Fashion and Facebook

My dear friend, Facebook…...How we have become so close is beyond me, but now that I have you in my life, I hope we never part.  We are like the modern day Celie and Nettie.    Actually, I receive tutorials on a regular basis from my fb-devoted sister.  To be honest, not too long ago, I was sending replies to other people’s comments that were ending up on my page, so it looked like I was having an incoherent, cyber chat with myself.  I’ve since moved far beyond that point, and have even taken a quiz or two. It is a great thing, really!  Yet, as all other wondrous and mighty things, there is a dark side!  For Facebook-ers, (or should I refer to them as Lambs, like Mariah Carey does?), it is an issue that I’d like to call Wardrobe Re-Runism.

 Before we dive  in, I would like to state that I am not making fb the problem, but scratching at the fact that it can create itchy situations for some.  It is a circumstance that could possibly ignite pure hysteria amongst women and men who don’t want to appear as if they have a problem with the “Wardrobe Re-Runism”.  That is defined as a condition  where people who go out, and where the same clothes over and over.   So let’s address the issue with an objective stance, shall we?   I see fb as a vehicle to share good times, memorable events, and networking opportunities with friends, family and associates.  I also see fb, as an awesome tool to remind your arch-enemies that you haven’t fallen off and you are still as fabu as ever. Ha!

Yet it also leaves room for the unthinkable.  In many cases of the Wardrobe Re-Runs, the accused may not be completely guilty of the crime.   In my hypothetical scenario: subject A has worn a garment to a celebration that took place last year, and has taken pictures that were later posted on fb.  Subject A was wearing her favorite dress, and hasn’t worn it since.  But recently, she’s decided she wants to wear it to another event.  Problem!  Her friends have posted and tagged pictures of her in this dress, which are still viewable to her online friends. Subject A, is sure that many people will be taking pictures at this event, yet she decided to wear it anyway because it’s her favorite dress, and she looks great in it. The next day loads of pictures are posted on fb.  So what happens? Cop cars pull up, siren’s swirl, yellow tape gets draped, and detectives loom!  There’s been a crime committed right!

Is she now a perpetuator of the crime? 

I reply with a glorious and resounding, No!  If subject A is on fb, then I’m sure you’ve seen her in other head-turning ensembles, so there’s need to worry about the Wardrobe Re-Run issue.  It’s been a year already, how often do you really think that people rotate their outfits?  When I was a college student, working in Nordstrom’s shoe department, I believe the average was every 3-5 days; seeing someone in the same dress 365 days later is fine with me.  And is she really supposed to never where her favorite dress again, because she’s afraid someone will whisper?  Unfortunately for us, we are not celebrities and do not have designer dresses thrown at us all the time.  We can't all be Halle!  

The fact that this dress is still hot, is a testimony to her serious shopping skills.  A dress that can stand the test of time and fashion gets an A+ in my book. Lastly, what if she doesn't own a ton of clothes?  Maybe she likes a few, yet glorious pieces to complete her wardrobe.

 Point blank…..This dress was purchased by Subject A. so she gets to decide when and where she’ll where the dress.  So my summation is that she is not the criminal.  You are!  That's right, all you Lamb wannabes!  Why the hell do you remember what you saw on her a year ago anyway, get a life, and quit being a Facebook stalker. 

Stop poking her and sending all those stupid hugs! 

Case Dismissed!

As Always Adenike

 

The Hmmm factor!

Sometimes I wear my 2 inches too short “not even looking” sweats and men in my neighborhood shout out catcalls. In the whole of NYC, I have to walk around with my head down, not because I'm sad, but to make sure I avoid the poop bombs on the ground. I don't understand my manicurist, and she probably doesn't understand me, but I continue to go to her on a bi-weekly basis.  What else.... Oh, and my favorite thing to do on Sunday is to go to church 15-20 minutes late so I can make a grand entrance.  All things that may make me say, hmmmm, and shake my head with a bit of confusion.

 

I am aware of how off and warped all of these occurrences are, but for me it’s just par for the course and come with a simple explanation really.  Certain men don't care about women's fashion etiquette or their own for that matter, some lazy people find the energy to wake up extra early so that no one who cares will see some them dodge the pop-n-scoop, where my manicurist comes from, people stay home and do their own damn nails, thus there’s no need to practice small talk over paint fumes, and me showing up to church late for attention is just a minute window into my secret self obsessed ways.     Yeah, I get how those things could annoy anyone, but right now, I’d like to take a look at a topic that we really should push to the forefront.

 

Let's focus on department store makeup artists that try to sell you on what new look is in.  Should I remind them that "Barbie Doll Pink" lipstick, and "Neon Lights Yellow" eye shadow will never be "in" on my face?   So far, I have noticed that my nose, eyes, lips, and features don't seem to change with make up trends, and probably never will. What works, is what works! Maybe I'll work in slight variations, but I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that I won't wake up one day and think that I can try green lipstick. I don't care what discount I will get on my next purchase.  The fact that some crazy looking Mac operative is usually the one spewing this rubbish, makes it even more unnerving. Would I take anyone seriously, whose self-inflicted makeup application would make any clown-phobic child scream bloody murder?  Many times, I have to retrain myself from asking them if they actually walk around in public like that or they wait until they get to work to put their face on for the sake of public safety.  Next time, I'll teach the misguided make up artist a lesson; the minute they start that wacky talk, I'll run for the door like I've just seen a ghost. 

This is not an attack on any one particular makeup company. It's more of an affront on over zealous salesmen.  Many makeup lovers, may be thinking that I have no platform to stand on since I am not an expert.  That is my point exactly.  I am a stylist, designer, writer, and most relevant, I am a consumer, whom happens to appreciate the results of a good job.   Makeup, as an extension of a fashionable presentation, should be suitable to your features, coloring, and your personal style. You know what enhances your God given features. Looking like you, only better is the optimal goal. Don’t fall victim to the “next big look” or what’s on the cover of magazines.  It doesn’t usually translate well in your day-to-day life. I am speaking as someone who wants to betaken seriously. Not recognizing this may result in a similar appearance to Homie D. Clown. 

 

Next up…. My fabu finds, and dealing with Wardrobe Repetition Run-ins