Monday 18 November 2013

Where Style is Subjective

I have always been aware of cultural differences due to my upbringing.  But not only manners and food vary according to region but I have noticed fashion varies depending on geography.
What is trendy in one country and even county doesn't always translate to another.

I used to live in New York for my first job at a company that had offices in other parts of the Tri-State area.
I had my nails done in a very pale and unassuming manner which were complimented by the girls in the Manhattan office. 
But when I crossed state borders 
I was asked why I didn't get proper nail art done.

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 I had suggestions of upping my nail fashion and 
putting different Disney characters on each finger...


I resisted as it just isn't my style. 
In fact, before I moved to the States 
I was not in the habit of going for weekly manicures.
But the culture there is quite exigent when it comes to nail grooming.  I only had them done as I wanted to make sure I looked professional for my very first job.

In London, grooming and comportment has its own rules and standards.  People in this city by nature have a dual nature of not judging people at all by their attire or 
completely profiling people on general comportment. 
I tend to forgo judgement as 
I myself don't bother with fashion on a daily basis. 

Anyway, early today on the tube there was a group of American female tourists wearing tracksuits. 

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No.
 I don't mean the whole, 
"I just got off my private plane to perform a concert tonight so what the hell did you expect me to wear on a 13 hour flight" look.


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It wasn't quite the "I am famous, sexy and beautiful and can get away with wearing what I want" look.

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It also wasn't the 
"Hey, it may not be couture to you, but it is juicy couture for me. And I'll have you know I am queen bee in my 'hood " look.


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It wasn't a professional uniform worn with conviction either.

The look was more...
Well, look for yourselves.

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I thought nothing of it until two of them elbowed each other and instead of rudely pointing, they thought they would chin towards women on the train who didn't have perfectly manicured nails which amounted to quite a few.
Then they started to comment in what 
they wrongly thought were whispers at how weird it was that London women didn't all have their nails long and painted.
Out loud!

A few other women had mouths agape in shock.  
What started out as a completely benign journey turned into what 
I could assess as female strangers having silent judging contests.
 ( myself included but they started it ok?)

Zoolander Face Off
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But as I got off the train, 
I remembered my days in the States and decided that even though they were in flammable parachute material attire, 
they had perfect nails to color co-ordinate their outfits.  
They had made an effort to be stylish.
The no effort haphazard look just isn't cool everywhere.

No one on that train carriage had won any style face off.
But wouldn't you agree that there is no "universal style";
it is not only subjective but also very regional?

89 comments:

  1. So true- you raise so many interesting points I think. There's that thing where you go on a foreign holiday, shop up a storm and assimilate with the local look that doesn't work once you step off the plane... You see all the tragics back from Bali with their plaits and tie dye sarongs. But the whole thing about what is appropriate to wear. Well. I was once asked by a woman I worked with soon after I moved home to Melbourne where to go shopping in London. They were doing a family holiday over Christmas. I gave her a list of places to go to - she loved to shop, was always well dressed and loved expensive things. My list included Walton St etc which had a lot of good shops. I was then horrified to hear that the entire family had gone and bought ski jackets, matching, for the entire family. She'd never have walked around Melbourne's CBD like that, so why she walked around Knightsbridge dressed on Fluoro jacket and white trainers instead of her normal clothes I just don't get. I think, in conclusion that some people have s travel uniform, built around hose down fabrics and comfort. Nail art. Shudder!!

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    1. Yes, I bought loads of tank tops in LA but now they just serve as my thermals...

      That is a hilarious story!! I do see people doing things like that when traveling and it's like their alter ego comes out or it's their version of being adventurous perhaps? Nail art is fun but just on other people...xx

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    2. I just never understand why travelling means you abandon all style sense and can't wear normal footwear and a coat. Funnily enough I read your post (and wrote my comment, hence the typos) while I was in a nail bar getting a pedicure. On the wall opposite me were examples of all the different nail art they offered. I was almost tempted....!! x

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    3. Once when I was spending some time in LA at length - I did put flower stickers on my toes as I could peel it off at will and it matched my havaianas. I felt like a whole new person and realized that I should never sneer at people in LA as that place seeps into your bones and slowly one changes. I can't imagine with your nail art though perhaps you could mimic a de gournay chinoiserie landscape on your nailbed?! :)

