Sunday, 6 June 2010

Fashion confusion and other animals

One sunny day last week, I walked into my office wearing my brand new cream lace jacket. I like my lace jacket. It's light, dreamy and romantic, not to mention very practical considering England's infamous skitzophrenic weather. As an old lady trapped in the body of a young girl, the very idea of wearing lace sends me to a softly-lit ethereal dreamland, filled with hazy pinks and elegant muted tones.

My lace jacket (from River Island, in case you're wondering)

As soon as I near my desk, my colleague Luke approaches.

"Frankie, my Nan called." He said.
"Oh yeah?" I reply, feigning interest.
"Yeah...she wants her curtains back."

I couldn't believe it! I'd just arrived at work. I'd been there a grand total of three seconds, and already I was being faced with outfit jibes.

I don't know about you, but I have been the victim of what I like to call "fashion confusion" on a number of occasions. There have been several instances where I have met up with friends, colleagues and even members of my own family, and they simply haven't understood what I'm wearing and why I am wearing it. "What's to understand?" I frequently respond. "I just wear things that I like."

I'm sure I'm not alone in this, so I'm opening up my blogger's heart to you, dear reader. Have you been the victim of "fashion confusion"? Are you regularly met with grimaces of horror at your outfit choices? I want to hear about it. As the dashingly handsome Pharrell said on the last episode of Frock Me, "Worry about the comments later. And by the way, if they're commenting on you, they are watching you". Wise words indeed.

Together we can rise up and fight for fashion open mindedness!

Who's with me?

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x
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10 comments:

  1. Blythe Hopes Vintage6 June 2010 at 20:56

    LOL - oh yes, I know your pain.

    I'm a huge fan of vintage slips layered up with fuzzy tights and chunky long cardies, and the number of times I've been asked if I 'forgot to put my dress on' is hilarious.

    I've gotten the curtains comment too - while wearing a 1920s LACE FLAPPER DRESS - have you no clue peoples? Hmmm?

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  2. Couture Carrie7 June 2010 at 01:24

    Forget the naysayers, darling!
    I love your jacket!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  3. Some Like it Vintage.com7 June 2010 at 11:45

    hahaha! Yes, I was a victim of fashion confusion as a younger lady (now leaning towards more conservative styles) so definitely know the feeling! But who cares? Go with it!

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  4. Sarah7 June 2010 at 14:21

    Yes. Not only am I the office 'quirky one' but my fondness for jumpsuits and ankle socks has led to many unkind comments.

    When my ex and I went to Barcelona in 07, I thought I looked pretty cool in my black and white vintage polka dot jumpsuit. But when I wore it, he sniggered. And then said I looked like Andy Pandy.

    Similarly, my boyfriend likes slightly revolting body con dresses (as a size 12, body con is a trend I wouldn't touch with a bargepole) but labels my cute vintage florals 'granny dresses'. I try and explain how cute they are, but he doesn't get it. I even bought some low-cut florals but to no avail....

    But keep wearing the lace, Frankie, it's beautiful & if we can't wear it when we're young (ish in my case) & in London, when can we?

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  5. Alex Loves7 June 2010 at 15:03

    Hello there Edie the Dummie - you look absolutely lovely in your jacket, just ignore those ignorant people.

    I've been the victim of Fashion Confusion many, many times. I really don't care what people think about it, as long as I'm personally comfortable and happy with my choices. I usually put my chin in the air and go "I work in Fashion, you just wouldn't get it", that usually shuts them up.

    I just have don't have the time or patience to start justifying my clothes to other people...

    Alex
    xxx

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  6. marian9 June 2010 at 14:31

    that is a gorgeous lace jacket! perfect for summer! I do get those comments too honey but I think over time I have found that I dont even register them anymore. You are fabulous darling, continue doing you sweetie.
    xx
    marian.

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  7. Elena S.11 June 2010 at 03:37

    jacket is gorgeous!
    great blog btw! i now follow you - if you have a sec id love for you to take a look at my blog
    elena
    www.fashionisinspiration.blogspot.com

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  8. MJ21 June 2010 at 14:17

    Bollocks to 'em. Living in Oxford, the land of the National Geographic fleece and the sensible jumper, I get some right funny looks wandering down the street in my bizarre sex-person harness - but isn't that half the fun?

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  9. Faith19 July 2010 at 02:02

    Goodness yes, I know exactly how you feel. My sister will sometimes give me disdainful looks or say something which is meant to be a negative clothing comment. It's because we have completely different style. Unfortunately, sometimes after these incidents, my self-esteem will drop, and I end up in front of the mirror, trying to determine whether I should really go out in that outfit or change. Such a bother!

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  10. blog28 July 2010 at 10:42

    Gorgeous! Very vintagey - River Island can get it so very right.

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