2010, was it the end of another decade or the beginning of compiling yet another best and worst list? The answer to that question is both. Lists are essentially arbitrary contrivances of opinionated people, namely bloggers, writers and, of course, me. These lists chronicle the good, the bad and the god awful of a given period of time. As a casual observer and sometime participant in the fashion game, I have gained some insight into where modern fashion is and where it wants to go again and again. We will see some trends carry over into the next 10 years and others take a hike for a decade or two. But all in all, it is opinion of the people that in the end will prove the fleeting fancy of a Lady Gaga or the eternal staying power of a Madonna. Here’s my list, have at it and discuss among yourselves.
Best: The red lipstick trend.
Fashion always returns to the scene of their success. Nothing says sass and class like the red-lipped gal of days gone by reinterpreted for the modern miss.
Worst: Bad hair extensions on celebrities.
Doesn’t Britney have the money to hire someone to do her hair? Or is it just a white trash thing? Ditto for Paris Hilton. Phony and badly done hair extensions seem to be on every cable talk show host and housewife of one of those cities on Bravo. This makes me wish for the days of bad wigs and hair pieces.
Best: Faux lashes.
Whether friend or foe of the false lash, you have to admit that they do look great when applied properly. They’re inexpensive and easy to apply, so they’re a trend that will be around for a while. Their pricier permanent counterparts are also a good bet, but a little more green is needed if you want to be envied. Easiest of all are all the mascaras that tout new technology to take ho-hum lashes to extreme lengths. Lastly, the prescription treatments work for some. I personally noticed a client’s eyelashes and asked her if she was using Latisse, the product Brooke Shields hawks, and she said “yes!”
Worst: Ed Hardy.
Anything that a person can wear that has the words “Ed Hardy” on it. The skull stuff has to stop. Is that you Madonna? Shame on you!
Best: Wiskullsin.
In answer to the above, skull designs are only cool if they’re from Wiskullsin (http://wiskullsin.bigcartel.com/), a “skull” brand that actually has some meaning and wit behind the kooky local merchandise.
Worst: Sagging Pants.
Hands down, or should I say pants down, the worst has to be the sagging-pants trend that everyone sees but says nothing about. It is stupid, end of discussion.
Best: Democratic denim.
There seems to be something for everyone at every price point now. I never want to hear about not being able to find a good fitting pair of jeans again!!!!
Worst: Low-rise exposure.
People who still think low-rise denim, displaying their tramp stamp and thong color to everyone is “fashion.” Ditto to not realizing you have a muffin top! Come on ladies and gents, take a good look before you leave the house!
Worst: DIY distressed denim.
The same can be said for the do-it-yourself distressed denim that people sport. It’s bad enough when designers shred jeans within an inch of its life, but when you do it yourself, trust me, it looks like it!
Best: Embracing ladylike.
Bringing the ladylike looks back to women’s fashion. From ruffles, bow ties, lace and lots of other girly frills, designers have actually gotten just the right balance of sexy AND sophisticated.
Best: The resurgence of boots of all kinds.
Not since the swinging ’60s have there been so many ways to add swagger to an outfit. Riding boots, booties, peep toes and gladiators ruled the footwear roost the last few years and seem to have enormous staying power.
Worst: Uggs and their look alike brands.
I rank them in the category of the flip-flop; no matter how you dress them up, they still look like cheap bedroom slippers gone bad. Just awful, unless you’re actually at a ski resort après ski by the fire or something, but not with your pajama pants at the Walgreens on Brady Street.
Best: Dresses that are a bit longer than crotch length.
Honestly I never thought I’d see the day that a lot of the shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week showed longer skirt lengths on many of their dresses! Along with the ladylike, feminine trend, the longer skirt feels romantic and modern in this post-recession economy.
Worst: The hoochie mama train that continues to roll on and on like the energizer bunny.
These girls who love this “let it all hang out look” must be doing well because Dolly Parton once said, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap!”
Best: Men taking fashion more seriously.
Worst: Johnny Weir taking fashion more seriously.
Best: Attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC twice last year!
Worst: Not being able to personally thank all the people who read this column last year because I really appreciate the fact that your support encourages me to stay on this path. Like Sally Field said, “You like me, you REALLY like me!” Happy New Year, more good stuff to come in 2011, starting with my return in February to New York for the Fall 2011 shows!
