While in NYC for fashion week, it dawned on me that no matter what magazines, blogs and TV shows tell people to wear, they always find their own interpretation of what they believe to be of the moment, at least for them. That is the reason I started writing this blog, simply to share fashion thoughts and leave it to the reader to sort out. I don’t want to tell you what to wear now, or ever actually. It’s just that I’m totally immersed in the style stimulation of the world we live in that I can’t help but spread it around. Sharing the “secrets” of the way we as individuals adapt or expand on those ideas is what living fashionably is all about. Herewith are smatterings of interviews with some Milwaukee folks I randomly saw on my rounds of the town, and some pictures of the bold and beautiful in the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week who also owned their looks. You’ll find their style ideas unique, distinctive and perhaps inspirational. Or not. That is the beauty of it.
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| June Ambrose |
June Ambrose/ Celebrity Stylist/ MBFW
June does it all, pattern mixing, bright colors, oversized accessories, but in the right way. If you’re going to wear leopard print, fuchsia and a floral-print scarf, you better be a stylist and have the confidence to flaunt it.
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| Shannon Rosandich |
Shannon Rosandich/ Hairdresser at Beauty/ Milwaukee
“I would describe my style as very whimsical. I like flowy, flowery and kind of more romantic feminine styles. I just got this dress from Target. It was a great deal for $20. I will transition from my cardigan sweater, tights and boots with this dress to flip-flops, which I try to bust out as soon as possible for as long as possible.”
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| Bejeweled |
Bejeweled Girl/ MBFW
She told me she made her headband and shoulder pieces. I thought she looked very pretty, kind of a hippie-’80s hybrid. Her makeup was flawless. too.
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| Milunka Radicevic |
Milunka Radicevic/ Manager Three Brothers Restaurant/ Bay View
“This spring I want to get big tribal jewelry pieces. I’m also looking for some gorgeous gladiator sandals with beading detail, or a wedge pump in a bold funky color. Maybe a couple of sheer blouses or lacy shirts that are reminiscent of the ’40s, and I can’t wait to don a pencil skirt. Ladylike with a little bit of edge is what it is. My splurge will be a caramel /cream/coffee color leather jacket that has a fitted silhouette. To give me that rocker chic look, I’ll wear it with a tank top, jeans and heels.”
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| Icelandic Princess |
Icelandic Princess/ MBFW
I really loved her out-there persona. She had a lot going on, blond hair with dreads, pastel pink dress, fuzzy white coat, sparkly tights and an Indian-inspired jewel on her forehead. That is what I would call a lot of look. She pulls it off well though, and seems comfortable in her own skin. Success!
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| Mitch Fry |
Mitch Fry/ Shopper at ReThreads/ Riverwest
“I like casual style but don’t want it to be bland and blah. I like a little bit of edge to it. Just enough where you have your own take on it. It’s also nice to throw something into the mix that you’re uncomfortable with or not used to, and in a while it becomes your wardrobe staple. I like mixing it up. I am a T-shirt and jeans guy, who puts on a lot of layers. I like a v-neck with a hoodie and a jacket. Nothing too major I guess.”
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| Red Rock It |
Red Rock It/ MBFW
I saw this guy waiting to get into a show in the tents and just thought his ramped up sportswear look was realistically done. The layered outerwear with shiny against matte, and the color and texture of the patterned scarf was very modern to my eyes. This is great street style personified.
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Do you see a pattern here? The practice of good style is not just the realm of people we read about in magazines. Each of these individuals has their own take on what is cool, hip, happening, trendy, bold and up to the minute, for THEM. It is the epitome of what it means to have a cultural fashion democracy here in Milwaukee, or anywhere for that matter.
