Little bit of Sharon fashion Transition

This is the second girl to have told me that her mom bought her dresses, but she really did not want to wear them. The older I get the more I’ve found ‘mother knows best’, but everyone’s style evolution is different, that is what makes these articles possible…

Sharon 2.0

For some children their parents can be style icons, in Shazz’s case her mom was slim and pretty and was young in the 70’s, so mini’s it was. This not being what Sharon would wear she looked else were for inspiration. Before stretch jeans came along, it was hard to find a good fit; I can second this! With slight ‘rear insecurity’ she chose to live in joggers and Adidas bottoms for comfort until she was about 18. This being said, Sharon has always felt over dressed when smart and prefers a casual approach.

For me it becomes clearer when Sharon tells me that her favourite artists are the likes of French Blek le Rat and Banksy. These are artists with a message and a voice that they need to get out there, their style is street but in it there is beauty. Not only this but an attraction to body art, of which she has a few. This is one of the oldest art forms that used to have a bad rep. Though it is now very popular and the stigma of the past has left, yet it still holds a toughness and sense of power.

 

Still sticking with her comfortable jeans, she has a variety of vests and t-shirts. She claims this sort of clothing suits her life style; her love for dance/electronic music does lead to late nights in dark and sometimes dirty clubs such as SE1, Great Suffolk St Warehouse and Cable. Bearing this in mind a girl needs to be comfortable and footwear is essential in for this… Funky trainers and other accessories (belts, necklaces and slogans) that are less for comfort but more to reflect her cool, laid back and up for a laugh attitude make for a style all Sharon. Blood Hound Gang was the sound track for this 80’s child, but that is long ago and they’ve made space for a lot of Electro and lasers. Not dropping her first influence on the dance scene, drum and bass … of which Omni Trio – Renegade Snares basically got her into her much loved dance.

 

Now at work it’s a very different story, because here is where Sharon applies some power dressing. Having seen it for myself, I must say it is a sight to behold. And I agree with her completely, sometimes a girl needs to wear her power. The Insurance industry, where she works is so male dominated; donning a body-con dress and heels can give you the edge to make your mark.
If any of you out there wanted to share your transition, please get in touch.

Music: Your guiding force

I am listening to old Bob Marley and the lyrics of This is Love got me thinking; “I want to love you and treat you right.” This is what I want from love and the man I spend my life with, to be treated right and share shelter, metaphorically speaking.

Now, as teenager’s we listened to a lot of Bob Marley, he chilled us out, without herbal aids, and was great to sing along to when partying. As I got older and was not just singing along to the tracks I found many answers and wisdom in his lyrics. How much of what we believe in comes from the music we listened to as kids, teens and even now…

What power lies with the artist’s of a generation, especially when they are the likes of Justin Bieber and One Direction? I was born in the 80’s but on route to church we used to listen to some golden oldies. When people started revolutionising music the parents of the time resisted it and said it would influence the children. Looking back we never understand because we see that the kids deserved the freedom to explore.

This led to free love and hippies travelling the world and not settling down, women working and mass independence. All good things, but when your 11 year old daughter is looking up to Rihanna smoking weed and selling her flesh, sorry I meant flashing her flesh, you do worry, right? Music, as always, does guide us and the youth of the nation, with shallow lyrics about ‘the boy checking you out’ what will we become?

This is not a slate on all music but popular music is what is reaching the masses and that is what is being preached. I would now like to make mention of Nneka, whose voice is amazing! She has not compromised her lyrics, plus Chase and Status have remixed her song Heartbeat, which you feel in your bones and your heart.

 Next time you lend your ear out to a tune think about what it is that you are allowing to become a part of you. They can sell just about anything by adding a catchy tune to it and a half dressed woman.

Fashion Transitions- Caroline

After writing about my own fashion transition to how my dress-sense has developed, I wanted to look at some other people’s journey and share that. As I see it you become more yourself and grow into your style as you go through life. My friend, Caroline has shared some information with me about her fashion past.
At 5 years old she packed herself some shorts and a T-shirt to change into at her grandparent’s anniversary luncheon, because of her disdain for the frilly dresses her mom dressed her in. This was not her, as she was more comfortable in boy-ish clothing. She recalls her flairs and platform boots much like those the Spice Girls rocked in the 90’s.

Her teenage years brought with it the grunge inspiration that went with the music of our generation. LInkin Park, System of the Down and Prodigy; and you wearing baggy skater pants, denim and tie dye. These are in yet again but this was a staple throughout most of us 80’s babies’ youth.

Now let’s Rave and see what happens!? This is a time when you want to break free from what is expected and become comfortable with your sexuality. The common dress is little crop tops and short skirts with comfortable shoes to dance the night away. Bikini tops, chaps and hot pants are not only practical because of the heat but you look hot and at ease.

Everything we do affects the way we dress being a free spirit and a creative with heroes such as HR Giger, Dali, and Van Gogh would encourage one to wear clothing that is individual and truly you. This will vary from person to person; some may choose to keep up with trends others might break away from them completely. Caroline now wears her skirts a tad longer than in the raving days, but still has a certain sex appeal. Loving bold dresses, bright colours and baggy over pieces scream creative and that is just what she is.

Upon asking her if she thought a certain career would change the way she presented herself, she shared with us that the role she fills now does not require her to dress up or impress anyone. She can wear what she wants’ but she keeps it covered as to not attract unwanted attention from wandering eyes in the office. Looking forward to managing her own time when she spreads her wings at the end March and starts focusing on some new ideas and inspirations, I am sure that there will be changes in the way she dresses. But, one thing is certain; this girl will remain true to herself!