As a child, I naturally developed an interest in fashion. This vague "interest" soon turned into a life-encompassing, competitive passion; I wanted to be the first to know about all trends and emerging icons. I picked up on serious fashion faux pas early, compiling them in a large mental list. At the top of that list? A collection of trends that are never acceptable: exposed bra straps, panty lines, and running shoes worn with a non-sportswear outfit.
As I sat on the edge of my bed this morning, tying my thrifted, neon Nike Air Max sneakers, I recalled this list of rules I made as a smart ass pre-teen. Not only was I pairing my bright athletic shoes with a non-sportswear outfit, but I was wearing them with their ultimate fashion nemesis: blue jeans. It was in this moment where I thought to myself the age old question, "Aren't all rules meant to be broken?" (in a rhetorical, Carrie Bradshaw-esque way, no less).
The answer is not black and white. In fact, nothing is black and white in the fashion world, except for maybe Jason Wu's Resort 2015 collection which is pretty flippin' fabulous if you ask me.
Fashion moves rapidly: collections showcased, products made, and a few months later, the same pieces find themselves destined for a life on the clearance rack.
Constant adaptation and an innate ability to fully live in the present is essential in staying afloat in fashion. Take Birkenstocks, for example. Those comfortable sandals have spent their life on a tumultuous fashion rollercoaster; finding themselves mocked by fashion elitists, loved by hippies, and, now, the most coveted shoe of the summer. Yet, I can't really recall a time when jeans and running shoes were ever acceptable, except for in our current, normcore crazed society.
I will without a doubt cringe while reminiscing on the fashion trends of 2014. For the time being, however, I am enjoying experimenting with my fashion choices. I can now see why so many middle aged adults rock the running shoe-denim look outside of the normcore realm–it's ridiculously comfortable.
If one thing is for sure, panty lines are still not ok.
There are very few things in the world I love more than Sex and the City. Carrie and Big's passionate, roller coaster ride of a relationship, Samantha's quotable one-liners, Charlotte's naiveté, the evolution of Miranda's hair, and, on top of it all, their undying love for each other, never fails to keep me entertained. I feel as though I am a part of their world, a dream that I surely do not share alone.
I am sure all Sex and the City die-hards have their favorite character, but I think we can all learn a lot from Carrie. Sure she cheated on Aidan and repeatedly returned to Big when her friends (and viewers) warned her otherwise. She was real, she made mistakes, obsessed over petty details, and always tried to do what was best for her. Her vulnerability is something anyone can relate to; despite the fact that she is (sadly) a fictional character.
Carrie's rapid emotions are reflected in her equally dynamic style. Her acute fashion sense was undeniable. Who else could rock a cropped button-down shirt, printed midi skirt, flower adorned top knot, and a completely inoperative belt? Carrie could. She was the ultimate fashionista, with an unparalleled and charismatic sense of style. Her clothes never failed to exude the inner confidence that her character sometimes lacked. Although some of her fashion choices may now be outdated, her conviction and one-of-a-kind creativity are timeless components of any successful style.
The fact that Sex and the City can maintain relevancy a decade after going off the air is quite a feat. Some may attribute its long-standing popularity to the endless re-runs, or even the engrossing character development. Personally, I am drawn to its portrayal of confident, passionate women. Through the ups and downs, all four characters–Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte–worked hard to chase their dreams, and continue to inspire new generations of young women to do the same.
