fashion or style?

You've gotta love a new season. A whole lot of new trends to explore. Stores filled with racks of freshly hung pieces waiting to be tried on (oh so tempting!). And it also means a heap of new fashion terms to bandy about.

"tough pretty," "utility chic," "boho-luxe," "minimalist manstyle," "floral glam" - the list is endless ! 

You never know what is going to be the new "it" trend. But does this influx of ever-changing "trends" define fashion or our style. ?

[image source: jimmy choo]

The two words have been used interchangeably universally. Sure their interpretations are used  similarly in the english language but the two are hardly synonymous. Fashion itself inevitably changes as each season drifts by. Trends fall to the side as the "new black" emerges along with the next "it bag." But it still throws a curve ball sometimes- shoulder pads? A hideous throwback! A year ago, we suddenly refused to buy embellished blazers or a maxi dresses.

Each trend comes around eventually but not necessarily in a cyclical manner, more a figure eight of infinity. Last season, we were spotted in all things dark and heavy with depression: Hard-rock studded shorts, body chains, ripped jeans and let's not forget, Doc Martens were all the rage. This season, whimsy pinks and romance have resurfaced with free flowing elegant wearable pieces in the newest neutrals.

[image source: tumblr.com]

Style on the other hand, remains the same. Now "same" doesn't necessarily mean stagnant, flat or mundane- it moreover evolves. (Quite different to "changing" I must say). It is constantly undergoing evolution through our experiences. There is a depth to each of our chosen garments- perhaps an icon or a stranger who have influenced you.

Style represents an aesthetic emotion. You don't know what it is about your chosen "style" but everytime you see a piece that represents that, it somehow seems to pull you in. The question on the other hand though is whether it is innate or hereditary? Do we seem to learn more about our style as life goes on? Or is it just inexplicably there? We each have an eye for style and it is intrinsic. Don't you envy those girls who seem to "effortlessly" throw pieces together and always look absolutely fabulous?! For others it may require a little more effort to self discovery with a few trial and error pieces  until finding that consistent look.

It is most definitely one of those which-came-first-scenarios- the chicken or the egg? Are you up to date with fashion or do you have style? Personally, style is what truly represents you. Sure it could mean wearing the latest trends but that's okay, so long as it defines you and remains the same with seasons to come. Style is forever evolving with your individual growth but will always adapt and remain consistent to your look- after all like Coco Chanel once said,

"Fashion fades, but only true style remains." 

Gros bisous 

xxx