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Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Wednesday, October 16

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Fuel

miss ellen / May 2, 2005 10:43 AM

lovely full skirts on all the ladies; the NYT had a big write up a few weeks ago -- they're very forgiving of all body types, so they're flying off the shelves (and, i picked one up over the weekend myself).

Faith / May 2, 2005 10:46 AM

Gold shoes.

Michael / May 2, 2005 10:55 AM

Modesty.

Darin / May 2, 2005 11:01 AM

Banditos and Palladiums.

Sky / May 2, 2005 11:03 AM

It's all about GREEN.

Steve / May 2, 2005 11:05 AM

A female co-worker was wearing some kinda getup with bright coral color from head to toe a few weeks back. When I made a catty remark to another co-worker about it, she said that coral was the in color this spring. I just said icky.

anne / May 2, 2005 11:07 AM

Can I just be the first to say it: "Green is the new pink." There, I said it.

On another style note, I'm lovin' me some big strappy sandals (espadrille or otherwise).

Staci / May 2, 2005 11:08 AM

Metallic accessories -- shoes, bags, etc. -- seem to be very popular. And lots of color and florals. I'm all about making eye makeup my most fun accessory for the spring.

daruma / May 2, 2005 11:18 AM

The color combo of orange and grey.

steven / May 2, 2005 11:56 AM

Hopefully some taste.

elly / May 2, 2005 11:58 AM

ugg boots

Michael / May 2, 2005 12:06 PM

Did sun dresses go out? It seems that I haven't seen them so much in the last several years--if so...I'd like to see those make a comeback. I'm a sucker for a cute girl in a sun dress.

Joe / May 2, 2005 12:12 PM

How big is the spring? If it is one of those long, loose, snakey ones, you can use it as a belt.

carrie / May 2, 2005 12:13 PM

Maybe someone can help me understand this one: rubber bands around ankles when wearing jeans. Then the jeans are all puffy at the bottom. Ok, so I've mostly seen it on younger people, but I did see it on a mid-20 year old woman this morning.

anyone? anyone?

Veronica #2 / May 2, 2005 12:15 PM

its definitely the metallic shoes thing

im rockin some gold sandals right now

Tim / May 2, 2005 12:19 PM

Crocs

miss ellen / May 2, 2005 12:32 PM

i've also seen young girls tie up the ends of their jeans with ribbons & things like that. very strange. it's the new french cuff.

oh, and uggs, weren't those big last spring? ick, they can go far away from here, IMO!

Mark / May 2, 2005 1:03 PM

Power ties.

waleeta / May 2, 2005 1:25 PM

Me. I go with everything. Except yellow.

billy / May 2, 2005 1:39 PM

sneakers that match your seafoam green sweatshirt perfectly.

Alex / May 2, 2005 2:19 PM

I hope it's dressing like yourself.

People, dress with suits you and what your personality dictates -- not what some 95 lbs. model in a make-believe-world-photo-set tells you you should.


Overwrought / May 2, 2005 2:19 PM

I'd say shrugs, but I can't seem to pull mine off very well.

And I agree with everyone who said "green".

Alex / May 2, 2005 2:20 PM

I hope it's dressing like yourself.

People, dress with what suits you and what your personality dictates -- not what some 95 lbs. model in a make-believe-world-photo-set tells you you should.


Alex / May 2, 2005 2:21 PM

Comments go BOOM? Forgive the freaky double posting.

davin / May 2, 2005 2:28 PM

big sunglasses. for everyone.

waleeta / May 2, 2005 2:57 PM

I love that fashion changes, but hate that some women and men don't understand that just because it's in style, doesn't mean it looks good on your body.

Colors and styles that look good on you and flatter your bodies are always always in fashion. No matter how many times they tell me that 3/4 length skirts are in style, I will never wear one because I am 5'8 and they make me look short.

Then again, the last time I read a fashion magazine was 1997.

Mac / May 2, 2005 3:23 PM

I'm a sucker for women in cut-off army shorts and loose T-shirts (White, black, or grey. Best).
Yes, I'm odd.

Pedro / May 2, 2005 3:52 PM

The rubber band on jeans thing could mean that they bike to work - or they forgot how to peg their jeans like we did in the 80's.

That said, I'm coining the "come hither" sandals as this year's "fuck me" boots.

miss ellen / May 2, 2005 3:55 PM

naw, pedro. this is certainly a trend that has nothing to do with riding bikes. i'd love to hear from a younger kid what it's all about, though...

Jake / May 2, 2005 4:12 PM

Davin, the proper name for what you're talking about is "coke whore sunglasses" and they're still totally, totally awesome.

chicalo / May 2, 2005 4:29 PM

t shirts from Target, paired with jeans and clogs hopefully, since that would put me at the top of the fashion pile.

Emerson Dameron / May 2, 2005 4:44 PM

Uh... AMERICAN APPAREL, right?

Leelah / May 2, 2005 4:50 PM

If I can go by what my kids are wearing, I would say t-shirts that say "B-Nasty for Prom Lord".