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  2. Style is subjective and regional and can even reflect the suburb in which you live. In our city, the style I might wear in one shopping mall would be considered truly dreadful at another shopping mall a kilometre away. And I still remember feeling absolutely stunned when I was preparing for my first job interview in Christchurch and was told by the experts that only a black suit, plain blouse and black shoes would be acceptable dress code for the interview. Having just come from New York; I thought how dull. I didn't listen to the advice; I didn't get the job :D

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    1. Yes I found that when I went back to Melbourne after New York and I realized that Melbourne whilst being in Australia is actually much more conservative in other things and only let loose on the weekends! If you got that job you would have felt suffocated anyway!

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  3. This reminds me of the time I was walking behind a group of American tourists in the Eaton Centre (major shopping centre in downtown Toronto), and they were complaining loudly about how terrible the shoes and the shoe stores were in Canada. Anyway, I think you are right, there are variations in what is considered fashionable and stylish depending on region. When I have been back to Taiwan to visit relatives, I've always been struck by how different the fashions are compared to here.

    There are lots of beauty bloggers who are really into nail art, but for some reason I'm just not that interested - it just seems like a lot of trouble!

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    1. Yes in Seoul women are always dressed to the hilt and exfoliated weekly etc. They are immaculate and I think that is why I am the way I am because I overdid it during my teens! But it is funny to see any group of one country complain about something because it actually doesn't make sense most of the time!

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  4. Oooh, I'm cringing. Were they from New Jersey? Ha. PLEASE do not judge all of us Americans on the behavior of these ladies! I think nail art is the height of tackiness and I loathe track suits of any kind--you better be out training for a marathon if you're in one!--as well as UGGs, I could go on a complete rant right now about things I see on ladies in New York City, from all 5 boroughs, but I won't because I can tell you have plenty of war stories of your own from living here. I know what state border you must have crossed which resulted in asking why you didn't have proper nail art, ha ha! Some stereotypes exist for a reason. Great post. XO, Jill

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    1. Um...yes Jill! But I love Jersey girls as they take such pride and they are so much fun. To be objective the Manhattan girls may have been technically more stylish but Jersey girls have way more fun having partied with both of them.

      Oh Jill - you must post your rant about the 5 boroughs - it would be sooo good!!

      Yes and stereotypes sometimes do hold up funny enough perhaps only on a superificial level...xx

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  5. Aww, how rude of them! It's funny that they apparently know the height of fashion. ;)

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    1. Bless them - they were kinda old so what were whispers to them were shouts to us so I am sure they didn't mean it but it was oddly amusing!

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  6. Hilarious, Naomi! Great round-up of why one would wear a tracksuit. I used to spend hours doing nail art but that was when I was in high school. Now I consider them groomed if they are clean, approximately the same length and not broken. Don't judge because I always do winter travel in uggs, my feet get so cold if I don't ... well I suppose there are other get-ups for warm feet but I don't know of anything easy on-off for the airport security check.

    I wonder if they were doing the rude thing travelers do thinking people wouldn't be able to understand them because they were in another country?

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    1. And by nail art, I don't mean decals and such. I only manicured and polished carefully with three coats. Can't believe I used to spend hours but a teenager can spend hours in the shower too.

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    2. Tiffany, I wore my Uggs the other day, I have my "going somewhere wardrobe" and my, I don't care wardrobe, I'll never give up the comfort and warmth of Uggs.

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    3. For me I as never allowed to do my nails until university and I played piano so I always kept my nails plain. Manicures here are quite expensive unlike the states and here you have to book appointments - walk ins are not as ubiquitous in London.

      I really think people in glass houses and all that - so I refrain from judging.

      But uggs is a funny one - i know they are comfy but perhaps as I went to Oz every Xmas as a child and then lived there my immediate reaction is one of "bogan" which is kind of like the modern chav. But now I do know that the LA style has made it comfy but who am I to say when I wear Lulu lemon and I don't even work out!!

      But Tabs - like you i have a bipolar wardrobe. Not much middle ground clothes in my closet.

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    4. Noooooo to the Uggs! They are definitely bogan (white trash) footwear over here. The only people wearing them publicly in Australia now are tourists. We wear them as slippers. Indoors only.

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    5. I am with Tabs - where mine inside, but daughter and her friends still wear them out at 20 and they look cut!

