Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2013

NYFW: Narcissism and Vanity??

Monday, September 10, 2012

So yesterday I left my kids at home to run to New York, first to stop into the Renewal kidney drive in the Upper West Side for a 2 year old boy who desperately needs a kidney, (if you have blood type A or O and would consider donation, please email me!) and then to Lincoln Center for Fashion Week, specifically for the Diane von Furstenberg Show. I've always loved DVF and have a special place for her on my 'women who inspire' list.  She wears her age proudly and still remains stylish and relevant in an industry that thrives on youth.

After the kidney drive, I glamorously taxied down to Lincoln Center, changing into my heels during the ride, to check out the scene outside the tent. It was fun to snap some photos of both the beautiful architecture of NYC and the unique street styles of the women.


Lots of modest street style prevailed:







 I then stopped at the Empire Hotel across the street because I had read about their rooftop lounge, available for members of the press, and needed a place to take a breather before the show. Check out some of these fabulous views from the rooftop:


I loved the elegant and old world style of the Empire Hotel lobby:
Unfortunately, due to DVF's wild popularity, no one was able to get into the show without an invite. It was still fun to watch the show live on the big screen inside the tent with all the other wait-list bloggers. DVF's styles for Spring feature beautifully draped pieces in her quintessentially vibrant patterns and featured stunning Spring colors like turquoise and coral.
Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2013
Photos courtesy of style.com and edited by me

Yes this photo was taken in New York too!
But in the end, my 'big picture' take of the whole scene seemed to me a bit...silly. Maybe I'm just getting older (although there were LOTS of older women there, some in outrageous get-ups with obviously injected faces), or maybe I'm just jaded from being a long time wife and mom from suburbia. Don't get me wrong, I do love fashion...the creativity and art of the designs, the challenge of putting the pieces together, and the opportunities it affords for personal individuality and expression, but what I mostly watched on the steps outside Lincoln Center was a dress up party, or more aptly a parade of narcissism and vanity.  I'll admit that I too was thrilled when a blogger or two wanted to take a picture of my outfit, but my goodness, it certainly was not the determining factor for my self value. As fun as fashion is, I'm so grateful to have more meaning in my life. Honestly, the best part of my day was having dinner with my son, and then anxiously getting home to deal with the undone homework and an untidy kitchen.

And now on to planning my Rosh Hashana menu!



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17 comments

  1. KatherineSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    I like the pictures you took of 'real people' {especially like the fashion that the first woman is wearing}.
    So you went, felt the hustle.... and know that nothing could make you feel more glamourous than the adoring eyes of your Son as he looked at his Mom over the dinner table.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SplenderosaSeptember 10, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    Narcissism & Vanity. Well put, Sharon. Most of these people look ridiculous, completely over-the-top (not just your pics, but everyone's).
    I wonder where has elegance gone? Do these girls not have a full-length mirror in their homes? Or maybe, it's truly "copy & over-do" rules the day. Well done.

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  3. LeslieSeptember 10, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Well said Sharon and sounds like you've got your priorities right. It's unfortunate seeing some women trying too hard ..

    The DVF style is gorgeous. I love all the fabric.. very flattering design.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fashion Confessions of a MommySeptember 10, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    You caught some great street style fashions and artistic city scape shots.
    I can relate to your perspective, especially about coming home to reality!

    Visiting from Monday Mingle.
    Daphne.

    Also, please enter my SHAPE WEAR give away, just one week left...
    http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com/2012/08/shapewear-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Karen Itkin RoeSeptember 10, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    DVF is on my list of women I admire too, for so many reasons! All of your pictures are awesome!! Sounds like while you adore fashion, decore, and self-expression, it can feel empty when you are missing that which provides true meaning to you, such as your dear family and your spirtuality.

    I like frivolity and fun, a great escape, but I can definitely get a headache from too much of it (like wine!). I'm still working on balance. Have a wonderful Rosh Hashana!!

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  6. The Chic SheetSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    I think NYFW would be amazing, and it would be great to get your picture taken, but it is always important to stay humble and considerate to other people... As for the plastic surgery, botox, and lip injections-> well that is everywhere, and I do't get it either? LOL


    XX,
    Miranda

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Chic SheetSeptember 10, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    Ps- I wish I lived in NY! I am in Louisville until my hubby graduates from school, and then I will be moving to Chicago :) You should follow me om Instagram... You would get a lot of inside scoop, meet my little chihuahua and hubby, and see a more personal side ;) LOL


    XX,
    Miranda

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    Love everything that you said here... such a beautiful perspective! And I must mention that I really like your new avatar to the right. Your happiness is just popping out of my computer screen... incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Golden GirlsSeptember 11, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    Stunning blog!!! WHo is that gorgeous red/pink clutch by?? Looks like a Hammitt? Love it! Check us out too! Hugs from Cali xx,The Golden Girls

    ReplyDelete
  10. The enchanted homeSeptember 11, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    Sharon, I could have written what you wrote, I feel the SAME way. I certainly didn't 10 years ago and when I was "lucky" to have attended a few shows at fashion week, I thought I hit a jackpot..now it doesnt' phase me, I have no interest in going even though a friend did offer me to go with her. I am much more comfortable in my own skin and way less impressed by others. I have nothing to prove and despite maybe being 20 lbs heavier than I was 10 years ago the wisdom common sense and confidence I have gained has given me a much more "real" perspective on the world and makes me realize that those hovering around the tents begging to be let in just haven't "gotten there" themselves. Its quite liberating, don't you think?
    On a side note, your pictures are FABULOUS! You could so work for Vogue!

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  11. Camille @ WILDFLEURSeptember 11, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    Great shots! And I absolutely agree with you about fashion being self-expressive but also simultaneously narcissistic and somewhat vapid. As you say, the ideal is to appreciate fashion but remember that real beauty and happiness exist elsewhere :-)

    xx Camille @ wildfleur

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  12. willy momSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    kudos to u!! u have your priorities in order!!
    im a long time admirer of u>>>>>>
    shana tova!

    ReplyDelete
  13. willy momSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    kudos to you....
    you have your priorities in order!!!

    an avid admirer, wishing you a gut gebencht yur!

    ReplyDelete
  14. willy momSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    kudos to u!! u have your priorities in order!!
    im a long time admirer of u>>>>>>
    shana tova!

    ReplyDelete
  15. DruSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    Hi Sharon-
    Due to a lucky invite, I was actually at the DVF show, which I think had a lot of nice modest (albiet sparkly!) pieces. Wish I would have seen you outside (we met at IFB con last year). I've always liked your blog because it has PERSPECTIVE, something that a lot of fashion blogs don't. Thanks for reminding us all that the big 'dress-up party" is not the be-all-end-all of life.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Busy In BrooklynSeptember 11, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Love the street style! So brace of you to stop people and take their pic! Next time you have to take a self portrait too :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stephanie @ henry happenedSeptember 13, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    love all the outfits in the snapshots! and the DVF collection was stunning once again.

    ReplyDelete

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