Over time there are obviously going to be trends that come about that some people will love and some people will hate. Trends that were amazing in the 30’s or the 60’s that were amazing at the time but just aren’t going to catch on now. Or sometimes there’ll be trends that will constantly be recycled and renewed, and no matter what happens, they will always be a popular trend that will be a hit year in year out. I get it, fashion is constantly trying to be controversial and interesting, regurgitating fashion trends from the past and adapting them for today’s society.
But when I first saw those pictures of the dreaded Brothel Creepers on the feet of celebrities like Rihanna, Alice Dellal and Jessie J to name a few, I couldn’t help but sit and despair as to what anyone sees in these brick like blocks attached to the bottom of their legs. I just don’t get it? They’re supposed to be a huge fashion statement today. Of course they make a statement, but fashionable, really?
Okay, so I understand fully that some people love them, as we all have different tastes and opinions, but what I can’t get my head around is as to why these people love them. They just look like they’re weighing whover is wearing them down to the ground as if they’re going to blow away like a single balloon in the sky. As an avid leopard print wearer, maybe I can see how the animal print creepers might be mildly acceptable, but it’s absolutely beyond me when shoe stores like Office bring out a bright purple or sickly blue pair out. And as for the name - Brothel Creepers - those two words solely put me off them.
I guess you could call my outlook on fashion quite one dimensional, but I just can’t see how these are going to last. Let’s just hope they don’t hang around as long as that whole ‘Crocs’ fad while on holiday that just didn’t seem to leave like a bad lingering smell.
The fashion- forward Southampton public were out in force today, showcasing their unique styles and discussing what the ‘f’ word really means to them.
An army of different trends, looks and personalities stormed the streets as if the pavement was their own catwalk. And boy, did they own it. College student Melissa Rose, 17, who was strutting through shop after shop handing out her CV in a pair of three-inch stilettos and a lovely retro dress said: “I’d say I’m quite smart, I never wear jeans. I own one pair and I only wear them when it snows. I don’t dress like any of my friends, and I’m always wearing a pair of heels. Even if I’m just going to the shops and running a few errands like today. I want to look fashionable.
“My favourite go-to item is definitely one of my dresses. If I’m having one of those days where I hate everything in my wardrobe, I’ll always go for a dress, and if it’s cold outside I add a pair of woolly tights. I quite like Fearne Cotton, and the way she always looks made up yet comfortable.”
Southampton Solent student Katherine Pearson, 20, wearing a luxurious looking camel cape and an eccentric floral beach shirt said: “I definitely dress for myself and not for how people think I should. She [friend] doesn’t want me to be my friend anymore because I’m wearing a Hawaiian shirt. I think I’d describe my style as maybe an old man and an old lady. I just throw on a bit of everything really, because I love charity shops and markets, but I also shop in H&M and Topshop.”
Friend and fellow student Sam Pullen, 20, couldn’t be more different. “I love Topshop, River Island, Warehouse and New Look, everything high street really. And I love to mix designer accessories with high street to mix it up.” Although Sam avidly follows the latest trends, she tends to find inspiration from other sources away from the catwalk. “I prefer to look at what curvier celebrities are wearing, and people who are dressing for their shape and what suits them personally.”
On the other end of the spectrum is golfer and waiter Elliot Corley, 22, dressed in jeans and a pair of gleaming white converse. “I think I have quite a cool, casual, smart and quirky style. I tend to play golf through most of the week, and my clothes for this become quite uniformed, so in my spare time I try to take care of my appearance. I care about keeping on trend and looking stylish.
While fashion plays a huge role in a lot of people’s lives, it’s refreshing to hear a different opinion on what the ‘f’ word means to them. 31 year old wife and mother of two Julie Land said: “I do take care of myself and try to look presentable, but my life doesn’t revolve around what I look like. I dress for myself, and if I’m having a fat day I’ll wear a hoodie and trackies. It doesn’t matter what people think of me.”
I’ve been in Southampton now for 3 months and am currently loving uni life. Meeting new and exiting people, extending and enlightening my knowledge on fashion and journalism, and going out night after night as if it’s going out of fashion. I’m having the best time of my life, but there’s something that’s changed that I can’t help noticing about myself. The fact my life has turned into that of a sloth. I’m so lazy!!!
When I’m not in university my days just blend into one another, sat in the kitchen or lay on my bed doing nothing. After being a busy bee for the last two years, with attending Sixth Form every day and working non-stop at the weekends or spare days, I can’t help but feel so frustated with my idol lifestyle. With no job, I no longer have a weekly income, and with no income I am relying solely on my student loan, resulting in me spending the money sparingly and in turn not wanting to go out and spend this money.
I know, excuses excuses excuses. I’m living in a new city, with new people and potential new experiences, but I’m definitely not making the most of my time here. Spending my days hungover are really taking their toll on my body, and I just can’t seem to motivate myself to get up and do something productive. I haven’t got my mum nagging me to start that essay, and I haven’t got her shouting up at me that she’s made me a cup of tea waiting downstairs to entice me out of bed every morning anymore. It’s purely down to me, and I’m no doubt struggling with this new independance. Sure, I love the fact I only have myself to answer to, but that also comes with the fact I only have myself to blame.
I really need to get off my backside, wake up to reality and change my ways. Else these bad habits are going to stick with me forever. And it’s not just being lazy that I can see in myself, but my body has changed, my skin has changed and my hair has changed. I’ve put on weight, I’ve started to get spots and my hair gets so greasy so easily. I sound like I’m moaning so much but I can’t help noticing how much I’ve changed. It’s purely down to the vast extent I am going out drinking my body weight in alcohol, coming back with cheesy chips, and getting absolutely no sleep whatever. So here’s where I’ve got to change. I’m going to vow to eat healthier, drink less, excercise more, do something productive everyday, hand my CV around, and change the lazy student persona I’ve taken upon myself. Let’s see how long this lasts…
i hopefully made a great investment today in a Barbour style jacket, which I’ve wanted for so many weeks from ASOS. Purchased the beauty purely down to the fact it had a tenner off, ah the joys of being petite!
