Fashion Inspiration - Michael Jackson

During his lifetime, Michael Jackson was a man of many extraordinary talents. People around the world grew up listening to his music on the radio, and marvelling at his videos on television; now that he has passed, many feel like they have lost a beloved lifelong friend.

For 39 years, his music was there when they celebrated special occasions and helped to comfort them during difficult times. In turn, they witnessed both his accomplishments and his controversies; his strengths and his weaknesses. He was an enigmatic public figure who influenced the world in many ways, especially through his music, dancing and style.

above photo courtesy music.aol.com

Since this is a fashion blog, I think the best way for me to pay tribute to Michael Jackson is to dedicate this post to his style which was just as creative, fearless and iconic as his music and dancing.

above photo courtesy enjoyfrance.com

above photo courtesy mirror.co.uk

It is clear to see that over the years, MJ's unique, unforgettable style has had a big influence on both menswear and womenswear. His clothing choices - particularly during the '80s and '90s - usually included heavy embellishments (sequins, beads, military-inspired decorations), metallic fabrics and hardware, bold prints and colour combinations (black, white and red were preferred colours), dark aviator sunglasses and a snazzy fedora hat.

Though he was only 50 when he died, Michael Jackson managed to achieve an astounding entertainment career and his legacy as the 'King of Pop' will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.

Below are some thrilling yet affordable MJ-inspired clothing and accessories.

Therapy Denim Waistcoat
Price: UK£30.00 (US$49.85)

ASOS Silver High Shine Leggings
Price: UK£18.00 (US$30.78)



Zebra Trim Fedora
Price: US$9.80

Cut-Out Buckle Trim Bootie (Black)
Price: US$18.90

Mieko Mellucci Sequin Dress
Price: US$64.78

Moschino Jeans
Price: US$59.00

Vintage Aviator Sunglasses
Price: US$8.80

Joyrich Poly Hoodie in Red
Price: US$66.00

Edged Out

The edgy styles of 2009 are a modern take on 80s rocker and 90s grunge looks. They're daring, striking and full of sexy attitude!

These edgy looks usually consists of things like leather, fringe, metal jewelry and embellishments, ripped fabric, faded denim, graphic patterns and both body conscious and loose-fitting clothing.

photos courtesy: http://www.papermag.com, http://backyardbill.blogspot.com,
http://www.garancedore.fr, http://facehunter.blogspot.com
http://www.thefashionspot.com, http://stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se
http://damstyle.blogspot.com, http://www.hoyfashion.co.uk

With looks this bold, particularly if it's not your usual style, doing too much at once may end up looking a little too contrived so it's important to do it in moderation.

If you want to do say, three pieces at once, one of them can be a major statement piece while making the other two more subtle. Or perhaps every piece can be somewhat subtle but they work together to make one attention-grabbing outfit.

When you have found a style that works for you, you can then try to experiment with some more adventurous looks.

If you're looking to edge up your wardrobe, here are some cool, affordable pieces I found:

Silence and Noise Satellite Moto Vest
Price: US$88.00

Warehouse Fringed Longline Vest
Price: UK£40.00 (US$67.40)

Full Tilt Snake Wrapped Ring
Price: US$5.99

Foxcity Cropped Denim Jacket
Price: US$76.50

Shiny Late Night Mini Skirt
Price: US$32.00

Chinese Laundry Kingwood
Price: US$85.00

H81 Electric Pole Tank
Price: US$10.90

2475 Retro Unisex Flat Top Metal Bar Sunglasses
Price: US$12.80

Tripp Black and Purple Ripped Mesh Skinny Jeans
Price: US$49.00

Akira Bias Stripe Dress
Price: US$32.00

Random Thoughts - Style from a childhood past

It's so much fun to look at photos of myself when I was younger.

I thoroughly enjoyed dressing up (much like now) and being in pictures (not so much). I grew up during the horrible fashion era that was the 90s, so it's hilarious to see the kinds of things I thought were cool back then.

I remember one of my favourite things to do was wear my hair in cornrows and put a ton of beads on the end. I would only be able to do this during the summer vacation as this style was not allowed during school time. I waited patiently for this time to arrive and when it did, I worked the hell out of those beads!

I know many mothers like their children to be as fashionable as possible but my mother let me wear what I wanted. That probably contributed to my constant inexplicable happiness and carefree demeanour in photographs. This unadulterated innocence only lasts for so long and being trendy shouldn't be something a child has to worry about.

Below are some of the "stylish" looks I sported as a kid.

The Activewear Ensemble

I don't mean to brag, but I did a masterful job of mixing clashing colours and prints here. Ah, well at least they both have boats on them. That has to count for something.


The Cocktail Dress

I felt like a Disney Princess in this one with the large puff sleeves. Look at those high ruffle socks!


The Summery Frock

Note the clashing orange, dark green and pink combination with matching socks and hair beads.


Classic jeans and tee

Check out the rips in the front of these hot baggy, faded jeans and the pom poms down the side.

As awful as some of these outfits were however, there is a lot that can be learnt from my younger self. Children have a sense of adventure and a fearlessness that many adults can only long for. That free spirited attitude is what I aim to recapture whenever I get dressed.

I don't wish to look like a fashion victim but I often throw on whatever I think looks good in the morning and, if need be, assess my outfits after I get dressed but never before.

I think spending too much time planning outfits can leave you looking a little too contrived and uninspired and I don't think that's not how any true lover of fashion wishes to look.