Normally, I hate trends. I feel like they're created by designers to get people to pay money for things they don't need and that won't be popular in a year. Nothing wrong with fashion or interior designers making money - it's their job. But I decided a long time ago that I would never be a part of a trend unless I felt like it looked good on me or was something I would be happy looking at in my home every day. Some trends suit some people. Some suit others.
For example, it is a rare occasion indeed on which you will find me wearing a belt. They're adorable, they're chic, and they're a huge trend right now. But my body is shaped like a mollusk, and belts would make the whole situation way worse. If I lose 40 lbs, maybe I'll try out the belt thing if it's still popular.
On the other hand, I know so many women, even full-figured women, who can wear the heck out of a belt. They not only pull it off, but they also make people like me think of doing it anyway just so we can look more like that person. There's a woman my age at my church who looks amazing in ANYTHING. She's a fashion nut, and she's always up on the trends. She can pull it off. I can't.
But enough about that - I love myself. Really I do.
Some trends become permanent staples. Some (most?) fade away and only make their rounds when the fashion style wears off and reverts. You know what I mean? I mean, who thought leg warmers would come back in? Or color blocking? Or mixing prints with patterns? Or any of those other 80s styles that everyone hated once the 90s came? By the way, 90s, good job showing the 80s what real style is...
Anyway, style is permanent. Trends come in waves. It's nice to take part in trends that look good on you or in your home, but it's not worth it if you feel uncomfortable or are spending money you don't have keeping up with it.
Let me explain further: the sixties were full of clean lines, stainless steel, finished woods, and neutral tones when it came to interior decorating. Sure, you also had the paisley chairs and garish colors, but the main staples that were introduced during the Eames era are styles still used today in even new designs. Mid-century modern has become just modern, with the lines and bones staying the same throughout the last 5 decades. And weren't we glad when shoulder pads, wide lapels, and pleated pants went away (well, I wasn't, because I was born in '88, but you know what I mean)? In my opinion, the 80s were the worst in many style aspects, but some people loved the decade. I mean, rock stars are buttoning their polo shirts all the way up again! They're wearing neon colors and rolling up the sleeves of their blazers. Some guys and girls can pull it off. Not me.
I've never had the desire to participate in every trend just because it was a trend. Yeah, in high school I took some flack for it, but I'm a grown up now. I wear what makes me happy. I cut my hair short and wear very little makeup and dye my hair several different colors at once and wear my daughter's jewelry and wear big huge bows in my hair because it's an expression of myself. I don't care that it may look ridiculous to some people. It makes me happy. I don't care that it's not a trend. I love it.
What if Cyndi Lauper had paid attention to the trends? She would have been just another blonde chick trying to make a living with her voice. She didn't obey the trends. She set the trends. And according to my mom, everyone thought she was a freak... until they wanted to be like her. Does she look ridiculous? Maybe. Is she crazy? Probably. But she doesn't care. She's Cyndi effing Lauper.
The reason I felt like saying all of this is really quite simple. I have been hounded by a certain woman who sells cosmetics for several months now. She's been telling me I could obviously use a makeover. She says I always look tired. She says a little tangerine in my makeup pallet could do me some good. "Tangerine is in right now," she says.
I don't care. I don't want to look like a piece of fruit.
So one day I thought I'd try it out. I didn't get the makeover, but I bought the makeup and applied it just as she suggested. I did everything right. I even got the shadow and blush and lipstick and everything. I spent about $50 trying to look like I was with the trend because I was worried for a minute that I wouldn't be stylish.
When I looked in the mirror, I realized that I'd made a huge mistake (I say this in my best GOB Bluth voice). I looked like a clown. Sure, it was pretty, and sure, it was a great shade. But it didn't work for me. Some girls can pull it off, but not me. And there I had spent $50 on something I didn't want to do in the first place and then never wanted to do again.
If you love a trend, try it. If you don't, don't. There's nothing wrong with trends if you like to follow them. But don't spend your money if you're only doing it because everyone says you must. In fact I like to buck the trends when I can if people are telling me personally to try them. I guess it's the rebel in me. Use your money to buy more of the things you know you love. Or better yet, save your money. You know, for a rainy day or whatever. Or a great pair of vintage Converse.
Be happy because you're happy, and not because a trend makes you feel popular. When it fades, so will your happiness.
