brash
critical approach
fashion police
impacts thereof
is it a good yardstick to measure by
what do you do differently
Are you a slave to the 'fashion police' or do you set your own style?
@Perspectives (7131)
Canada
July 7, 2007 8:17pm CST
I watch the entertainment and fashion shows and realize how little I care what they think about who is wearing what. I guess my biggest beef about the 'fashion police' is how arrogant, brash, mean and brutal they can be with their critical comments about who doesn't measure up. I would like to know who the heck elected these loud, criticizing talking heads to be the authority on what is stylish and acceptable for both men and women in today's society.
The other thing I have trouble with is how many otherwise intelligent, independent thinkers buy into the diatribes of what is right and wrong in their clothing tastes. If adults allow themselves to be brainwashed into thinking the fashion police make all the rules I guess it is not surpising young people follow along without question.
Many of the new fashioneestas on the scene have not been setting a very positive image...Lohan, Spears, Hilton, Richie...all these icons that kids try to emulate...right down to their wardrobes. What does that do to distort things? How they will find their own fashion style while being dictated to by the fashion police is beyond me.
I was wondering what your views are...do you follow trends or dress according to your own unique style? This is not about judgments...my beef is not with whatever people do on a personal level...only the blowhards that judge others on appearance alone.
What about your kids...both boys and girls...are they being brainwashed by the fashion police? What approach do you take for yourself and your kids?
For me I got caught in the whole 'image-managment' trap while modeling in my late teens and early twenties. That experience helped me see how superficial the whole industry actually is. From that point on I made a commitment to dress in what I like...and tell others to put a sock in it when anyone tries to 'police' me into appearing in anything that isn't 'me.'
What do you think about the fashion police and how their views impact on how people measure themselves? In my view it isn't a very good yardstick...but then that is only the way I see it. How about you?
4 people like this
14 responses
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
8 Jul 07
How a person dresses is totally up to the individual unless a job requires a dress code. You know about that when hiring on. We each have different body types and therefore different things will look good on us. I dress to please me and normally it is a good thing. I do know how to dress down. lol
Fashion police need to find something else to do. We need to remove ourselves from caring what they think.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Boy did you ever hit the nail on the head with those comments. I really appreciate the statemet 'the fashion police need to find something else to do...and we need to remove ourselves from caring what they think!"
Couldn't have said it better myself...great perspective willowlady!
1 person likes this
@patsyp6 (15)
• United States
16 Feb 08
I agree with you wholeheartedly! What makes these so called fashion police think they are the experts? I dress to make myself happy. I did a small experiment on my daughter a couple of years ago. I purchased a blouse at Macy's for $54.00 and purchased and identical blouse at K'mart for $12.00. I ask her which one she liked best and she looked at me like I was an idiot. She said "Mom, they are exactly alike". I told her no, that the lable inside was different. I think these fashion police just want to help the industry sell expensive garments and to heck with how people look in them.
I think a person should just be theirself.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
16 Feb 08
Hi Patsy...and welcome to Mylot. Great to have another independent thinker joining our community. I love your experiment...and the fact that you are teaching your daughter that things are not always as they appear...especially when it comes to fashion.
Your comment:.."I think these fashion police just want to help the industry sell expensive garments and to heck with how people look in them gets a big thumbs up from me!
Your closing remark also echoes how I fell...a person should think for themself...and BE their-self...so true. Living from a place of authenticity is the best way to feel happy and content..regardless of what others think, do and WEAR!
Good addition..thanks for dropping by hope to chat more.
Raia
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Well I think you say a post on one I made something like this with out the fashion police! I wear what I like and my kids growing up I think the only thing I let them buy that was sort of in fashion at the time was parashut pants and we still have them in totes to remeber them by lol
I never cared what the fashion was always wore wht I am comfortable in and made kids wear what we could afford also never let them watch any tv program that triied to tell them what to wear.
Ya have to stay and wear what you can afford forget the polise of fashion1
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
I am not surprised that you always did you own thing Lakota 12. The on-line conversations I have with you have shown that you are spiritually grounded and walk your talk. Comfortable clothing is the key for me now too. When I modelled and worked for a major cosmetic company (Shisado) I nearly wrecked my feet by tottering around on 4-5 inch stilleto shoes. I look back to those days and smile at my 'youthful fancies' and how I allowed myslef to be dictated to by the fashion police. No more.
You obviously presented a great role model for your kids. It is good that you did not allow them view of themselves or others to be determined by the outer appearance of things...clothing or otherwise.
One of my big thrills in life is shopping at thrift stores. I have found so many unique hats, good quality blazers, casual wear for a portion of what they would cost new. I have told friends and clients alike that even if I was a multi-millionare I would still shop at thrift stores. There are a few in our area run by the Mennnonite Central Committee. They return all profits to third world countries. I also like the fact that I can 're-cycle' clothing that I no longer wear back to them for resale.
Shopping there has a 'wheel of life' feel to it that is part of my spiritual framework. The giving, receiving through all the phases of life fits with most religions I have studied. So to me the clothing and fashion police idea is similar to yours...wear what you can afford and forget the fashion police. Great answer Lakota12..love it. Thanks for sharing again my friend.