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    6. In LA - everyone wears uggs to get their morning coffee - it is almost like a uniform over there. And due to my Aussie connection - my initial reaction always remains although I have had to reprogram my brain. Funny because although I am a slough I haven't succumbed to Uggs but I do horrify my rellies and some Aussie friends by wearing flip flops too often!!

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    7. I'm with Heidi. Uggs are slippers. Full stop.

      Although I did once wear mine to dinner at a (admittedly casual where other people just wore socks down to dinner) hotel in the snow in Falls Creek. Only because The Farmer dared me to. Is the only time I have ever worn them outside my house.....

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    8. Hope you won something for doing the dare ;)

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    9. I once went without my uggs and it was the most miserable flight so I hope I don't run into any of you on my next winter trip, may you ladies forgive me and my cold feet.

      I will never wear nail art or tracksuits, if that helps some.

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    10. Ha! I won't judge as long as you don't judge my uniqlo puffer gilet!! :)

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  7. Yes I agree with your observations...And I would not be caught dead wearing a ski jacket in Walton St! I did my entire garden tour dressed to the nines. No need to lower standards just because you aren't at home x

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    1. Could you imagine wearing a ski jacket there? Mind you you could start a trend FF! ;) x

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  8. Style is so subjective, isn't it? I think my bright colours would look very out of place back in London, but when I first moved to Sydney I looked very somber in my dark colours!
    Those shell suit track suits and nail art things are my idea of total lack of style, and I'm sure my own style is sneered at by others....!!

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    1. Style truly is subjective and like you said - London just doesn't seem to lend itself to color and I am wondering if it is due to the cold light here? It looks more stark than it would in Oz. But I was the total dud in NJ because I would do nail art and that's when I realized that everyone has such different rules!

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  9. Very regional. The nail thing I can do without really, as its expensive, and can look tacky. But I guess sometimes.. it can look okay. Its not a staple for me though. I think London style is very varied, I see all sorts, many people have their own unique style, others will wear whatever is meant to be 'high fashion' whether it suits them or not. Yes style is subjective, and like beauty.. in the eye of the beholder. Not sure about my own style. cant be asked :)

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    1. Well this is another thing Dawna - nail art aint' cheap!! I think it is something that one does to show a creative side and if worn with true conviction some people can get away with it but only if their love is genuine and they aren't trying to be cool if that makes sense?

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  10. I'm actually envious, you know I have never seen an American all track suited up either over there or abroad. I wondered if it existed, or if it was the US version of the deep fried Mars Bar.

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    1. Seriously? Get on the piccadilly and circle and district line or central U.S.! I did try a deep fried mars bar in the hebrides and it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be - next time I go up there I am going to try deep fried pizza :)

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  11. Hilarious! This is why I wear mostly black.......and I've never had a manicure in my life. I have friends who spend a fortune and half their lives getting manicures/pedicures/waxing/eyelash fittings/eyebrow dying etc etc and it bores the hell out of me just hearing about it.

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    1. Oh yes - black the safe color. Funny enough I see why mime artists wear black and they let other things do the talking! Getting groomed is a full time job for sure. I should get my nails done more because my local nail bar has Pete Burns as a regular and I eavesdrop on the conversations he has with the Vietnamese girls who speak broken English and it is very amusing. But the fumes make me feel sick so I just buff at home!

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  12. well this is interesting! When we went to France for the first time in '08, I really kitted up and went very Audrey like. I will still say to this day that I was the woman who was nicely dressed in all circumstances, but I found that my vision of French dressing - simple skirts, flats, plain tees and little cardis, was very different than the ruffly and tight clothing I saw in most of the shops I went to in Normandy or later in the Netherlands. I realized I was channelling my inner Hepburn, and I'm sure she exists over there, but mostly I saw Brigitte Bardot's wardrobe - very different than what I imagined!

    I also think it evolves as we age and that certain places and age groups are more susceptible to group think about style than others. I am quite sure I would be considered an idiot in LA!

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    1. Also even in France, Paris style is so different to South of France style for sure.
      Even though I have a complicated relationship with France I did spend a formative time when I was 17 there so there are certain things I am influenced from them which is scarves. I also adore agnes b and old navy because it is the american version of what i perceive to be the old agnes b. When I say I am going to old navy the locals in the states look at me funny!

