For the past several seasons, fashion has been all about tough-girl grunge chic, replete with biker-inspired leather and spikes. “We’re in a recession for chrissakes!” everyone exclaimed. Cue the shaggy hair, kohl-encircled eyes, and slashed and shredded clothing that looked like it barely survived the apocalypse; all finished off with four-inch platform stripper heels.

NYFW, Fall 2009

It makes me tired thinking about it, and I’m a pretty hardcore strong-willed bitchy type. Maintaining such a defensive stance is exhausting!  Shoot, even Xena had her vulnerable moments.

All the leather and bleaching and shredding was fun for a while, but now I’m thinking it would be nice to feel pretty, instead of pretty tough. I’m ready for something softer, and while I’m not necessarily looking to drape myself in mountains of florals and bows and pastel ruffles (though it worked for Chloe Sevigny), it would be nice not to feel like I’m an armored truck heading into combat 24/7.

Soft and pretty on the red carpet at the 2010 Golden Globes

Light and feminine on the Resort ‘10 runways

Some days, yes, I will be in Power Bitch mode just because sometimes I wake up in the takin’ names and kickin’ butt mindset.  Other times, though, it would be nice to dress in a way that conveys more vulnerability–not necessarily weakness, but…openness. All the hardcore fashion feels a little closed off, which is understandable in times of hardship when you need increased protection from the uncertainties of life. While things are still pretty uncertain (when aren’t they?), I’m exhausted. I’m ready for a change in direction.

Um, let’s keep the stripper shoes, please.

Tweet This Post Facebook Stumble This Post

Sorry I’ve been MIA…then again, my name is TaMIA. Corny, I know… Let’s move on:

Become a social media guru in two minutes or less, now available with cassette tapes! Who knew it was so easy?

Ah, the green screens of the Apple IIe bring back so many computer lab memories. Anyone else remember desperately hoping the weather cooperated when playing Lemonade Stand, learning the difference between prime and composite numbers with Number Munchers, and dying of dysentery (seriously, every time) playing The Oregon Trail?

We girls can do anything (as long as we have our half-caf soy mocha lattes), right Blogger Barbie?

How is Stephanie Seymour still this hot? Does she have some kind of pact with el diablo? Where can I sign up?

Creating your own deadlines and setting aggressive goals for your business. Can (and should) be applied to personal projects, too. Ahem.

Why small actions are more important than big plans. Tip: “You can jump in anywhere in the process to get it going.”

French retailers revolt against e-book hegemony. The publishing world is getting ugly as traditional and new media collide, and it’s gonna get worse before it gets better.

Alexander McQueen’s death left me shocked, then sad, then confused, then kinda pissed. Why? Is it ever really that bad?

Tweet This Post Facebook Stumble This Post

Interesting reads I’ve come across on the web:

Though not really surprised, I was FLOORED by the H&M Clothes Trashing report. Seriously? I know they’re not exactly high priced items, but even if they were, is it really more cost-effective, and more importantly, environmentally ethical to destroy and dump bags of unused clothing?

Social Media Business Strategy Great article about implementing a social media business strategy on Mashable. Remember, set your objectives and listen first!

Startup therapy:  Ten questions to ask yourself every month Thought-provoking questions for current and wannabe entrepreneurs & freelancers. They get harder as you go.

Independent Magazine Publisher Magazine launches. Yesss! Can we form a club or a support group or something?

Updating the Babysitter’s Club The Babysitter’s Club is making a comeback with a prequel and “updated” versions of the first two books, but can we please leave the outfit descriptions (especially Claudia’s) the same? Pretty please? In the meantime, this graphic novel version of the BSC has win all over it.

Writer Lauren Sherman at The Fashion Beat recounts the Ten Moments in Fashion that Changed the Business (this decade). Anyone else remember pre-Rachel Zoe, when you had to explain what a stylist was because people had never heard of such a thing?

Tweet This Post Facebook Stumble This Post