Bright Blessings!
1 person likes this
@sarahwang92 (45)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
I know, but we're all like sheep, mindless creatures[no offense] that follow the crowd.
I like personal style, it's fresh because everybody is different, but if you can incorporate some of "this season" as well, wouldn't you be the ultimate fashionista?
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Hi sarahwang92
Well I do have to agree that many in the fashion industry and those who follow ut do have a 'sheep-like mentality. This is part of why I posted this disucssion. However, if you read over most of the responses...Mylotters are not willing to be dictated to by the fashion police. The contributors to the topics I post are anything but mindless.
From what they are stating on topics about failure, blame game, health care etc...they are individuals who have a self-responsible approach to many areas of life. They also have strong viewpoints and definitely not of the sheep mentality. However, that does not invalidate your view...about mindlessness...they are out there.
I like your approach...pick the best of the best for each season, the incorporate it into your own unique style. That way you could have the best of both worlds. Trendy...but not brain-washed...good idea! Thanks for adding to the disuccsion.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
9 Jul 07
Hi DanaMark,
Good to another comment from the male perspective. I can appreciate not wanting to look dated...and having a caring wife to assist you is great! My hubby approaches things the way you do and is very open to whatever suggestions I make. He is most comfortable in casual clothes...but cleans up very 'handsomely.' I bet your wife feels the same way about you.
Thanks for adding a gender viewpoint on the subject. I also appreciate the friends acceptance. When I went on your site you mentioned you had a not too pleasant experience with one of your friends acceptance awhile ago. I'll do my best to make our exchanges positive...I don't want any of the other type either. I live with the 'what goes around...comes around idea.'
1 person likes this
@wilynn (751)
• Singapore
8 Jul 07
Those entertainment and fashion shows just serve as inspiration or rather give me some ideas on how to update my wardrobe. I prefer casual and comfortable clothes. Say if you put a big flower pin on your classic black top, it will really enhance the look. As long as I feel comfortable and like what I am wearing, it will definitely look good. Nothing really goes out of trend unless you really mix the clothes and end up looking like some christmas tree.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Your approach sounds very balanced. The fashion industry does keep things things fresh. Designers are creative individuals with a good eye for color, texture and design and we'd probably all be bored without their seasonal displays on the runways.
Everything in life is there for a reason...our challenge is to figure out what that reason is and decide what to do about it for ourselves. I have no complaint with the fashion industry's design concepts...it is the brash, critical condemnation of people's choices that don't coincide with their viewpoints that I am talking about. (Of course I feel that way about most things in life.)
Anyway from your comments it is clear that you have found a way to adapt ideas from the industry to fit with who you are. I especially appreciate your fashion sense of mixing combinations of old and new. Innovative touches that update your wardrobe and being mindfull that everything comes back in style eventually are excellent points.
Thank you for sharing how developed your own fashion sense. Good for you!
1 person likes this
@ladysurvivor (4746)
• Malaysia
8 Jul 07
I am agreeing with you in this matter. I don't really care who wears what and what I should wear to follow in suit with them. I only wear what I think the best that represents myself as a normal person. As long as I don't look weird to other people's eyes, I would wear them.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
I am really appreciating the strong, assertive sense of self coming from you and others on this discussion. The way the media makes it appear sometimes is that everyone is being brainwashed into thinking about fashion from one angle...the fashion 'experts.'
From what I am seeing in the responses there are a lot of women out there who are saying just the opposite...and that is good to know. I am always delighted to see people being true to themselves rather than wearing a mask to impress others. Clothing can be a mask too...if it is worn to project an image rather than express an individual
style. Glad to hear you only wear what best represents 'you.' Good addition...thanks.
1 person likes this
@healwell (1268)
• Ahmedabad, India
8 Jul 07
I think mostly people always get that what is their apearence and what kind of wearings are suit to them! Bur most of them are feeling to be with recent trend... So they goes with so called fashion moves and do accordingly!
I understood since mt adolescene that what ever you have is the main thing. My parent's attitude was simple that what is you is yourself and what ever you have for wearing is just to get through your apearence and it should be as simple as you are!
Till the date I have followed this with my own addings in this concept!
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Your parents sound like very wise people. What a wounderful way to have been brought up. If more young people could receive that message they wouldn't end up being enslaved by the rantings of the fashion police when they get older...but not necessarily wiser.
Always good to hear from you healwell...your comments provide good insights. You definitely sound grounded in your understanding of yourself and others...and I am sure your Reiki training continues to add to that awareness whenever you connect with others.
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
20 Mar 08
I find that alot of times what one person thinks is dumb looking I like...Cher's outfits are a prime example...I love them and I think it's great that she has the figure to pull them off. As for me personally, I wear whatever I feel comfortable in. I try to match up colors so I don't look like I dressed in the closet but for the most part I just go around in pants and a t-shirt. I actually don't even own a dress or skirt and no dress shoes b/c I don't like them.
!!HAPPY EASTER!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
22 Mar 08
Hi...you are my kind of gal. Being who we are...and not allowing outside influences to affect our choice making shows a strong, confident sense of self.
