Fashion Victim vs Trendsetter

Looking through my September issues from previous years; I realized that the crazy, funny, overwhelming, and insane thing about fashion and trends is that everything is in fashion and nothing is in fashion. A person can spend their days calculating meticulously how to be considered fashionable but never really develop a true sense of style. I'm sure we've all struggled with whether to make a clothing purchase or not at some point in our lives, the question of whether it was fashionable, weird, or even outdated brewing in our heads. Raking our brains of every style tip or knowledge that we have acquired to rationalize our purchase. The irony of that is is that at times what magazines deem as last season can be the hottest trend for the next season. For example, this past spring's denim on denim look. For the longest time I had followed societies unwritten rule about not mismatching denim in order to prevent myself from looking like a confused cowboy. However, it's apparent that this look can be chic and daring. Like the fabulous Heidi Klum says, "One day you're in, the next you're out." This year it was auf wiedersehen to 80s silhouettes, colors, and accessories and helloooo to 90s minimalism. So what happens when your favorite (but now deemed outdated) trend is caught in fashion's crossfires? In my opinion, you wear what you like and don't let anybody or magazine tell you differently. It's the girls who follow the beat of their own drummer who are viewed as trendsetters rather than victims. I celebrate the inspiring few who are not slaves to fashion but rather cultivate it by their personal style in hopes that these mavericks will inspire my sense of style as well.

Agyness Deyn: This model can rock any style on and off the runway. Sexy in an understated way, Deyn's style is a mash up of loud British rock and roll, menswear, and girly spunk.

Alexa Chung: Whenever I see a photo of the ever fabulous Ms. Chung, Urban Outfitters immediately comes to mind. She's mastered the art of looking good with out trying to a t (which I associate with UO). I love how you would never know whether she spent a whole day figuring out what to wear or just five minutes.

Diane Kruger: This german beauty owns the red carpet, graces fashion shows, and parades sidewalks in nothing less than pieces sure to grab your attention. She's never afraid to try new things despite whether or not they will end up on "Worst Dressed" lists.

Rachel Zoe: Rachel Zoe leads a life full of drama, both in her personal life and her in closet. She always embraces colors, volume, and different textures and is always true to her 70s aesthetic.

Rachel Bilson: Based on her role as Summer on the O.C. I never expected much style-wise from Bilson. Summer's style was as bubbly and perky as her personality. However, in her personal life Bilson has shown that while she is the girl next door, she's got other facets to her personality and style as well.

Sienna Miller: Without Ms. Miller, I don't think the term boho chic will have ever been actualized. Sienna Miller is renown for the way she is able to take billowing bohemian styles and make them look current. However, I love Sienna in a more refined look. Sienna knows what clothes suit her body type and shape, which makes her overall appearance chic and put together.

Nicole Richie: I can't emphasize enough how astonishing this former reality TV show's fashion transformation is. From Von Dutch to House of Harlow, Richie's style exudes a perfect mixture of seventies hippie and California girl.