Thursday, March 26, 2009

Is your clothing age appropriate?

Hello out there in Fashionland!  Are you dressing appropriately for your age???
Many of you may think you are, but please know just because you can fit it doesn't necessarily mean it's for you.  This goes for men and women.  I hate to admit it, but this article actually applied to me, (however, my case was minor... LOL) keep reading and you'll see why.

I see these bloopers on a daily basis and i say to myself "WHY?", but I can only assume. 

1. You want to relive some of your teen years

2. You want to show the youngin' that you look just as good as them or better in their gear.

3. You are reminiscing physically, I mean literally!

4. All of your clothes were in the laundry and you had to borrow from a younger sibling/child because you could only fit that person's clothing.

When I had the idea for this article I was shopping for my little sister who is 14 years old.  I fell in love with a pair of Harajuku Lovers sneakers.  I said, "I have to get these for her!" They were something that I'd totally wear, or would have worn had i been years younger!  The funny thing was, I told myself that if they had 2 pairs I'd get one for her and one pair for me, and sure enough there was one size 8 and one size 8 1/2.  Perfect, I thought, one for Kendra and one for me, it's meant to be!  


Here's a hint -when you think you're too mature for something, you most likely are; especially If you have to ask someone else's opinion.  I took a pic of the sneakers and sent it to my friend Yoko, who by the way loves to dress fun, funky and young.  She saw the pic and text me a bold "Hell NO!"  I was shocked that she of all people would say no.  I bought the sneakers anyway.  I got home and tried them on with some skinny jeans- "Uhn, Uhn" I said while shaking my head in the full length mirror) I said "Oh no, I'm being the person that I am about to write about!"  It was like I was in denial.  I then sent the picture to my husband and he pretty much had the same response as my friend!  I immediately took off the sneakers, put them back in the bag with the receipt and returned them the following day.

A week before this I was chuckling to myself at an older woman at the gym who was well over 60 and she had on a hoodie, but get this - it had bright colors and designs all over it, I thought to myself "Granny where the hell are you going with your grand daughter's hoodie?!!"   

She was beaming and I knew she felt wonderful.  More often than admitted, our clothing have substantial psychological meaning behind it.  It may remind us of good places in our lives, comfortable places, safe places... the list goes on, but enough of the violins playing in the back!
Take it off! Take it off!  Guys and gals wear things that are age appropriate.

Granny could still have fun with her clothing by putting on colorful panties or socks, undergarments represent our personality as well without making us look too juvenile- well at least to the public.  A brightly colored printed bag, earrings or a bright color wrap/sweater can also represent our fun side.  A garment that has a great design can also show our personality, it doesn't have to be bright, but if it's detailed nicely with  something like 3/4 length sleeves, or even embellishments it totally exudes personality.  Check out these 2 hoodies from Forever21, both priced under $25.  Perfect store for grandma to get that hoodie since she feels 21!




For my scenario, a pair of all star converse would work.
 I could just get a pair in a metallic silver or bronze which shows my fun side, but it doesn't look like I'm trying to be too young, plus these go better with  Gucci or Louie bag! You have to know when to snap out of it and I'm glad I returned my purchase before receiving a ticket from the Fashion Police for Juvenile Delinquency!

Now guys, I don't talk to you much, but I am now. Once you hit about 25 years old, it's time to put those darn colorful hoodies up yourself!  
This is not attractive to the opposite sex, unless you are trying to gain the attention from the younger crowd.  






Women will not take you seriously dressing in clothes targeted towards high school students!  Look at these styles above, if you own any that is even similar, please burn them, or better yet donate them to a charity or your nearest Salvation Army.



It's funny that while I'm writing this article I came across another article that I posted below on Pharell Williams- music producer and owner of the Billionaire Boys Club.  I think it's really interesting to hear the story behind the clothing which confirms number 1 listed above.
Here Pharell describes the hoodies that are in his clothing line.
"The patterns are like children's wallpaper gone out of control," Pharrell told the New York Times.  "I'm reliving my childhood in clothing. This generation is like that. We all hit our 30's and want to be kids. We like breakfast cereal beyond breakfast hours, and we're into SpongeBob." (Interview 2006)

 
Pharell's line does have some nice mature pieces that still has a fun side to it without being too kiddie-ish.  View this link and swap out the colorful hoodie for this one.
http://www.bbcicecream.com/store/ic_28315008_b.php

Hey I know the new saying is "30 is the new 20", but please not the gear too.  Stay vivacious, open minded and step out and take more risks.   Rocking these hoodies and other juvenile clothing aren't taking much of a risk at all, it's trendy and over done (sooo 2006!) so take a real Fashion risk and step up your game, grown man style, grown woman style.  Don't be afraid to release the FASHIONBEAST that lives in you!