Fads. You know, when your eight-year-old daughter comes home with a butterfly sticker on her forehead and explains to you that "everyone's got one."
I never noticed fads until I came to University. For some reason (whether for economic or other reasons) fads here are more noticable:
UGG Boots - everybody's wearin' 'em, with their pants tucked into them so people can see them.
Scarves. Usually stripy. Worn with everything, especially wound several times around the neck. Now I can't wear my lovely woolen scratchy plaid scarf without following a fad.
Brightly-coloured slip on shoes. At least, this used to be a fad until it got to cold. Bwa ha ha ha... They're a sole with a front made of mesh with shiny same-coloured flowers over the toe.
What are the fads around you?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
That's bizarre. While I saw all kinds of fads in high school and before, I never noticed them when I was in college. Of course, while in college, I was largely cut off from popular culture, as I almost never watched TV or listened to the radio.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Spinach with onions and feta cheese, Aimee Mann, dark pink lip gloss, and Terry Pratchett.
It's possible I'm the only one following these fads, but I'm on a kick for all of the above.
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
Good lord those boots are hideous. *shudders*
I honestly have no idea what the fads are where I am anymore; I had only the vaguest possible idea even when I was still in college (since I spent all my time in the computer science building, not exactly a seething hotbed of cutting-edge fashion). I do know, however, that it's hard to find, in any of the department stores I've been to, any jeans that are not low-rise. This irks me.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Mmmmm. How are you preparing your spinach, onions, and feta, kat? I might want to follow that fad.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
You know, I like how those boots look from the back, but from every other angle I don't. The puffy quality is something that I never liked.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Heat a fry pan fully at medium heat, add a litte bit of olive oil, and put in diced onion. When the onions are clear, add fresh spinach. Let it cook just until it all changes color (stir a little bit). Put on plate, sprinkle with plain feta cheese.
It is SO YUMMY. There are no spices in it - all you taste are the fresh ingredients. I love it. It's also cheap (relatively) and ready in less than ten minutes.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Excellent. I even have all the ingredients.
Posted by Jess N (Member # 6744) on :
Katharine--I must be following the same fads. I love Aimee Mann and Terry Pratchett. I don't usually follow fads, I do my own thing...
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
You'll have to tell me what you think. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Rubber bright yellow braceletts that say live strong on them, and support Lance Armstrong Cancer Research. It was cool when the biker's and cancer advocate's wore them, but the cheerleaders are just a bit much.
I actually have a pair of those flowery shoes, but they look good with a black dress I have, I am going to go find them in size nine mens. That could be a little harder.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Jess, have you heard her latest album? I heard It's Not (I tried to link to it, but it's on a Flash link on her site) on NPR two weeks ago, and that jump-started this kick. I love it. I got Bachelor Number 2 from a friend on Sunday, and bought Whatever yesterday evening. BN2 is my least favorite so far, but Jacob Marley's Chain from Whatever really touched me on the way to work this morning.
She's very intense without being strident, and I love her lyrics.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Short, ruffly skirts that look hideous. I don't have any problem following fashion when it looks good, but why on earth does anyone follow fashion when it looks awful?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I was just going to say short, pleated skirts. They seem ubiquitous.
[ October 15, 2004, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Also those short fitted blazers, usually in smoky pastels and made of non-blazer fabrics, such as courderoy. (sp?)
I wanted to find a picture of those shoes you were describing, but I can't find anybody who's selling them. Maybe that particular trend has come and gone already.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
really thin shirts with wiiiiiide necks that can only be worn with 2-7 different colored tank tops underneath that STILL show your bra straps.
Annoying.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Oh, yes, the wide-necked shirts. And don't forget the obligatory flower or tie on one collarbone.
Man, I absolutely hate the current fads.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
quote: Oh, yes, the wide-necked shirts. And don't forget the obligatory flower or tie on one collarbone.
I have one of these. I wasn't aware it was in style, though, I just got it because it looks wonderful on me.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Flip flops year round, and jeans that are so long the bootoms are all scruffy. And those hideous skirts! Don't girls realise they make their butts look big?
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
quote: I was largely cut off from popular culture, as I almost never watched TV or listened to the radio.
