Lately I’ve been bombarded by people (who do not have a clue nor an interest in fashion, so I really do not see where their curiosity is coming from) with the ever-classic (read cliche) question “What should we wear this spring, what’s trendy?” So my job may be to blame for this, as everyone thinks whoever works in fashion is well dressed, just because to them that’s what fashion is all about: being super trendy, posh and put together. I see it completely different: fashion is a way of expressing yourself, beyond and regardless of any boundaries whatsoever. And at the end of the day style is what matters. And that’s what true fashion is.

But anyway, I smile back containing my urge to roll my eyes and spill all the beans on trends. YES trends are a part of fashion. And a big one mind you, but it’s how you mix them and wear them that betray your style. Not to mention I probably come across like a wacko for most of these people, fashion wise. Like ripped jeans and pumps? Talk to the hand girlfriend. Or my boyfriend’s t shirt and some super posh necklace. What the fuck? Thank God I love stirring up a bit of controversy and watching elbows bumping by and hardly ever contained smiles or raised eyebrows. We’ve all got those know-it-all Miss Goody Two Shoes aunts or whatev who think if they’re wearing a black top they look edgy and have got it all nailed down. Fair enough, I do not judge and couldn’t care less what anyone is donning as long as they’re happy with it. Ah… had to get all this off my chest :)

Back to today’s topic: Trends & Peplums. Yeah, peplums have been around for quite some time now and it seems to me it’s a trend that’s refusing to die. Should we all scream enough already or be ecstatic it’s still on for 2013 Spring & Summer? (and NO they had no idea what I was talking about when I told them peplum is still in. HA! Was a mean bitch at that one, but I was only trying to make a point to the lot, which again they’ve been oblivious to.) :)  To be honest with you I was a bit surprised last FW when so many designers were showing loads of peplums for their 2013 S/S collections, and not because I hate it, just because I admit I had an impulse of AGAIN?! But why fix it if it ain’t broken, right? From 1800s peplums did a great job for women of all ages and silhouettes. It had a huge comeback in the 1940’s due to Chrsitian Dior‘s fabulous peplum jackets as part of les deux pieces and since last year… we can’t seem to get enough of this fad. Now is there a rule as to which peplum fits what body type? I have no idea. Never wore one (I’ve got it down on my list though) but I assume it’s a case of everyone’s happy with it, because peplums do justice to both skinny & curvy figures, making each type look good. Take Kim Kardashian for instance. This woman loves peplums. And with a few exceptions she rocks them, just because they accentuate her waist and play up her curves. Why hide it if it’s there. Flaunt it. For the less blessed curvy ones? It adds magic where’s there’s less.

From left to right PEPLUM by: Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga.  From the uber extravagant ones that look like huge folded circles around your waist & hips to the more simple designs – peplums are in and still causing a frenzy. Or not. I mean they look great… but it’s starting to look like those S/S trends that never die: florals, navy, prints… Just saying. Observations aside peplum has got that understated elegance and classic vibe to it, while some designs can look super avantgarde and edgy. So you see. It is a case of everyone’s happy.  But when it comes to actually wearing one you need to choose: Peplum TOPS vs Peplum BOTTOMS? I suppose tops are easier to pull off and mix with an infinite number of outfits, tied to so many looks: maxi skirts, mini skirts, tight, A-line, trousers, shorts, cut-offs. Peplum tops have got a bit more versatility to them and if you choose a super statement one – like a leather peplum top (this one’s on my list) you’ll be wearing the crap out of it, just cause it goes with absolutely anything for any time of the day & night.

Peplum TOPS  Peplum BOTTOMS

Now that’s a different story. Or Not. They’ve got a bit more razzmatazz to them and even a slight edge. Picture a mini peplum skirt with a tucked in shirt, t-shirt of tank top. And hot heels. Yeah I know, pretty hard to say no to such a look.

