Quirkiness, DIY Handbags and Vintage Shops are Signs of the Time

If quirkiness and creative freedom were not associated with the fashion industry, I wouldn’t be a devotee. As an avid people-watcher and purveyor of off-kilter style, my heart collapses every time I see someone dressed head-to-toe in labels or (gasp!) carrying fake handbags.

Before I continue, I would like to make note of two things: 1) Wearing overpriced, cheaply-constructed clothing from Abercrombie doesn’t make you look cool. In fact, you just look like a poser trying to fit in with every other desperate wannabe in the crowd. 2) Did you know that purchasing a fake designer handbag supports child labor, terrorism and human trafficking? Never mind that the illicit enterprise produces ugly, logo-emblazoned rucksacks – we’re talking murder.

Why does everyone want to look like everyone else? I’ll be gentle and say that many people weren’t born with a sense of personal style, and never developed one as they aged. They don’t know how to dress themselves and may often read publications and blogs that herald personal style and wish to emulate the styles and tips within.

When they walk into a vintage shop or a mass-market retailer like Target and become so frustrated and overwhelmed, they leave. Where do they end up? Back at the mall, clueless and unaware, piling their arms with tons of moose and seagull-emblazoned t-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans, settling back into their comfort zone.

I have a few tips for those inexperienced, aspiring style icons. Destroy your fake handbags and overcome the fear of not having a hideous counterfeit Chanel. The style-conscious don’t care about labels; they find cool bags and make them their own through do-it-yourself techniques.

American Apparel, H&M and Target have extensive collections of canvas and leather bags in stock. Find a semi-plain one with a size that fits your lifestyle, and then head to the art supply store. There, you will find a hot glue gun, packets of metal studs and artists’ bleach. Experiment with the bag’s exterior and try arranging and gluing on an array of studs and bleaching small and large areas using a toothbrush. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try ravaging the exterior with a cheese grater and sandpaper.

Try scouting local thrift shops for jewelry, beat-up motorcycle boots and scores of cardigans, rocker t-shirts and perfectly worn-in jeans. I once found a Who t-shirt (circa 1981), a silk Chloé scarf and beautiful gray cowboy boots at the tiny Greene Street Consignment Shop in Philadelphia.

If “thrifting” seems like too tedious a task for you, try hunting down basics and uniquely designed pieces in the stores mentioned above. American Apparel, home of the perfect t-shirt, is currently stocked with oversized boyfriend shirts and soft, marbled-heather sweatshirts that look both chic and trendy when paired with classic leggings, a pair of vintage boots and your new do-it-yourself bag.

“Borrowed from the boys” and “ballerina on acid” are two looks H&M is currently heralding. Try mixing an oversized cardigan layered over a silk tank top and skinny tie with plaid shorts, tights and studded motorcycle boots, or a short tulle and lace skirt with a bodysuit, tights, wraparound sweater, ballerina flats and a wrist load of biker-chic jewelry.

As for Target – perhaps one of my favorite stores in the world – what don’t they offer for a frugal fashionista or budding style icon on a budget? I love the accessories section for the vast selection of jersey and crocheted scarves and dainty Anna Sheffield jewelry. From ribbed knit leggings to mannish-cut blazers and cashmere sweaters, the clothing section offers all the basics and trends of the season.

Now that you know how to properly shop and exude personal style, there is no excuse to walk around looking like a copycat.