My sister gifted me with a pair of Dr. Martens during Christmas of 1997. I’ll admit that I didn’t quite know what to do with them. They were heavy tough looking shoes – nothing like what the other kids in my sixth grade class were wearing at the time. I complained about their weight at first but continued to wear them because I trusted that my sister, 12 years older and obviously much wiser [ie cooler], knew what she was talking about. I definitely got made fun of but I learned to love those shoes. Their weight eventually started to make me feel powerful. I knew that if I kicked something, I would leave a mark. And as an angsty adolecent, I thought a lot about kicking things. The pair of Dr. Martens that my sister bought me 10+ years ago still fit and when I wear them, I feel incredibe. I really do. I feel like a powerful woman who is ready and capable of kicking serious ass.
When I was younger, I never realized or appreciated the freedom that I had. I only wanted to be older so that I could make my own choices. I had no idea that in some instances, I would have greater restrictions placed upon me. I know not every child is given free reign with their wardrobe but that may have been the one place that my mother actually allowed me autonomy. Looking at home videos with her, she sometimes remarks on how “wild”, I looked. I want to tell her – yes, exactly. Wild and free! When you’re a child, what you wear doesn’t have all the implications that it does when you’re “grown up”. When you’re only 8, heart sunglasses don’t make people roll their eyes and call you a hipster. If in the middle of the day you’re seen parading around in a tutu and sweatshirt, you’re not suspected of doing a walk of shame – you’re simply being individualistic…creative…a kid!
Stella McCartney’s second collaboration with Gap Kids is a welcome reminder that Childhood Is Calling.
Last week, my mother called me to ask if I knew about the new LL Bean Signature collection. After an eye-roll that she couldn’t see and giving her the address to my blog for the 100th time, we started talking about how much we enjoy the LL Bean flagship store. As if reading my mind, my mom then asked me if I wanted to move our family’s summer vacation to Maine. Umm yes, please! My farm fantasy is getting closer to reality! Two of my fantasy farm requirements are close proximity to both the mountains and the ocean. Maine is pretty ideal. Let’s just hope my mom wasn’t humoring me. She often is.
!!!!
!! free range chickens!!
Vogue Korea March 2010
Photography: Hong Jang-hyun
Models: Kim Won-kyoung & Lee Ji-yeon
I’ve never given much thought to the Canadian fashion scene but recently it seems like a lot of emerging designers/labels are coming from my neighbors to the north. Right now, I’m particularly enchanted with Ella Peru, a young label designed by Su-Hui Chu. Chu won the Generation Next competition during British Columbia Fashion Week with her Spring 2010 collection. I love the mix-n-match feel of her pieces and appreciate the delicate balance between casual clothing and casual clothing – if you know what I mean.
[Scheduled Post] This weekend, I discovered that I love Dolly Parton. It started because Netflix kept suggesting her film, “Straight Talk”, to me. After weeks of ignoring it, I finally caved and committed to watching at least the first 15 minutes. Pretty soon, I found myself deeply invested in the main character’s trials and tribulations because that Dolly Parton is just so gosh darn charming! I like spunky women who wear plenty of rhinestones. PLUS! her wiki bio is incredibly impressive and Dolly Parton understands that the combination of sequins and denim is awesome!
Trendology is the case study of a fashion obsessed Gemini living on a fixed income in NYC. To contact, please e-mail Jillian [trendology.blog (at) gmail.com].
disclaimer:
Please keep in mind that this is a personal blog and all opinions expressed here are solely mine and do not represent that of my employer or any other organization.
