Generation "what's next"

My blog has gotten off to a slow start because if nothing else, life gets in the way. Not only does life get in the way, but many of us get distracted from things we start by having the "what's next" problem before we finish.

Our parents and grandparents were born en route to fulfill very structured roles and very attainable job positions. Because of the lack of choice, women became settled and men went to work. Access to the rich and famous was limited and therefore, most were satisfied with their lifestyle and those of their neighbors. Life was predictable and therefore comforting to most. Reaching for the stars means saving up for the new Ford or getting a promotion from the local drugstore. Life was less complicated because the "what's next" was obvious and simplified. No guess work, no risk, no failure.

For better or worse, we have many options. We have many "what's next" moments where both men and women have no idea where to go but yearn for something new. Access to famous lifestyles gave every American an intimate look into what's "attainable" with a wisely chosen "what's next". However, few Americans attain that celebrity lifestyle because there is no rhyme or reason to getting there. The result: twenty somethings frustrated to hell that they'll be seen as a failure by their family and friends if they don't find something lucrative and groundbreaking to do with their lives. With every new "what's next" moment, panic induces fear that there will never be a stopping point... a moment of comfort that life is where it should be.

Dear twenty somethings, don't dismay. The world today gives us many options, which can lead to great contentment. It can also lead to a life full of "what's next" because it can be so damn difficult to find "what you're good at" or "what you like doing." The truth is.... everything you do will be work. However, if you pay attention to what you spend most of your free time doing, that can steer you in the right direction. So, google business plan, and go for it. Open up that gym, take cosmetology classes, go to law school, start that foundation. And when you still ask yourself "what's next", remember that everyone else is too. Choosing a "what's next" is what's important. It's living.

The Fall Trend Trap, we all fall into it

The fabulously wise Coco Chanel once said, "fashion fades, only style stays the same."  But more to the point of the blog, she also was quoted saying, "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."  

Having style means dressing for YOUR body and using the current trends only for inspiration until you evolve into your own fashion persona with your own iconic look.  Think Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy and her effortlessly chic minimalist wardrobe and menswear inspired outfits.  Think Sienna Miller and Chloe Sevigny, who always think out of the box and are always true to their personal style.  

However, now we look to Lindsey and Rihanna, who just use and abuse the newest trends even though they look absolutely repulsive on their figures.  I think Coco Chanel was advising ladies to break out of the mainstream in an effort to define a "different" style that is uniquely yours- true style.

OK, enough of an interlude, but it was necessary as you'll see. 

OTKB (Over the Knee Boots) are everywhere this fall.  Possibly the scariest trend for any body type besides the "stick figure" since skinny jeans first came out.  They've since perfected the skinny jean so they have now trickled down to stores like "Chicos" and my mom even owns and looks great in her pair.  However, not so with the OTKB.  For the past 3 months I forgot this important Coco lesson and searched/lusted for a pair even though I knew they just weren't me, mainly because I have legs like tree trunks.  First it was the BCBG pair in July that made me look like a hooker, then the Stuart Weitzman that made my entire leg look as thick as my thigh.  I've tried them all (flat, heel, suede, leather, grey, black) and the magic answer is: this is a trend that looks good on very few people (think Kate Moss).  I hope poor Mischa Barton doesn't go get a pair because lord knows she'll wear them with shorts.  

Here's the lesson.  Every season there are new "it" items.  Some are genius and some are not.  Ladies, i've done the leg work (literally).  I've lost 5 lbs since my search and they still make my legs look like choppy blocks, super hot.  So don't feel bad and don't waste money on these $500 flash in the pan shoes.   

As an alternative, ankle booties actually look great.  The new Chloe biker boots are worth the splurge.  Also, the new Elizabeth and James menswear inspired suede nude oxford booties are amazingly chic.  They're under $300 and nude shoes always elongate the leg (bonus!).  Also, they're classy enough to wear to work and would look dynamite with cuffed jeans and a t-shirt on the weekends.

Here's to personal style and telling those hard to wear trends where to stick it, oh and Vogue for thinking OTKBs make their spreads look anything but cheap.    

 

The Road Less Traveled.....

Two roads dverged in a yellow wood And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth Then took the other as just as fair And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet, knowing how way leads onto way I doubted if I should ever come back I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference Robert Frost