I like clothes, and I am constantly striving to develop my personal style - that is how I found YLF in the first place. I love to be aware of trends but high fashion - not so much my thing. I like following local designers and lust after certain items. I find it awesome seeing how new trends are adapted and interesting how high fashion filters into street style but even if I had the body and budget to wear high end designer clothing, I honestly don't think I would. Just not me!

Sorry you're feeling alienated.

Fashion interests me as a purely spectator sport. I like the creativity, fun, and "pushing the envelope" that it represents but I really don't view it as applicable to what I choose to put on my body, except as maybe as subliminal influence. To be honest, I think that the group of people who are interested in Fashion as form of everyday dressing is probably quite exclusive--here and in everyday life.

I'd also agree that style and dressing are of more interest on this site than is Fashion dressing. To my mind, Angie's blog has resonated with a rather large niche of people who like fashion but appreciate her translation skills and help in making it more understandable and functional. The forum probably reflects that niche.

But, as I've mentioned before, I think the YLF umbrella ought to be big enough to hold different types of interests. I may not be interested in WIW threads, or K/R/Purge pictures, but I definitely miss not being able to discuss more philosophical questions about the influence that Fashion, culture, and personal style have on how we choose to dress. I don't expect that my interests are in the majority, but I have found others here who do share them. That's why I'd like to see the forum stay as expansive as possible instead of contracting into just the interests of the majority. I'm all for minorities sticking around on this forum because I think it's the way this forum accepts and appreciates its minorities that make this site exceptional.

Yes, I am interested in Fashion and in specific designers. However, the reality is that I do not live in a larger city and my location and lifestyle do not allow for me to dress runway. The reality is that many women look costumey when they attempt to wear runway because much of it is designed as inspiration and not intended to be worn for real life (I think of Anna Dello Russo as the shining example of this). That isn't a bad thing, and I adore photos from Fashion Week and runway shows; but those looks simply do not translate into my real life most of the time.

So while I maintain an interest in Fashion, I focus mainly on style and dressing. I do what I can do within the confines of my lifestyle.

Angie, my privilege at being able to buy higher ticket items has been brought up. It is true I can afford some thing that others cannot. But I work in a decidely unglamorous job. I commute by bus, I don't have a new car. I live in a small condo. I also do not have other costs, like a husband or children, or even a pet.
I believe that style can exist at any price and size. When I worked a low paying job at a non-profit and was a size 16 in denial, I still dressed well. Better than some of the professsionals. It does take more effort to create an outfit based entirely on the clearance rack and TJ Maxx but it is doable. I would buy the fashion magazines and tweak.
I am just trying to figure out how to re-engage here.
I do have other interests, but don't necessarily go into all of them here.

Chiming back in to say that if I can ever get the practical sorted out I can see becoming more interested in the art in the future. In Maslow's hierarchy I'm still grubbing around for food and shelter. You higher beings will have to go ahead without me until I can catch up.

I'm definitely interested in the philosophical discussions, such as this one and other recent things. Like the one discussing whether you can be stylish if you look like everyone else. And the eternal are you dated if you aren't on trend thoughts. I always read those and try to reply.

If other things are over my head, that shouldn't worry anyone!

In answer to the initial question: yes! I don't see it as an issue of Fashion vs. dressing, though. They serve two different purposes. I wasn't able to answer on your designer thread, because at this point I'm not really looking at specific designers. There are so many and I get lost! My Fashion view is a more overarching one; I get a few fashion mags, and look at the runway stills during the various fashion weeks and jot down my own observations about the themes I see, and the trends I'd be interested in pursuing. Many of those trends don't filter down to retail that season or take forever to do so or never even make it to the masses, but I usually still look for them and do my best to incorporate or emulate as much as possible. Many compromises made there. I don't reserve those for the season they show up either, which probably also contributes to my difficulties with them. When Angie's seasonal lists come out I compare my notes with her observations, which gives me a better idea of what might actually filter down to retail. I feel like that's not very well represented in what I actually wear though, since I am pretty much limited to lower-mid range for items. I'm feeling this way especially since this past year when I took a break I didn't shop nor look as closely at the runway shows, so I'm relying on already having things that are currently mainstream trendy that I got a couple years ago. I feel a season behind, but still current enough to continue on. Hopefully as I get my wardrobe resettled and fashion continues being more fun again I can start to branch a little higher up. I would like to inject a bit more trendiness.

