I’ve expressed leeriness about Alloy for one reason with one corollary: they’re definitely aimed at high-schoolers, and if indulged this place will break the hell out of a lower middle-class parent’s bank, and the corollary is because of its youthful approach, I’m kind of bothered to see advertising zine articles about Zack Efron in the pages with Led Zeppelin and AC/DC tees. Do these kids even know what they’re wearing? And why hasn’t the slacker uniform updated since I was in high school? Wouldn’t they at least slack to some new bands, or are slacker kids now too lazy to even find that much?
These metaphysical questions aside, I did read one hipsterish blogger who claims Alloy as her secret weapon. A blogger who is most definitely outside of the target market of this company. And they do offer sizing up to 25, along with offering inseam/length clothing up to 37.” Not everybody’s covered, but there’s at least some acknowledgment that a)teenagers come in more sizes than just “Heather” and b)that for some, looking the same is more important than looking good. It’s a teenager thing – at that age, they should have as much choice as they can be given as to whether or not the entire the ring of the body politics circus, and since most of them pretty much have no choice, Alloy acts in its way as a sort of symbolic apology and peace offering.
Because they’re aimed at teenagers, I view Alloy as more of a source for trend than I do style. Trends last a year at most, usually only a season – so while there is some visually interesting stuff, not a lot of it will stick from one year to the next. Perfectly designed for the teenage attention span. However, for the determinedly reconstructive adult, I’m sure you can find tons of ways to get new life out of some of these after you’ve had your fun with their first run.
No plus size models in Alloy, alas, but some fun designs here and there – I like the tie front pants for the implied comfort.
Yes, I have a reason for liking these! The crocheted back is the first piece of really interesting and innovative crochet I’ve seen, and is the kind of stuff I’ve been hoping to see. The blouse is kind of old school – I wouldn’t wear it the way the model has it, I’d definitely do it up over some darker jeans or an A-line skirt and add some elements of punk rock granny to it.1
This is one of those shirts I would hand a girl if she’s having an “I hate my body” day. It gives a feeling of comfort and security, but still defines the waist and bust in a flattering way.
I pulled these out for the coat-hunters. I think they’re pretty nice, and good for a work coat/night transition coat.
Wasn’t this all the rage last year?
- Punk Rock granny refers to an awesome 50+ waitress who works a favorite bar of mine in Minneapolis – along with her grey hair, she always has a streak of blue, magenta, or purple on her forelock. [↩]
