Vogue Vixen: Realistic advice serves you better

This week, my column is in response to the criticism I received last week in a letter to the editor. In my defense, I’d like to point out that this is fashion advice — and just that, advice. You can take it or leave it. Fashion is all about conflicting ideas and opinions. As the saying goes, fashion goes in one year and completely out the other.

To me, fashion is more than the clothes we wear on our back. It’s an art — a way of expressing who we are on the inside on the outside. I may not understand how a person could actually wear certain designs, but that is what they are meant to do: inspire fashions from the designer’s collection for everyday wear. For example, actress Jennifer Connelly posed for Balenciaga in what looked like a suit of armor disguised in florals, feathers and ginger hues. That same look inspired bold prints and bright colors in ready-to-wear mini dresses.

I admire Harper’s Bazaar, and my personal favorite is Vogue. André Leon Talley, American editor-at-large for Vogue writes a column, “Life with André,” where he shares his fashion expertise and escapades.

His current column talked about spring fashions showcased at New York Fashion Week. Bold prints and high waists were stressed. Ralph Lauren dared to be different as he showcased a variety of Native American sweaters and shawls. L’wren Scott, former stylist to the stars, incorporated amethyst shades into her collection.

However, my column is for college students. I would love to tell Brockport students to buy scarves from Hermès or wear chiffon sweaters by Prada to class every day, but what kind of advice would that be? To pick up designer fashions, department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom carry several designer collections including Oscar de la Renta. Unfortunately, we don’t have those stores here. I would suggest H&M for high fashion at affordable prices.

Also, Express has an array of flowing skirts, bold colors, ’60s Mod-style prints and much more for spring.

And to answer your question — no, I am not a spokesperson for Uggs. If I was, perhaps you would see them mentioned in every other column as you claimed. However, I have only mentioned them twice in my seven previous columns. And now, this makes No. 3. And no, you don’t need Uggs to make you pretty. If anything, they make your feet look like potatoes, but they keep you warm and are a designer brand.

All I can do is translate what I find fashionable to something college students can afford. Thanks again for the advice and in the meantime, I’ll continue to offer mine.

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