Lifestyle

We live in an interesting time.

The same thing was also said amidst the boom of print media, especially when haute couture glossies first hit the market and the whole fashion industry became more of an “event” as opposed to a utilitarian means to an end (read: being clothed).

I’d argue that when online blogging hit the scene roughly 15 years ago — the late ’90s — fashion underwent a notable shift. Once “the people” received a megaphone (in this case, the Internet), their amplified voices slowly began competing with the opinions of fashion designers and magazines across the globe. Don’t get me wrong, to this day designers and glossies certainly have a huge say regarding what we wear, but the whole social aspect of the Internet indubitably turned the style world on its head.

Fast forward another five-ish years or so — into the early 2000s — when “all about me” social media websites such as MySpace were at their height. The early 2000s also marked the dawn of the Facebook era, a website which has a bigger influence on the world than most even realize. It was also around this time when deep and thought provoking online diaries shared between close friends (hello, LiveJournal) lost their luster and lifestyle blogs gained momentum.

Today, you can’t go anywhere on the web without running into a blogger or a niche website that focuses specifically on fashion/style or beauty. And with the prevalence of smart phones and Apps (fashion-focused and otherwise, including Instagram), we can’t even pick up the phone without seeing what other people are wearing or buying.

This social media/Internet whirlwind frenzy makes me wonder: Are we better dressed now compared to 10 years ago?

The Stylish City’s own founder, Mirela, says: “Everybody — stores, bloggers, fashion magazines, etc — has “looks” to draw inspiration from. There are literally thousands of bloggers, personal stylists, celebrities and reality shows we are exposed to every day.”

This undoubtedly affects our decisions when we walk into a store or peer into our closet. With the potential for more people to see how we’re dressed, are many of us less apt to throw on scroungy sweats even while sauntering around the house? And do we make better fashion choices now as a result of being exposed to the more fashionable who want to put themselves out there for the world to see?

Another question I have, in regard to the Internet/social media influence:  Do we approach fashion on a more “individual” level these days? Or does the influx of online/media inspiration cause us to all sort of look like each other?

Personally, I think cities such as NYC, where there a lot of people coming from all walks of life, are more likely to dress individually, but there’s still this “NYC vibe” that permeates all fashion in the city.

Perhaps the boom of social media has made us dress better as a collective whole, but with that have we lost a sense of individuality when it comes to fashion choices?

What do you think? Have your wardrobe decisions changed over the past 10 to 15 years as a direct result of the Internet and social media? Has it gotten worse? Or have you sort of shrugged your shoulders and not changed much at all? Share your comments below!

By Wendy Rose Gould

We recently conducted a poll on The Stylish City website which asked readers to vote on their number one resolution for 2013. Now that we’re already seven months into the “new” year, it’s about time we got around to revealing — and talking about — the results.

We have to say that the poll answers definitely came as a surprise to us. Before we dig into the results, though, know that nearly 300 people participated in this poll, all of them readers of The Stylish City.

Out of those 300 votes, a whopping 31% (read: almost a third of voters) said that their ultimate resolution — the resolution they most wanted to keep — had to deal with their weight. In second place, with 23% of the votes, was “health.”

What we found most surprising, though, was that “relationships” came in with the lowest percentage with only 9% of the total vote. In between the lowest and the highest were as follows: Career/Job: 16%, Money: 11% and Organization: 10%.

Now, we understand that there’s a lot that can’t be answered in a simple poll. Maybe the readers of The Stylish City have super healthy relationships with their family, significant others, etc. and didn’t feel the need to set any goals or resolutions regarding that aspect of their life. The same can be said of our readers’ finances or organization skills. If that’s the case, serious props to the women who have their pecuniary ducks and relationship matters all in a row.

It does seem strange, however, that the “weight category” came in at number one, especially at 8 percentage points above the second most popular resolution of “health.”

Maybe I’m crazy, but wouldn’t you think that your health, in general, is the ultimate goal compared to simply maintaining your weight? Even if you’re trying to maintain weight, drop some L-B’s or gain a bit of muscle mass, the reason you’re doing that should ultimately be motivated by a desire to be healthy, right?

As I write this, though, I must admit that I can see how “weight” may soar to the top of the list, even above health. Not to go off on a tangent, but as someone who’s lost over 50 pounds in the past three years, I strived to become a healthier version of myself throughout that weight loss journey, yes, but what really drove me was a strong yearning to look in the mirror and be satisfied with my appearance. To be able to fit into the coveted size 6, to feel good and look good. I care about my health, but I tended to care more about inches/pounds lost and a dwindling dress size.

This all leads me to a question I have for The Stylish City readers, especially those who selected “weight” as their number one 2013 resolution:

Why did you select the answer you did? And now that we’re over half way into the year, how are you doing on that goal? Have your priorities shifted? Did you fall off the proverbial wagon? Or are you totally kicking butt? We’re dying to hear your thoughts/comments, so share them in the comment section below.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Monday night’s red carpet at the 2013 CFDA Awards looked particularly fabulous. From fashionable veterans such as Ralph Lauren to Oscar de la Renta and other notable attendants, including Hillary Clinton and Miranda Kerr, pretty much every single person looked divine.

Whether you tuned in to watch it yourself or are reading up on all the little details now, here are the six things you need to know about the CFDA.

