The Fashion Icon

Genius. Insanity. In life there seems to be a small divide between the two. There is not much seperating ideas that seem impossible and a miracle and so of course is the same in the world of fashion. To me, being a fashion icon means your individual style embodies your entire being while being imitated but never duplicated, the pieces you own are always envied but often untraceable and your image is pure poise. Lady GaGa is one of the style icons of our time where we have seen her rock no pants, head scarves and even landed a beautiful spread in V magazine.

But it is not without downfall that Lady GaGa has been photographed. She sure does like to push the envelope, but how far is to far? For me, this is just WAY too far. GaGa is wearing Jean-Charles Castlebajac's Kermit the Frog outfit - hes known for his animated, wild and questionable designs and this definately hits all three. Sadly, it does seem animals were harmed in the making of this garnment.

Of course Lady GaGa was not shy to wear the overthe top outfit but it makes me question "is this just too crazy?". As a style icon I think this was a wrong choice, and the title of a style icon should mean 24/7. Though I understand celebrities and fashionistas alike want their downtime and need some rest and relaxation and may want to step into a pair of joggers, I think a style icon has to do it in a way that is still fashionable. Lady GaGa may have an outfit like this to get attention - but get our attention in a GOOD way because any attention this would have gotten could not have been that great.

Though Lady GaGa's outfits are questionable and her title as a style icon has raised some eyebrows, its safe to say that todays "fashion icon" is leaps and bounds different from the traditional icons such as Kate Moss, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Must Haves!

While the summer weather most of us York students hasn’t been too hot, we know we can always count on fashion to deliver some drool worthy pieces when all else fails. Since the outdoors haven’t been delivering tan-worthy weather, this summer I’ve made the shopping world my Summer getaway and picked up on the trends that should be in everyone’s closet this season. Between Queen Street West and Younge Street I found my favorite pieces from Forever 21, Aldo’s and Urban Outfitters.

In the Nude…
It is very clear that one color that is in for the season is almost no color at all: nude! Any color close to a woman’s natural skin tone including flesh, sand, and caramel will compliment any outfit’s color pallet and elongate your leg. When your carry your natural skin color into a similar hue on the shoe the visual line is therefore much longer and flattering. For the end of summer try the Slagel sandal from Aldo’s on sale now for only $31.98, Jolly sandal for $55.98 or the Segura platform pump for $100.
Tailored to a Tee
To toughen up any soft playful look and add a pop of flare, this season’s must haves is a blazer. We saw it first with the oversized boyfriend blazer but as there have been plenty of different varieties; you will surely be able to pick out your perfect signature jacket. Try the cap sleeve blazer with belt from Forever 21 for $22.88, Silence & Noise White Double Breasted Blazer from Urban Outfitters for $88.00 or Silence & Noise Floral TT Blazer as a statement jacket for $78.00 from Urban Outfitters. The great thing about these blazers is that they can be worn with skinny jeans, tulip skirts, tube dresses – anything in your closet!
Flower Power
This season make sure you have flowery accessories in the form of earrings, necklaces, rings or broaches. These girly pieces will add a feminine touch to your outfit and give you a fresh look. Forever 21 has a huge line of accessories that will surely bring your outfits to life. When picking accessories with floral print, skip the bangles with silkscreen printed or painted flowers and pick a ring or necklace with metal detail that outlines the actual flower and gives a 3D effect –this will give your outfit texture. For those who adore vintage, many of the flower accessories from Forever 21 had the antique feel. Try Forever 21’s floral cluster necklaces if you are wearing a strapless dress or top that is very large and encrusted with jewels that act as an entire neckline. Try one of the rings, bracelets, earrings or necklaces like the ones pictured below from Forever 21, all for under $16.98.
Nude shoes, blazers and flower accessories can all come together this season to create a statement outfit that will surely be turning heads wherever you go. Remember, to feel like a million bucks you don’t have to spend it – just shop smart! As a student whose love of fashion is of more value than her bank account, shopping at places like Aldo’s, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters is a happy compromise. Happy shopping!