I was pondering on why I enjoyed reading fashion blogs so much, when I have time. As I have mentioned before, I started perusing them some year and a half ago and now I resort predominantly to YFL because this site is like many fashion blogs wrapped into one. Coming here is such a fun and really relaxing activity.

However, it’s not just the inspiration I draw from the threads or blogs that is alluring. For me they also fill a gaping hole since moving to the United States: people watching! Growing up in Europe, it was a constant. “Le regard de l’autre” or the “Other’s Gaze” was relentlessly on you and yours on others (for Sartre and his existentialist philosophy this could be loaded with negativity, but is certainly not the case here).
If you live in a city, you are very likely using public transportation and what is there to do in the subway, tram, bus, train, and on the platforms before they arrive? You observe the other passengers, their fashion, style, mannerisms and general behavior. You sit down in an outdoor café and watch the passers-by; you sit on the steps leading to a cathedral in a big public plaza to rest for a moment and you will take in the scene filled with people. And, of course, in the streets your gaze is always on the others (that’s why sites like the Sartorialist are so popular, I think).

It’s such a joy, this feeling of being part of a community. Here in the US, unless you live in one of the few big cities with public transportation or big public spaces, this completely falls by the wayside and I really miss it. Every spring or summer I take a group of college students to Europe and at the end, when I ask them what they think they’ll miss most from these trips, they invariably say the public spaces with their energy.

“The Other’s Gaze” also influences people’s sense for fashion and the care they put into dressing themselves. During my first few years in the US, I often could not believe how some people presented themselves outside of their homes (pajama pants, curling rolls in hair, etc). I must say, it has somewhat changed over the years, for the better, or maybe I just got used to it. However, I have also come to understand that the motivation to dress well is very different here - it has to come from the inside (much, much harder in my view). In Europe it is mostly unthinkable to leave your house if you are not properly dressed, because of the “Other’s Gaze” being ALWAYS on you. Instinctively you present yourself in a different way. Often, when I run errands here in the US, I take my car from point A to B to C and I barely encounter anyone besides the cashier, the clerk, the barista. You do ask yourself “why make any effort at all?” Well, we all know that we do it so that we feel good about ourselves, but I can also understand that for many people it’s just not worth the sweat. On the other hand, if you encounter masses of well-dressed people, as is the case whenever I go to Europe (or, for that matter, lots of places around the world obviously; I am just mentioning Europe because I go there on a regular basis for extended periods of time), I would NEVER present myself in anything less than my best self, if I can help it.

Thus, YFL has really stepped in to cover some of these roles (and more):
- I find lots of inspiration by being able to watch all of you.
-I have so much fun being an observer (the scene is even international!) and observee here.
-YFL is a bustling community full of positive, contagious energy.
-It is the validation for days when I don’t encounter many people (the winter semester is coming to an end on April 29, and besides an online course, the student trip and research, I’ll be on vacation until the end of August. I know, what a fantastic profession, right? :). Knowing that I’ll snap pictures of some of my outfits will prevent me from resorting to just the comfortable jeans and sorts.
-It’s also the missing girl-friend in a fitting room who gives approval to an outfit, whenever we need it.
-I am getting great fashion advice.

So, thank you YFL! I really enjoy being a part of you!

Does this resonate with you? Do you enjoy people-watching as well?