Last week I advised what I would be watching for at this September’s Ready-to-Wear New York Fashion Week (NYFW). I must say, after reviewing over 100 presentations I am underwhelmed. In the pursuit of newness, I admittedly may misinterpret solid showings for, “been there, done that” lacklustre.

Instead of getting the end of summer blues, I will focus my attention to the next great thing: September’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW). In anticipation of the next eight days, I thought I would share what I’ll be watching for. Of course I will be awaiting each collection’s sartorial vision for the upcoming season – that’s a given – but I’ll also be watching for other details. I want to see the choices brands make behind the collections

With the last days of summer upon us it’s time for the annual MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Award shows are not only a celebration of the year’s best artists and their achievements, but they are also an opportunity to talk about what so-and-so wore. I will say that the VMAs are not so much about the best dressed. Rather, I suggest that it’s more about who is the most memorable. 

Tight, bright and exposed skin was the M.O. The usual “no shoes, no shirt, no service” certainly did not apply. Faux fur space-esk boots and fanny packs were aplenty. Purposely weird and tacky outfits, along with the adorner’s body, are celebrated, not judged here. I came to realize that music festivals seem to come with unspoken dress codes. Some call it festival fashion while others take a firmer side calling it just costumes. Regardless of where you are on that spectrum it’s interesting to take a closer look.

Being the somewhat rational person I am I thought to myself,  “Just how big of a deal is she?” I took a look at some of the numbers available and here is what I found. The DailyMail.co.uk (take the source with a grain of salt please) notes 40 walking appearances in various shows this past season. Her net worth is reported at $1 million as of March 2014. It is also worth mentioning that Cara has a namesake Mulberry Collection with the fashion brand. A gal with her own designer bag? That means something.

Now that I am in the swing of my annual nuptial season (three down, two to go) I was curious as to what people spend on wedding fashion. Not only what the couple and their wedding party will spend, but the guests too. As I have no first-hand bridal experience, I went digging.

You may ask why does diversity in fashion matter to me? Well, bluntly put, I am bored of seeing the same old same. I invite designers and brands to wake me up and shock me with something new not only with the fashion but the women and men who wear that fashion. I welcome designers and brands to show me, a consumer, their proposed future. Brands have the opportunity to create whatever products they like and for whomever. Do it then. Show me your vision. Try not to put me to sleep.

I have said and will continue to say that there really aren’t any far-reaching, you-must-obey-or-be-cast-out-of-society fashion rules that must be adhered to. Rather, it’s about personal style and creating a balanced look for an individual on a case-by-case basis. That’s part of the fun... how often does a woman say, “That’s too young for me,” or, “That makes me look older than I really am.” 

Self-expression through clothing, or lack thereof, is a huge element to the party. One of the ways to self-love, acceptance and exploration is through the clothing they wear. Look no further than the parades to see bright colours, sequins and sparkle galore. Not everyone is sartorially flamboyant – and that’s okay too. It appears to me that people embrace whatever version of oneself you’d like to share that day. Good for you. There are no rules except love. Especially for Pride, I say, wear whatever you feel good in. Whether it’s hot pants, bedazzled wings, or jeans and a T; you shimmy, shake and sway to whatever drum beat your heart desires. Just be you.

Cargo shorts used to be a fashion joke to me. I understood the utility. Certainly, they had a lot of pockets to hold all sorts of the wearer’s trinkets and treasures. The washed out cotton looks better with every trip to the laundry and, with all that washing, they become more comfortable. But comfort and utility alone are not enough for me. I used to think they looked horribly lazy and that the wearer was either mountain bound with their dog or given up on life. Cruel, yes. But not unfounded, I would argue. Regardless, I’ve challenged my previous judgment. I want to find a way to make them work for me.

People go to Vegas for a varity of reasons but dressing with purpose is ever present: mini dresses on bachlorette parties, suits and ties for the VIPs (or wannabee VIPs) and some of the most casual looks you will see in a city that boasts so much glitz. It is a fashion frenzy on display on the strip. Even the sweat pant contingent that woke up that day and said, “I’m in Vegas, let’s not only pack sweats, let’s wear them!” 

The thing that most stands out, for me, are the way each of the characters keep or fight their individuality through how they wear and style their clothes. Their personal style both in prison and the clothes worn in the flashbacks help tell each person’s story. It’s fascinating. I am surprised that orange, tan, white and heather grey uniforms can appear so different.