My Philosophy

This class has opened my eyes to the world of blogs.  I had never read a blog, let alone written one before January.  I have taken a liking to them, I love how every one is a little different, and each blogger brings a different perspective to the world of fashion.  If I were to start a personal style blog, my philosophy would be about challenging the norms of fashion.  Although everyone says that fashion is always changing, I have noticed some developing norms that I wish to challenge.  

The main norm that I have a very hard time with is size.  Even though there has been a wave of awareness and support for plus sized models, tiny models still dominate the fashion.  I think that this causes a lot of damage, no matter how small, to girls' self-esteem and confidence.  I am an average size, definitely not a size 0, and not plus size.  I am a size 6, yet I feel chunky compared to the standard that girls face every day on television, magazine covers, etc.  I have curves (which I like), but I am still self-conscious about how I look in a bathing suit or tight dress.  If I feel this way, I know lots of other girls do too, and to me, this is a HUGE problem.  One that I wish to exterminate.

   

In my blog, I would like to challenge these notions and communicate how size is an indicator of absolutely nothing.  I would like to educate readers on how curves used to be adored in past generations, and through the years, the standard for models has gotten smaller and smaller.  The definition of beauty has changed, leaving beautiful, curvaceous girls feeling like they are fat.  I want to promote body confidence because every shape is beautiful.  There is a way to dress every body type, and my blog will cover tricks and tips like that.  

Notice at the very end of the video, the "postmodern beauty" look is commonly achieved through plastic surgery. 

 

Another norm I see in fashion is that it's not cool, stylish, or "in" if it's not a brand name.  It's great if you can afford brands like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Chanel, and Prada.  Or more accessible brands like Michael Kors, Coach, and Calvin Klein.  However, I believe that if you cannot afford brands such as these, you should not be made to feel inferior.  

            

My blog will promote individuality.  I will show how two pieces of clothing can be so similar, and the one with the name brand tag on the inside will cost so much more than the one made by an unknown or less popular brand.  In my opinion, in that case, you are simply paying all that extra money for a small tag with a "special" name on it.  Brands do not define you.  A brand is a brand.  In my blog, I will explore how popular name brands came to be so popular, and what it is about them that is so alluring to some.  I will explore what alternatives girls can take to buck the system and go against the grain.  

I want my blog to challenge the norms of fashion in many ways.  I want to empower girls to take what they see in advertisements and in society with a grain of salt.  They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and this is the reason for the philosophy behind the fashion blog I would start.  I need something like this in my life, and I know that others do too.  I know that this may be flying in the face of what others think of fashion, but I am willing to do that if it means helping girls gain confidence, individuality, and a sense of beauty.  Together we can challenge the norms of fashion.