I think those plastic pastels will garner little traction at the mainstream level, but I could see small doses popping in to piggyback on the sporty trends (like the clutch she's got in the last outfit or in casual outerwear). I think they're pretty fun! I really enjoyed the page you linked, WOW that was a lot of gorgeous eye candy. Love that she's got outfits AND inspiration images there, you get a much more artistic view. I want to eat Easter candy now.

Sheers, well those seem to be around and sticking around. I see a ton of it in the stores, not too many people around me wearing it though (but maybe would see more if I was closer to Seattle?). I like it myself, and I have sheer items but nothing Avant-Garde about mine; they're usually full sheer items, have a sheer overlay, or have something like a sheer back panel. The AP post you linked is very pretty but perhaps not practical for most people. I am surprised we don't see more of the mainstream version of that, with a sheer top and full length camisole/tank beneath. Perhaps there aren't enough people living in the right climate for it. I could see that type of layering becoming more prominent as the 90s influence keeps on, especially in the fall. We do see lace overlay skirts, but probably most people wouldn't do a full-on lace overlay look. I've got a cream lace tee I'd planned to wear over camisoles that I bought several years ago expecting that look to come around more mainstream, and it still hasn't; to be fair, mine is fitted and I've a hunch that top would need to be more fluid/oversized when it finally does.

(I really like questions like the second two, Anna! Especially with the great visuals you provided. I think they could garner good discussion since they're a more generalize topic. As others have said, it can be tough getting a good Fashion view these days since it's scattered all over the place. Since many here are focused on dressing/style they don't actively seek out these types of trends, fringe or otherwise, and bringing them up could be a great introduction even if they never come to fruition in a mainstream way.)

I second Aida's last paragraph.

Hi there, I admit I am another non-fashionista, although I appreciate the fashionistas on the forum as I see them as curators of wear-worthy trends which I can then incorporate in my own classic way. By nature, style, budget and priority though capital-F fashion is not overly relevant to me until it has trickled down to Banana Republic, as per the Devil Wears Prada!!

That said, perhaps your interest is just a little more niche and thus may not garner as many comments and discussions (I for one couldn't add much to a discussion on a particular designer); however, I agree with those who have said the diversity of perspective makes the forum interesting and vibrant. So I hope you will continue sharing your fashion interests!

coming back around to add that I don't think I has to be an either/or proposition. Case in point: my red moto jeans I love and bought, oh 3 years ago. Someone here commented on them as being Isabel Marant knock offs, or inspired, can't remember the exact wording. I had no clue who or what that was! They might have said Martian inspired and it would have made the same impact on me. Point is, though, being completely out of the loop of designers and Fashion, I still knew I loved them and had to have them. (they are actually Ralph Lauren and bought at 90% discount on eBay).
Is it a happy coincidence that some might think I'm in the Fashion know? I suppose. I just totally dig them

Thanks, Anna. Your words - "I believe that style can exist at any price and size" - are my mantra. I LOVE that we have everything from old thrifted to brand new designer pieces represented on this site. Like I have said many times before on this forum and to friends - it is nobody's business how you choose to spend your money. So you should never feel bad for spending what you are prepared to pay for an item, holiday or service. If others are judging you for this - try to brush it off because it's not important. What's important is that you provide the fun and knowledge you have of fashion here with us - your way - so that we can admire and appreciate it daily.

Apart from a very niche market, most people are not in the position to spend large amounts of their disposable income on designer merchandise because they have dependents, financial obligations, and other interests that take priority. This makes sense too - as is evident on this forum. But it is my hope that we are respectful of all budgets here on YLF, and that negative judgements about the people's characters either way are not implied.

You will absolutely need to get your true raw designer Fashion fix elsewhere Anna, because YLF is not that cutting edge place. But it's special in another way because it has a very engaged community which other sites lack. So by mixing up your news feed, you'll hopefully get the best of all worlds. And when you share your Fashion knowledge here, you raise the Fashion bar - which is extra fab.

(And thanks for the kind words Rachy, Diana, Thistle and Galyene)

I'm sorry you feel alienated, too. And I'm sorry if a small response to your "designer" question added to that feeling. After reading the responses to your question here, though, it makes sense to me. The big-F interest is small here in proportion to the small-F. That doesn't make it unimportant or marginalized; it's just not foremost in many forum members minds. But clearly you are not alone. You did get some answers to your question. And there were probably more like me, who did not answer, because I read the question when it was late and my brain was fried and I was like, designers? What? and the best I could some up with was -- "IK, you like Erdem? That's so cool. So do I." And it didn't seem worth posting.

