Suzanne's Tips and Tales

Summer Style Sensations

Do you remember when Sienna Miller wore that gypsy skirt some 5 or more years ago or when boot cut jeans first made an appearance?  Those who like safety erred on the side of caution, i.e. they waited until the shops were saturated with the latest look – knowing full well that by then they would look out-of-date if not sporting the latest style to hit the big time.

By then of course, the fashionistas were setting the next trend leaving the said gypsy skirt in their wake.  I remember listening to the radio and a conversation was repeated about how a Dutch tourist thought the white frill skirt was our National dress – that shows how many women were wearing them and if I recall, regardless of whether they looked great or not.

Of course, now anyone seen in one would stick out like a sore thumb, unless worn in a way that can be argued as being ‘vintage’ or bo-ho – two terms that helps women get away with anything!!

Anyway, last weekend on a Saturday night trip to Cardiff Bay, which I hasten to add is not my usual territory – especially on a Saturday, my eyes were certainly opened.

I had been scruffing around the house all day in a maxi dress – I’ve been wearing them for the past 4 years (well not all year for 4 years clearly), when no-one else seemed to be doing so.  I’ve got an original 1970’s version and a few more besides.

Laziness made me want to wear it out that evening, but something deep in my gut told me to change into something a little more.. well a little different.  So I dolled up in my Western/Indian garb – a touch of the Bollywood going on – I am half Indian so I’ve got lots of bits and pieces that fit the bill.

Oh, boy, how glad am I!  I kid you not!  Every other woman wore a maxi dress – all shapes and sizes, most of them being hitched up at the boobs.  Swarms of women gathered outside bars and restaurants – it was a uniform.

That’s what we call ‘critical mass’ when a style or fashion item is available in all shops and worn by a lot of people.  Suddenly it becomes one of two things – a classic, i.e, it will still be okay to wear it 5 years from now, or.. like the gypsy skirt it will die a death.  I hope not.  I think maxi frocks are a staple like the LBD.  They’ve taken too long to return since the 1970’s so I hope they are around for a while.

I knew there was good reason not to ignore my 6^th sense which is why I was the only person in my Indian Summer garb while everyone else followed like sheep with the maxi.  Talking of which, a recent feature in the South Wales Echo provides some personal shopping hot tips on getting the Bollywood look just right.

indian.pdf

 

Posted by Suzanne on 20th Jun 2010