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  13. I think what we can call a 'universal style' is just generally not looking like a tart. But you're right, it depends on where you live and many other factors such as weather, commute, etc. I notice that younger women in London love wearing skater dresses or chiffon above the knee dresses that sometimes look like summer dresses then matched with blacked tights. Wouldn't consider that stylish in my book but must be their way of not being able to let go of spring summer while embracing autumn winter. I find stylish women wear basic simple clothes and accessories. Never over the top and not dripping in signature mismatched brands. And never all-out on trends. I must say though that tracksuits and nail art are for the brave ones. And yes throw in a pair of Ugg boots to complete the brave look :D

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    1. Actually you bring a good point that it works back to front in universality - no one may agree to style but everyone can agree that looking like a tart is definitely de rigeur! ;)

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    2. Meant to say not looking like a tart!

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  14. LOL, and thank goodness there isn't a universal style otherwise people-watching would become quite boring. I noticed this obsession with manicured nails among the Americans when I used to watch Rickie Lake and Jerry Springer; no matter what trailer park they lived in or what strip joint they worked in, or how many people they had slept with, or how trashy they dressed, you could always guarantee that their nails would look like they had just won the lottery! Isn't it interesting what they prioritise, perhaps because getting your nails done is cheaper than shopping for stylish clothes maybe - it's a lot cheaper to get them done over there than it is over there, well it was back in the day anyway.

    One style that i'm struggling with at the moment is length of skirt. I always thought that once you hit past 30 you shouldn't wear skirts that touch the centre of your thigh because that would be trashy, but I find I still am although I'm more selective where I wear them. I get away with it because people think i'm younger than what I am! xx

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    1. So true about the shows!!!! They have the sistine chapel recreated on their bloody nails.
      I do wonder how they afford their nails as they are not cheap but I guess it's a blue jasmine thing?

      But do you think it still looks trashy if one has amazing legs or doesn't look over 30?
      I don't have that dilemma but I must say if I had fab legs then I would wear it and risk looking trashy hehe. xx

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    2. I don't know, I haven't decided, my mind changes every time I see someone in a mini skirt - I'm finding that with certain people I accept it and others I don't, so struggling to decide on a personal rule. Sometimes I look in the mirror and think "Col, get it off! You aint 20 anymore!" xx

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    3. It is a tough one - but then again if one wears a mini skirt but balances it out with flats and a big bulky sweater I think it makes it look less try hard but just showing off one's assets but also it very much depends on the individual doesn't it? x

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  15. Track suits remind me of Paulie Walnuts from The Sopranos which always gives me a good laugh. A huge pleasure of travel is dressing to the nines, I love to plan my wardrobe and be as dressed up as possible.
    Nail art, I don't get it. I barely make the time for a simple manicure though so that's just me I guess.

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    1. Bless Paulie!! He always had his hair gelled and flip curled on front as well! Yes travelling is extreme for me I am either in a sarong or have proper outfits. I wish there were cheap nail bars in London but in general you have to book and I hate being tied to an appointment if I can avoid it!

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  16. Well done.
    You actually wrote out, what I have not dared to. Actually I know nothing about manicures, as I do the thing myself.
    But the clothing. The clothes I see in international blogs differ so much from the clothes people over here in Finland and most of Scandinavia wear.
    Yes, the weather has to do with the clothing, but still.
    There are outfits I can´t even comment on, because they are so " odd " from my point of view.
    In general, foreigners use much more jewelry than we over here ( excluding the women who have a " certain job "- the oldest one ; ).
    An exception over here are all the Russians, who really dress well, like going to a party, when only shopping. One might think that they are loaded with money, perhaps they are.
    Usually, I am able to notice a tourist in a second.
    The Finns dress without any imagination. Maybe it is better so ; )!!

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    1. I don't know if a particular region dress better than other although I think in Europe Italian women have that something something. I don't buy into French women being the most stylish actually. Russians do celebrate fashion which in doses is fantastic but sometimes it looks ott but then again that's half the fun!:)

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  17. I love tracksuit people, those are the best!:D Here in Slovenia the tracksuit stereotype is that you have to be a soccer player or from one of the Balkans countries if you're wearing one (the shiny, extra flammable one).:) I read your comment about them being from Jersey... I think it's so funny that everywhere 'gaudy' is perceived as something negative, but not in Jersey. There being called gaudy is a compliment.:D

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    1. One mans trash is another's treasure! Jersey people do get teased but like people from Essex they don't care and go with what they like which is quite refreshing actually!