1. The 2013 CFDA Award Winners (Obviously!)

In case you missed it, the winners were as follows:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler

Menswear Designer of the Year: Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year: Phillip Lim for 3.1 Phillip Lim

As for the Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent, those awards were handed out to the following up-and-comers:

Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year: Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno

Swarovski Menswear Designer of the Year: Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School

Swarovski Accessories Designer of the Year: Pamela Love

The lifetime achievement award went to Vera Wang.

2. The CFDA Has Been Around for Over 50 Years

Yep, you read that right. The CFDA has now existed for over half a century. This not-for-profit organization, started by publicist Eleanor Lambert in 1962, has some serious roots and it isn’t going anywhere for a long time.

3. Fashion Made for Fashionable People

CFDA stands for “Council of Fashion Designers of America” and its annual award ceremony is considered the Oscars of the fashion world.

“Nominations for each award category are submitted by the CFDA Fashion Awards Selection Committee, made up of the 400+ members of the CFDA, along with top fashion retailers, journalists, and stylists. The nominees, as well as recipients of the honorary awards, are ratified by the CFDA Board of Directors,” notes the CFDA website.

4. The CFDA Awards Are Kind of a Big Deal

While the CFDA Awards began as small-scale, intimate event specifically for those in the fashion industry, it’s since become a much more widely covered — and attended — event. From celebrities to debutantes to political figures, everyone shows up to the CFDA Awards.

5. Diane von Furstenberg is the CFDA President

Fashion veteran Diane von Furstenberg, who won the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, currently serves as the CFDA president. She took on that role in 2009 and works with Steven Kolb, the Chief Executive Officer.

6. The CFDA Mission

According to the CFDA website, their mission is:

• To further the position of Fashion design as a recognized branch of American art and culture;
• To advance artistic and professional standards within the Fashion industry;
• To establish and maintain a code of ethics and practices of mutual benefit in professional, public, and trade relations;
• To promote and improve public understanding and appreciation of the Fashion arts through leadership in quality and taste;
• To create partnerships which lead to collaborative design opportunities for our Members;
• To support the overall growth of American Fashion as a global industry.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Sometimes, I look at my two sultry felines and think to myself, “Wow. They really have it made.” And sometimes, just sometimes, I get a wee bit envious of their lavish catnaps on the fuzzy sheepskin rug in my bedroom, or the fact that they get free, organic food three times a day without having to lift a finger (or would that be paw?).

I’m getting off topic. Kind of. Only because instead of discussing cats, I’m writing today to talk to you about dogs. One dog, actually. A New York City poodle who goes by the name, “Charlie Girl.” This fabulous pooch lives an enviable life, as well, and is portrayed by her owner Elizabeth Frogel in her new, dynamic book, “Charlie Girl: Tails of a Very Original Poodle.” (Would that make her a VOP?)

The deluxe, illustrated book covers all the NYC shenanigans of a “lovable, curious and life-of-the-party poodle.” And yes — Charlie Girl is a real life dog whose owners are author Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s 10-year-old daughter Ava. Together, they live as a happy family in the Upper West Side art deco architectural icon, The Century.

A Little More About the Book:

Recalling the day Elizabeth brought her weeks-old puppy home to New York City, she beams, “During the ride back to town from the breeder, Charlie Girl was completely quiet and just nuzzled in my arms, but the minute we arrived in the City, she sat straight up and had this magical transformation. She was mesmerized by the lights. And she looked right into my eyes and smiled. I knew at that moment Charlie Girl would love New York and that we would have a great life together.”

Today (and in the book), Charlie Girl takes advantage of all the fun her glamorous city has to offer. From long sidewalk strolls with mom, frolicking with her puppy pals, going shopping, dining on delicious food, and taking in art exhibits, Charlie Girl is one happy canine.

The stylish watercolor illustrations by Ashley Quigg are inspired by the décor of Elizabeth’s apartment, historic and contemporary photographs.

A Little More About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth’s accomplishments were propelled by what she describes as “survival mode.” Divorce turned her life upside down, as it does with most people, but there was no self pity, only forward movement. She took charge and committed heart and soul to creating what is now the happiest time of her life.

Divorce allowed Elizabeth to live at her authentic best, and with encouragement from her family and a loyal group of strong friends, Elizabeth’s life started to shine like the Chrysler Building. Charlie Girl evolved out of sheer love. During the emotionally charged years when Elizabeth was trying to conceive a child, she developed her special bond with Charlie Girl, who served as a constant companion and partner in NYC adventures. Charlie Girl the book captures the essence of that pinnacle time.

Where to Buy:

Head to Bergorf-Goodman (who happens to be a character in the book, as well) if you’re interested in flipping through the pages or buying. Bergorf-Goodman is the exclusive NYC department store carrying Charlie Girl.

Not lucky enough to live near NYC’s Bergdorf-Goodman? The book is also available online at Amazon.com.

Charlie Girl supports the Puccini Foundation, which is dedicated to the hope of a future for pets and people – cancer free under one umbrella.

I love the concept of the Charlie Girl book because it’s lighthearted and breezy. I think we all need more lighthearted and breezy things in our lives, especially in a world where urgent deadlines reign supreme and coffee is gulped down for its caffeine properties (instead of enjoyed for its smooth textures and rich aromas. Hey, I’m a coffee and an animal person).

By Wendy Rose Gould