No, that is not a joke.

spiraljetty / May 2, 2005 5:33 PM

I like to think Uggs and and ponchos/shrugs died out and the ones still surviving are just frightfully ugly zombie remnants. But I have to agree, loving the woven metallic sandals!

Spring fashion tends bring out an excess of saccharine pastel colors that remind me too much of Easter. I would suggest jewel tones as an alternative, or the colors found on a peacock!

steve_sleeve / May 2, 2005 5:34 PM

BEARDS.

spiraljetty / May 2, 2005 5:39 PM

And I would also have to agree with the beard. I think a nice thick beard combined with a summer drink (maybe a mojito?) looks very attractive on a guy. It says "Hey, I'm a laid-back guy, not an asshole."

christian / May 2, 2005 6:05 PM

I think shields will be big. Can you imagine a group of hipsters walking down the street with ultra cool shields that match there pumas? These shields will have holders for all the current cool gadgets, your phone your ipod and your ultra slim camera.

I think I should start making them for the fall season; you could use them as umbrellas.

Ron / May 2, 2005 6:20 PM

Ladies, nothing says summer quite like a tube top.

Eamon / May 2, 2005 6:35 PM

No one has ever looked good in a tube top. Ever.

Veronica / May 2, 2005 6:58 PM

I'm with Ellen...fuller skirts are it. I'm just now becoming a skirt person and I'm all about the A-line and the tulip, below the knee. Very flattering and elegant styles. I'm glad to see the Mischa Barton, flouncy, ruffly skirt/rags hit the dust.

Michael / May 2, 2005 7:01 PM

So has the ship sailed on sun dresses?

heather / May 2, 2005 7:56 PM

actually, Eamon, I look fabulous in a tube top. I think the key is to have modestly perky C-cups combined with a long slender torso.

lucky for me, long slender torsos are "in" this spring.


Kevin / May 2, 2005 7:59 PM

I'm going to stick with my old standby technicolor codpiece.

amyc / May 2, 2005 8:51 PM

Visible lungs. I'm wearin' mine on the outside for spring!

chris / May 2, 2005 9:34 PM

Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanies http://zapatopi.net/afdb.html For all your anti-mindcontrol needs! You know the government has satelites that steal your brainwaves!

chris / May 2, 2005 9:35 PM

Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanies Beanies
For all your anti-mindcontrol needs! You know the government has satelites that steal your brainwaves!

Shasta MacNasty / May 2, 2005 10:53 PM

Nevermind what's in for Spring, let's talk about what's out. And hopefully, it's the men's striped shirt and women's ponchos.

Onid / May 2, 2005 11:33 PM

The sun has set on sun dresses.

mike / May 3, 2005 12:44 AM

food is always in fashion.

Jen / May 3, 2005 7:54 AM

spring?

winter coat

See yesterday and the very cold wind.

Shasta MacNasty / May 3, 2005 9:03 AM

Oh..what's in...I hear turquoise is the rage. I'm not so hot on the metallic shoes. Makes my skin look ashy. : /

I totally agree with Ellen about the full/a-line skirts. They flatter everyone and are ridiculously comfortable. Dress up or dress down. It's all good.

And I plan to make capris (not to be confused with peddle pushers--ugh!) my "shorts" for the summer. I say that now while it's cold, but I'm pretty sure I'll follow through on this one.

jenni / May 3, 2005 9:11 AM

How about we try to make "having your own style" be in fashion? It makes me cringe to see the scores of people walking down the street wearing the same damn thing. Think for yourself, people.

Also, full skirts have been popular for like two years. Sheesh.

roderick / May 3, 2005 9:45 AM

It's is quite amusing to compare the male vs. female answer to this question.

For me? Whatever is on sale.

vit / May 3, 2005 9:52 AM

I bought a great red patterned full skirt at Lord and Taylor last weekend that I have taken to calling my Can-Can skirt. I love it.

marcy / May 3, 2005 10:17 AM

Michael, I think sundresses are great! Nice comfy feminine ones with layers or ruffles...man, I feel like a woman when I wear those!

I also love me some butt-less chaps on my men!

e_five / May 3, 2005 10:41 AM

Blue blazer, khaki pants, an American flag lapel pin, and penny loafers with no socks-- you know, the Young Republicans uniform. We've gone through the return of 60s and 70s fashions, why not the return of the early 80s preppy craze? Cowl neck sweaters will be next.

waleeta / May 3, 2005 11:24 AM

e_5 - I have a friend who dresses like that! Swear to God! And he's a repube! Ha! I have to make him take off his blazer before forcing him to go to bars I hang out in, where he just scowls all night!

Sundress / May 3, 2005 11:25 AM

What, exactly, is a sundress?

Jake / May 3, 2005 11:33 AM

e_five, you know that Lacoste is making the alligator shirts again, right? And I've actually seen douchebags wearing them with the collar up. I love the ironic preppie look, but putting the collar up is just going too damn far!

Isn't it funny that Le Tigre has come back and is actually hipper than the brand it originally knocked off? I love that.

I think the Limited needs to resurrect the Forenza line. God damn, I remember being in seventh grade and drooling over girls in their backwards Forenza sweaters. Remember those? Good golly!