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  18. Nail 'art', track suits and ugg boots do not exist in my world.

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    1. Ha! Yes but too much elegance leaves us with no one to question...:)

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  19. It is subjective, and regional, absolutely.

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    1. I think it's very much regional too bc that's what moles our subjectivity.

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  20. Don't like anything about Juicy Couture, one of the Mums at our school wears it along with extensions and nails (she's the same age as me) all a bit desperado

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    1. I find that juice actually isn't flattering on the bum unless it is absolutely perfect but I think juicy Ron outside on women past 40 fdoes look a little mutton in Europe but I guess Cali is more lax?

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  21. I just got back from Swan Hill where tracksuits were all the rage. I don't think I saw a manicured nail the entire stay.

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    1. Are they still wearing tracky docks? It's the same in bemdigo and they also don't get nails done interestingly enough. But then again old Victorian mining towns were never trendsetting.

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  22. I must say I don't like this type of nail art at all! :-) Keeping your nails sober is better :-)
    xoxo

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  23. I learned two new words from your blog
    exigent and comportment.
    Thankies! :D

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  24. I cringe every time I read about or see Americans behaving this way....we aren't all like that, I promise.
    Some of us are even well behaved in public....most of the time. Lisa S. (from New Jersey)

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    1. Hi Lisa S. I lived in the States and I know not to believe in general stereotypes although I always say Jersey girls are a hoot and I love their conviction in all they do. seriously!

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  25. LOL! Here sit the mom who's lucky she took a shower this morning and wore something other than pajamas. Nails? Totally natural. Hair? Natural curl. Make up? Are you kidding?! ;)

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    1. Oh I know I don't even have kids so I have no excuse!! :)

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  26. Definitely. Definitely. You know I love my fashion. It's weird but when in California, I always get women commenting on "how cute" my outfits are, elsewhere in the US, nothing. New Yorkers,at best,look me up and down scowling a bit.! Russians:now I am gonna go all judgemental here, brace yourself :CRAZY stupid dress sense. I admit I snicker slightly when I see them parading around Harrods. Money does not always equal style. They wear those hideous puffa jackets with belts that are always white and EUGH they carry Versace bags or Vuittons and...you get the idea. God I hope no Russians read your blog and hunt me down....

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    1. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I think Californians are friendlier than East Coasters…

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  27. Just read previous comments and OH GOD someone else thought the Russians dress WELL?? Hahhaha! Point proven Naomi!!!

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    1. Too funny! But I think the issue is that they make an effort and for that I give points. Because I also cringe when I go to Hoxton bc their supposed cool no bathing no combing of hair does my head in as well!! :)

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  28. My, this post has stirred up a reaction! I garden, so nail art is a no-no for me. On special occasions my nails get treated to a delicate pink or a loud fuchsia varnish but that's about it. Only a goddess looks good in a track suit, I would feel totally diminished wearing one although I love leggings and a big sloppy top.(But not for a trip round town!) And Uggs are slippers. Having said all that, it's great to see such diversity of style. And I agree with Karen that money doesn't necessarily equal style.

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    1. I commit fashion faux pas all the time but I am aware that I am! But if anything it just makes people watching more fun no? ;)

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  29. Ok we seriously need to meet Naomi! Where did you live in the tri state area??? Born and raised in NJ and you will never catch me in a track suit or with nails done up in London. Seriously who can afford to have perfectly painted nails in this city? The only time I do indulge is in Jersey but definitely never ever nail art! I think it's alright if you're 10 years old or as I am now constantly painting ninja turtles to get my 3.5 year old to stop biting his nails. I do immediately notice the American tourists especially because of the volume of conversation and how often the work "like" is used and then I wonder in horror if that is how I sound. I really hope not!

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    1. I know not to generalise about most things! I lived in the upper west side and loved it. But yes I also can't stand how you have to book here! Although I think slowly they are trying to change things but nails inc in certain areas don't even take new clients on, kind of a joke! But I do notice Americans speak loudly and I am also guilty of that although I have quietened my volume since living here!! How is your house coming along??

