Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The Worst-Dressed City ?

According to a recent Boston.com article, GQ ranked Boston #1 as the worst dressed city. 

SAY WHAT? 

I'll admit, being a Texan (and a southerner) we take our appearance very seriously, and when I first moved to Boston I was appalled at most people's outfits. In Texas, no self-respecting woman would ever be caught dead outside her home in sweat pants (ignore the juicy sweatpant suit - we're human and make mistakes). Plus, we put on our full face just to grocery shop at 9 am on Sunday. 

Here's where GQ said Bostonians get it wrong (via the boston.com article): 

Branded flip-flops from a Sam Adams giveaway, distressed jeans baggy enough to shelter a family of four, undershirt with vomit stains from latest Boston sporting event, a print collared shirt two sizes two large, hair gel, Boston Red Sox baseball cap. Boston is like America's Bad-Taste Storm Sewer: all the worst fashion ideas from across the country flow there, stagnate, and putrefy.

But I have to disagree with GQ's statement about being the worst dressed city in AMERICA! I read way too many personal style blogs from beautiful, well-dressed women in this city, so I know that GQ got this one totally wrong! Here's just a few instances of where I say Boston gets it right: 


Mon Petit Chou Chou
Lani and her super cute Chihuahua
Noelani of Mon Petit Chou Chou is definitely one of my favorite style bloggers here in Boston. Her writing is beautiful, her photos amazing, and her style enviable. She's got this chic, European style that belongs in magazines, and it applies to everything she touches. Don't believe me? Look at the way she transformed her balcony for the 4th of July! This girl has major style, and I'm sure that if GQ looked at her blog while writing this article, she would have single handedly made Boston the best dressed city in America.

The Boston Fashionista
Kristen of Boston Fashionista

Boston Fashionista is admittedly the first blog I go to for style inspiration. Kristen's a Southerner like myself (a native Oklahoman) and her outfits closely match my personal style, so you know she's got good taste. Kristen has a knack for pulling together color combos I never imagined and manages to make all of them look good. Plus, I'm insanely envious of her ability to wear the mustard shade I dream about so much (but can't pull off) and bright neon hues. I've got to say that not only does Kristen have great style, but she keeps her posts real (and funny) -  just read her post about the "creepers". In addition, Kristen is the nicest blogger in Boston. When I first shifted my blog to focus more on style blogging, she was the first one to start commenting and saying nice things about my outfits - complete validation when you put yourself (and your outfits) out there so publicly.

These are just two of the MANY women (and men!) who make Boston far more stylish than even I could imagine. I admit that I felt GQ's sentiments when I first moved here, but once you step outside Fenway Park you'll see that Boston is pretty freaking stylish. GQ, next time may I suggest that you actually do your homework and check out the Boston Bloggers network to check out the amazing, fashion forward folks who roam our streets daily?
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11 comments:

  1. LissyJuly 20, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Michele, this is a lovely post and I agree wholeheartedly with the 2 local bloggers you chose. They are two of my favorites as well!!

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  2. MicheleJuly 20, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Thank you so much Lissy - we're so lucky to have so many fashionable ladies in Boston, including yourself!

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  3. STYLE'NJuly 20, 2011 at 7:33 AM

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  4. STYLE'NJuly 20, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    I completely disagree with Boston being named as the worst dressed city! And Lani, Kristen (and Lissy!) are perfect examples of why we cannot be the worst dressed city!!!

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  5. MicheleJuly 20, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Let's not forget about you Naina - such polished, beautiful style!

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  6. NoelaniJuly 20, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Michele-

    This is such a sweet post, your description of me is so flattering (and just what I needed on one of those days where you are trying to dress for the heat and can't seem to get anything right;). So glad someone has disputed this GQ article!! We all have our faux pas but I find it hard to believe Boston is really the WORST out there.

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  7. MicheleJuly 20, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks Lani, so glad you liked the post. I struggled with an office appropriate outfit that would keep me cool in this heat. I've never wanted to be a lifeguard before this heat wave, but today I could use a job by the pool!

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  8. KristenJuly 20, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Michele, Thanks so much for your kind words! One of the things I enjoy most about blogging is meeting the other (fashionable and friendly) folks around town who have similar passions. I tell you, I see amazing, fashionable people out there every day on the street; I get most of my fashion inspiration here in town - not in magazines! Thanks for being one of my inspirations and I can't wait to see you at 28 Degrees!

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  9. MicheleJuly 21, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Kristen, you're so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed, and so glad we have so many fashionable Boston ladies to draw inspiration from!

    Look forward to meeting you next week!

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  10. MartaJuly 29, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    I hope you don't mind if I comment. I wouldn't say the worst dressed city, but this city definitely is not the most fashionable. Most of the people are always wearing jeans, sweats, jackets, kind of a mess. I can count with my fingers the fashionable people I encounter on a daily basis.

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  11. MicheleJuly 30, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Marta, thanks for your comment. My boyfriend and I were just having this discussion when your comment popped up - he can't believe that I'd defend Boston, but I see great fashion and beautiful outfits on a daily basis (and I don't work in fashion or retail.)

    I agree that Boston isn't a town full of stylish people, but I definitely think it's unfair to say that we're the worst dressed.

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