to wear or not to wear? that is the question
It’s 2008! A new year = new fashion trends. Fresh picks. Out with the old and in with the new!
So all might be wondering what is in store for this year. This has been my routine for some time already…anticipating the fashion trends for the year. It’s not as if I follow trends from head to toe. I still go through the motion of looking for whatever fits me well and sticking to it. I don’t usually jump on the fashion trend bandwagon coz I’d still want to look diff from everybody else. Besides, I enjoy the mixing and matching of the old and new to create a brand new me.
Flipping thru magazines and browsing thru the internet…here are the fashion trends to watch for this year. Mind you, not all trends will suit you so be wise to choose what fits you well.
1. SHOES
Booties
will still be in for 2008. All kinds of it. Be it laced-up, buckled, flats, high-heeled, even the open-toed kind. This trend will stay for this year. Honestly, I’ve been seeing this for quite some time now but this is something I personally don’t like. There is something about "mukhang bitin" that doesn’t interest me. Hmmm….
Gladiator sandals. This one is quite interesting. Personally, I think 
you have to look feminine to pull this trend of…or at least have feminine looking footsies. This would be best worn with something like what Nicky Hilton is wearing here. Looks comfy, huh? I’m not sure if it is really comfy coz it looks like you’re stuck to it. It doesn’t have any arch support whatsoever. Maybe I’ll pass on this one too. Nice tan by the way…hehe.
2. CLOTHES
Maxi-dress. So what is a maxi-dress? From the word maxi, it connotes long or elongated. I personally think this trend will not fly here in the Philippines for two 
reasons, one it is hot in here, hello??? Uso nga suot mo, you’re sweating naman…eeewww! (Unless of course you’re always inside an air-conditioned room and/or your outfit is made out of a soft fabric and/or you’re not going to wear this trend here) and two, madaming petite sa Pinas. Please, please, please…if you’re under 5′4” do not attempt to wear this trend. You’d look, umm, shorter.
I still think Pinays will follow this trend for two reasons also. One, they tend to hide body flaws and two, this trend is creeping its way into the wardrobes of Hollywood celebrities. Alam mo naman tayo…hmmm….kung ano suot ni chuva, alinsunod! Haaay naku…
So what about the mini-dress? Some say it will still be a hot item for the year. Besides, this one is more suitable to our tropical climate.
Grecian. Ooh, I likey! I likey a lot! When I was growing up, 
I love the Grecian look. I was so fascinated with Greek Mythology and movies like Clash of the Titans. Maybe it’s because I love the feminine yet strong image of Grecian women like Aphrodite (Venus in Roman Mythology). Now you know why I’m fascinated with Venus tops (asymmetric tops/one-shouldered tops).
Anyway, you don’t have to look like ancient Greece to pull this trend of. You can wear anything that drapes your body either as a top or as a dress or gown, asymmetric or not. This is something you can wear with your gladiator sandals. Again, you gotta be feminine for this one. You wouldn’t want to look like a warrior, right? Hehe. Just beware of looking ancient. 
Waisted skirts. I don’t think my body is ready for this trend. Gotta get rid of my bilbil first. Hehe. Since the emergence of the "high-waist gang" of FPJ, women wearing high-waisted whatever, be it skirts, pants, jeans, are often teased of being a member of this gang. Haha! I personally don’t like this trend simply because it does not flatter my body…and not because of FPJ’s gang
Wide-legged pants. I love this one. In fact, I still have my wide-
legged trousers from Topshop bought 6 years ago and two from Mango bought 8 or 9 years ago (basta, bago pa lang MNG nun). I even bought two from Zara last year. It is just a pity I won’t be using them for long since I’ve resigned from work and I find them too trendy for the gym (where I’m usually at nowadays) Oh well. I’d just wear it someday when I go back to work.
Wide-legged jeans on the other hand is something I won’t probably 
follow since I am still not over the skinny jeans trend. For those skinny jeans lovers like me, don’t fret. This trend is not over yet. As long as there are models/celebs wearing this one, it ain’t over. But for me, I don’t care. If it fits me right, I’d still wear ‘em until I get tired of them probably. One thing that will retire in my closet would probably be leggings. I’m quite tired of it already. Some say this is still a hot trend for 2008 but I won’t join in for this year. Kayo na lang
3. ACCESSORIES
For accessories, bangles/cuffs will still be in. Pile ‘em up! I’d say. Some say just use one but I’d go for the piled up bangles/cuffs. Just don’t wear it together with piled necklaces. They’re gonna be hot this year. But together you’d look ummm, silly.
Hair ornaments will still be in. Head bands, thick and thin, plastic, elastic fiber or scarf. Due to my short hair do, I ain’t gonna follow this one too. (as if I ever did)
Bags over sized-clutch ala Sarah Jessica Parker will be hot this year. (Hmmm, I wonder if I still have mine from way back…)
4. COLORS
Grey will continue to shine this year. We’ll still see metallics but towards the summer months, dominant colors will be purple, yellow and orange. Earth tones are said to be colors to watch too.
5. PRINTS
We’ll still see blocks, florals, modern abstract, watercolors, blurred prints, ethnic/tribal, stars, dots and stripes.
6. STYLES
Hippie, volume, draped, asymmetric, tailored, boudoir (inner wear as outerwear), lace, see-through/transparency and ruffles.
Whew! There are lots! But if you follow these from head-to-toe, you’d look more of a fashion victim than a fashionista so be wary of what you follow. Again, in my previous post, here are some tips:
My Fashion MANTRA:
1. Don’t be a conformist…everybody looks the same…why should you?
2. Think "Longevity" - go for classic, timeless pieces. Need I explain why?
3. Trends will pass. You must know and keep what flatters you…update it, make it fresh and really owning it. Not just wearing it.
4. Be comfortable in your own skin. Exude confidence. You may be wearing an expensive outfit but if you’re not confident wearing it, oh, it will definitely show.
5. Accessorize - it will bring out the best in a simple outfit. A plain shirt and jeans will stand out with the right accessories.
6. Be the innovator, not the imitator. You don’t have to look like a certain person to be stylish, style is something that can not be copied no matter how hard they try. Once you own that look, YOU OWN THAT LOOK.
7. Mix and match. Mix classic with vintage stuff or trends for a fun flair.
8. Lastly, you don’t have to wear branded clothes to have style. Not everybody who can afford branded clothes are stylish. Some people think wearing branded clothes automatically make them stylish beings…hello??? What planet did you come from?
Remember…
"Fashion fades, Style is Eternal"