Peplum Dresses
And then there are the peplum DRESSES (see pics above) which are a dime a dozen: from red carpet super glamorous ones to cocktail knee-length designs and even office/day attire styles. Peplum dresses I think are all about class and timeless sophisticated style. Celebs are loving this trend. And what’s there not to love? A proper well designed peplum will give you a free card to eat all you want at a dinner party and hide it away! GENIUS! Don’t know about you, but I’m sold. What the hell was I waiting for all this time? :)

OK so when it comes to creepers I have a love & hate relationship with the thick-sole-shoes. And tons of headaches. Just because I literally do not know whether I like them or not, OR I get those days when I absolutely love them, but it all ends in a rather blunt manner when I decide to wear them. Yeah, I know, I’m such a chicken when it comes to taking some fashion risque. It’s just that to me creepers come with an age group affinity: think teens and early 20s, and if there’s one thing I get panicked about, is looking ridiculous.  But I too once was a teenager and back in the 90s, when the creepers had yet another fashion revival I wore them. Hell I loved them. My tiny reticence back then was due to my ”too-tall” self-consciousness, but my love for the creepers won and I wore them pretty much all the time. They were dark blue with thick black soles… and looked amazing with flared jeans! At least I thought so…  So all this spotlight fashion game played by the creepers had me asking questions like why? What’s is up with these shoes that we always get these rush crushes over them, I mean they’re not that great looking nor flattering. Sure they can easily add height, but so can heels. Then it hits me: COMFORT. With an edge. The Brothel Creepers first saw daylight in WWII, on soldiers’ feet and then, upon their return to England they pretty much invaded the streets and won over the hearts of those Teddy boys. In the 70s creepers had their glory days as Malcom McLaren & Vivienne Westwood were selling them on King’s Road in London. Yep it was the punk era! Ever since, they’ve pretty much remained in fashion (not in the spotlight though) as part of the punk look & culture and it was in the 90s they became mainstream again. What did you expect with the Spice Girls wearing them all over the place? And… here we are today. Have creepers changed over the years? I should hope so… Although fashion is all about going back and stealing other decades’ trends it also stands for reinterpretation, and if there’s anything the 2000s are great at, than that’s reinventing fashion/styles, making the most niche things lovable and wearable for the big masses.  With millions of designs and styles, the creepers are not looking that bad (at least not today. God I need to make up my mind!) and they do tend to give a certain artsy & bohemian vibe to an outfit, OR a grunge & punk twist to a look. Though seemingly quite niche I tend to think they can be quite versatile too, especially today with so many designs, colors & prints right under our noses, that I think there’s a thick sole for everyone. Black, colored, glittery, studded, sky-high, lace et all – at the end of the day it’s all about what best works for you. I love how some people are wearing them in the most fabulous way, like Susie Bubble for instance – she looks perfect in creepers. Not a hint of masculinity, not a hint of ridiculousness. All is sweet, cute and very trendy! 

The Colored Creepers be it one color altogether or just crazy colored soles – look great with cut-offs, skirts & jeans giving that fun, Tom-boyish meets girly vibe to it all. I love the brogues/oxford creepers, personally I think they look amazing and would be pretty much the only ones I could don with total confidence. Though they may appear tricky to wear I do think creepers (with a modest sole) can be styled and tied to almost any look. They’ve got that androgynous smart thing about them and tend to look rather classic with a twist. Here are a few street style photos for inspo.

Colored Creepers – fun shoes for any looks  The black sky-high sole creepers (studs, spikes, patent, glitter) are more for the teens, and for grunge looks, which though I adore on a regular basis… I do not fancy that much in creepers. Might be the too boy’ish look, too dark, too teen-appropriate… but I will give you this: they look fantastic with leather trousers/leggings and black coat. And I would wear a black creepers pair with an all black trousers outfit and a cool bag. I suppose it all comes down to donning it with confidence and whatever looks good and makes you’re inner fashionista glow – it works, right? Here are a few Punk /Grunge inspired creepers looks that might make you reconsider any creepers aversion, if any.

Grunge & Punk style Creepers  As this post ends I am confessing in all honesty I am starting to like these creepers (think thick sole oxfords) and might just consider a purchase. However they will not replace my addiction to heels. Comfort anyone? That’s what sneakers and ballet fla s are for, at least in my case, and with summer around the corner, the gladiator flat sandals are fantastic. So while I’m not jumping with joy over this trend… I will however not dismiss it that quickly!