Are You A Fashionista?

While researching the word Fashionista, I discovered many meanings. However, there were three that I found satisfying in my understanding of this word:

Per Merriam-Webster— “A Fashionista is a designer, promoter or follower of the latest fashions.

Per Urban Dictionary— “A person devoted to fashion clothing, particularly unique or high fashion. A person not to be called a fashionista would be someone who obsessively follows trends. REAL fashionistas do not believe in trends.”

Per the Free Dictionary— “One who designs, models, or markets high-fashion clothing or who is an ardent follower or consumer of the latest clothing fashions”

For this article, I have decided to incorporate the meanings and devise one that will be applicable:

“A Fashionista is an ardent follower and consumer of high fashion clothes.” With this definition in mind, let us investigate being a fashionista and discover whether you have what it takes to be one.

Fashionistas are not merely trend-settings individuals but fashion connoisseurs!

So, depending on the person, being a fashionista can be an expensive undertaking. However, if the fashionista is a prudent shopper of quality clothing, she will not search for the most expensive outfit, not at all. She will study the designers to discover whether he/she has created affordable alternatives to their latest offerings.

As an example, Adrienne Landau is a furrier who designs her coats for some of the most iconic pop stars. Accordingly, some of her furs can cost as much as $10,000. Ms. Landau has also created a faux fur line that looks extremely authentic at a fraction of the price!

Dennis Basso is another designer whose runway fashions can be seen on the Web. He has a beautiful collection of faux furs as well as many other fashions. All that is necessary is the ability to research.

Furthering the discussion of furs—colors have also been extremely popular among many designers. No longer are these coats or jackets limited to the natural shades of browns, tans, blacks, or whites. Now, the fashionista can wear merlot, teal, mustard, or navy! Prices for these furs are understandably higher than the more conventional ones. Again, Faux Fur to the rescue!

Designers as well as famous talk show host such as Wendy Williams are creating their lines of colorful faux furs that not only look as good as their expensive counterparts, but feel as luxurious as well! They can come in all lengths, however just above the knee or “car-coat” length is the most popular.

Designer shoes and handbags can also be obtained at discounted prices. Again, the key is to research the Web and discover what is being offered and compare prices.

There are several places you can frequent to find just the right up-to-date fashions. Yes, by searching the Web you can either purchase online or find the locations of stores in your area. Shopping in-store could prove relatively expensive, though.

Online offerings such as HSN (Home Shopping Network,) and QVC (Quality Value Convenience) offer the fashionista a great place for finding brand name clothing and shoes. From the convenience of your home or anywhere else that has wi-fi, you can watch the videos of items being discussed sometimes by the designers themselves. Seasonal items tend to have price reductions sooner than items that can be purchased at other retailers and can be consumed year-round. Always watch for these reductions to save even more. You can always opt to watch the TV versions of these outlets and order over the telephone.

Some of the main department stores such as Macys and Dillard’s have online presence where you can order fashions, especially when they become available at a discount. Many of the name brand companies such as Coach© and Nike© have convenient Outlets both in-store and online. The Web is a fashionista’s best tool in researching just about anything!

Of course, it is. If you possess the talent and ability to duplicate those designs, then just do it! There are seamstresses who can see a picture of an outfit in Vogue and recreate it. Some will even add original final additions. Purchasing patterns such as Simplicity©, Butterick©, McCall©, or Vogue© can be extremely helpful as well as rummaging fabric racks for the best prices.

Because the prices of patterns have escalated over the years, some seamstresses have devised their own. This of course, would require the ability of understanding basic pattern construction. Once that skill is acquired, it is possible to use any type of media available to create first your pattern and then cutting out your material and sewing.

Although Hancock Fabrics have closed their doors, there are many other places where you can find both patterns and fabric to create a stunning fashion original based on famous designers’ creations. Seek out craft stores, some department stores and other fabric stores for just the items you need. Don’t be afraid to use import-export dealers. You could find the same or similar fabrics there. If you are a fashionista—you will find the way!

This article isn’t for everyone. There are some who have the resources and the ability to purchase directly from the designers. Then, there are others who don’t desire to become a fashionista and wearing a burlap bag would be just fine. However, those who enjoy looking their very best and are very style conscience—then you may have the “makings” of a fashionista! Regardless, enjoy being who you are and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

I am a Fashionista and proud of it!