Michael / May 3, 2005 11:34 AM

Per the online dictionary:

A light summer dress with a bodice that exposes the arms and shoulders.

j3s / May 3, 2005 11:34 AM

Can we talk about the capri-length coulattes? Wow, they're ugly. And suddenly everywhere; I saw at least 100 at Coachella this weeknd, and have seen quite a few around Chicago too. Coulattes sucked when we were kids, please don't bring them back. Making them longer doesn't help!

vit / May 3, 2005 12:17 PM

oh God, coulattes .. I saw one of those 'hipper than thou' sorts wearing a pair yesterday, they just looked silly.

Michael / May 3, 2005 12:28 PM

OK...

What exactly are coulattes?

miss ellen / May 3, 2005 12:29 PM

Michael,
Thanks for asking, as I'm a bit unsure myself.

I think they're very wide-legged shorts/capris, kinda in that faux-gaucho style.... ???

robin.. / May 3, 2005 12:36 PM

this spring like every spring: whiteness, thinness, and wealth are all in! saints be praised!

for me: american apparel t-shirts, shortpants (not to be confused with longshorts or capris...), a-line skirts, thong sandals, a light jacket, gigantic hoop earrings, and home haircuts.

karen / May 3, 2005 1:27 PM

please, please, PLEASE let ugg boots go away.

Veronica #2 / May 3, 2005 1:33 PM

full skirts and coulattes make my ass look massive. and i feel like a kindergarten teacher in them.

i prefer rockin a well tailored suit and some nike dunks or something

lacey / May 3, 2005 1:53 PM

As funny as this thread is getting, on a more serious note: not much has been said about men's fashion. The stripe/pattern clash (with colors that go together) is great (see: Kenneth Cole). And for the daring, looking like a cowboy is always good. Though, I am from Nashville, so I might be biased.

Adding to the metallic accessories: make sure there's some hardware on that stuff, or big stones. I've seen some hot shoes like that.

Shasta MacNasty / May 3, 2005 3:07 PM

Hey Jenni!

"having your own style" sounds great, but I don't think they go up to a size 24. Thanks for the idea though. :)

Eamon / May 3, 2005 4:35 PM

Not a single mention of the Gapers Block T-Shirt? I hear all the cool kids are wearing them.

jen*nee / May 3, 2005 5:04 PM

the latest fashion trend? spending my money on my monstrous student loan payment instead of some BS rags. while I can't wear my degree, neither has a pair of capris ever made me smarter. so viva las trends of years gone by, worn by me, purchased at the community thrift.

Nicole / May 3, 2005 5:08 PM

American Apparel?

I can't afford to be socially conscious.

Naz / May 3, 2005 6:00 PM

Men's clothing tends to be horribly cut unless you're buying European, designer, Kenneth Cole or Diesel and the like. It always seems to me that the average American male is about 6 foot, 180 pounds of some such because shirts are huge (I wear xs or youth large depending) and waayyyy too long. I buy Hanes XL boys t-shirts because the regular ones are down to your knees, as they say "Generous length".

Pants are worse. Unflattering and baggy as all heck. Which is, truth be told, why I tend to buy women's pants/jeans.

marcy / May 3, 2005 7:06 PM

Fabulous, Naz! I buy men's jeans because women's jeans are so fitted and horribly shaped. I'm so over the boot-cut, bell-bottom, hoochie-girl denim that seems so prevalent in the stores.

And yes--most men, like my honey, wear huge T-shirts and pants...like a little boy wearing too-big outfits...beats me.

Kevin / May 4, 2005 1:06 AM

One word: Manties!

They feel so silky smooth yet manly.

Seriously, jeans and a t-shirt. They never go out of style and besides; I'm married so I have nobody to impress.

Tim / May 4, 2005 7:55 AM

Emybag from Poise, very cool.

Sarah / May 4, 2005 10:18 AM

Sadly, turquoise and coral are the new blacks this spring.

Even worse, yes, culottes are back. I saw them at H&M, purveyor of all clothes young and hip. They also had high waisted pants with PLEATS!!! God help us. culottes example here

Even better, there were a group of French called the "sans culottes"

sans-culottes

(säN-külôt´) (KEY) [French,=without knee breeches], a term loosely applied to the lower classes in France during the French Revolution. The name was derived from the fact that these people wore long trousers instead of the knee breeches worn by the upper classes. The term applied to the sectionary “elites” in Paris connected with the Jacobins and to the popular masses aroused during the revolutionary journées (mass protests). Sans-culottism referred to the collectivist ideology that valued fraternity above liberty and demanded economic controls. With the suicide of Roux and the fall of Hébert, sans-culotte power was neutralized. The enragés were a distinct group of sans-culottes. 1
See A. Soboul, The Sans-cullotes (1981). from http://www.bartleby.com/

Jen / May 9, 2005 9:06 AM

I was in France for the first time ever not too long ago and I was struck by how nice the men were dressed. Is it really that hard for men to wear fitted pants here? They look wonderful.

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