Best and Worst and Whateverrr

So even though it's already February and everything, I thought since I just started this thingy I could do a little best and worst of 2008. I've been thinking of a LOT of trends lately that I would really rather not see anymore, but I've also been more excited about fashion in general. I sort of felt like we went through a dry spell there for a bit. I mean, girls thinking LC from the Hills is a fashion icon is a little telling, no? Boring is not a style.

So I began to peruse The Internets for some "best and worst" lists for last year, and of course, found myself disagreeing with almost everything I saw. First of all, they seem to be written by people outside of the fashion industry on more generic websites (AOL, about.com) which probably cater to readers of lots and lots of top ten, best and worst, lists, quizzes, etc. They all kind of say the same thing. Most worst trends of the year were critiques of high fashion trends that maybe wouldn't go over so well in Middle America, and best trends of the year are basics, styles we've seen for generations, very flattering things. Well DUH! I had a weird feeling that Tammy from Tampa, mother of three, wouldn't be so into jodphurs and gladiator sandals. Tammy is only allowed to wear flip flops or crocs, of course! But I don't think that making fun of high fashion trends is really that interesting...really, certain trends coming from designers are only around to be chattered about by fans, worn by three women in New York City, and then filtered through the fashion cycle and watered down versions are worn by all. I find it to be a little negative on the part of people in the fashion industry to constantly be going through these motions, like why are you assuming that Tammy from Tampa wouldn't wear some oxford booties with her skinny jeans?

I think a more interesting topic to think about is this: what trends or fads are truly the "worst" because they are unflattering, or offensive and you also feel like they are being shoved down your throat by retailers? And what trends are truly the "best" of the year because they got you excited by the prospect of creating something for yourself?

I came up with a couple of my own. For worst I nominate probably one of the worst things to enter my life since that time in high school when the only bands on the radio were Nickleback and P.O.D....


AFFLICTION!



Why do bodybuilders like this brand? Is it some sort of proof of masculinity to wear an overpriced t-shirt that looks like something a 7th grade boy would scrawl on his canvas zip-up binder? Is this what "metal" looks like now? Really? And why are they always weirdly religious, with the crosses and all that? And also, rhinestones? Do you really need more shit on that fabric?
Why doesn't anyone ever talk about this blight on the suburbs of America?


For best, or my favorite trend I started to get into at the end of last year:


SLOUCHY BAGGY JODPHUR-Y PANTS!



This is from Chloe Spring 2009. They're seriously not that hard to wear...I'm still kind of getting used to them, it's a little tricky. But isn't everyone a little tired of skinny/wide leg trousers? And they're definitely NOT the same as "boyfriend cut".... they have to be real tailored, fitted at the bottom, maybe rolled up, but very feminine I think. I'm also really into baggy blouses that are tucked in (not over leggings, geez). Anyways there are lots of things I'm pretty excited about for this year but I think I will wear pants like this basically all the time. So Easy Breezy!

If people actually read this blog this is where I'd ask the audience's opinion on their best and worst of 2008, so instead I'll just hum to myself and post this baby.