"Kiddie Couture"

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "School-Age Designers Take Fashion Seriously." The author was Eric Wilson. You can find the article here.)


Fashion shows fill the airwaves of prime-time television. "Project Runway", "Sex and the City", "Next Top Model" and "Rachel Zoe Project" inspire many viewers around the world. Among those viewers, children and teens are becoming inspired as well. Inspired by celebrities and reality television stars, the children are becoming more interested with the fashion world. Internet is easily accessible, and fashion is not hard to figure out. 


Take for example, Cecilia Cassini, an 11-year old fashionista. Her claim to fame is the "world's youngest fashion designer." Her trademark is a large bow she wears, and she has even appeared on the Today show. 

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Cecilia said, "Look at how many famous teens there are now. Fashion is a hot thing to be into when you're young."


She is right. Consumers look to the younger designers as a type of prodigy. The younger they are, the more interesting they become. It helps that the fashion culture is obsessed with youth. The frocks look more adorable on the younger children. 

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There are several concerns with young fashion designers. First, fashion is no longer about the historical nature and the craft. It becomes about the flash, and whether or not the outfit makes a statement. Another issue is the idea of exposing the children to public scrutiny. Children are easily manipulated. They are eager to make their mark and may be bribed to gain status. 


Editor in chief of Style.com Dirk Standen said, "“I’m not sure it’s up to us to say whether this is healthy or unhealthy."


The parents are the ones to decide whether or not their children can dive into the intense world of fashion. Fashion is known as cut-throat. I think that it is important to have a job you love. If a child loves creating fashion, then he/she should pursue it. Whether 12 or 21, the fashion world is ready for fresh faces. 

Where's the Wireless?

(This is a response to an article in the New York Times titled "Digital Age is Slow to Arrive in Rural America." The author was Kim Severson. You can find the article here.)


The introduction of the Internet started a new era in the world. Many people are embracing the digital age. College campuses are an example of how technology has changed the way people function. Students do their homework on laptops, and connect wirelessly anywhere on campus. 


What many people do not know is that there is a whole other section of America. There are people that do not own a computer or use an internet connection.  Severson said "...Two billion people now use the Internet regularly — the line delineating two Americas has become more broadly drawn. There are those who have reliable, fast access to the Internet, and those, like about half of the 27,867 people here in Clarke County, who do not."

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Severson visited Coffeeville, Ala., and rewinded ten years. The rural town is behind on technology. Most citizens do not have broadband internet, and only a few have dial-up. Cellular phone coverage is almost non-exist, and can only be reached in small areas of the county. Broadband service is not only useful but vital. Most companies now have online websites for their customers to pay bills, shop and do taxes. Weather services blast out severe storm warnings via text message and Twitter. Without broadband, these citizens are lacking the daily necessities that make life easier. 


Social media is another reason small town citizens would enjoy broadband service. It is difficult to reach someone if there is no cellular phone service and they do not have a Facebook. Most communicating is now done through Facebook, Twitter and blogs. It is hard to e-mail someone to set up an appointment or to apply for a job. Keeping in touch with someone from out of town is nearly impossible. 


Because the median household incomes are usually much less than of those who work in large cities, the internet and cellular phone services are out of price range for small town citizens. This dilemma does not apply solely to Coffeeville, but to a lot of rural towns in America. According to Severson, "In rural America, only 60 percent of households use broadband Internet service, according to a report released Thursday by the Department of Commerce. That is 10 percent less than urban households."


Community leaders have been taking measures to speed up their towns' technology process. They have applied for stimulus money, but the process is long and hard. Until big companies see the potential to invest in small towns, the times will not change. Once companies see an increase in the demand for broadband and cellular service, they will hopefully reach out and invest. Until then, rural areas such as Coffeeville, Ala. will be stuck in the past, and waiting for a dial-up connection.


I consider it not only necessary but vital to have an internet connection. As mentioned above, life is made easier by doing things via the computer. Where someone lives should not determine their amount of computer opportunities. As technology continues to change, those citizens will be stuck even further in the past. Companies should step up and make a presence in theres rural areas for the enrichment of those citizens.

Can You Hear Me Now?

(This is a response to an article in Vogue Magazine's Sept. 2010 issue titled "Roaming Charges." The author was Robert Sullivan.)


Shopping first originated with various stores in the mall. Soon after people began buying computers, the stores made on-line websites with their frocks to be sold via the internet. Now, the time has come for a new phenomenon. Shopping has now turned mobile, and people are searching the stores via their smart phones. 


Cell-phone technology is changing the way retailers are ringing up sales. Shoppers everywhere no longer have to venture into their favorite stores to pick out the newest items. They simply have to grab their cell phone and punch in a credit card number. The convenience is undeniable. 


CEO of Precent-Mobile David Harper said, "The future is not the Web but mobile devices." 


Smart phones such as iPhones, Androids and Symbians have released "apps." These apps serve as a type of boutique set up in a virtual mall. They mix entertainment with retail. Some stores have not yet been made into apps, but have a mobile site which is a pared-down Web site. They allow shopping to be effortless, especially on such a small screen. 


Sullivan concludes that he tested mobile shopping out for himself and was pleased with the results. I have never bought anything from my phone, but have browsed apps for my favorite stores. I must say that it is more difficult than online shopping due to the smaller screen and no keyboard. The perk is that no matter where you are, you can shop. Sales and discounts are included in mobile shopping. Technology is constantly changing and mobile shopping will only improve. One day I will be able to say that I ordered my new pair of jeans off my iPhone. 

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Trash Television.

(This is a response to an article in Elle Magazine's Feb. 2011 issue titled "Bored to Death". The author was Whitney Vargas.)

Fashionistas around the world are uniting against the lack of luster on today's hit television programs. Popular shows such as 30 Rock, The Office, Grey's Anatomy and Modern Family all contain characters who lack a sense of style. The uniform is simple. Jeans and a crew neck shirt are all the characters need to survive. The producers say that it is due to the hard economic times we are living in. Stepping out in Jimmy Choos or Dior sunglasses are just unrealistic for most Americans. They are better able to relate to those characters who are portrayed like them. Life is just too boring in black and white.

The ever present question remains. What about us? What about those that love to drool over new frocks hot off the runway. We like to look, but not touch. It is not about actually buying the items but at least seeing them showcased is what makes watching television fun. Think back to a time far away when a show called Sex and the City ruled the air time. Carrie Bradshaw was the absolute fashion diva and everyone ate it up.

Shows are finally stepping up to the plate to fulfill those who are just wishing for a fashion breakout. Gossip Girl and Mad Men are now dressing their characters in the latest and greatest. Our fashion time has come. The wait is over.

Costume designer Janie Bryant said, "For a younger generation, it's about seeing something new. What have they grown up with, bless their hearts? Sweatpants and ripped jeans." She nailed it. Thanks to our generation, ripped jeans and grunge have taken over our lives and the media. The world is finally realizing that the fashion forward need a little love too. I am ready for a change and will eagerly be anticipating the next episodes of the glamorous Gossip Girl and Mad Men. Full of runway fashion and haute couture, these shows have given us television viewers some hope.