i don't consider myself much of a fashion buff. i know what i like, i buy trendy pieces once in a while, and mostly keep my criticisms to myself. i like to think that most of the time i don't dress like a deranged bag lady, but neither do i consider myself a fashion knowitall. normally i'm all about personal expression. people are gonna wear what they're gonna wear. trends come and go. it'll all be okay, man.

but this summer, my head, it is exploding. every time i step out on the streets of d.c., i see what i consider to be massively misguided fashion choices that have obviously trickled cross country from hollywood. ginormous shiny bags? check. sunglasses the size of the planet saturn? check. enormous strands of chains and plum-shaped beads draped over the cocaine-flattened bosom? check. shapeless tiered peasant skirts that can make a woman look like she's hiding a family of four? young ladies who seem to think that "geriatric chic" is teh hotness? LEGGINGS UNDER MINISKIRTS?!?! gaaaaaaaaaarh.

it's a world gone mad. and i, for one, am not sure i can take it anymore.