There is a continuum of interest and commitment to the big-F here, and maybe you are at one end of it, but some of us are sprinkled along the way. We don't speak an entirely different language.

As for the spending thing, when I initially came on YLF it took me a little while to get into the groove of not EVER considering cost when looking at people's WIWs and K/R -- unless they asked for that feedback. It was hard, because I do consider cost when I buy, and I have a pretty generous clothing budget, but even still I am a sales hound. Anyway, it took time and personal training to let cost go and just rejoice for someone who loved her $5 top or her $500 top, whatever it was. I remember once being a little snarky to Angie about a post of hers that included really expensive jeans -- around $1,000 I think, and Angie just said, "Yes, we include all price points." And I was like, okay, that's fair. So just keep in mind that takes time for some people, like me, to get it.

Hang in there, Anna. As I have said to you in the past, I really appreciate your voice and your vision on YLF.

AG, I did mention you have more to spend, but that's not a judgement, just an observation. It can be hard for some people to engage in big-F Fashion discussions because there's a price point barrier. But you -- you can pretty much buy what you like, and it's fun to watch!

I also want to say that as someone who has spent more than $200 on jeans, I totally don't care about cost -- unless I think it's not good value for money, because who wants to waste money on THAT when they could buy this beautiful OTHER that? Besides, who can place a price on joy? Not me, that's for sure.

Annagybe, as my Pastor says there is room at the table for all of us. This is what makes the world go round. If you left your voice and your fashion would be missed. I personally know that I can come off a bit strong and I also know that when a thought is typed is can be misconstrued. You are one of the strongest reasons I have enjoyed YLF so much. Please don't feel discouraged. Fashion is for everyone to enjoy and we all bring different perspectives to the fashion table.

I guess I wouldn't call myself interested in Fashion, but I do have a growing appreciation for it, as a result of this forum. I don't follow other fashion/style blogs regularly because my focus right now is on developing my own style and having fun, and I find that Angie does the best job of any blogger as to explaining how to put together certain outfits or how to wear certain types of clothing.

I also do not have a Fashion-friendly income, so I am reliant on what becomes mainstream. I do not work outside the home, nor do I go out much (or really at all, due to health issues), so I would have nowhere to wear an outfit that was more cutting-edge.

I do enjoy seeing others try out more avant-garde things, however, stuff that's outside of the mainstream. That is why I enjoy your WIWs, Anna, because you're always wearing something that others aren't wearing. I'm sorry you're feeling alienated. :^(

Fashion-with-a-capital-F is a hobby of mine, though my own style doesn't always follow the trends closely. I enjoy fashion as performance art. I struggle a bit with the same thoughts Rabbit mentioned about consumerism and advertising, but that doesn't keep me from being very attracted to high-end clothes, especially from less mainstream or newer designers.

I like this site because of the amazing supportive environment for each of us to find our own look. There are other sites I read for fashion insider news or shopping/trends stuff (but I find them rather boring, honestly). I'd also love to find an intelligent, arts-focused venue for fashion writing/thoughts and I think there are a few new magazines that might be in that niche.

(And for what it's worth, I was avidly following the responses on your thread about new designers to look out for, Anna!)

I'm pretty low on the Fashion-interest scale relative to some, but it's not nil or I wouldn't be here.

I like caro's Style vs. Fashion comparison, but even those are linked. When we say "my style is evolving" that occasionally is true at some bedrock level, or maybe for some of the more basic descriptors--girlie vs. tomboy; dressy vs sporty; high-contrast vs. low.

But a large part of "style evolution" is informed by FASHION--if not, no one would be evolving toward pointy toes one year and Birks the next and cropped this or fluid that, and short blazers one year and longer ones the next and on and on. These are all things that start to LOOK different to us over time as Fashion changes.

So one year something starts to seem appealing for some reason--why then and why not 3 years ago? Well, for one reason if you buy retail and don't design and sew your own clothes, your options are what's in the stores and so you'll be choosing from that. But some items are actually still available but we move on. And in the reverse, I've sometimes hunted for a certain style skirt or pants in re-sale shops because I thought that worked for my style even though it was not supported by current Fashion (sometimes learning that I really wanted 2 things--something about the fit or fabric that was no longer available, but wished it were available in a "modern" or tweaked construct.)

