The BSU Fashionista Diaries

DMV Style: Hot or Not...NOT

By Nikki Osei

            Hope all is well my flawlessly fabulous fashionistas and fellows. Got all your books yet? Or did you blow your book money on fresh fits and are still sharing books in Week Three? LOL. I'm not knocking you if that's the scenario, because trust and believe I have done it. Another semester brings a fresh crop of students with more style or lack there of for me to assess. Freshman, you are so safe. Jeans, tops, flats, maybe a heel in a safe hue. Perhaps I'm jumping the gun, and should allow the season and semester to progress before I dub thee "safe".

There are students and people in the DMV that are dressed down (ahem ahem), but in comparison to other cities, states, and countries, we are severely lacking in the style department. Don't be mad at me. I'm simply stating the obvious. Instead be mad at where we're from. We live in the capitol of the US, not the fashion capitol.

            When frolicking in the streets we are quick to say, "Oh, that girl is from Baltimore because she's wearing Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur" or "You must be from D.C. because you have on Nike boots." None are exempt from clothes stereotyping, and though as ignorant as any other stereotype, the clothing stereotype is typically spot on. Those from the more fashionable parts of the country (NY, LA) or out of country clown and frown upon our clothing selections as a whole. There is no Bmore bashing. There is East Coast bashing, with the exception of New York.

Why do you think this is? We simply do not deem our wardrobes important, whereas in other parts of the U.S. and the word, clothing significance is cultural. London has the rocker look, there is Parisian chic, and New York is a melting pot of all things fashion from classic to extreme styles. This has been reiterated time and time again and my newfound obsession with fashion blogs has further reaffirmed my position. Blogs like http://www.whatisrealityanyway.blogspot.com/, http://www.karlascloset.blogspot.com/, http://www.ninistyle.blogspot.com/, and http://www.fashiontoast.blogspot.com/, to name a few, demonstrate that we are clearly lost when it comes to personal style. These bloggers capture their daily outfits and adventures in them, and their creations are breathtaking. They can take the simplest ensemble like an oversized tee, cut off shorts, and boots, and transform it into something stellar with something as minor as accessories or clashing patterns.

Is it that we lack the creativity, don't put forth the effort, or just think that clothes are made so we are covered and not an expression of self? Whatever the case may be, strides made by many D.C.-based art and fashion organizations to establish D.C. as a fashion capitol are in vain, if we do not embrace our more fashionable selves. DMV, we are so fashionably inept, that three years after a trend has made its debut, we adopt it into our wardrobes. We can be trendsetters too! Or maybe not. Maybe we are too far-gone.

 If you are feeling uninspired, you can visit the aforementioned fashion blogs for some much needed inspiration. I draw from these blogs. Though I am such the fashionista, there is always much to be learned. If you know me, you know I am a lover of sky scraping platforms, but after looking at these blogs, I have discovered just how sexy a pair of rugged calf length work boots can be and how they can be paired with the frilliest of garments. See, I learned something new.

I know that we can do better. So why not start the fashion revolution here at Bowie? Take an extra five minutes to rework you outfit. Add a pin or a headband. Slash up your shirt or pants. Wear a zany pair of shoes or patterns that don't match. There is no need to look generic. Fashion is an art form, so all need not understand it. Taking risks is a part of life, so DMV stand up! Or be forever known as the least fashionable area in the east coast. BSU, my rock star has not yet appeared, but I know you are out there. Hook it up and it might be you. So until next time, put a little oomph in it and remember, "A lady should always be classy and fabulous."