The Carnivale de Couture Is Here!
Manolo, despite getting the name of the blog wrong, has graciously extended to me the opportunity to host this week's Carnivale de Couture. Originally posed by Jody, this question is so much fun I think everyone will want to play:
So there you have it, the Great Northwest Casual Uniform. What do the streets look like in your neck of the woods?
Bloggers leave your link as a comment, before 8 am (PDT) Monday, June 5th. Because I have comment moderation switched on, I will just pick up the link from my email (don't get distressed because the comment doesn't publish, that's how it's supposed to work). No blog? You are invited, too. Submit your entire post as a comment.
I shall work my little fingers to the bone on Monday, posting the Carnivale as soon as possible. What fun!
Suppose you stepped off a plane in your neighborhood, city, or country. Could you tell you were home by how people were dressed? Is there a Regional Casual Uniform? What do people (and you may narrow down to a specific segment of the population if you like) wear when they are going out, during the day, going to be seen, but not needing to dress up?Bottoms Up!
- Here in the Great Northwest, while the bottom may be a skirt, shorts, or pants, there will be something "outdoorsy" about it. If it isn't denim and/or it doesn't have cargo pockets, no doubt it is tree-colored.
- No such variety in tops, though. Last MOPS meeting, when I was trying to point out a particular mom, it went something like this: "See the lady in the black shirt? Well, behind her is another lady in a black shirt. Then there's so-and-so, wearing a black shirt. Well, the lady you're looking for is the next one".
- And then there are shoes. Why so many people insist on wearing shoes that look like these when they could have Chacos, that is something I just don't get.
So there you have it, the Great Northwest Casual Uniform. What do the streets look like in your neck of the woods?
Bloggers leave your link as a comment, before 8 am (PDT) Monday, June 5th. Because I have comment moderation switched on, I will just pick up the link from my email (don't get distressed because the comment doesn't publish, that's how it's supposed to work). No blog? You are invited, too. Submit your entire post as a comment.
I shall work my little fingers to the bone on Monday, posting the Carnivale as soon as possible. What fun!
posted by Rebecca | 5:58 AM
10 Comments:
In my neck of the woods (SE Montana) you would see plenty of cowboys -- cowboy hats, boots, Wranglers bootcut jeans, leather belts with big buckles, and button up (or snap up) shirts with collars. Some of these cowboys wear long sleeved shirts all through the summer.
The ladies -- well, there are some cowgirls which would wear much the same kinds of things the men wear, but instead they'd have on a string top or a tank top with their jeans during summer.
Lately, I'm seeing lots of people wearing those Crocs (ugly, brightly colored shoes). Why do they want to wear those?? And why is it that large people wear short- shorts and string tops and skinny people cover up? That's how it is here anyway.
~Jody
Those Skechers sandals are much different from "Chacos"?
Ella -- or do we call you DE? -- you crack me up! Be careful, you might get me on my anti-backless-shoes soapbox.
Friends: Designer Ella can be found at the "Kiss Me, Stace" link, under Fashion Blogs, in my sidebar.
You know, Rebecca, I have been thinking of this post often these last couple of days and yesterday when Katie and I went out shopping I tried really hard to determine if there was a uniform in this city and I have decided there is and there isn't. Depending on what part of the city you go to, you will see some "likenesses," but nothing I think one could call a uniform. Happily, I did notice the lack of black (which I don't like and think far too many people wear when it doesn't look good on them). In one certain area of the city, the uniform could be described as this: Tan, breast implants, good hair, false nails, French manicured toenails, muscular bodies that are showing off as much as possible - these are the conspicous consumers driving their expensive cars, wearing their expensive jewelry, and often lacking in taste and modesty :-), but apparently not credit. Another area will find almost everyone wearing athletic attire. In the part of the city where the money is old, you see lots of cute skirts and halters on the younger women and the older women wear their money in the most inconspicuous ways :-) to anyone but the trained eye. Even in the small circle I live in, I wouldn't say there is a uniform, though probably all of Dallas is known for hair, tans, and skin showing - after all it is hot!
Susan
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and pass through touristy areas on a regular basis. Visitors are fairly easy to distinguish, as natives know better than to pack shorts for a May vacation. I've often seen whole families shivering in Alcatraz hoodies and shorts and flip-flops down at Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39!
I don't really notice that much of a "uniform" look around here, though the faux-hippy look is everywhere. Most folks I know mix up their wardrobes with thrift store finds; there's a LOT of vintage around here. Oh, and that French-pedicure is prevalent as well. Thank heavens I haven't seen too many Crocs around here, they are peerlessly fugly!
~B
Here in downtown Boston, which is not exactly Fashion Mecca, it's a pair of lack stretch mircofiber pants, black boots, and a denim jacket worn with a white turtleneck, white blouse, or white T-shirt. The only other accessory is a cell phone, a cigarette and a handbag adorned with lots of hardware. Sunglasses are optional.
On any given spring or fall day I can spot a dozen of these within a 5 miunte walk from my office.
Chicago is not an unstylish place. However, I would recognize the neighborhood I live in by the sight of:
1) Obese middle-aged women going to the grocery store in T-shirts, leggings, and flip-flops.
2) Younger women, regardless of their shape and size, wearing tank tops and jeans that are too tight, often with sneakers. Even the thinnest girls have muffin tops.
3) Guys in lolgangsta baggy jeans and big shirts.
And when I try to look fashionable, I get dirty looks from people. But at least my house was affordable.
A reply to the first post by anonymous:
And why is it that large people wear short- shorts and string tops and skinny people cover up? That's how it is here anyway.
I cannot speak for everyone, but I know that I am not terribly uncomfortable being scantily clad (somewhat; I don't do shorts or miniskirts but am ok with skimpy tops) while not possessed of a wonderful figure. I don't think it's the most *attractive* thing in the world, however, that's the beauty of it. I don't get lustful stares or lewd comments from random men. If I had a perfect figure, such comments would almost certainly force me to cover up.
I live in the far NW corner of Washington State, even farther NW than our dear Rebecca. My peer group (40'ish moms of preschoolers) wears fitted v-neck t-shirts in solid bright colors or pastels (not black); cargo or denim capris or bootcut pants/jeans (always below the waist and a little too loose, necessitating frequent "hiking"), and Danskos (clogs or sandals). If sandals, then the toes are painted, often something brighter or more unusual (green, blue) than one would expect given the rest of the outfit. Most women wear little or no make up, except maybe a swipe of mascara and lipstick. A fleece jacket or cotton hoody is nearby in case the weather turns.
Here in Las Vegas, the depressing sight of visitors strolling through a casino at night, with the puffy white athletic shoes, the cut-offs and the message t-shirt has become common.
At least they leave their money here and take their clothes home.
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