Or, not…
And, that’s the leaf of an elephant ear under my skirt not some weird kind of undergarment!
I don’t usually follow trends. Maybe, I don’t follow fads. I don’t know. I guess a fad is something that comes and goes very quickly. A trend is a gradual change in fashion. Maybe? I don’t know. I could google it, I guess. But, for the sake of this post, I’m going to talk more about trends given my definition. And, I just might not even follow fads.
As much as I’d like to say I’m a hippie chick at heart (I am, I know I am), I don’t dress the part. I was a teenager in the 70’s and just missed being a hippie in its heyday. I lived in a small midwestern town that probably wouldn’t have known what to do with a hippie if one should happen to pass through it! That’s not true, and I know it. I’m sure there were many…several…a few…a couple of hippies in good old CC! Let’s face facts. I wasn’t allowed (school rule, not family rule) to wear pants to school until I was in sixth grade. And, we had recess outside three times a day! But, I digress!
As much as I want to be boho, I think I’m more classic. I love to see colorful and accessorized clothing on women. When I wear it, I feel like I’m trying just way too hard! And, Sheila of https://sheilaephemera.blogspot.com/ epitomizes what I want to look like! She effortlessly (at least to me) puts together the best eclectic outfits full of fun jewelry, clothing, and shoes (oh, I so want some Fluevogs)! Not only does she do this during the week, she goes at it with even more gusto on the weekends. Do give her blog a read! She’s amazing! And, it’s just such a natural look for her. I do think she dresses (and shops) with intent. She knows the look she’s going for, and then pulls different items to finish the look. I think I’m pulled together if I can put on a top, a bottom, shoes, and some jewelry that kinda sorta go together! Again, I digress!
Trends, stick to the topic, Marsha!
I do tend (which rhymes with trend) to buy classic items I know I can wear for years and years. But, do I succumb to the lure of a passing fad or trend? Of course, I do! I just always seem to return to the classics in my closets. I like a good cardigan, skirt, or dress. What types of trends do I or have I followed? I will always fall for an animal print. I have several of the Dillon blouses from Banana Republic in my closet including a snake print (I hate snakes even more than Samuel L Jackson!). Skinny jeans are one trend I didn’t particularly follow. I own one pair (which currently do not fit) because I am always self-conscious of my legs. Wide leg jeans? Hmm…that may be a trend I will follow as I do love bell bottoms…the wider, the better. Another trend I’ve avoided for a bit has been tiers. I know lots of people love a good tiered skirt or dress. I don’t particularly, but I have bought a few this past year. I think it’s all about proportions for me. If the tier is lower and not full (as in hardly noticeable), I might buy it. In fact, my second post featured a Lilly Pulitzer dress with a flounce (mini-tier, if you will). Did you miss it? Here it is! https://marshainthemiddle.com/a-second-post/ As I think about my fashion choices over the years, I almost always go with the tried and true.
A short history lesson
For a time in the early 2000’s, Talbots received a lot of my money! This was during the Michael Smaldone era. Talbots had begun to be a bit dowdy. Management brought in Trudy Sullivan and Michael Smaldone to update the brand. One of the first things the pair decided was who Talbots was going to be dressing. Instead of the over 65 crowd, Sullivan and Smaldone began designing and catering to the 40-ish crowd. And, it showed! How I wish Michael was still at Talbots. Once upon a time, I could find the Lookbook for different seasons in 2011. Here is an article I found featuring the Fall, 2011 collection https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2011-ready-to-wear/talbots/slideshow/collection#1 . In my uneducated mind, that is fashion! During that time, the pieces had names. If you were a Talbots fan, you recognized the name and the collection. It was an amazing time for me! But, Talbots fell upon tough times, and Michael was let go. With his exit, it appears Talbots had begun a slide back into the safe basics and classic pieces upon which the brand had been built. Unfortunately, that descent meant a couple of somewhat edgy or trendy pieces and many, many basics each season. Colorways and patterns might change, but the fashion was lacking. I still purchase things at Talbots, but the joy is definitely not there!
