Blame Missoni: Trends, fads and the “in” crowd

For today’s Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, we’re talking about fads, trends and being part of the “in” crowd, inspired by the wild popularity of the Missoni x Target line.

1. Do you ever see a fad hit the stores and immediately dislike it? Has that fad ever began to grow on you?

On a regular basis! I definitely have a certain aesthetic, so I tend to react less favorably to anything that deviates wildly from that.

Having said that, I have changed my mind over time, especially as I see how others have incorporated the pieces in ways that suit my taste. I didn’t initially love skinny jeans and bright colors, but both are now staple parts of my wardrobe.

2. Has the popularity of a certain piece of clothing or line ever convinced you to try on something (or purchase something) you dislike?

Yes. Not because it’s popular per se, but when I see so many others wear or rave about a particular item, I wonder whether all of these people know something I don’t!

At that point I feel like I should at least try the item and see if my opinion changes. Sometimes it does, and sometimes my initial opinion is confirmed. But if I still dislike it, I don’t buy it.

Right now I just can’t get on board with the super high platform pumps that seemingly grow taller by the passing week.

3. Have you ever changed your mind about a trend after seeing it around for a while?

See above

4. Do you feel a certain pressure to have specific items in your closet because ‘everyone’ else does?

Not so much to own them, but to consider them.

When it suddenly seemed like every woman here in DC was wearing a pair of Hunter boots on rainy days, I’ll admit I felt a twinge of envy. But then I stopped to think about what style of rainboot or shoe is most practical for what I wear and a knee-high boot just wasn’t it. I wound up buying a pair of low-calf Bogs instead. (And now I’m on the hunt for shoe style waterproof footwear; I’ve tried a couple of different Crocs–NOT the clogs–but neither fit.)

5. Be honest, what do you think of the Missoni line? Did you grab any items? Is it worth the eBay prices?

From what little I could see of it, it was relatively well made and did an excellent job of translating the label’s aesthetic to the Target price point and market. I think this is a large part of why it was so overwhelmingly successful–that and its instant recognizability.

However, I don’t think paying double the cost on eBay makes any sense; if you keep an eye on the sample sale sites you might be able to find some “real” Missoni for that same price point. In fact, I just picked up a Missoni scarf on Gilt for $89. Why would I pay that amount for one of the ones from Target?

As for the Target line, I was only able to buy some things in children’s sizes (mittens and socks), so at least my daughter can be a bit cheap chic

In general, as I mentioned in the Friend Friday posts on Spring and Fall trends, the key to trends and fads is looking for items that work well on you and with what you already own. A fad for the sake of a fad will soon lose its appeal.

Your Turn

• What trends do you love?
• Which ones do you regret?

[This post is part of Modly Chic’s Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays.]

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Other working mom style advice you might like:

1. Friend Fridays: Trend aware vs. trend follower
2. Friend Fridays: How I’m wearing my favorite fall trends for 2011
3. Friend Friday: Summer fashion trends you can wear now