Fashion Magazines: Sources of Inspiration

Sure, flipping through fashion magazines may seem pointless, as you stare at pages and pages of skeletal models, who look nothing like the women that  you pass on the street, or the woman that you view in your mirror’s reflections. These angular, instead of curvy women, are the stuff of fantasy, particularly that of men, who are not exactly attracted to women and any form of feminity. So, one may ask, what is the point? The answer: INSPIRATION. 

Go ahead and get inspired to create your own fabulous, eclectic, and daring looks. Use fashion editorials as your guide, as these layouts and the ensembles that adorn the models, were designed by talented fashion stylists; who excel at “Creating Looks”. When you look over these editorials, note the trends, and consider which ones may work for you; and then more importantly look for “low cost” alternatives. While you may splurge on fashion basics and essentials, it is best to curve your spending when it comes to the trendy items. If certain colors appeal to you, slowly begin incorporating that shade and similar hues in your closet. Perhaps the color that you fancy is an eye-catching hot pink, but you are unsure if you can wear such a “loud” color, then you should consider a hot pink lips and neutral eye make up, a hot pink clutch purse, hot pink pointed heels, or even a hot pink belt that can be draped across a shirt dress to add a pop of color. Consider  different prints, whether it be an african ankara wax print, a tribal ikat print, camoflouge, stripes, polka dots or floral. The fashion layouts act as a perfect guide on how to combine these prints or incorporate them with neutral shades. 

So, remember the following: (1) Look for colors and prints that appeal to you, (2) be inspired and experiment, (3) use fashion editorials as guides to create similar outifts, (4) consider whether the style will work for your body type, (5) and ignore the costly high-end pieces that fashion editors love to highlight, as if the average woman can spare $5K for a bag and $300 for a simple cotton blend blouse.

Be inspired. Be creative. Be beautiful. 

Be Fashionable, Not Trendy

With each change of season, the fashion industry releases a number of trends, whether it be particular shades and hues, a shoe type, such as the current and ubiquitous wedge sneakers, or shape, such as the peplum skirt. However, the thing to remember, is that all of these trends may not be for you. In other words, it may be that they do not completely flatter your figure. The key point is to remember your body type, and yes, even size. Despite what the fashion magazines try to sell you, an extremely skinny woman, does not look best in a body conscious dress; which do not complement boyish figures. In contrast, a larger woman, or one with an apple body type, should avoid wearing midriff-baring tops. 

Now, I’m not saying that one should not experiment with the many fun trends. I would encourage you to simply focus on those that will actually work for you. So, head to the mall, the downtown shopping district, or a favorite boutique, and try on a few of these trendy items. Not sure if you would look good in stripes? Well, grab a few of these items, both horizontal and vertical stripes, in varying widths, and head to the dressing room. Once you determine what looks best on you, begin to incorporate similar items in your wardrobe. 

As Herlande Moise, CEO and President of Lumiere Magazine, the premier lifestyle fashion and beauty magazine for Caribbean-American women, points out “trends are fleeting, but fashion is permanent”. A full interview with Herlande Moise, can be heard at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wombanistviews/2013/01/31/style-beauty-feature , and Luimere magazine can be read at http://www.lumieremagazine.com.