What does this history lesson have to do with trends and fads? I think Michael was able to incorporate trendy items into timeless classics in sumptuous fabrics. I still have a few items from that time. One of my favorites is a cardigan in a deep berry color with an embellished flower on the shoulder and the vines twining across the front…all in the same color and the edges stitched down! I think that was a trendy touch for a classic cardigan. In fact, the Facebook page for Talbots was littered with ladies complaining about all of the ruffles and whatnot! OK, now, I’m really confused! Does trendy equal trend? Hmmmm…
The Lewk
Talk about classics! This is another cardigan from Garnet Hill https://www.garnethill.com/signature-eco-merino-cardigan/378431?searchTerm=signature+merino. My only complaint about these cardigans (other than their shipping costs) is they are three quarter length sleeves. They wear like iron, and I love them. But, they’re too hot in the early fall here in Indiana, and too cold for me in the winter. I have begun layering them under other warmer cardigans! My skirt is also from Garnet Hill https://www.garnethill.com/favorite-maxi-knit-skirt/womens-fashion/skirts/445761?listIndex=0&uniqueId=445761. I have this in three solids and one stripe. It’s such an unusual skirt with that gathering at the hem and the fun pockets. The waistband can be folded over or worn as I did right here. I’m not sure I like this look at all. I know I’ve got the proportions right, but I just don’t like how it really emphasizes my bosom! I think, when the weather cools a bit, I will probably wear the skirt with the waistband folded down, a tank top, and the cardi knotted at the waist. I just look a bit thick in this the way I’ve done it.
My oldest sister’s birthday was last week. I called her to sing to her, and we started talking about the blog (because I always manage to make it about me). I told her I thought I looked just like our Grandma Luderman. She laughed and agreed with me! I think it’s because Grandma had a large bosom and was short waisted just like me! Anyway, in trying to be stylish and trendy (the more I think about it, I think trendy is not quite the same as trending), I wore the skirt waistband up and put an animal print belt over it. I added a few necklaces (old Stella & Dot), bracelets (old Banana Republic and Stella & Dot), earrings (old, and who knows) and some comfy Jambu (closest I could find https://www.ebay.com/itm/185017652424?hash=item2b13e954c8:g:UiwAAOSwPOtg8I~D) sandals. I think wearing multiple necklaces may be a trend. Maybe you can tell me!
Wrap it up, Marsha
So, did I straighten things out for you or muddy the waters (I know I’m mixing my metaphors)? I think I’m even more confused about trends vs. trendy! Either way, I think I’m classic and not the boho hippie girl I so deeply feel in my soul! Please let me know what you think about trends and fads. Maybe you can tell me about a trend or two I should know more about! And, what’s a fad currently in style? If you enjoyed this post, won’t you please drop me a comment. I love to talk (you probably can’t tell that, right?) and a conversation would be lovely! If you haven’t already, would you consider subscribing to my blog. If you do, you’ll receive an email letting you know of new posts. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I think we get too caught up in the words sometimes. So what if it’s trendy? As long as we like it, we should have fun with it!! And it’s good to keep trying new things, otherwise we get stagnant!!
I love that you layer the cardigan under other sweaters. I have a couple like that and that’s how I had to wear them in Denver!
Xoox
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You know…that’s how I meant to end the post! I’m just going to wear what I like because I like it rather than worrying about whether or not it’s trendy or a fad! Oops!
You know, it was a few years before it occurred to me to wear these underneath another sweater! Duh! I have thyroid issues, too, so I’m always cold in the winter. And, I’m cheap! I keep the thermostat at 68 so it’s always chilly in our house!
Thanks for coming by, Jodie!
I must first humbly thank you for your very kind and generous shout-out and nod to me/my style, Marsha! I do indeed shop with intent, but I mostly scan for “the good stuff” when I shop. “Always Be Upgrading” is one of my mantras, so when I have a piece I like (like, say, your orange skirt), and I spot something in a similar feel (whether that’s colour, length, etc.), I’ll pick that up and let the lesser piece go. My Marimekko/H&M skirt from the weekend would be a good example of an “upgrade” from the simple skirt you’re wearing (which is FABULOUS, by the way, just using it as an example). More pattern, better details, higher quality fabric, more texture – that’s what I’m always looking for. This has been an ongoing process for decades, so I only seem to have it (mostly) together is because of years of practice.
I love the Talbots pieces I have bought secondhand (I do not shop online) – that name/label is a shortcut for quality for me. I’ve seen Garnett Hill too, but not bought it for whatever reason. I love 3/4 sleeves as they are great for showing off bracelets and rings – they really focus on the hands/wrists. My hands are now starting to look distinctly crone-like, but I kind of like that, as a rock & roll kind of gal.
As you can see, I’m a bit of a rambler too, lol. Now, let’s get to your outfit! I really like it overall – I can tell you are feeling it (your captions are so funny!) and are in touch with your inner hippie-chick. I never was a goth when I was younger, but I do have an inner goth, so you can totally have an inner hippie-chick, even if you weren’t one for-realz. As a fellow big-boobed, short-waisted woman, I get the struggle with proportions – I’m also short (5’4″). With a big skirt like this, you need a wider belt to help balance your top half. Alternately, a top/cardigan/jacket worn over it and belted (with a skinny belt) would work really well. I could also see a kimono-style garment with it – go full Stevie Nicks! Pile on the necklaces – who cares if it’s a trend or not.