I'm not getting these from the media, I'm getting these from the people I walk past everyday! I see hundreds of people everyday and sit around them and I can't avoid them so the fads are actually quite inescapable.
quote: I wanted to find a picture of those shoes you were describing, but I can't find anybody who's selling them. Maybe that particular trend has come and gone already.
I looked for a picture of then too, because my description is less than competant, but no luck. They may have been extremely local, as local as just the downtown Toronto area. Most places that were selling them were small stores largely, but not exclusively, in Chinatown.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
quote: jeans that are so long the bootoms are all scruffy
I have a pair of cords that are wonderfully stripy and, I'm afraid, drag. They don't have belt-loops so there's nothing I can do. I like them too much to notice anyway.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
If there's one thing I despise, it's scruffy bootoms.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Mine are a bit different, they are black, and have a little bit of a heal, but have the net and flowers. They were pretty popular around IU all spring and summer.
[ October 15, 2004, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: breyerchic04 ]
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
See, Noemon, this is a perfect example of your posting getting out of control. I'm sure it's new, don't try to tell me you've been like this all along. I've decided you are in an exceptionally good mood that is spilling over into insane posts.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Heh. Actually, it's probably because I'm feeling a bit sick. My head feels like the base of it was bashed in with a club, and then stuffed with cotton. This is after excedrin too.
At least my bootoms aren't scruffy though. Thank God for small favors. Posted by Uhleeuh (Member # 6803) on :
quote: jeans that are so long the bootoms are all scruffy.
I have pants like that...but it's not for fashion. They're like that because I'm only 5'1" and since I'm not unnaturally skinny, all the pants made in my waist size are for girls much taller than me. I can't use a belt because if I wear my pants any higher, they'll be up to my breasts and I can't exactly afford to have all my pants hemmed. I roll the bottoms up but they come undone, even after I iron them down. I try safety pins but those come undone and poke me. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
"Don't girls realise they make their butts look big?"
As I understand it, this is the point.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I think you're right Tom.
What about old fads? Stupider fads? Remember those hideously ugly Trolls with the multi-colored hair? They were EVERYWHERE...and really ugly.
So were Cabbage Patch Kids.
Beanie Babies were everywhere, but at least they're remotely cute.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Those snap bracelets. Um...Doc Martens. I have four pair of Doc Martens, and they all still look new. One pair is ten years old. I want that fad to come back, dang it!
Posted by Steev (Member # 6805) on :
I wasn't aware that wearing Doc Martens was a fad?
I wear mine proudly sometimes with my pants tucked in.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Yes, Doc Martens were a fad. Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
My buddy just got back from Philly and says that knee-length T-shirts are "in."
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
quote: What about old fads? Stupider fads? Remember those hideously ugly Trolls with the multi-colored hair? They were EVERYWHERE...and really ugly.
I had one of those when I was six or seven...I saw the commercial where they make little giggling noises when you press the little gems on their bellies. I *begged* for one, and when I finally got it, I realized it didn't make any noise. It got really old after that--I think I ended up shaving its head.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Ew..knee-length t-shirts? I suppose that song about 'white t-shirt' started that one.
I love the lower waisted pants. They fit me better than the high ones.
I kind of like those UGG's. I don't have any, but I've wanted some because they look soooo comfortable.
I've always loved doc martens! They're not a fad...they're classics.
[ October 15, 2004, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: Tammy ]
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Same here about the ugg boots. They look warm and toasty. Wish I had some.
And I have a pair of docs from when I was 14. They're still in great shape, and I still wear them. They don't count as a fad.
[ October 15, 2004, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: sarcasticmuppet ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
UGGs are a fad? Sorry but for me they are a Way of Life. They were brought to the U.S. by the California surfer culture, and are one of the best things that ever happened to people with chronic cold feet. Where I where them entirely depends on how comfy I want to feel. I have worn them to work before after I had foot surgery.
A friend of mine and I ohh, nearly 7 years ago, (we were seeing A Bug's Life so it was 1998) went to a movie theater in the CA town where Papa Moose lives and amused ourselves by counting the number of people standing in line or walking into the movie theater wearing UGGs or wannabes resembling UGGs. I believe it was at least 10% of the population.
And wearing them to movie theaters is a great idea, because a lot of times with the air blasting your feet end up freezing by the end!
