FFB: Women in Media

Tee: J Crew
Blazer: New York & Co.
Skirt: Gap
Belt: Ann Taylor
Scarf: Target
Flats: Naturalizer
Earrings: Target?

This entire look was based on a picture of this hair.

source

That is a true story. I pinned that image I don't even know how long ago and now that my hair is so terribly grown out that I can't wear it down, I've been trying to find a look other than my traditional high bun.


But, enough about my crazy hair. I've been slacking on my Feminist Fashion Bloggers posts for the past few months, but I've been thinking a lot about this month's topic: Women in the Media and Popular Culture.


I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and, of course, I'm thinking of this from the perspective of a Latina who grew up primarily in the States. So, there's my bias. I've been thinking a lot about the representation of women of color in the media quite often these days and thinking about how that plays into my own sense of identity and self expression. Too heavy for a style blog? Perhaps, but let's take it there today, shall we?


I've been thinking about this as I (finally) got caught up on Glee. I think Glee has one of the more diverse casts on television, but one of the issues I have with the show is its reliance on stereotypes for so many of the characters (Mercedes, for example). I think they try. I think there are some characters that are actually complex. As a Latina, I have to mention Santana. While that's one of those names that non-Latinos think are legitimately Latino and I am kind of weird about having believable names, I do like that they've developed her character a bit. The thing that bugs me, though? She's so spicy, that Santana, with all that attitude.


Because, you know, that's what we Latinas are: spicy. And all of us "ethnic" girls are angry, or at least attitude-y. (Either that or subservient women oppressed by machismo - but that's a different post. Also another post: the label "ethnic" for people who are not white.) I grew up seeing these images - not often, of course, because for the first twenty years of my life, I didn't see many Latinas on tv or in movies - and I've fought so hard against being the stereotype.


Because, really? When all you see is that woman with the attitude, who gets mad and spouts off in Spanish for everyone's amusement, it does get to you. Is that how you want to be represented all the time? I'm lucky that I had a family that held up other images, but what about kids that don't have that? You get a little angry that you're constantly portrayed as a one dimensional angry woman. Self fulfilling prophecy....


I often tell B that what I want to see is Latinos on tv just living. And I guess there are some shows like that (Ugly Betty), I just don't watch enough tv to really know. Ditto for the movies. Even more for books. When I write a book, I'm not explaining any of my Latinas. Does that make sense? They're just going to live and be. Maybe they'll be angry, maybe they'll be pushy, but they'll be a whole lot more besides. You know, like me and all the other Latinas I know.

Three times a lady

Top: American Eagle (gift from aunt)
Cardigan: Apt. 9 via Kohl's
Scarf: Target
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Boots: Nine West
Earrings: gift from SIL
Sunnies: Puerto Rico

I guess it was really just a matter of time before I referenced Lionel Richie songs in the titles of my posts. This song reminds me of my mom because she liked it - or at least, I remember her singing along to it when I was a kid. Lionel Richie reminds me of when I was in Vietnam back in 2007 because I can't even tell you how many times people chose to sing "Hello" either to us or for karaoke. Lionel Richie, you are well loved in Vietnam.


But this post isn't about Lionel Richie. It's about the fact that I'm mixing three patterns. Three! A (subtle) floral, an animal print, and whatever is going on on my scarf (damask?). I might not wear a lot of color, but I apparently sometimes layer on some patterns in various shades of brown.


B told me this morning that he didn't like my scarf with the cardigan. I told him that this is what I call a "Style Blogger Outfit" which basically means I've broken enough rules of style and fashion in a single outfit that no one else but a style blogger will appreciate it. Monochromatic outfit? Check. Ladylike silhouettes with chunky boots? Check. Crazy mixed patterns? Check.


And then two of my students said that I dress really well, so maybe I was wrong.

On a different note: mil gracias for all your wonderful comments yesterday. I'm always nervous about the heavier posts and am surprised when they're well received.

Breaking the rules

All remixed except turtleneck
Turtleneck: Target
Skirt: J Crew
Belt: Banana Republic
Boots: Nine West
Warmest tights ever: ?
Earrings: India (gift)
Bracelet: Banana Republic

I wore this outfit for my last day of work - that was 17 December, if you want to know how behind I am on posting. I loved this look because it broke so many style rules and still worked for me. Plus I'm wearing stealth colors.


B thought this skirt was black, and it does look black in the top photo, but as you can see in the close up shot, it's actually a plummy color that J Crew calls Aubergine. I'll let them call it that, because Aubergine sounds prettier than Eggplant. And then I wore it with a red bracelet. Red and purple? That's one of those style rules, right?


I wasn't sure if I liked the skirt with black, but this was my warmest available sweater, so I made it work. If I say it goes, it goes. The end. And then I tucked my sweater into my skirt, which I'm pretty sure is also one of those things you shouldn't do. People don't tuck in their sweaters, right?


And then I finished the whole thing off with a leopard print belt, black tights, and brown boots. Black and brown is my favorite style rule to break, as I'm sure you've noticed. All those broken rules made me feel sassy and rebellious. Because this is about as rebellious as I get: speeding on the highway and breaking style rules. Watch out, it might get crazy up in here.



P.S. Posting will be light because (a) I'm celebrating Christmas and (b) I'll be visiting my in-laws in Michigan and won't have internet access. There will be a few scheduled posts, but things will be spotty until I'm back in VA on the 30th.