By 
The reason for this post is, I was browsing around Zara the other day when I overheard this girl saying to her friend, ‘That would look nice on ya.‘ To which the other girl responded, ‘Nah, it’s on all over IG. Every blogger’s wearing it.’
Many a times, a high street retailer has released an item that will instantly take off. Overnight, they become IT items. These items sell off the shelves like hot cakes. Before you know it they’re being featured on every single #OutfitOfTheDay post on almost all the blogs.Your Twitter and Instagram feed are flooded with versions of them.
The most popular high street retailers are usually the culprits. Zara, Topshop, Asos, H&M & Forever 21.
My question is, do popular items put you off? Or do you buy them and put your own spin on them buy styling them uniquely?
I believe, a true fashionista makes the item not the other way round. If I really Love something and it’s well made, I will get it. But sometimes, I really get put off things that I’ve previously liked. I can’t really nail the reason down to the popularity of the items, but subconsciously seeing it all the time made me weary. That being said, I used to be a Michael Kors fan. I woke up one morning and all my cravings for MK whatsoever were completely gone… :/ In the same way, I can’t see myself buying the Valentino rockstud heels now…
There are two kinds of shoppers:
THE EXCLUSIVE SHOPPER who seeks out the most underground, lesser known brands that will offer trendy items but with a very unique finish and flair. Shoppers like this steer clear oft IT items. They support local boutiques, up and coming designers and favour rare vintage finds. They pride themselves on finding rare pieces. They enjoy wearing brands but it CAN’T be current season. Chanel? More like Vintage Chanel. If everyone’s wearing Louboutins, they’re wearing Chloe and Lanvin. They wear a Forever 21 dress and make it look EXCLUSIVE. They enjoy making you sweat to guess where they’ve got something from. They are the Urban Outfitters, the Desiguals and the Free Peoples of the world.
THE IT SHOPPER who buys whatever catches their eye. They do not discriminate with brand names. If it looks ood, they’re in. You will usually find current season’s trends in their wardrobe. Nude heels, camel coats and the almighty nudist sandals. Vionnet who? They’d take a Tom Ford padlock heel any day. They have a flair for styling and restyling their staples. They are not put off by how popular a brand is. They buy it and make it theirs. They are the Zaras, The Topshops and the H&Ms of this world.
To be honest I don’t think you can clearly distinguish between the two because I find I am a little bit of both. I only go for trends I love and try to give new retailers or boutiques a chance. I love to add my own flair to trends. As much as I try to stay away from trends, I also have a drape camel coat in my closet ;/ I never buy items I don’t like just because they are trendy however.
Which shopper are you? I’m sure there are many more categories I haven’t listed here. Shout out below if you know any!
Nevertheless, I have hoarded my fair share of trending items. Almost all of which have never been worn.
Remember the camel wrap buckle skirt from Zara that blew up last year? Everyone gave styling it a go.
Along came these Topshop Ghlillie court strappy heels. Everyone instantly fell in love! They were released in 4 colours and each one sold out.
I need to style these shoes pronto! For some reason, they never really suit my outfit whenever I’ve needed to go out.
Followed by two Zara heels which took over most spring wardrobes this year. The Zara Fringe Suede Heel and the Zara Blue Strappy Heel.
I am in love with the way Christina styled her beige pair here!
Mine need to come out this summer. I can’t believe the tags are still on!
I have these blue heels. I wore them once and I was not into them. I definitely regret buying these. I’m just not feeling them. They look good on other people though:
I know some people who call trends a uniform and wouldn’t even touch them with a barge pole!
What’s your take on trendy shopping? Yay or nay?
Spill below 🙂
**PS: Forgive any typos, I’m typing this in bed. It’s shut eye time y’all. Will edit tomorrow. Can’t stop yawning.
xo
Lydie
asosbloggers lovefashionforever 21hmit girlshoppingstyleTopshoptrendstrendy
Mojisola Obazuaye
July 8, 2015Well, I may have out grown shopping spontaneously I think. I however settle for quality and style my things in my own way. Trending or not, I by what I need.
Girl you should wear all those heels more, they are all gorgeous and I enjoyed reading your rants.
Much Love.
Mojisola
http://www.mojintouch.com
tarahsaint
July 8, 2015I’m definitely more of an exclusive shopper. I find my best pieces underground haha. I don’t mind trends but I’m not drawn to them when shopping. I totally agree with the MK thing, too btw! Once Nicki Minaj made that song, EVERYONE had his stuff lol. I also love how you found bloggers that related to your post. It was funny seeing them one after the other. Don’t you just love Christina?
And, GIRL! What’s your size – those blue shoes are beautiful!!! Haha but seriously!
http://adornedinarmor.com
Carly
July 9, 2015Definitely an interesting topic! I get turned off by items that everyone is wearing. There is no way I am going to buy the Valentino studded heels! It just seems so boring to have the same items everyone is wearing even if they are gorgeous.
Dresses & Denim
Filomena Mairosse
July 9, 2015I’m definitely more of an exclusive shopper but not only for the reasons you mentioned above. I thoroughly dislike looking like everyone else more than just the “uniform” factor but because my style is usually very different from everyone else’s. It’s definitely more lenient towards menswear but it’s also not fully “tomboy” which makes for “interesting” outfit combinations sometimes lol. And the second reason (and probably the biggest factor) is that I’m currently BUILDING a staple wardrobe and I’m not buying pieces that I feel are not going to be timeless or don’t go with my general aesthetic even if I’m drawn to them. I agree with Mojisola when she says that she buys what she needs. I resisted the skinny heel for a long time because I didn’t need it and I was waiting to decide if it was a trend or a timeless piece and I just recently bought a pair (and it’s not even a “true” skinny heel) but I bought it because I felt like I needed it in my wardrobe.
https://thevgcaesthetic.wordpress.com/
Art Becomes You
July 14, 2015girl you are so right! the skinny heel is so trendy but it has definitely become a classic must have. goes with everything!
