Lets be Honest

This post is in response to the abundant fashion sites I peruse on a daily basis that highlight everyday women in their street clothes describing their style. While these women are featured for their ability to inspire others with their fashion aptitude, I am reminded of the numerous others who hide behind verbal justifications.

When someone is asked to describe their personal style, they use words that are positive in nature. People usually think the way they dress is pretty great--otherwise they would not dress as such. Behind the seemingly harmless, well-intentioned adjectives are often disturbing, ill-conceived looks. A black hole of fashion cliches exists just beyond the innocent ramblings of a lost fashion soul. Below are adjectives that often hide someone's affinity for sweatpants with sports jerseys or vinyl miniskirts with go-go boots.

Law: The following phrases should be outlawed when used as descriptions of a person's individual style.

"I like unique pieces that are timeless"; the fact that they are timeless means they have stood the test of time--hence tried, true and tested by many before you.

"Quirky"; this is translation for "I am often caught on the worst dressed list because of my hedgehog stuffed-animal handbag and tendency toward tie dyed stretch pants."

"Feminine"; I have nothing against this description if more than floral prints are implied.

"Flowy"; This is just another word for potato sack. Lets get some darts and seaming on this garment!

"Comfortable"; ex soccer players use this word to rationalize still living in their hooded sweatshirts and triple striped pants.

"Eclectic"; think Chicos linen dresses and buttonless cardigans mixed with tribal inspired jewelery--times 10.

Dressing "authentically"; This word annoys me the most because the person who uses it underhandedly patronizes everyone else's clothing choice. The definition of authentic is "not false or immitation", so I don't understand how anyone wearing clothing is inauthentic unless the clothing is made from fruit roll up. I am pretty sure if you are wearing clothing, that is about as authentic as you can get.

Portland- Don't get caught in a "What Not to Wear" moment. Get honest or get dressed!