you can always find your garden variety punks, goths, skaters, hip hop dudes and pop star fashionistas, although that’s usually at the mall and they’re usually children. Sophisticates, eccentrics and individuals in fashion are sporadic but they’re probably all people I already know.

Style Profile #3: Keiko Yamashita

Name: Keiko Yamashita
Locale: Osaka, Japan
Favorite Shops:
CECIL McBEE (cheap, trendy, and sexy)
Pinky and Dianne (gorgeous, sexy, and more sophisticated than CECIL McBEE)
ROPE (simple and cool)
DIESEL (hot, cool, and stylish)
Fashion Influences: Mainly fashion magazines, passers-by in Shinsaibashi, and US TV dramas
Local Fashion Scene: In Japan, fashion should be sexy and cute in general. We have a word "Ero kawa". It means "erotic" and "kawaii" [cute]. And of course, recently the price should be low...


Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) your name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com

Trendspotting

LOVE: Green nail polish

I've been in love with this since I saw it last fall as a way to rev up a night look when wearing all black. A lot of the lighter jade shades are popular, but I prefer the deeper shades of green - like good ol' cheap-o Walgreens Sinful Colors in 'San Francisco' (also the location I'll be heading to next week!).
Nail color is one practical way to take a chance on throwing some really striking colors into your wardrobe without spending money on clothes you might only wear once.


HATE: 'Peek-a-boo' Bras

Every time the 'inner wear as outer wear' look hits the fashion scene I cringe. Not because I'm a prude, but because this is a look exclusive to rock-star types and extreme hipsters trying to one-up each other. And even with them the trend tends to last about 10 minutes (unless you're on tour with Madonna). This look will never join the ranks of street fashion. The closest it will ever came was on 'Sue Ellen' on a fake NY street on Seinfeld. Otherwise, no woman is going to walk down the street and invite every man to ogle her and every child to invite the question, "Did you forget your shirt today?". The 'bra and suit' look featured here is especially annoying. 'Cause nothing says 'high-powered business woman' like a little bra action, right? The black number, however, I could almost get on board with, if it was the right party at the right time and you were feeling especially daring (and you had it covered on the taxi right there and back). But as much as I'll give props to someone like Chloe Sevigny for being daring, this look seems more appropriate to be featured in my nightmares about showing up half-naked at a high school reunion than as a genuine fashion statement.