Good for you Twoey!
Hugs and warm Easter greetings to you too.
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
22 Mar 08
Good for you! I respect people who have a sense of themselves and live by it. Your ability to do that comes through the more we chat.
Thanks for adding such a strong, positive voice to the topic.
Easter greetings again..
Raia
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
8 Jul 07
I could care less about the fashion police at this stage of my life. I wear what's comfortable, but unfortunately, what's comfortable is not always what's in style.
I am now shopping for a new job that I am going to begin in a week or so. I need more professional looking clothes so I am buying what's slightly trendy, but what is also comfortable and what looks good on me.
I could care less how others see it or how they judge me. Probably, when I was younger I might have cared, but as I get older, more important things have less to do with what's on the surface, than with what's underneath and I dont' mean underwear.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Thanks for particpating. Also wishing you every success in your new venture. From the sound of it you know what suits you. The fact that you don't care about the shallow opinions of others is a good thing.
I agree with you on another point as well. I was more concerned about image-managment in my youth...but not any more. I am more concerned about living my best life..on my own terms. As long as I respect the person I see in the mirror from the inside (or underneath)...that is all that matters. Good input...thanks.
1 person likes this
@liyan97 (2127)
• Northern Mariana Islands
8 Jul 07
I have my own style, I could care less about the self proclaimed “fashion police” in my family…lol…
I wear what is comfortable to me, even if it is not acceptable to others. The way I dress does not in any way reflect on the type of person I am.
Of course there are different styles that I incorporate for different settings if I am going to work, I would dress in something that I feel is fashionable yet professional, when I am going to meet with my child’s teacher at school , I would dress in something that is approachable as a parent, if I am going to a formal party, I would throw on my slacks and a nice blouse, to go to a BBQ I would dress in jeans and a t-shirt or basket ball pants and a t-shirt, if I am at home, anything goes….lol…I dress in torn pants and a t shirt!
I dress for myself and no one else! I have standards that I have set for “me” based on my respect of others but not by the “fashion police” ! each person is different in their own way! I refuse to judge anyone on the basis of their clothing style and expect the same respect to be given to me! Fro those who act like they are “the fashion police” and choose to bring their comments to my attention, I simply ignore it and continue to dress for “myself!”
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Jul 07
Your strong sense of self is like a breath of fresh air and I appreciate what you've stated in such an affirmative way. You obviously know what works you for a variety of situations. From the sound of it you are able to be true to yourself and project that knowing outward. I like that.
We would have a much gentler world if people would quit criticizing and judging others from outside appearances rather than for who they intrinsically are.
Your point about respect is also a good one...condemning others for their clothing choices is very disrespectful.
I always refer back to our God given right of free choice about most things in life...and that free will definitely includes what anyone decides to wear.
Rock on liyan97!
1 person likes this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
27 Apr 08
No Im a slave to khaki green (or army green)
I do not know what it is but I just cannot stop buying this color because I really love the archaeologist look and really admire Angelina Jolie's down to earth look (when traveling overseas and not having to please critics) and Meg Ryan too.
I do love neon green, lime green and bright green too (not dark green) and just have this thing with green, I'll also wear all blue pants sometime and I like bright colors and how energized they make me feel.
As far as hollywoods idea of fashion, I read tabloids and sometimes like crazy if Im interested in a story and the whole fashion chatter is a joke to me I think and your right, who elected them judge?? Did they forget that planet hollywood was fictional. I was hearing that designers are trying to bring in Brittany Spears and Lindsey Lohans unkempt look and make it into a fad and apparently already is in the high schools where kids try to look sloppy--i cant disagree with this one its a testament to how far people will go and maybe enlighten people to how ridiculous it is.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
4 May 08
Greetings...and thank you for such a well thought out...honest and insightful addition to this topic.
I applaud your confidence and sense of self too bad more women couldn't dress according to who THEY are...and how they feel than falling into the mind-traps the fashion police set forth.
You have it going for you...you keep on keeping on. They say the best way to lead is by your own example...sounds like you are doing that. Go girl!
Raia
@isabeliever (164)
• United States
22 Mar 08
Somehow, I missed that boat when I was younger. Maybe it is because at 6' and not a size 2, I always knew that I was never going to find 'those' clothes in my size let alone look good in them!
In many aspects of my life I have gone my own way. However, I always wish I had found a sense of style. I just wear what fits and is comfortable without a sense of if it looks 'right' or not.
That attitude has slipped over into my personal life too. While my friends where studying hard or getting married, I became a professional stage manager, traveled a ton and had a REALLY good time.
I married at 35 and had my son at 39 when most people where thinking about their kids graduation!
SO - my point, other than sharing my life story! - is that sometime how/who you were born places you in a situation that you have to work hard to get out of. That even applies to listening to fashionistas etc.
Trudy
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
24 Mar 08
Hi again Trudy..
The more I here from you the more kinship I feel with you. It has been happening here on Mylot and what a joy it is to discover like minded others.
I applaud your ability to be who you are an live life on your own terms. In my personal and professional experience that is what makes life sweet and meaningful.
Good to know you are happy living in your own style on every level. Great example for you son!
Raia
