Dated Styles: Taking Men Back to the Future!

"So, OK. I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all, but I don't get how guys dress today. I mean, c'mon, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants, and take their greasy hair, Ew! And cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we're expected to swoon? I don't think so!" – Cher, Clueless

If one were to remove the "valley-like" tone from this quote, a very true statement is uncovered that doesn't just pertain to the more youthful of the male species. Although the ladies are guilty of hanging onto dated styles just a little too long or sporting the "rolled out of bed" look, it often seems that men are the greatest offenders.

It has been said that "men dress for women and women dress for other women." If this is so, there appears that quite a few folks have grown restless in their desire to impress. Quite possibly the men have grown weary of competing with other women, but there is no excuse for tight jeans, leather pants or anything reflecting glam rock. Additionally, the revival of muscle shirts and light denim jackets with popped collars could bring even the least known 80s characters back to life. Whether it's 1985 or 2011, Marty McFly will never know the difference.


(Picture provided by wildsound.com)

DC Fashion: Here Today, Gone By The Weekend!

It is a known fact that New York City is the fashion capital of the United States and arguably of the entire world. Though on Thursday, September 8th, various cities across the U.S. followed suit participating in Fashion's Night Out, the annual kick-off to New York Fashion Week.

The tiny but trendy corner of Georgetown was the center for Washington D.C.'s second annual Fashion's Night Out affair. A slew of style aficionados braved tornado-like weather to experience the many sales, raffles, fancy cocktails and sample giveaways provided by the participating boutiques. Although Georgetown may have lacked the celebrity foot traffic and high-profile coverage of it's New York City counterpart, D.C. more than compensated with it's Vintage en Vogue fashion show,the FNO Flash Mob performers and talented stylists offering advice to fashion enthusiasts.

With the success of Fashion's Night Out Georgetown, the momentum was set for September 10th's Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo that took place at the Washington Convention Center. Though, even the presense of industry representatives Nigel Barker, Korto Momolu and Jaslene Gonzalez, could not overshadow the sea of two-tone hairstyles, flammable fabrics and ill-fitting garments. Rather than exhibiting what D.C. could offer the competitive industries of Fashion and Beauty, the event took the form of an impromptu audition for America's Next Top Model.

Though best known for it's concentration in politics and legal affairs, Washington D.C. does have a network of fashion admirers. Yet, as rapidly as one event can come along and peak interest, another could follow and douse all hope.

Some Rules Were Made to Be Broken!

Indeed, if we were members of the elevating middle class of the late 19th century through the 1950s, all breathable white fabrics and pristine white shoes would be packed away until the next Memorial weekend. Fortunately, rules of social etiquette have greatly evolved since that time period and contrary to popular belief it is okay to wear white after Labour Day.

We must all bear in mind that certain colors and fabrics are highlighted during particular seasons for a reason. Dark wool knit materials are not befitting of the heat intensive summer months. Yet, should we limit the well-garmented display of an entire color to a few weeks within the year? This question is not meant to indicate that white sandals and sun hats should be worn against the backdrop of fall and winter months, but a lovely blouse or, dare I say, even a sleek pant could endure beyond the first Monday in September.

“Before Easter, after Labor Day, the old rules no longer ring true. White is a 365 day-a-year proposal! Keep the fabrications appropriate to the season and you will always be chic.”
–Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus creative director

(Picture provided by collegefashion.com)