This is normcore

Honestly, I can't help but laugh. There is literally a new fashion trend based on not following fashion trends. Normcore, which I've heard described as hardcore normal people. Hmm, someone up there is running out of ideas, no? Just because a certain look is not all over the runways or filling the manufactured streets of LA does not make it any less cool; it actually makes it cooler. So I guess the wardrobe expressionist elite are suddenly realizing this and subsequently taking a crap all over it. If Normcore means dressing the way you want despite the notoriously overpriced, unoriginally inspired, often try hard trends of the fashion world then I'd have to say I've been a fan before the club even existed.

It always seemed like a serious contradiction to me, fashion trends representing personal style. It is similar to all the goths and supposed freaks in high school that were supposedly so different, yet all dressed the same.

I say it so much it will probably be on my tombstone, but personal style is supposed to be personal, not redundant in the form of all the cool peeps that run this oh so coveted world of fashion looking like different adaptions of the same novel.

You know, I actually thought about Photoshopping this photo because of my lower stomach. But then I laughed because I don't know how to use Photoshop, I never edit my photos in any way, shape or form because I don't know how, and also, that'd just be weird. As we nitpick at all our supposed flaws, we don't register in the fact that most of the people all over magazines and other media look a lot more like us than it seems. Did you see the Huffington Post article about the biggest Photoshop bloopers major corporations committed in attempt to create thigh gaps, Barbie waists, and toothpick arms? I loved it because it affirms what we all need to realize, and that is that we're all human, meaning we're all imperfect. Let's just all be imperfect together, it'll lighten the load, and likely lessen the eating disorders.

In other news, my afros' back! I think I like it better than other hairstyles because it's freeing. This may sound really cheesy but I feel more in touch with myself when donning my natural hair, though for some reason, I get a lot of attention for it.

These bootcut jeans (oh my gosh, I'm wearing jeans!) are from The Gap, but I actually got them thrifting in San Fran. This little crop top is from Forever 21. I often wonder about the whole crop top thing. Because of wear it stops, your lower stomach (the most problematic problem area) is on full blast, like who, other than the bourgeois of body composition can get away with this? I must have felt pretty slim the day of purchase. Either way, I just shrugged and put it on, I mean Normocore is in, right?

Shorts

With all its patterns, prints and pleats, fashion can really be very loud.  All the colors, cuts, and curated cloths can make quite the statement, no verbal accompaniment necessary.  Simplistic outfits can be just the fresh, understated, but still relevant look craved when the fashion frenzy becomes a bit overwhelming.

Lately, when I want to be relaxed but still "dressed" I opt for an oversized flannel. It's like this universal piece that instantly adds edge to a look, complementing other, simple pieces in just the right way.

I tied this Alison Daley one around my waist to add some intrigue to a basic, summer in the fall, tank and high waisted mini shorts look. I picked it up for like a dollar thrifting in San Fran. I actually think it might be my favorite one because the print is just so classic. 

Wearing a flannel around your waist can take away some of the revealing aspect of a barely there outfit, the big piece of fabric grounds the look so you're not bordering on naked.

Speaking of short things, I love my hair this length. I'm pretty sure I said it before but short hair actually feels more feminine and sexy than long hair. I guess maybe hair can be some kind of subconscious security blanket that automatically exudes beauty so without it, that beauty is pulled from within. It feels very liberating and edgy.

Fame 'n Fashion

Sometimes you don't have to go shopping to wear a new outfit. Creating a fresh ensemble can be as simple as a bright pair of pants landing next to a cool graphic tee in the midst of actually trying to find something to wear; and suddenly realizing how good these two pieces look together.

The fun of fashion, er, personal style (what exactly is the difference again?) is that in its most authentic sense, it is a garment gilded potion concocted exclusively by the wearer. True style is creating a no-rules-barred look that needs no validation or explanation. It is simply a statement about the wearer made by the wearer; that no trend-of-the-moment can harness.

This oversized "Fame is Boring" tee is from Forever 21. I loved it the moment I saw it because I agree so earnestly with its statement. While fame may not appear boring to the everyday person, having any sense of a personal life eradicated from you in exchange for money gets pretty dry after a while I'm sure.

And much like the other 97% of my wardrobe, this tee eventually went on clearance, which led to audible excitement on my part. I guess not many people agreed with its statement, though I really wish they did because I think it'd make life a better, less trash filled place.