No Rule, Just Style
July 9, 2015This was such a great post! In my twenties, I was the trendy shopper. But as I matured, I find myself purchasing items I believe are timeless/staples. I usually ask myself, will I wear this 10/15 years from now? I’m also more focused on the quality of the item. Will this last for a while, or is this an annual purchase?
You raised a good question. There are times when I won’t purchase an item that I like because I’ve seen it all over social media. I wanted to get a skort from Zara a few years ago, but after it flooded the internet, I changed my mind. But I also knew it was an item that I probably would not wear 10 years from now. On the other hand, if it’s a staple (ex: camel coat), the purchase is likely to be made. It depends on the item, but for the most part, if it’s “in”, I’m out.
onachicdiet
July 9, 2015I agree with all the ladies above me, great post lydie :)…as for me I only buy things that look good on me, flows with my wardrobe and style and will be able to still wear years from now.
Eni
July 9, 2015I totally agree with you and with your thoughts! I think perfect way are a mix of It and Exclusive!!! Nice selection my dear! Have a nice day, kisses (and thank you for your visit),
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
infashionitrust
July 10, 2015Girl are we the same size??? Send those shoes to me! Haha but I think I am a 2nd shopper I admit. As much as I love clothes and love shopping, I’m way to lazy to try and scope out something that no one has lol. If I stumble on it perfect but if not, I won’t lose sleep lol. Something cute catches my eye, I’m buying it! I tend to hold on to my clothes for awhile anyway so even when they go off trend, they’re still up in my closet! Lol
Dana Fashina
July 10, 2015Seriously, send me anything you still got tags on – I’ll help you out NO PROBLEMO!
Yeah but I find myself as someone who doesn’t really pay attention to trends. You probably knew that though.
Like the last pic – of those blue strappy Zara shoes.
I saw them in the store when they first came out and I WAS planning on going back to get them.
But in like 1 week – everyone and their mama had them. The mama, the sister, the cousin, the niece, the best friend of the cousin’s cousin…
Immediate turn off.
I have this set of F21 stripped culottes (sp?). It’s a set and I can only bring myself to wear 1 piece at a time because again – everyone and their mama has them and it is/was all over the gram.
So it’s weird – I don’t do trends but I end up inadvertently getting trendy shit that I can’t wear because they so in trend.
First world problems at its FINEST.
I hope nobody I know reads this, I’m already ashamed of myself.
Art Becomes You
July 14, 2015hahaha so funny. don’t be ashamed. you’re of those that makes F21 look like f*cking Giambattista Valli…or anything high end. I’ll be going where is THAT from??? and you’ll reveal it was Asos all along. Bloody hell. talk about styling done well 🙂
trendyholy
July 10, 2015I’m a little bit of both too. I buy items because I love them not because they are trendy. If I have a crush on an article, I buy it and it doesn’t matter if it’s not the current trendy.
I enjoyed reading your article.
Zee
July 11, 2015It’s crazy how shoe game can make such a biff diff to your outfit!! I’m def a shoe person, I get whatever I like in the moment without thinking if they are currently trending!! Love the selection!!
http://www.glamourbyzee.com
omniavitae
July 11, 2015This post is spot on. I’m not such a fan of trends but if it looks good on me, and i works well with my closet, i will cop it.
deefordana
July 12, 2015Great post! I love it! I can’t really tell which one I am, so i think I find my self a little bit of both too! I usually buy whatever I like! Of course if I can afford it, but yea. As long it has a good quality and I like it, I go and buy it.
Have a great week sweetie ♥
Fierce Fab Flyy
July 12, 2015If it’s something I really like and it suits me, I’ll try it out. But I usually try to steer clear of what everybody else is wearing.
Pree
July 14, 2015OMG such a great post. 1st let me say, I use to be a kors whore lol (still love my hamilton though) but after Nikki M mentioned it in her songs and everyone suddenly became Kors fans I was turned off. I guess sometimes I like exclusive ish lol. Or I just don’t care when people are buying things because “celebs” mentioned them.
Anywho, I def think you make the clothes work for you. If I like it, I’m buying it. But I am going to do my best to style it to my style!
I’m also a mix of both. I love me some F21 and Zara but I def prefer boutiques at times! & when the time comes that I can afford Chanel… I want vintage!
http://www.bomshellantics.com
Michelle
July 29, 2015Hit the nail on the head! Its so true – I sometimes stay away from things if it’s an ‘IT’ item but I have to also give I long hard thought on to whether its worth my while. I used to be easily swayed if I saw a blogger or insta person with something and they styled it perfect but they left me (like you) with unworn items that only ever got styled on the blog post and never got a REAL wear out of it.
Great blog btw!
http://Www.virgosandkisses.com
Abbie
August 14, 2015LOVED this post 🙂 very true, for me if I like it I’ll buy it I guess but I’ll try and pop my little spin on it! xx
fashiontatt.blogspot.com
Fisayo Longe
August 17, 2015This is such a GREAT topic and post. Thank you for the feature! Even as a blogger, there are some pieces that I shy away from buying because too many of us have it. But the truth is, if I really like it, I’m buying it! So it depends on how much I love it! xx
edulearner36
October 11, 2016I know this is an old post, but enjoyed reading it, so I wanted to respond. I believe I fall into the underground shopper category. However, I have purchased on trend before, and I do not discriminate, does not matter how cheap or expensive.
Still, I love vintage because I will not see anyone in my clothes. I expecially buy vintage coats and bags.