Funny observation: shopping today, I noticed how many stores, like Urban Outfitters and Polo Ralph Lauren, sell flannel. The price ranges from in the 40's to over $100, and I have to pause and laugh. As somebody who hails from a cold climate, I'm used to seeing people, aka workers, walk around in their Carhaarts and flannels layered with thermals. I have an image of the guy stomping inside from chopping firewood and cracking open a beer wearing the thick shirts. I even picture my dad growing up wearing flannel shirts he's had for too long.
But now, I see young girls traipsing down Newbury donning those tartans and plaids wearing only black leggings underneath. At my store today, I helped a girl find a buffalo check shirt like 10 sizes too big. I mean, the darts didn't fit her in the back. The only way I believe oversize flannel is acceptable for a girl to wear is 1) borrowed from her boyfriend (OMG the boyfriend look?) or
2) stolen from a guy friend. At least it has sentimental value attached to it.
To be honest, I had a flannel phase this fall. I mean, it's so soft and comfy and easy to throw on when going to class. But I had to ask myself why we were going back to the ironic working-class chic. I went to the DMV yesterday and saw a working gear store where actual outdoor worker guys were perusing some magnificent flannel.
I think that Ralph Lauren is okay selling flannel because at least it's consistent with his entire line: an acknowledgement of an outdoorsy, New England culture. But Urban is just being silly selling boy's used shirts to girls. They're guilty of tricking consumers into wanting something that's actually junk. It's cute on the girls that have little boy's bodies, but is this representing some kind of class escapism? Is there something economic in it? Are we having a 90's grunge throwback, like something related to Bush-turnovers? Does it have to do with our current hard times, women dressing like workers?
But now, I see young girls traipsing down Newbury donning those tartans and plaids wearing only black leggings underneath. At my store today, I helped a girl find a buffalo check shirt like 10 sizes too big. I mean, the darts didn't fit her in the back. The only way I believe oversize flannel is acceptable for a girl to wear is 1) borrowed from her boyfriend (OMG the boyfriend look?) or
2) stolen from a guy friend. At least it has sentimental value attached to it.To be honest, I had a flannel phase this fall. I mean, it's so soft and comfy and easy to throw on when going to class. But I had to ask myself why we were going back to the ironic working-class chic. I went to the DMV yesterday and saw a working gear store where actual outdoor worker guys were perusing some magnificent flannel.
I think that Ralph Lauren is okay selling flannel because at least it's consistent with his entire line: an acknowledgement of an outdoorsy, New England culture. But Urban is just being silly selling boy's used shirts to girls. They're guilty of tricking consumers into wanting something that's actually junk. It's cute on the girls that have little boy's bodies, but is this representing some kind of class escapism? Is there something economic in it? Are we having a 90's grunge throwback, like something related to Bush-turnovers? Does it have to do with our current hard times, women dressing like workers?
I completely adored a French connection flannel dress that I tried on this past fall. Too bad it was a bazillion dollars, I looked quite fab in it. I saw it marked down at Lord and Taylor a couple of weeks ago (what isn't marked down) but now I don't want it. I'm so over flannel.
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