So Style vs. Fashion may mean, my Style requires choices and I will focus on these Fashion items this year.

Dressing I think of as being more occasion-driven and lifestyle driven, so in general the percent of that would be more ordinary. But there's room for higher "levels" of Fashion there, too.

My personal tendencies are to see "big Fashion" as often costume-y,as I'm more conservative by nature and I know I don't have a good eye or appreciation for what it means as a creative thing, or that it's a way to get from point A to point B without having to explain itself.

So if someone were to show a WIW with a large headress thing,or something with wings or flaps, for example, I'm likely to go, what on earth is that! Instead of, ooh, I like those cool colors and textures, and that looks amazing and gives me an idea for how to style my T-shirt! Angie calls that my narrow style filter, but it could be a Fashion filter. This does limit some of the posts I'll reply to. because I think it's not considered polite to say, that looks very weird on you --what is your goal here? But hey, at some level it's all just clothes and if we look through history, people have worn the weirdest things when we look at them with our "today" eyes, but it didn't seem so at the time. Or even currently, in different cultures.

I like to think that I have gotten a bit more open to it, if not for immediate additions to my wardrobe, but for the reasons above--good things might come from observing and appreciating it, the way exposure to all sorts of creative arts can be. Plus circling back to how I started this post, it's all a continuum, just more or less of something.

I think unfrumped makes good points about style evolution, and personal perception/filter/bias. I actually really like the variety of personal tastes here.

For example, I've run into the word 'costumey' on YLF for the first time, and it's usually used in a statement like something looks too costumey to someone or feels that way on. I'm all for listening to that inner voice and of course don't usually want to wear something that makes me feel awkward or self-conscious in a negative way (but on the flip side I think there can be a positive self-consciousness too), but for me 'costumey' isn't a negative, it tends to be a plus. It's something that brings me joy to see on others and occasionally to sport myself. I love the biodiversity of looks including all the dramatic plumage.

The same with dressing 'bombshell'. I understand the safety and harassment and perception issues and of course use caution, but it's something that generally fascinates me when I see it on others rather than turns me off.

I've learned to see and appreciate more subtle looks on YLF, and the components that make up fit and proportion and flatter a variety of body shapes.

I am a serial lurker here (I'm around almost every day to look at outfits, but just do not have time to post...) BUT ---
I just had to chime in to say this:
I also mostly focus on Dressing vs. any real kind of capital-F Fashion, but I always love your posts Annagybe because you show Fashion in a way that is actually real. Meaning you look like a person doing real things, not like someone like Atlantic-Pacific, who to me always looks like she is on the way to some kind of crazy fantasy life activity. So you are inspiring as someone who can actually translate Fashion to LIFE.
I hope this made sense...I meant everything in the most complimentary way!

On an anthropological level, yes, I'm fascinated by Fashion. During the years I was on the road a lot in a conservative job and living in well-made, well-fitting but decidedly non-Fashionable suits, I loved watching fashion shows or at least looking at the still pictures of most designers' work. And I don't get the costumey-judgy thing I've heard thrown around. Your post asking about new designers was a welcome breeze reminding me of long-ago pleasure. I didn't have anything to contribute, and didn't want to spam the thread by chiming in just to thank you for new names to look up.

In practice? Fashion? These days? I'm in nearly constant pain, and energy is the lowest it's been in a while. It was a triumph that I showered today, and put the clothes I've been wearing every day for a week in the washer. I've barely kept up with hair/nail/wax/etc appointments, and a fresh shipment of underthings has been sitting on the entry table barely opened. Lounge capsules are the one thing I've managed to get together, clothing-wise, since joining YLF. So grateful for that. But it's not even Dressing.

Watch out, here comes overuse of the word love in the colloquial sense:
I love that Gaylene is here and I don't need to see WIWs from her to have a sense of her style. I love Una's meta threads and the array of opinions they elicit. I love the members who are blatantly, unapologetically inconsistent. I love Angie's encouragement of style for everyone, and the back-end work Greg does to make it accessible for anyone with internet access. I feel like there's space for me here, even though I'm in the same pair of black chinos every day, with the Mephisto Helens I'd meant to wear only as house shoes, and all I aspire to is a 10-item core wardrobe of excellent classics. Anna, I love that you're here, and your WIWs, and I feel like the board would be richer if there were another few people with perspectives similar to yours. I hope that you stick around while they find their way here.

