From a Magazine

Mostly because I haven't had time (working mom) to go around stalking people - but also because I lost my iphone and it was awkward to sneak in pictures. I plan to be more diligent (maybe over the summer) with the slr. I took a few pics with my ipod of some profiled styles in a Taiwanese magazine that I was browsing at the salon.

All three are students, so they can and probably do dress like this on a daily basis.

This is pretty typical. The patterened tights with knee high boots and shorts. I would say a good percentage of girls dress like this.

She's a little bit more Taiwanese hipster - especially with the Mickey Mouse tee. My favorite part is her no lens glasses. That has been so popular since I got here 3 years ago, and it continues to be a popular accessory to wear.

I actually don't see people dressed like this a lot. It's a very unique look and well - Taiwan has all kinds of clothes everywhere.

Uniform

This is a great example of their "gym" wear. This track pant and suit set is a school uniform. I love the snaps on the bottoms of the pant legs. I also kind of love the purple and black shoes he's wearing.

I decided to stop saying do or don't because that's not the purpose of this blog. I'm just sharing what people wear here.

The trends change frequently and the colors are aplenty. Can't wait to show you more!

Great Website

It's new. It takes place in NY...but I love it.

I want to be her

check it out.

Jewelry seller

This is another vendor in the night market. She sells cute trinket-y jewelry. I'd actually wear everything that she's wearing myself.

I think my favorite part is the grey skirt/wide leg pant. It's comfy and sporty at the same time! I don't imagine a ton of people feeling like this outfit is particularly stylish, but it's wearable! AND I bet her outfit costs pennies compared to what I'd pay for this in the states!

Eyelash seller

I'd actually go as far as to say that Taiwan is fashion forward. Men and women alike are willing to take fashion risks at the drop of a hat and try out a new look. Where I'm from (Texas) we like to stick with what we know.

That being said, I think that some fashion risks are hits and some are misses. Take this next guy for example.

I actually quite like his glasses without lenses. It's something that I've finally grown accustomed to and love! Having something on your face like a pair a glasses really does add to an entire outfit. His particular glasses are the classic black rimmed look. I don't mind them, but I don't really love them either.

His leather(?) jacket would be awesome if it were the right size. This weather really calls for this particular kind of outerwear!

I think skinny jeans or just skinny pants (since most of them aren't jeans - I have discovered) look great on most Taiwanese. It lengthens their petite bodies and it allows them more creativity in terms of pattern and style. I don't really love the ones that he chose.

And to top it off, in cold weather - wearing flip flops. I can often be seeing breaking this cardinal fashion rule so I can't really blame him. I too should start wearing shoes vs. flip flops during wintertime. Today I wore flats instead of flip flops, but the rest of my outfit is a gigantic don't. That's for a later post though.

Uniform

I don't know what the uniforms are like in some American schools because thankfully I never attended a school that had them. Since living here, I've learned that the uniforms usually come in a set of 5.

1-2) warm and cold weather "regular" uniform (short/long sleeves/pants accordingly)
3-4) warm and cold weather "gym" uniform
5) formal uniform - usually including a sweater and or vest

It seems pretty standard that all schools provide this combination of clothing along with a schedule of what to wear on which day. It's nice for the students not to have to think of what to wear, but I see many examples of people who alter them to fit their own personality.

Here is an example of a warm weather regular uniform done right.
Their own personal flair and the colors are what interest me. Every school chooses their colors and students do what they can with that. My understanding is that they are usually allowed to choose whatever shoes they want.

The greens in this uniform remind me of the ROTC clothes that some of my classmates sported in high school. Unlike my former classmates, this student is dressed in a way where everything fits well. It looks like he had his slacks custom made. When I see outfits like this, I feel like maybe I missed out on wearing uniforms myself.

MRT lady

I've been meaning to start this blog for a long time. I was born observant and a bit judgmental - and I can't help but notice what others are wearing. From time to time I deserve to be a "don't" myself - but I decided to finally start cataloging what I see. I live in Taiwan where the trends are aplenty.

That being said, I clearly need a lesson in taking pictures without being noticed. My first victim appears to be in her late 20's to mid 30's. The surgical mask makes it a little harder to estimate but her outfit says many things to me.


The scarf and the sweater I can make my peace with. I mean who doesn't just throw on any old scarf because it's a bit chilly out regardless of whether or not it matches your shirt. However, as we move down on this outfit, I can't help but do a double take and wonder if she did it on purpose.

In Taiwan I've noticed a lot of these skirt/pant combinations- as in they are actually attached. I think they are considered "dance" clothes. The top half of her body doesn't lead me to believe she just finished some sort of a class so I have to wonder if the skirt/pant + tights + sneakers were really necessary.

Who knows. Maybe if I live here long enough, I'll be sporting this combination myself one day. A solid effort in keeping warm with the extra layers.

I wish I could thank her for finally giving me the inspiration for blogging. She doesn't look too happy with me, but I think she's ok. Her identity remains anonymous thanks to the fashionable face mask that everyone insists on wearing.