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.



*Interested in being a Peach?*
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

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.



*Interested in being a Peach?*
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

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.



*Interested in being a Peach?*
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

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.