Yesterday I received the lastest issue of Details Magazine in the mail (Sept. 2011) For the most part I go through all my magazines from the first page to the end, then I go back to the beginning look at the ads and read through all the things I find interesting. Over the last few years I’ve made it a point to always read the “letter from the editor”. This issue’s “letter from the editor” was so on point for me. The editor and chief, Dan Peres, really nailed how I feel about fashion and the choices we make with fashion. Sometimes its really difficult to totally explain how I feel because ultimately after reading this blog or even following me on twitter one would think I may be a bit materialistic. Honestly , I’m not. I just like what I like and that’s what I roll with. I know my preferences and I don’t knock anyone else for theirs unless they’re trying to look or talk down on someone else because of their preferences. Before I make a mess of this topic I’ll just share with you Peres’ letter in full. Go pick up a copy of the mag or subscribe here.
Fashion, like much else in life, has always been about choice. Pleated of flat-front. Single or double-breasted. Boxers or briefs. Loafers or lace-ups.
We’re faced with choices everyday, and in some cases we’re defined by them. For as much as these choices are personal (as the should be), the ones involving fashion tend to draw more vocal criticism than others. In fact, there are television shows and journalists and bloggers dedicated exclusively to pointing out celebrities’ hits and misses. And while taste is subjective (and what, if not taste, drives choice?) don’t we all judge a little? I certainly do. Lately, however, I’ve been wondering whether I’m judging too much – just because I don’t want to wear a patterned, copped suit with cuffed shorts doesn’t’ mean no one should, right? Because as much as fashion is about choice, it’s also about confidence. If you feel good in that Day-Glo-orange suit, who am I to say you look like a moron? Maybe the gentleman in the high-heel shoes and skirt is looking at me in my chinos and sneakers and thinking I look like a fool? It’s possible. So I’ve decided to work on being a little more open-minded.
The real change agent here isn’t an influential designer or a fashion-forward stylist or celebrity. No. The real force behind this change is my 3 year old son, Oscar. He’s at that wonderful and at times frustrating stage when he wants to pick out his own outfit every morning. I say frustrating because it’s quite obvious to me that SpongeBob pj’s are designed specifically with sleep in mind and, as such, probably shouldn’t be worn to day camp, or to the zoo, or on a visit to Daddy’s office. To Oscar, however, this is far less obvious. This is what he wants to wear, damn it, and no threats or bribes are going to deter him. If this is his choice, then so be it. If this is his choice, then so be it. If he feels comfortable and confident rocking the jammies outside the house, then who am I to tell him he shouldn’t go for it? And to his credit, he’s made it perfectly clear: Nothing comes between Oscar and his SpongeBobs.
So I say go for it, people. Wear what you want to wear and do so proudly. I, for one, won’t be judging you. Too much. –D.P.