I appreciate fashion in the same way I appreciate any art form. I may not want to take it home but I love seeing an artists vision: I also appreciate quality fabrics, cut & workmanship.

What I want to do is make fashion work for me & my life. I also want to be able to pick & choose, not be told that to be "fashionable" then I must wear X. Inevitably that means diluting fashion in some way to make it part of my style. I think we are all influenced by fashion whether we like it or not.

Anna, as far as your privilege goes about being able to buy the more expensive items, I agree with Tierra. It's fun to be able to see those items in action, on a real body, in a real place. I feel like your taking pictures of your outfits for your WIWs enables you to share those items with the rest of us who don't have Fashion-friendly budgets. :^)

I love fashion in the artistic, seasons in and seasons out look, and I've been reading Vogue and its kindred for more than 30 years. The entrance of the fashion bloggers has made life more interesting. And I make an effort to be well turned-out. However, I've always felt a disconnect between my height, my shape, my purchasing power, now my age, and the fashions being shown. Recently I've gotten the shape and some of the purchasing power to do more of what I want.

However, it remains difficult to see a look on the runway, and while appreciating it from the artistic point of view, also understand how I might make it work in real life. I live in a Patagonia and Merrells type of town, while I'm a black leather and stilettos woman in my heart (even if the feet are dragged along screaming behind).

Finding YLF this year has been very eye opening for me, because I get to see women of all ages and sizes trying out all kinds of fashions, looks and trends. Not to insult the six foot Ukrainian beauties out there, but they aren't really role models for me. Some of you Fabbers really are ... And even if I don't feel a connection with everyone's style, I appreciate all of your courage for putting yourself out there in your digital beauty.

This site was my gateway drug to an interest in Style. Many of your posts (along with those from some other Fashion forward and knowledgeable forum members) have been my gateway drug to an interest in capital F Fashion. However, I'm a total neophyte in that space.

As a very active consumer, but not so active producer on this forum, I am VERY grateful to you and everyone else who puts themselves out there to share photos, feelings, finds, adventures, interesting outfits, and new perspectives. I am particularly enamored by anything new to me, striking, intriguing, or that makes me think.

Interested in Fashion and always have been, but for me it is aspirationsl or audience-level mostly. Not enough time or money. Plus I hate shopping. I like to go buy a bunch of things at ONE place and stop for a few months. This means not doing Fashion, but trickledown fashion at best.

I totally agree possible to dress well and interestingly and fashionably at any budget. With a touch of bravery or bravado.

Time and other priorities though... I lurrrve YLF but I barely lurk and pop in like at a coffee shop when trying to cut down caffeine these days. I see other sites only by the way. Only two style blogs I read regularly and the other one is not interested in Fashion at all. To rae's comment I find this reassuring after a bit of time lusting after what I cannot have. And I consume no newspapers or news sites or news channels deliberately... Just skim on Google and down. Don't have the bandwidth for more at the moment and news is not a big priority in life just now (and I am a journalist!). The same way, Angie is a fab aggregator for my fashion needs.

I think the truth is Anna that you are unique on this site. I cannot think of anyone with the same degree of engagement and that possibly gets lonely for you? You inspire us... And yet possibly don,t get the same degree of input or inspiration back as you provide?

To your questions, it is heavily influenced by climate but in my corner of the world the sheers are everywhere and the plastics not at all.

Well, I love it all. Big F Fashion, style, dressing. And I have loved it all since I was a little girl. One of my aunts used to buy me fancy dresses from the big Phila. dept. stores for Christmas and my birthday, and I still have photographs of me in those dresses. My bridal gown came from the cover of "Modern Bride" magazine.
I read (I love to read) many blogs, magazines, articles, etc., with YLF being my favorite blog. I appreciate all the outfit advice, ensembles, recommendations, etc., but I especially appreciate the supportive community that YLF is. I have learned more about fashion, style, and dressing here than anywhere else.
I love the arts, and I view fashion as a form of artistic expression. I love reading about it, and I love seeing all the different interpretations of fashion/style here on the form.