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  30. Very funny and very true! I'm from NY but went to university in Texas. The way the girls there went to class always baffled me; they would wear gym shorts and t-shirts (perfectly ironed), but their hair and makeup had obviously been done. They were trying to make it look like they didn't care how they looked since they were in gym clothes, but the hair and makeup said otherwise. I never understood going through all that trouble just to dress like that, but that was their thing.

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    1. Yep totally agree tho I think certain things are valued so for those tourists their benchmark were nails whereas some other it's skin as it is in Asia so it seems to vary doesn't it? But as I don't make an effort I do appreciate effort even if isn't my taste perse :)

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  31. Phew. Glad i wasnt present or they would have looked knowingly at my nails and then at each other with disparaging glances. Because my fingernails are never painted - can't bear them to be. But you raise such a truism about theregionality of what's important, be it fashion or other things.

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    1. I would get my nails done all the time if it was as cheap and easily accessible like in the States but also English woman don't judge nails so I get a free pass here!

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  32. You are so astute. Interesting cultural observations. By the way-I'm hoping to see you join up with one of the 'How I wear Mine' posts. They are fun-though very daunting at first because posing is awwwwwwkward.
    No more velveteen track suits for me...
    Happy weekend darling!
    xx, Heather

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    1. Oh Heather - for the time being I will be a voyeur and enjoy all your outfits as I am still not ready at all!!!! Y'all look good though!. PS I only got rid of my juicy tracksuit two years ago only because there were holes in it!! xx

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    2. Okay confession, I still have one and would only wear at home…SO warm!

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  33. *shockedDroppedJaw*

    BOWIE was in Zoolander?

    no wonder he disappeared from the planet for a while to recover.

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    1. I know - I didn't notice him either for some reason!

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  34. CWS ~ you have answered a puzzling question why nail bars have become so popular in AUS. Not a luxury spend I could justify myself. I must admit that my dress standards have become so casual since living in a tropical climate. Lots of black when I have visited Melbourne and Adelaide, which means I automatically stick out as a tourist because I don't do black in the tropics.

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    1. Black in the tropics is a terrible thought Carol!!

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  35. Well, I think fake nails are one of those things that American women who are not hip, still think looks groomed or good. Shocking to me that even a very stylish friend was still getting French fake acrylic nails until about 9 months ago. Finally, I basically said her nails are the same ones I had when I was married 17 years ago. She protested that her nails don't grow and she (a corporate professional) needed to look put together for work. What she couldn't see was how tacky and out-dated they were. Now she has decided to do the gel nails in a shorter version and thinks that is better.

    Sadly the middle-American average woman cannot see the beauty in the natural look. I personally think an unpainted nail with hands that are cared for is far prettier than these gross decals and such. It's true that you will see a woman who dresses terrible, is very unkempt otherwise, but by golly she's got her nails on! They need to go to Italy where woman are so lovely are natural.

    Yes, the track suits are ubiquitous on many older Americans. One thing I loved about traveling to Europe was seeing the well-dressed older people! Very impressive. Americans seem to just give up totally on their waists and care only for comfort! At least the majority..

    xxKim

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    1. Also fake nails and gels etc - they are soooo bad for your health let alone the nail technician...I went last year to a salon with a friend after my detox in austria and i got sick and had to leave the salon - every since then i am very wary.

      Ah what you mention is double fold - it is also keeping up with the times - women with too long or feathered hair or blue eyeliner and such.

      I gotta say though I am guilty of wearing gym gear outside of the gym and i only buried a juicy tracksuit due to the holes so...:) xx

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  36. hahaha! It's very funny actually. here, in Paris, I am one of the only person I know going to the manicure regularly. I mean, my friends might do it, but it's always a "one time thing". The sad part is, I don't even like manicure, but I just feel like I "have to" (daddy issues lol : he loves women with beautiful hands). So anyway, here in Paris, it just sounds like I'm "spoiled" but when I was in the US : Daaaamn you had to litterally fight to find a spot at the manicure on friday night. It was hysterical.

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    1. Yep i know - i remember that I lived in a block of 4 nail bars and they were all busy!!! I miss that about the states though still easier to get nails done there with the queues than in London...

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  37. In Sweden we don't get our nails done too often, but there are nail bars popping up so I guess some demand is there. Style is always right! Caroline

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