For Whom Do We Dress?

by Logan Rizzo

“Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they’d just walk around naked at all times.”

-– Betsey Johnson


Got to love Betsey. Clearly, her outrageous style isn’t intended for the gentlemen out there. It’s for us, the ladies, her most prominent audience. Never have I heard someone bash her eccentricities. Ladies celebrate her uniqueness and marvel at her genius. Maybe someone has called her weird. I don’t care, and I refuse to listen.

Anyway, having spent endless amounts of time in a fashion school, I can testify that there are moments when Jane wore outfit Y to impress Betty who was caught in last week’s outfit X. Who else would Jane be dressing for? You can practically count the straight men here on one hand. We know once you leave Fashion Styling, you’re headed straight home to creep your favorite fashion blog. Why? So you can arrive in style tomorrow and attack Betty with another breath taker. Poor Betty.

Out in the real world, that body-con dress barely covering your backside isn’t for the ladies. Or at least I hope not. All the girls that want to see Jane’s butt, raise your hand. FYI, no one’s hand is raised. In fact, Betty almost cut off her hand to express her disapproval. Poor Betty.

On the contrary, does your man-of-the-hour know that your dress is hot off the “what’s new” section of ASOS? No, he does not. Does he realize the fabulous new number perfectly displays your assets (even the parts that are trying to sneak out)? Yes, he does. And you knew that, because you’re so darn smart.

Fighting a battle against millions are the few of us that feel fashion is art. We dress to express our feelings and to show others what we’re all about. We appreciate the fluidity of a gown and the lace of a vintage top. We can wake up one morning a rocker in tomboy chic and then rise feeling romantic the next. Fashion enthusiasts, we’re such characters.

So tell me, who do you dress for? I’d love to hear that you dress because fashion is the most suitable outlet to display your own personal message. Maybe you dress to see jealousy boil or to see the jaw drop off the colleague that practically inherited her wardrobe from the hottest issue of Vogue. But you could simply be dressing because that hot new guy you’re dating loves a particular color on you.

Although I'm lacking the PhD to back up my analysis, I think who we dress for truly depends on who we are. I won't judge whatever rocks your closet.

Dress on ladies…for whomever you choose.

Signature Style -- Samantha-Jo Rocco

Why classify? At first impression, you see a five-foot-nine female with a giant smile that rarely leaves her face. If you take a few more seconds, you are then interacting with an exceedingly outgoing and respectful young lady. But, there is so much more yet to be learned.

Focused and determined, I always let my adventurous ways shine through in whatever I do. My passion for all things that are good and diverse drives me forward in life, inching me closer and closer to my lifelong dreams. The thought of characterizing myself in just a few words doesn’t seem to be logical for the type of person I am. Human nature seems to want us to classify who we are, but that creates restriction without any room to grow as a diverse individual. Why restrict ourselves with limited classifications? There is too much out in the world that I'll miss if I bypass all that doesn’t seem to fit one classification.

Being open minded is very important to my well-being. For now, my goal is to enjoy this journey of life to its fullest while embracing the personal qualities that I am proud to possess. It is something that will always be a big part of who I am, and a quality that I hold dear to my heart. I am a girl that loves to embrace every aspect of life. That will forever be a part of who I am.

Signature Style -- Luciana Merlo

Black and white can be thought of as the chicest colors in fashion, but I feel that emotion lies in bright hues and patterns. Intense colors bring depth and contrast, which subconsciously leads to thought and imagination. Fashion is eternal, and it evolves every second, every minute, every day. It may seem hard to keep up with, but once you do, you’ll find yourself conceptualizing in an effort to see eye to eye with the creator.

I feel enlightened, even purposeful, when I find a connection between a design and other simple elements of life. Every creation is derived from a moment in time, a flower petal, a ray beaming off a skyline. New York City is full of artists painting their lives away, musicians finding meaning in every lyrical note, students aimlessly roaming the streets hoping to find a purpose in life. It always seems possible feel affected and inspired by what is around you.

My Thursday Evening

by Kathryn L. White

As I look towards the sweaty bodies of young singles desperately hoping to make a connection with someone special, I realize I have completely forgotten why I dragged myself all the way out to a gay bar in west village on a Thursday evening when I’m neither gay nor interested in meeting a special someone in a bar. Oh yes, I’m here for a birthday. I keep forgetting that everything is not about me. Still, I can’t help but wonder where my rich and handsome crush is spending his Thursday evening. I know it isn’t in a gay bar, that’s for sure. Actually, knowing my luck in the past, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was indeed spending his evening fraternizing with someone of the same sex rather than me. And I do suppose we need to have some sort of introductory conversation before we start with the fraternizing.

I wonder if I’ll pass him in the hall tonight on the way to my apartment. Or maybe, fate will lock us in the same elevator and I’ll have a whole 20 seconds to say something clever and flirtatious! What will I possibly say to completely captivate him in 20 seconds? Ugh. Movies are so deceiving and unrealistic. Romantic elevator encounters do not last 15 minutes, and I’ve certainly never been lucky enough to get stuck for that long while trapped with my potential soul mate. And even if I did, I’m extremely claustrophobic and there’s no way anything positive would come out of that. 

Maybe, if I just…oh no…is this awkward man/boy staring at me? No, it’s just my imagination. There must be a clock or something on the wall behind me. Wait, I think he’s actually staring at me. Oh, great…I think he’s…yep, he’s walking over here. Where did my friend go? Why is there an open seat right next to me? Please don’t sit down. You aren’t my type. Maybe if I just spill a drink on my dress, I can excuse myself as soon as he sits down…wait, I don’t have a drink! Oh gosh, here he comes…better go with that line from Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. “Oh, hi! Umm…would you excuse me? I cut my foot earlier and now my shoe is filling up with blood.”

Signature Style -- Leigh King

My personal style is a combination of Audrey Hepurn (obviously), Elle Fanning, and anything Mui Mui all wrapped up in a green and gold Kate Spade box.  I am in love with polka-dots, bright girly patterns, and anything with a Peter Pan collar. 

Here's me in a nutshell: I believe in glitter. Retail therapy is real, there is no such thing as a bad hair day, and chai tea lattes are a gift from the gods. Reading is my go-to escape, blogging is my obsession, success is my goal -- and creating is my passion.