Anna, I have't had time to read the other comments yet, but I am interested in Fashion. Fashion is interesting on many level. I love it for the creativity, and for how it so often reflects what is going on in the world. I watch interviews with designers and am fascinated by the hows and whys of their work. I have also started watching the Fashion Week shows and love analysing what's going on etc.

My knowledge of various designers is growing, partly thank to you:)

Personally my own style appears to be narrowing, so I spend quite a bit of time looking at Rick Owens work and reading blogs of people who wear that aesthetic. Rick is the designer at the moment that I really want to add to my wardrobe.

I would welcome more discussion on 'Fashion'. I think there is room for that along with our conversation about our own outfits and how we dress.

I looking after a sick child today, but will check out your links and come back.

xxx

Anna I have become more and more interested in Fashion over the last 7 (!) years of following YLF/Angie and also looking at any number of other style related sites and reading lots of books.

I also read lots of books on other topics.

I love Gaylene's thoughtful contribution and I also love yours. I know you feel sensitive about comments about your spending but I honestly feel you should just brush them off. People are conditioned to think x should cost y but not blink at spending 10 or 100 times that much on something else (car, furniture, housing, golf clubs).

As for your questions about traction, plasticy pastels not so much, sheers have much more mass appeal (in small doses as mentioned above) and I absolutely love the outfit on Kingdom of Style you posted.

I'm a former fashion design student, so I'm naturally inclined to be in tune with fashion. I check Style.com every season as much as I can (lately I have not had time) and I read/look at different blogs, magazines, articles and Pinterest pins.

That said...

Fashion is an art form to me and a basis/jumping point in influencing personal style. I'm aware of trends, but I'm often a late adopter, due to my inclinations to wear (modern) classic silhouettes and comfort. I tend to simply an joy fashion, and almost see it as a social/historical commentary on society (don't get me started on this, guys because this is border lining NERD territory). I see current events through fashion and it is a source of creative inspiration and entertainment for me.

I haven't managed to read all the comments yet, but YES, Anna, I am interested in big-F Fashion. Anthropologically, aesthetically, and personally. I always have been, I suppose, although I don't think I realized that what I was into was Fashion until it was pointed out to me one day by a young man who was going on about how everyone should have a hobby. I said that I agreed with him in principal, but to be honest, as a graduate student, I wasn't sure that I could lay claim to one at that time. He looked me up and down and pronounced, confidently, "Your hobby is Fashion." When I looked surprised, he hastened to add, without a trace of embarrassment, "It's my hobby too."

On another personal note, I am often regretful that I don't manage to contribute more here, and am actively plotting how to do so in the coming months. This regret has recently hit me particularly hard when reading about your perceived alienation -- which has everything to do with the inspiration you provide to me. I thought hard about your designers thread, but to be honest I came up a bit short, which was in a sense what you were saying as well. Which is funny, as I am completely in love with clothes at the moment -- why on earth can't I name a handful of designers? The truth is that most of what I'm wearing, save denim and some trouser silhouettes, is a few years old, just remixed to suit my present mood. I'm sorry I didn't try harder to engage with the conversation, however. Having moved from a Fashion-type city to a place that, well, isn't, I struggle with where and how to source the inspiration that used to be all around me, every day, in shop windows and on other women. I don't seem to have much patience for trawling pinterest, or for reading a gazillion blogs (although I do attend to a handful). Yet another reason why I am invariably delighted to see one of your WIWs pop up on the forum.

As to your other discussion points, I don't think we've seen sheers go as far as they're going to yet, something that I certainly wouldn't have anticipated looking at Marc Jacobs Spring 2008, which is when it first hit my radar. Likewise, I am going to go against the building conventional wisdom on plasticy pastels. I am enchanted by that Suzy Bubble post, and I actually think plasticy pastels have a future. Not as full-on vinyl raincoats, perhaps, but as something closer to patent leather, in shoes and clutches, for example. I think it's a natural direction for the pastel trend to turn in, opening up a variation in texture. Fashion's interest in pastels, which is to say, in making pastels sophisticated, it seems to me, is actually quite a big deal. When was the last time that pastels were sophisticated? The 1950s? The 1810s? This could be a once-in-a-century moment that we're living in, and I don't think we should count out high shine versions!

Lots of interesting points. But perhaps I need to temper my expectations. Something to ponder.
The funny thing is that I don't necessarily have a lot of big house designer Fashion. I own no Chanel or Valentino, except for a few lipsticks.