i also don’t find those atrocious 80s cowboy sort of buckles that are showing up on ankle boots and bags. they just spell out trashy trailer to me.

i really love that tailored pieces, especially pants, are making a comeback. i like a higher rise (higher than squat and show half your ass crack) and i think it’s more flattering for most.

i was in urban outfitters the other day, trying on pants, and i couldn’t believe the sad state of denim these days. no one wants to break things in. jeans, nowadays, are paper thin and have no option to gather a desirable patina. by the time you wear them in, you’ve actually just worn them out.

i’d hope that society begins to relish, again, in high quality goods, even if it comes at a slight cost. it may be that i’m getting older and perhaps, wiser, but i’d like to make more dedicated purchases; ones in which i want to wear it for years, not weeks. same goes for shoes. i’m sick of those stupid insignificant little rubber soles.

Though I am all for irony in every outfit, I find myself moving more towards tongue in cheek sophisticate and less kitsch, wearing a lot more neutrals and equestrian/ military-inspired pieces. Thrifting often informs my fashion, however, and a good find changes everything. Case in point… moving from sleek, flat italian boots to chunkier motorcycle boots.

That said, I don’t mind any trend too much as long as it is worn thoughtfully, with care.

What do I hope is next? I too would like to see more sustainable fabrics, less logos or “funny” phrases, a move AWAY from leather and fur (even the faux type, it still glamourizes the REAL stuff :S) Perhaps a move back to a more conservative look, more dresses, cardigans, sweatervests…not necessarily a preppy look, just a more edgy conservatism. Less skin, less tanning, more textures, more REAL.

a.) I’ve been waiting for skinny jeans to go back out since they came back “in.” Personally? I think the “jegging” is the death knell. Cutesy neologisms like that tend to spell doom. I’ve never been a fan of the big granny glasses either, but I don’t care; those hipsters look cute, I say let them have their fun.

b.) looking forward to? Sorry art students – growing up in the NW, I loved grunge as a teen, and I’m happy to have those plaid shirts back. In fact, I hope they stay awhile, and here’s why: first, grunge is the most democratic fashion statement I know. Go to any Goodwill. Bam! You’re in style. Secondly, for our climate, grunge is comfortable and practical. Other things I’m looking forward to – there seems to be a lot of ballet-inspiration in the air lately. I grew up dancing, and I’ve always loved floaty layers and bateau necks. I say, bring on the blush pink! I really loved all the indigo and chambray last summer. I hope that sticks around a little while longer; people were doing very cool things with old denim, such an American textile. Love it.

3.) couldn’t say, but I like seeing what others think!

B. I don’t know… I’ve been wondering for a while if high-waist jeans will come back with a vengeance now that hip huggers are a bit less popular?

I agree with Sally, “50s style full-skirted dresses with fitted bodices came back into style” would be awesome.

Also, I think it would be nice if the art was put back into (young) people’s fashion. At my school, being stylish or into fashion means that you keep up with every little trend (hence all the orange-skinned girls with oversized glasses and leggings). Piecing together your own outfits based on your own ideas of style does not mean you’re interested in fashion… instead, it’s perceived as being uncool and out-of-touch. And isn’t that the point, the art, of fashion? Thinking up your own clothes or combinations, rather than wearing the exact same thing that everyone else wears?