I page through magazines like Vogue and Marie Claire, eyes wide, marveling at the beautiful advertisements and photo shoots of things I cannot afford. For the most part my funds are always low. This causes me to simply dream of the days when I will be able to afford such luxury items as a Bottega Veneta dress, Burberry trench, or a Herve Leger bandage dress.
I remember the first time I encountered a designer item in person. I was a freshman in high school and a girl in my gym class had a Coach purse. I could not believe she, a 14 year old girl, had a Coach purse. “Those bags are so freaking expensive,” I thought to myself as I complemented her marvelous accessory. She was relatively unimpressed by it; as if she had 20 of them at home in her closet. Me, I was thrilled by the concept that something so “exclusive” was actually attainable.
Over the years I have grown to love designer fashion. I view it as a form of expression. I have encountered plenty of people who get depressed when they look at high fashion magazines. Some think couture is frivolous and absurd. To me it is art. It would be a sad day for me if the dreamlike high fashion world disappeared because I find inspiration in the avant-garde.
Growing up in a Midwestern suburb, I have sort of lived in my own little world as far as fashion goes. Reading magazines, studying designer collections, advertisements, and photo shoots was the just of my experience with couture. Though, as I have gotten older, I have been able to expand my fashion horizons because, thankfully, the city of Chicago is but 40 minutes up I-55.
Though not often revered as one of the most prominent fashion capitals of the world, Chicago’s high end fashion selection doesn’t suck! Of course, I am just browsing, but it is really wonderful to see the designer items in person rather than on the glossy pages of a $ 5 magazine.
One of the best stores in the city for designer clothing is Intermix. There are locations on Rush Street and on Damen in Wicker Park. The staff is polite and helpful. The music is inspiring. And the clothes are amazing. I had never seen a Diane von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, or Chloe in person before. I would also like to thank Intermix for allowing me to openly lust after a Herve Leger bandage dress.
That established, I feel it is fully possible to appreciate high fashion without taking it too far or losing your sense of self. It is acceptable to read fashion magazines and feel inspired to create your own looks. It is art after all. I think life is too short to concern oneself with the serious all the time, it is perfectly reasonable to want for a wardrobe that can take you from the runway to the road.
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