Whatever you WANT to wear is your trend! I love to read fashion sites (Go Fug Yourself and Tom and Lorenzo is another) and just keep an eye on what’s out there – but it’s purely for inspiration for shopping from my closet. I’ve seen so many thing pop up in the past 5 years that I was doing way before: jumpsuits, pastels, brown, 70s vintage…just because I love wearing those clothes!
Anyway, enough of my blathering – I love your blog and your writing, Marsha, and I am enjoying your exploration of your style. I think we are kindred spirits. 🙂
Oh, I love that mantra…Always Be Upgrading! I don’t have one exactly, but I do go by the one in, one out. If I buy a new dress, I donate one. The local school system has an alternative school that runs a clothing pantry. I’ve donated lots there.
I remember watching my mom’s hands and arms as she got old (she was 36). I was fascinated by the intricacy of the lines on her arms especially. My hands are a bit too stocky to be crone-like, but if anyone can pull that off as a rock & roll look, it’s you! Have you ever visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio here in the States? My youngest son and I try to visit there every couple of years. It’s such fun to see how teeny tiny those people were…especially Mick Jagger. Of course, they’ve probably got them pinned a bit, too!
I would never have guessed you were only 5’4″! You look so tall in your photos, but you’ve got at least three inches on me! When I was pulling this outfit together, I’d pulled that waistband up which kind of gave it the wider belt thing. Maybe I should have left off the skinny belt. I’m going to dig out a wider belt to see what happens. You’ve got me intrigued and thinking about Stevie Nicks! I have several dresses/dusters I could use! Hmmmm….
I have definitely reached the age when I wear more of what I want to wear. I’ve become more adventurous in combining colors and patterns. I adore florals and the whole cottage core (or cottage cove…can’t remember which it is) look. I have a closet almost entirely devoted to my April Cornell clothing. Right now, I need to do some minor tweaking…like moving the button on belts higher to my true waist, hemming a couple. I think April’s clothing is me. It’s the look I always gravitated to when I was teaching. I don’t know…I’m rambling now, too, I suppose, but I think it boils down to I wear what I like.
I feel like one of those bakers getting a handshake from Paul Hollywood when you say you love my blog! I think we could have such fun together…expensive fun, but fun nonetheless! And, I am going to run with that kindred spirit, Sheila!
I miss Michael Smaldone. Where is he now? Well I did find his home….
https://www.cottagesgardens.com/tour-fashion-designer-michael-smaldones-sag-harbor-restoration-2/pic/67915/
Actually, I had a conversation with him today on Instagram! He’s moved to the mountains of Colombia and is working with local people designing and creating organic and sustainable pieces. He seems very happy! I think he’s always surprised when I reach out to him. But, not as surprised as I am when he answers!
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I love that maxi skirt on you! It’s so nice with the print! I struggle a bit with trends – while I do buy second hand more than I buy new I still do shop new but some of the trends seem so short lived and I’d rather go for basics. I’ve been on a real push the past couple years to add more basics to my wardrobe. I think I’m just very basic and relaxed in my outfits! Part of that is being in the throws of mum life with two little ones and needing easy options I think! I have to say though I’m loving the tiered trend right now. To me the tiered pieces are pieces I’ll be wearing for years so I think it’s more of a style than a trend but I’m not any good with the labels and definitions in fashion – I just know I can’t resist a little tier or ruffle on a piece, haha!
Thanks for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! Hope you are having a great weekend 🙂 We had a quiet day yesterday as we had a big day at the zoo on Friday – we got to feed a giraffe!
Thank you so much for the compliment! I struggle with trends, too. Are they going to be around for a few years, or will they vanish with the changing seasons. As a retired person with not a huge social life right now, I hesitate to buy something I know will look dated in a few months. Having said that, it’s not unusual for me to buy things at the end of a season on clearance knowing I can pull a look together with what I already own.
I wish I’d been half as stylish as you are when I had little ones! Part of that I was exhausted! I started college when my youngest turned one! And, from that point on until graduating and getting a teaching job, it was a whir of going here, going there, arranging childcare, getting kids to school, etc.
I don’t know why tiers don’t appeal to me. It may be I think they can overpower me? Not sure. But, they do seem to be sticking around! But, give me ruffles any day of the week unless they’re on the shoulders. I don’t understand that trend…how do you wear anything over them?
It’s been a cooler rainy day here, and I love rainy days! Ah, feeding giraffes is such fun! They seem such lovely creatures!
Thanks for coming by!
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