Idiosyncratic Style

Which 80’s princess was your favorite back in the day?
And who looks better today?

You Say…

Speaking as someone who has been in a Saturday detention, I can tell you how disappointing it is to discover the experience is nothing like The Breakfast Club. I have watched and re-watched this movie so many times, that like many, I feel like these people were my friends. The members of the Breakfast Club were based on stereotypes, but throughout the film they prove to have depth, truth and go beyond the high school labels they were assigned. All of the characters were quite likeable in their own way, but my favorite has to be the resident bad ass, John Bender.

John Bender’s authority problem and plaid shirt was rebellious in the 80’s, popular in the 90’s grunge era and are still relevant today through modern adaptations. Scanning Lookbook.nu, a global fashion diary network, I found a number of contemporary looks that could have been inspired by the legendary John Bender.

Lookbook's (clockwise top left) Geraldine, Paloma, Constance, Philip & Tony

All you need to release that leftover teen angst are a few basic items. A classic denim jacket is a must-have, so if you don’t already have one, head to your nearest second hand shop and pick one up. The flannel shirt may have it’s roots as an anti-fashion statement, but it currently has mass-appeal.  Consider fingerless leather gloves when you need to add an edge to any look. Sunglasses help give off that “unaproachable and uninterested” vibe. Ass-kicking boots finish off an intimidating “don’t f*ck with me” attitude. Be sure to include a sensitive piece, something that reminds us all that the tough shell is only there to protect your kind heart, like John’s diamond stud earring that Claire gave him to wear and let us see past the bravado. 

Try to cleverly pair a couple of these items with your usual favorites, instead of loading them all into one look because although, we are honoring the wild child within, remember “each one of us is a brain… and an athlete… and a basket case… and a princess… and a criminal…”

If they made “The Archies” a live action movie, I think Kristen Bell could be Betty Cooper and Rachel Bilson would make a great Veronica Lodge.

Who would you cast to play some of the Riverdale gang?

You Say…

Stuck in a cement jungle where happy hour daiquiris are the closest you ever get to the tropics? Perhaps a Hawaiian shirt will help you get an island state of mind.

Okay, so this is really more like a “Fashion Double-Dare” because it takes an elite style maven to adopt the wardrobe staple of bbq-ing dads, retired snowbirds and spring breaking frat boys everywhere, not to mention make it actually look good.

While researching content, it is no surprise that photos of women wearing Hawaiian shirts were hard to find (especially wearing them stylishly), but that is what made it the perfect choice for a fashion dare. In a society where cookie-cutter style is all too common, finding a great item that women’s fashion hasn’t over-explored is a rare gem. I am well aware that Hawaiian shirts are thought of as tacky, loud and even cheesy, but not too long ago people thought that way about sequins and they managed to overcome the stereotype. Plus, a good fashion challenge now and then (succeed or fail) will help your style evolve and keep you at the front of the fashion pack.

Think of these Dos & Don’ts like a helpful Tiki torch lighting your way.

DON’T pair it with white shorts or Capri pants - it’s obvious and boring
DON’T put a tropical flower in your hair - it’s overkill on the theme and cheesy
DON’T top it off with a straw hat or baseball cap - unless retired or Magnum P.I.
DON’T mix it with any other patterns - they have enough going on already
DON’T over-accessorize - use one item to accent and no tropical shells
DON’T match your shirt to the family - unless you are the Hawaiian Von Trapps

DO wear a fitted shirt - a good fit is most important in making it work
DO roll the sleeves a little to help you get a more flattering fit
DO toss on a solid colored summer scarf - it will help minimize the loud pattern
DO keep it casual - cut-offs or jeans show you aren’t taking it too seriously
DO layer it over a tank & under a cardigan - keeping it to just a dash of splash
DO be a minimalist and keep it simple - let the loud-mouth shirt do all the talking

Will you boldly go where so few fashion people have gone before and make the Hawaiian shirt work for you? Try it, I “double-dog-dare” you!