Zara top, circa 2005
I like it when clothes from H&M, Asos or Zara look like Dior. It pokes fun at high fashion's exorbitant cost* and proves that the impression given by clothes (expensive/cheap, put-together/random) depends entirely on the wearer. So actually, I like it when people wear clothes from cheaper brands like they're Dior (I'm using Dior as example because recently someone said my old Zara top reminded him of this brand, an outstanding compliment both to me and the top). It denotes a true understanding of fashion spiced with self-confidence and desire to make the clothes your own. To let yourself be the princess or prince at all times.
I'm sure most of us know instances when, say, this girl at school wore a scarf around her neck and pulled it off so well she made it a trend. In just a couple of days other girls started wearing a similar or even the same scarf. Of course, the scarf never looked so great on other girls. The secret was not in the scarf but in the girl and the way she wore it. Other girls couldn't achieve the same magic with the scarf because it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it.
On the other hand, even an exquisite Dior gown can look very much unlike Dior if you're not in the right mental place to wear it. Remember those thousands-of-dollars red carpet outfits that didn't work despite the best celebrity stylist, the most precious Harry Winston jewelry, the beautiful Louboutin pumps? You'd think it's impossible to go wrong with such sought-after pieces at your disposal. Wrong. Fashion can help immensely, but it cannot guarantee you that you will look amazing.
Since I know that how I look depends more on myself than my clothes, I don't believe in stratification of fashion. Zara tops and Yohji Yamamoto blouses are equally important in my closet. What I seek in clothes is not an expression of love for a certain brand or style, but a refined, dignified manner and character, the same qualities I wish to exude when I am wearing them.
* not to say the prices are always too high, though the crazy hole-ridden Balmain top will always remain questionable
July 28, 2011 at 6:16 PM
What you said is so true, I could not agree more! And while the right combination of a confident stylish wearer and an uber-expensive to-die-for haute couture is in a league of it's own, for vast majority of people it really is not what is worn but who wears it. Even a thrift store outfit can look absolutely regal, while branded one can reek of "cheap" I have seen it so many times!
However, I am finding it very hard to live with a curse of a good taste, and it's not the clothes that get to me but the accessories. It is near impossible for me to fall in love with a cheap item in that department and it's not for the lack of trying (not to even mention my strong allergy to anything not gold or silver or a natural fabric).
I must complain because I has my heart broken yet again yesterday. All I wanted was a vanity case. I don't have one, I've been using my mum's one from the 70's and basically, it has become so shabby (despite it being divine when new) that I had to put an end to it. Since I have no money for such things at the moment, I was trawling e-bay for weeks, looking for simple, leather, perfect, classic vanity case. Obviously didn't find a perfect one but I decided to be mature about it so I bought something that vaguely fitted some of the criteria (fake black patent leather but sturdy, with automated compartments) and after living with it for a week, I was getting so nauseated by the look of it that I had to put it away. So I trawled ebay for a few more weeks, desperate to find something better. I was even ready to pay three times more and everything, but no luck.
So I went on Google just to see whether they even make what's in my head anymore (I have already looked through all the departments stores and what they had was just completely unsatisfactory). And within 30 seconds- there it was, the perfect vanity case that I had in my mind all along! I clicked on the picture, euphoric, so eager to buy it, and this is where it took me http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/eshop-catalogue/ladies-collection/vanity-cases/535-classic-vanity-case-in-black-croc
I am still inconsolable... This is the story of my life :(
July 28, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Oh wow, Anne, I am double stunned - the vanity case is perfection, but the price hurts me through the screen!
If it remains *the* vanity case for you, I hope that one day it will be yours. In the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you stumble upon another case that doesn't make you feel nauseated!
It's funny you mentioned this item in particular; I don't have a vanity case (sadly my stuff is scattered all around), but if I were to get one, I wouldn't even know where to start looking ...
July 29, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Bravo to this post and I totally agree with you. There are so many times I come across people who namedrop every designer they are wearing on their person, but they shun the cheaper brands just because it's not designer. However, so many of those people look just as ordinary and unimpressive to me because they aren't embracing their clothing.
I've found that people look the most natural in their clothing when they have a connection to the clothing beyond the designer's name. The people who have admirable style have always been those that use the art of dress to display a facet of their personality and as you said, character.
It's not an easy thing to do and I do think it takes some time. I also believe that you have to allow some level of vulnerability and confidence.
July 29, 2011 at 1:04 PM
I think it's probably impossible to achieve great, interesting things without a little vulnerability in you ... :) And don't get me started on so-called style icons who all dress the same!
August 1, 2011 at 6:06 PM
Bravo! I’ll always maintain that having good style doesn’t require a big bank account! As you mentioned often celebrities or reality tv “stars” look horrible. I get the most compliments on my cheap f21 stuff, while my “luxury” items are very basic and unassuming. I find mystery more chic and timeless—where you can’t identify where and when someone bought their clothes.
August 1, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Great picture. I love the grey and the sparkle. It does look expensive and vintage.
August 4, 2011 at 7:29 PM
Wonderful post, such a pleasure to read! I totally agree with your point of you. x
December 7, 2011 at 9:26 PM
Res izjemen blog :)
Ful stvari za pogledati, še več za prebrati in razmisliti. Rada vidim, da kdo pozna in ma rada modo, ne samo šoping in trende - kot običajno z blogerji je (tudi z mano veliko krat.)
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December 7, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Joj, tudi iz šopinga in sploh trendov se da narediti celo komplikacijo :) Moda je muhasta, ampak vseeno globoka gospodična. Hvala za lep komentar in oglasi se še kdaj!