Jeans revealing more glittering sequins than denim, exposed swimsuits thousands of feet from any body of water larger than a toilet, bolo ties amidst tuxedos, rubber sandals amidst silk hemlines, and shorts offering less coverage than diapers.
These are unofficial Arizona uniforms. Of locales falling behind the fashion index, I happen to live in #9. (indigenous to #2).
With the full fire of summer threatening unfashionable lows in my geography, some have said it’s too hot to be haute in Arizona. I accept the challenge and vow to publicly educate my fellow citizens, via a series of upcoming posts, in the art of dressing fresh in 100 degree plus weather.
1. Anchorage, Alaska
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
3. Baltimore, Maryland
4. Orlando, Florida
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
7. Atlanta, Georgia
8. Portland, Maine
9. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
10. Kansas City, Missouri
How did your state fare? What do you think is the worst fashion trend in your area?
Feed me fashionably fresh
Can’t wait to see your ideas!!
Well, I am trapped in Ohio, and one of the biggest fashion crimes I see here are jorts. Lots & lots of them, in all shades of blue, and mostly of the cut-off variety. I shudder.
Washington/Oregon are nowhere to be seen on the list–many people express themselves via their own unique style. However, we do have our own share of fashion crimes, namely sandals (especially the Birkenstock variety) with socks (?!) and an apparent inability to dress up–casual all the time, no matter what.
I live in #2 and I was raised in #5! Oh no! Although that makes me feel better about not dressing like anyone else around.
Born and raised in Alaska. Have since lived all over the US – #2 included. Don’t think that it was very bad fashionably growing up in Alaska. Do think that Alaska is full of people that have a priority list that does not include being the top of fashion, with good reason. Most of my life it was 20-50 BELOW zero during our long winters. We did grow up wearing EB, Land’s End, LLBean and JCrew. Yes we loved wearing Birkenstocks (sometimes with socks – which is just fine), but knew to not wear socks with Tevas. Don’t think Anchorage needs a makeover (or any other city, many of which are considered villages and are very remote and populated by Alaska Natives). I do think that people need to take into account the climate, terrain, and elements that Alaskans are subjected to. We do just go to malls for entertainment, we snow machine, hunt, fish, hike, and camp. Warmth and function reign in the northernmost/ largest state. We are fine with it. It is those that have never/ don’t live there that have the problem. No change or fix needed. Thanks. I realize this is a fashion blog, and yes I have been reading it for some time. I don’t submit to the fashion will fix everything concept. Unfortunately this post sounds as if, as did the article not taking into account cultural and climate factors. Be kind. If people are happy and healthy then priorities are in order. Fashion is not the answer to everything (or most things). Hoping the upcoming posts are as superficial as the article it is based from.
I agree with Anonymous wholeheartedly. As a long time reader, I have to say I am a little disappointed at how superficial this post comes across as. Have always loved your blog otherwise 🙂
California didn’t make the list but I’m sure some parts of my state could! Where I live on the central coast, it’s too cool to expose too much. I like that about it here. One would freeze if they tried to be too skimpy! I do wish people dressed up a little more here–its very casual. But I can be a little dressy without feeling out of place.
We have WAY too many bedazzled butts here in Utah. it drives me insane.
Anonymous & Juju,
Fashion is absolutely superficial, externally focused on the surface level. Unfortunately, most often, that’s all anyone sees. I believe clothing is an opportunity to match your outside self to your inside self, showing respect for yourself and those you encounter. It’s most definitely not the full package, but it’s an introduction. That’s all I’m suggesting.
Personally, I would be happy if my fellow Arizonians put on some clothes. Some believe that the only way to beat the heat is indecent exposure. And I want to propose a few more options.
And if you go to Travel & Lesiure websites, they also have articles on the most intellectual, adventurous, and friendly towns to visit.
Hope to visit your towns someday.
I live in Sri Lanka, right now, but consider myself from Virginia and Utah, respectively.
Sri Lanka is a land of endless summer, however, the women here, and men for that matter, dress modestly and tastefully (for the most part).
The beautiful sarees! The wonderful colors and fabrics are dreamy! A lot of their sarees are draped in such a way that creates a peplum look. I find myself inspired in so any ways.
Those that don’t wear sarees are tastefully covered in skirts and dresses. It is tastefully feminine, and lovely.
For me, ,it makes it easier to dress for summer when I live in palace that respects modesty and femininity, despite the hot and humid conditions.
Sorry but to ANONYMOUS-TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH!!!!
Yeaouch! I knew Baltimore would be bad (we still see mullets in the northern bits!), but number 3?
No problem, it makes it easy to be a big fashion fish in a small pond! 😉