Oh and these red-hot animal print pants are from Rave; a shop that went through a billion different names and ownerships so I'm not sure what it's actually called now. Of course I slashed up the front of them for that distressed look which I personally like best layered over fishnets.

Don't Think too Mush

Ever since I moved to San Francisco my style has become a lot more..comfortable. It could be due to dancing becoming a more prominent factor in my life therefore upping my desire for comfort and mobility, although the city's laid back hippe vibe could be playing a role as well. All I wear, pretty much, are leggings. I mean I can write, dance, and sleep in them; talk about functional clothing! I really want more though, trying to decide if the high price of really legit ones is worth it or if I can continue shopping at reasonably priced places and thrift stores and still obtain what I'm looking for. It's worked pretty well so far.

These dancer leggings (I think that's their actual title) are from American Apparel. I was so pumped upon receiving these because up until recently American Apparel was solely a wishlist for this poor little rich girl. Being the definition of cheap chic (light on the chic) I just couldn't bring myself to splurge on basics, it had an oxymoron feel to it. But now as a proud owner of these sleek little babies I admit I kinda get the pricing. They're so comfortable, though I sweat a little too hard to actually dance in these, they work for everything else.
You remember this little boy Transformers tee right? Yeah, after a couple of years it's been cut and cropped a bit, and kind of washed into a blithering mess of a garment which of course now makes it perfect. I still get off on the little bling things detailing the face of Optimus Prime, even though a good amount of them have fallen off.

I'm wondering if/when this whole flannel around the waist thing is going to die off for me. It's so weird because I honestly don't remember looking in a mag or blog and being inspired by this styling quirk that has been my almost everyday for months now, but it's kind of everywhere. I kind of think I can just feel trends, which isn't all that great because I'm a little vehemently against them. But this is the billionth time I've been personally feeling a look only to have it pop up all daisy style less than a month later splattered over the fashion world. Hmm..spies..

Small Talk

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I can't really say specifically how I would define the way I  dress because I just wear what I'm attracted to and don't attempt to fit a category or whatever. I believe that style is/should be an extension of the wearer so for me my emotions and personality play a big role in what I put on every day.

 I guess my style is pretty funky but chill. I love bright colors, cool prints, and stuff that is either kind of eccentric or will allow me to make it that way. I'm really attracted to effortlessness though, like oversized tees, leggings, beanies and Chucks- I think that might also be because I'm a hip hop dancer too though, so naturally I like comfort and mindless mobility; always gotta be ready to bust a move.

 

Q: Where do you shop? 

A: Not to sound all hipster or whatever but I really don't like shopping at mainstream stores, well except for Forever 21 in Palmdale because their clearance section is ridiculous.

 I really love thrifting, Goodwill, and those little cheap boutiques that have random stuff that's really cool- like $3 neon green little boy sweaters that I can thankfully fit, even though my long arms make the sleeves look three quarter length.

I'm super cheap when it comes to clothes because getting dressed is just fun for me, I firmly believe in fierce fashion minus the fuss. I don't need the expensive stuff because that's just not my life right now, I'm a little bit of a wild child bum that runs all over the city and just likes pulling cool stuff on without having to think twice of how to care for it. I dance pretty much everyday and run around stuffing clothes into messenger bags, it would kind of suck if they were expensive right? The price isn't important anyway, it's all about the presentation.

(all fotos taken with iphone4, 2012)

Steez

Soo guess what! I finally went to Urban Outfitters, though I hardly lasted ten minutes so I'm not even sure if that counts. Any longer and I think I would've died of horror or begun to have thoughts of terrorism. There were so many trends, it was disgusting. The store should be called "How to be Cool 101" or "Latest Trends". The place is pretty much a how to in young people fashion and I hate it because it negates the meaning of true style which should be cultivated from within.

There were those removable collar things like everywhere and enough peplum and floral denim to plant a garden. Don't get it twisted, I definitely like some of the stuff that's big right now but what irks me is pairing everything together in this formulated manner that creates clothing self conscious clones rather than confident individuals who have fun with fashion and dress for themselves.

There should be no such thing as "the look" or "whats in". The look should be what looks and feels good on the individual wearing it. That's when clothes really look good- when they're an honest apparent extension of the wearer. How can one define whats in style when true style is found in the individual?

Speaking of personally cultivated style, have you heard that Thrift Shop song? It's kinda my theme for the moment.

(overalls wal mart/shirt and flannel thrifted/boots f21)