I post links: Are fashion makeover shows discriminatory?

I've got to post this, before I run off to work. (Need to pick up the pace on my unpacking after Cincy Fashion Week -- still haven't found the USB cable to upload the pics I got! Grr!)

But I've sang the praises of The Fashionate Traveller before, and today I'm going to do it again.

"How do I Look" -- Is it discriminatory?

I love a good makeover show as much as anyone. Seeing girls or older women who have no clue about fashion and style and who really want to learn, and see them benefit from others’ expertise, is a lovely thing. Sometimes it results in a whole new lease of life and improved self esteem which is a great thing.

But lately something has been irking me that I’d like to get off my chest: some shows, particularly “How Do I Look” decide that alternative culture is not valid and ladies with alternative/goth/punk/rock fashion senses need a good smack upside the head. Occasionally this is true. For every well put together rock chick there may well be another girl who just looks, well, trashy. But often I see people who already have a strong sense of self, being pressured to give up their old clothes, hairstyles etc…in order to please well-meaning siblings and friends who want to ‘vanilla’ them down. Know what I mean?

I've had these exact same kind of off-put feelings while watching "What Not to Wear." I loves me some Clinton, but not everyone wants to dress like they came out of a khaki cookie-cutter, like these shows seem to do to um, everyone. Good comments abound in this post, and I encourage you to go check 'em all out.

What do *you* think?

Inspirational Videos: Joie de Vivre

Jared predicted not long ago that, if I watched "Harold and Maude," it would quickly become one of my favorite films. Well, when he's right, he's dead-on right. Maude is certainly an icon of style and attitude. She is fiercely, recklessly individual, jovial, looks great in a kimono, and lives totally by her convictions. Oh, and she gives a suicidal boy a reason to live and love. Her multicolor velvet dress was what I thought of when I found my fabulous Elie Tahari top that I wore for New Year's. Plus, she sports some ladylike tweeds that are appropriate for any age. If I live to grow old, I hope I do with even half so much style, grace, and irreverence.

Upcoming: Kiss of Fashion! This weekend!

Inspirational Videos: Hip-hop fierce

Showing impeccable style isn't just about what you wear. Just as important is your attitude. In honor of this fact, I've decided to post videos now and then of real-life people and fictional characters who embody attitudes that convey true style.

The first one is one of my favorites. The Beat Freaks performing to Webby's "Independent," in a style paying homage to Rosie the Riveter. We CAN do it!

To The Fairest

This is Megan. She is so intimidatingly pretty, it took me months to even say hello to her. We have hung out at Revenge and other goth-type gatherings in the Indianapolis area for pretty much the whole time I've lived there. Yeah, I'm a wimp. But she's just got this older-than-her-years stare that goes right through you. And her hair is perfect. And she's built like a model, and she always dresses impeccably. I finally mustered the guts to say hi and ask for some pictures. She's nice as can be! Now, I feel a little silly for waiting so long.

She got the dress at Forever 21. Also, Tru is either very dusty or haunted, because I ALWAYS get orbs when I shoot there. It's ridiculous. Yeah, I'm leaning toward dusty. Stupid dust-orbs and their clamoring to get onto my blog!

Purse = the BOMB.

 Here she is a few weeks ago, with DJ Jin-XS. Why this woman is not a famous alt model, I will never know.

IFB Links A La Mode

The results are in! Here are this week's top 20 blog posts, as voted by Independent Fashion Bloggers:

Antares: Alfa Scorpii: Mori girls style is an amazing street style trend, the mixture of ethnic, folk, lolita-style and others.

Awakened Aesthetic: Araks Yeramyan’s lingerie is both ethical and effortless.

Beyond Fabric: On Family History – Vintage Family Pics

Big Girl. Small Budget. Tiny Town.: Using the 12 Days of Christmas as style inspiration. A 12-verse song translated into 12 winter looks

Boheme Noir: 10 Ways to Wear Tartan & Plaid

Circle City Style: High Fashion in the Style of Gemma Teller

Dramatis Personae: If I were Another Girl… Inspired by Eastern European Boho Style

Fasshonaburu: Why is that most “Flatter Your Shape” articles will feature petite and curvy, yet rarely both in one person?

Fuyume: Is the rise of Asian models a fad?

The House in the Clouds: Shine your light on me: A reminder to all women that we are more beautiful and interesting collectively.

I’m the It Girl: Colour Trends S/S 2011: From Runway to H&M

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Setting Blogging Resolutions for the New Year

Liv Lux Magazine: How to Ease High Heel Foot Pain [Video]

Lust, Love, Lose: Lust- Maggie Matich’s Lavender Hair

Just B Blog: B Festive: Hair Tinsel the perfect holiday hair accessory!

Miss Vicki: Crossing the line between fetish and fashion

Modly Chic: Typical New Year’s Resolutions– Blogified.

MoMoMod: I’m bound to believe that Catherine’s definitive, effortless, and lady like style is perfect in its own right.

My Fashion Lust List: Fashion Related Health Problems

The Coveted: Snow boots for urban sludge

The Red Dot: Fashion Illustration therapy: review of three of the best fashion illustration blogs of the moment – Do they have influence on our style and looks?

Watch This Place: In a world where ‘shocking’ is no longer shocking, I consider whether the ‘rock-’n'-roll-bad-girl’ has lost her edge.

The little couple that rocks hardcore.

You're totally jealous that these are my grandparents.

Meet my stepdad's parents, Walter and Estelyn. Try not to pine too hard over that red coat. Yes, this lovely lady is my second-biggest bargain hunting muse. (First place, of course, goes to Mom.)

This is another set I got at my brother's wedding. I say this is one of the loveliest couples I've ever had the privilege to know in person. They're coming up on their 69th wedding anniversary, and still look as adorable and happy together as they do in their wedding photo. (Now THERE'S a vintage fashion shot to show off, if I could get a scan.) Given their own successful marriage, the DJ at Alex and Jessica's reception handed them the microphone and asked them to impart their best advice to the new family, on how to make a marriage last.

Estelyn's words: It's not always easy, but just hang in there.

Walter's words: Always say, "Yes, dear!"

Beautiful Family

A montage of footage from my stepbrother's wedding.


Alex & Jessica Eversoll Wedding Montage (12/11/10) from Sean Gowdy on Vimeo.

Thanks, Sean, for this video. In addition to being a testament to a joyful addition to my family, it's totally fitting for a blog centered on style and beauty. A happy, thankful heart is always in fashion.

Not to mention the fact that my brother looks darn good in a tux, and his bride, Jessica, picked a gorgeous dress. Also, Jess's daughter, Emery, would fit right in on Planet Awesome Kid. This is one pretty family.

I did get some good style photos of reception guests. These are forthcoming, and they will BLOW your mind.

Quickie: Bat nails!

Cost: $2.50 SPARKLY acrylic nails at Wal-Mart Halloween clearance, plus 98 cents for the glue.

Quick, cheap, dirty, fun.