AJ
(Incidentally in that part of CA there is also an UGG outlet, so I've never paid full price for them either. Now when a pair wears out, I just ask for them for Christmas.)
[ October 15, 2004, 03:47 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
oooooooooo. I love Aimee Mann! She writes songs in 3/4 a lot... Sounds cool and walzish. I like Amateur and Save Me best by her. Maybe I should rent Magnolia (was going to write down mongolia!!!) The only fad I am into right now is DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY and Russian in general. How I LOVE him What a voice! So deep, so powerful. It tastes like good dark chocolate. And there is also Sims 2 to consider but it is LAGURCHEDY on my computer. (those shows are kind of... dippy, but I wish I had some doc martens or army boots.)
[ October 15, 2004, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Synesthesia ]
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
I first noticed the fads around me when I was in sixth grade. All the cool kids were wearing white oxford shirts with the sleeves rolled up to mid-forearm, Levi's 501 jeans, penny loafers with no socks, and denim jackets covered in Duran Duran pins.
Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :
I am not up on recent fads. A great book on fads is Bellwether by Connie Willis. The main character is a scientist researching where fads come from and what starts them. A bellwether is the sheep in a herd that the other sheep follow. Not Willis' best work, but very funny and readable.
[ October 15, 2004, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Morbo ]
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
UGGs are sooo last year. It's all about the poncho these days.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
I have 4 pairs of Doc Martens and that's about all I wear except Birks.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
I'm not bashing fads, I'm just commenting on them. I think it's an interesting thing. I don't want anyone to feel bad about hat they wear, I'm sure everyone here has wonderful taste in clothes and style. .
Posted by Steev (Member # 6805) on :
Well I am bashing fads.
Fads are nothing more than a phase where a large percentage of the population propagates the whims of peer relationships and pop stars.
If I see something that comes through as a fad that has some sort of practicality at all I adopt it permanently. I'm not interested in worrying about what the fashion world thinks I should be wearing.
For instance I don’t see the practicality of bell-bottoms or platform shoes. They were tacky in the 70’s and they are still tacky now.
[ October 16, 2004, 05:35 PM: Message edited by: Steev ]
Posted by Intelligence3 (Member # 6944) on :
And Moon Boots are back in style. Oh how I dearly want to relive 3rd grade.
No, wait! No I dont!!!! Posted by Grigori (Member # 6917) on :
I am... the Anti-Fad.
Posted by WishfulWiggin (Member # 6823) on :
I have jeans with scraggly bottoms, but yea, I'm short. Sandals year-round are good, especially if you are only going out for like 3 minutes. You shouldn't have to put on shoes if you want to leave your house. Although I would never wear them with socks...
And I had a troll collection when I was little!! And a troll t-shirt, a troll cassette tape, a troll backpack, and a troll mask. I still wear the mask at times. Its fun.
Posted by Steev (Member # 6805) on :
Hey, if they redesign the moon boot to actually keep your feet warm then I might actually get some.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I wear what I think looks good on me. Yes, I am partially influenced by what's in fashion, but I don't particularly care. I think it's silly not to wear things just because they're in style.
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I wear things if I can get them for under $20.
Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
I remember when I was in high school people would always wear their backbacks on one shoulder. For some reason using both straps was 'nerdy' In college people had grown out of it though...and laughed at people who only used one strap (it was a sure sign of a freshman).
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
*ahem*
I think ugg boots were Australian in origin.
I'm wearing mine now. Very toasty and comfy.
But NOT to be worn out of the house. Certainly not with a mini-skirt/jeans tucked into them. Ugg boots are strictly comfort wear - sort of the equivalent to the baggy tracky pants that are just to warm and soft to throw away.
We have the ugg boot as a fashion item trend here as well - it's very popular in the 12-15 year old girl market. I still think it looks ridiculous.
Another fad I don't like - skirts worn as tops (so versatile!). It only looks good on models with a stylist to tuck, pin and arrange. On everyone else it just looks like they had serious morning confusion about the function of their clothes.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Speaking of confusion...how do you tuck a miniskirt into ugg boots? Posted by Steev (Member # 6805) on :
I got my ugg boots in New Zealand back in 1992.
They were not a fashion statement down there but were still very common.
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I think you're right Tom.![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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