Pilot Post

Introduction

In many ways, Baltimore is a city unlike any other.

Its fashion sense can be difficult to define. Depending on what one does and where one lives, what it means to dress well in the city is subject to many (sometimes conflicting) points of view. College students are likely to patronize such franchises as H&M or BeBe in search of cheap and on-trend pieces, whereas tribes of hipsters in Mount Vernon and the northern arts district know where to find (indeed, own) the most interesting and obscure boutiques. The seasons change, and so does the fashion climate -- but, what does it take to make a chic statement in this town?

Baltimore's poor economy and unappealing public transportation systems make it difficult to track down those special fashion objects. As the spring becomes summer, it's the perfect moment to embark on an urban safari in search of them. Every day, I will be documenting the fashions of some of Baltimore's endlessly diverse characters. In the framework of a trend report, I will attempt to decode the semiotics of Baltimore fashion. My ultimate is to incorporate my discoveries into my own personal style (and perhaps my fashion design philosophy). This blog is all to do with growth and newness.

My summers as a student here in Baltimore have lead me to boil down my fashion observations into two main seasonal trends: structure and color.

Structure
In a city like this, being independent means protecting yourself. Structure in fashion mimics the armor we need to make it through our surroundings unscathed. Military details, geometric silhouettes, and durable materials are most characteristic of the structure trend.

Color
Color is one way Baltimore's buildings express themselves. Many Charles Village residents call jewel-painted row houses with fantastically multicolored porches home. Color in fashion (as in the animal kingdom) can be on one hand an explosive method of intimidation and on the other a subtle and precise way of blending in. When it comes to dressing in the city, both philosophies have appeal. It comes down to personal taste (or even mood) whether one chooses to use color like a peacock or a chameleon.

Veronica, 21

Student

Charles Village, Baltimore

Skirt
Veronica's denim skirt is from NORDSTROM. With it, she showcases her staggeringly beautiful legs, leaving herself vulnerable -- at the same time, the skirt's banded hem gives the impression of armor, demonstrating that she is not to be trifled with. The distressed seams help her retain an urban vibe.

Top
Basic staples should always be impeccably made when incorporated in minimalistic outfits. Also procured from NORDSTROM, this simple white halter looks great against Veronica's skin and is letting her beat the heat.

Belt
The descriptive languages of structure and color emerge in this useful accessory. The braided belt evokes strength with interwoven bands and summer beauty with pink and white tones. It is available at GARAGE.

Frames
This is not the time or place for delicate frames. Veronica knows this, and she is protecting her eyes with A&E aviators. Shopping for summer eye wear is a two step process: 1. determine which frame shape looks best on you and 2. manage not to crush or lose them. I would advise you to pick up a cheap pair and then to invest in a luxurious carrying case. The number one place sunglasses are orphaned? The movies.

Michael Van Maele, 21

Student, Designer

Charles Village, Baltimore

Shorts

I went along with the color trend by grabbing these salmon pink striped shorts from H&M (see below). They pop well in the cityscape in the day and the night.

Shirt

Today, I paired the shorts with a dark ash button-up with military details from NEXT. The epaulettes and sleeve styling told a structure story that I could pull off.

Shoes

The only hang-up I had about my outfit today was a lack of cute loafers to wear. Right before I walked out the door, a glance at today's forecast told me that it was too warm for socks. Without any sandal options of my own, I stepped into my roommate's canvas and leather loafers. They didn't quite work with the color of the shirt. Later, sitting outside the cafe sipping iced coffee, Veronica and I spotted a stylish Baltimore man putting change in the meter (see top of post). His shoes were exactly what I envisioned for my outfit in terms of color and design, and I'll be looking for ones resembling the GUCCI pair below.

Signing Off

Charles Village possesses but one true boutique destination (which I will cover tomorrow), and it is only the beginning. So much more waits to be discovered in the borough of Mount Vernon, where I will be heading next. I can't wait to continue this journey, and I'll be delighted if you'll follow along at home as I publish my exploits.