TRENDS VERSUS FADS

Finally I can sit down and write about Trends and Fads! I'm sorry I kept you waiting, but this weekend has been hectic, I am taking so many classes, I couldn't find the time to write this post!

But here I am now!

So what is the difference? how can you know if a new "trend" is not just some fad that will come and go away very quicky?

Well, there are a few things you should look into. Let's first define what Trends are:
Trends are based on esthetics that are timeless, trends are cyclical, they come and go, they have a history.
Trends are translatable, that means they translate into lower priced, mass markets, in about one to two years.
Trends are well developed, they are formed by established indicators from a multitude of well known sources.

One thing you should think about when you see a new trend, is Have I seen this before? Was this trending 20/30/40 years ago? If that is the case, then most probably that is something worth investing your money in. If on the contrary you have never seen this "trend" and is popping out everywhere, beware!

Ultimately you should just buy a Trend if it is:
what you like
suits your body shape
your personal coloring
your lifestyle,
and your budget!

Usually if we just follow a "trend/fad" just for the sake of staying "current" with the fashion world, we will regret it, our finances will regret it. Also think about the space in your closet, it is just so precious! I wouldn't want to waste it in something that is not worth it. What do you think?

Fads, come as fast as they go, they usually start with a big "explosion" but they don't last more than one season. What also distinguishes a Fad from a Trend is "quality". Usually when something is trending, like let's say denim shirts, you will see denim shirts in all kinds of stores, from luxury to mass markets. A fad, doesn't have a past and doesn't have a future, a fad, is just here now, gone tomorrow. Usually fads are made in low quality materials, that don't last long, because they don't need to, that's why you won't find fads in Designer or Luxury Stores. Designer and Luxury stores have "smaller" selection of higher quality goods. Just visit a few to see what they carry. If you can't decide if you should buy that new item you saw in a magazine, then I suggest you go to the mall and find the highest priced, most luxurious global brands and see if they carry some kind or form of that item...if they do, most probably it's here to stay, if you can't find it there, just wait for a while and see what happens.

So just to summarize:
Trends have a history.
Fads exist only in the present.
Trends last for a couple of years.
Fads last only one season.
Trends can be found in Luxury/designer and mass market stores.
Fads are usually only found in mass market stores and made of lower quality materials.

Here are a few well known and professional resources for trend-setting research:

WORTH GLOBAL STYLE NETWORK
FASHION SNOOPS
STYLE.COM
PANTONE INC
TRENDSTOP.COM
PROMOSTYL
LEBOOK
FASHION WINDOWS

TRENDS What you need to know

Trend spotting! I like to walk the streets of Manhattan, for me there is no better way than city walking to find about what is up and coming and Trending! What are artsy people actually wearing? I find my biggest inspiration are people ;-) from new designers which might not be very well known...yet, and Art Exhibits. And of course I participate in New York Fashion Week every year, so it keeps me so in tune with what is happening in the Fashion World! But you know what? I still prefer to do Street-Style walks, and capture as much as I can with my camara! "Normal" people are so much more inspiring!

But you might not be so lucky, yet, but thanks to blogs and online magazines you can also search for trends on the internet!

So we have finally Trends! We have arrived at the last key of The 5 Keys to Dressing Well! What a journey!

Hopefully you have answered many of the questions I posted for you, and that has helped you to identify your own unique style. You also should have by now, more of an idea of the colors that best suit your own personal coloring!, what your body shape is, and also what lines and cutting flatter it.

You might now be at the Closet Clearing stage, and that is quite arduous, I know! You need to invest a lot of time to clear up your closet, but it is totally worth it! Not only you will have more physical space for new items in your closet, but emotionally and mentally you will feel lighter, as you let go of those things that don't flatter your body, are too old, too torn, or don't suit your current lifestyle!

You should also be learning to invest your hard-earned money in pieces that you will wear many many times, because you now know how to shop, and won't be taken by any new fad that comes along!

So you are now ready to learn about TRENDS. Lots of "things" seem to be trending at the same time nowadays, so how do you know which trends to "follow"? if any at all...

I suggest you check out fashion magazines like Vogue UK, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and the online magazines like Style and Refinery29, these are all very good options to browse through monthly. There are also plenty of blogs that give you up to date, real street-style insider info. Also do an online search for your local area and see if there are any blogs worth following in your town, the chances are you share the same "dress codes" seasonal weather and lifestyle, so it can help you stay current.

If you are one lucky girl and live in a big urban city like Paris, New York :-), London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, just walk the streets and you will have plenty of inspiration!

A few ideas that are now trending for Summer

• polka dot denim

• carry all backpacks 

• flower printed pants/jeans

• buttoned up blouses

• bra tops

• denim vests

More on how to differentiate trends from fads...coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!