Inspiration in Profusion with Trasi Kromer

‘I’m never content with what I do. I live in a sort of permanent dissatisfaction. I think that’s the secret to doing things well’ ~ Karl Lagerfeld

To add some versatility to my blog I thought it was important to get the perspective of a fashion forward individual from somewhere other than LA or NYC.  Continue to reading to learn more about Trasi Kromer and her column “Inspiration in Profusion”.

Trasi Kromer is the author and photographer of an inspirational fashion + lifestyle blog called, Midwest Couture, launched in July 2009. With an eternal love for high-end fashion, she wanted to share her personal style and inspirations of the moment. Serving as a powerful creative outlet, Midwest Couture allowed Trasi to rediscover her passion for writing complimented by a newfound talent behind the lens. She is a Columbus, OH transplant recently returned from an adventure in NYC, living out loud…aspiring to become a writer and professional photographer.

Hailing from the Midwest with a wardrobe belonging in NYC, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to have briefly called myself a resident, truly experiencing fashion in the big city firsthand. A trip to the Brooklyn flea market introduced me to the controversial ‘hipster’ style, while a walk down Prince St. in SoHo showed off the best of sophisticated city chic. Midtown Manhattan is a combination of trendsetters…not to mention the occasionally spotted fashion maven dripping in head-to-toe couture I could only dream of owning someday. That Parisian look of perfect layering and raw edges…a seamless combination of texture in neutral tones…standout, effortless, and incredibly sexy.

New York posed a challenge to further experiment with my personal style, offering such an overwhelming access to fashion…amazing samples sales, vintage shops, street fair finds and an impressive array of specialty boutiques – apart from the Fifth Avenue and Madison scene. One moment I went from sticking out in the Midwest – with an extensive Jimmy Choo collection and affinity for Rick Owens, to blending in while living within Manhattan.

Immersed in fashion overload, I observed quite a few prevalent accessories in the city…oversized scarves, statement bags, wellies and classic fedoras. Important staples to any fashionista’s wardrobe, scarves are tragically regarded as simply cold weather wear in the Midwest. I practically live in a lightweight, fringed cashmere Faliero Sarti…the perfect compliment to everything from tailored dresses to a white t-shirt, skinny jeans and stilettos.

New York women invest wisely in big, high-end designer handbags. Below the sea of buildings, the city streets flow in Balenciaga, CHANEL, McQueen, Hermes and Miu Miu…a diverse palette of fashion eye candy rather than signature Coach and Louis Vuitton. A statement bag is just that – timeless.

NYC moves quickly…trends are born one day and die the next. I spent every fleeting moment walking the streets…taking in the city, completely fascinated by the different personal styles. My favorite was catching a glimpse of ‘old New York’ from the window of a speeding cab. A woman dressed in vintage 30’s style suiting, a white fedora hat, red lipstick and cigarette in hand.

Inspiration in profusion. I love New York…

~T

Have questions for Trasi you can contact her at TrasiK@midwestcouture.com