Moving to Cincinnati from the west coast in the mid 80’s in my mid 20’s was a cultural shock and a fashion awakening. I endured many stares and comments about my fashion style. Lucky for me I work in the modeling industry and I found a small niche that appreciated my style. I have never really followed the fashion rules and have always walked to my own beat. However, I can tell you what is still a Mega-Fashion-Not in this city: Women wearing gym shoes with a suit or dress to accommodate walking to work. I say, give your calves a 2 block work out and wear heels.

Not wanting to take all the heat and end up on someone else’s MegaNot list I have engaged in the expertise of some of Cincinnati’s finest fashion gurus!!!!

MegaNot: Big 80’s hairstyles with banana combs

MegaHot: A sleek suit that can be dressed down with a crisp printed shirt or dressed up with a great shirt and tie by designer John Varvatos perhaps? Chester Ricks Agency Director New View Model Management

Mega Not: Oversized tweety bird t-shirts accessorized with leggings and scrunched socks.

Shout out to the Northside hipster kids, “rock out the mod look and flip it up a little bit.” Trends here in Cincinnati tend to be as conservative as the city itself. People need to have more fun with fashion….

Mega Hot: Anyone that marches to a different fashion drum!!

Michael Clifton, Makeup artist

  Mega Not: Too much black. Give it a rest during spring and summer.

Mega Hot: SEIZE THIS SUMMER AND WEAR HEAD – TO – TOE WHITE. White shirts, detailed crochet/eyelet white dress, accented with contrasting colors like cream, coral and turquoise. Accessorize with white, chunky necklaces, or your mother’s white pearls, a metallic bag and a pair of ballerina flats or wedges. White is Classic. White is Feminine. White is Flattering. White is Active. White is Sexy. Summer shades Jackie O’s donned oversize sunglasses. Your Local Creative, Fashion & Social Therapist, Arlene Aranzamendez (QCF graphic designer)