Boise Style

Greetings from Boise, Idaho. That's right, this week's column is coming right at you from the heart of the northwest -- land of big sky and ... well, potatoes. It's another fun-filled spring break with the family at the old homestead. Yes, behind all the glamour, the life of this Daily columnist is very, very lame. However, I'd like to make the most of this situation to share with you curious East-coasters a little about Boise style. True, it isn't the most exciting place in the world, but it does have its hip side.

Many geographically-impaired individuals make the incorrect assumption that Idaho is a Midwestern state. Thus, one might infer that Boiseans sport the same big hair, leisure-suit look favored by our Bible-belt neighbors. In fact, fashion in Boise looks remarkably similar to fashion in Boston: simple and conservative. There is a fairly large yuppie contingent, so pristine sweater sets, designer sunglasses, and SUVs are popular. Of course, there are those who embody every stereotype one might have about a "backwards, middle-of-nowhere" state: Think oversized t-shirts screen-printed with things like howling wolves, black jeans, and yes, cowboy boots. However, these real-life fashion nightmares are becoming harder and harder to find.

In their place, you'll find a much more widespread, and equally atrocious, style: the Abercrombie & Fitch look. This unimaginative brand, which is thankfully loosing favor on the east coast, is still very big back west. Most males below the age of 25 are barely distinguishable from one another in their identical striped polo shirts, visors, cargo shorts, and flip flops. Females also embrace the A&F look, but this is mostly concentrated in the junior high-aged population.

Another big style movement is the natural "outdoorsy" look. In a state where outdoor recreational opportunities abound, this look makes a certain amount of sense. However, some unfortunate individuals end up looking perpetually as if they've just gone rock climbing. (Yet, because the person actually may have just gone rock climbing, looking this disheveled is forgivable in a place like Boise.) I always smirk when I see students in Boston in their fleece camping-style North Face outfits; because the only climbing they're doing are the library steps!

Thankfully, there are a growing number of Boiseans who want something a little bit more exciting. In fact, the city now boasts a range of cute vintage shops that outshine Boston vintage stores in style and selection. I always make the rounds when I'm in town, because you just can't find many cool retro things in Boston outside of the Garment District. While Boise does not yet have some of the major retail chains we take for granted back east like Urban Outfitters and J. Crew, a few stores are beginning to slowly introduce items like designer jeans and handbags. The best part of shopping in Boise, though, is the funky independent retailers and quirky thrift shops.

Sure, some people in Idaho still don't get it, but there is still hope. Since big name brands haven't completely taken over the market, you can still find some interesting, unusual things. It just proves that, no matter where you are, style will find a way!