Local Movements: More than a trend?

It's already 2014. I'm a little disappointed we don't all have flying cars by now, however it did make me wonder what will define this decade. When buying vintage for the shop, I can usually identify the decade immediately by the style: 20s with dropped-waist dresses, 30s/40s with bias cuts and butterfly sleeves, 50s with hourglass dresses and pointed bras, the waif mod figure of the 60s, the androgynous curves of flowy fabric and bell bottoms, followed by the neon shoulder pads of the 80s.

What are the markers of 00s/10s? To be sure, I am biased due to my location in the Plaza District, Oklahoma City's strip of all local artsy shops, but I believe local and community-based shopping has established itself as a stronger trend of the times than, say, velour tracksuits.

Fast Food Nation was published in 2001 and followed by a growth in organic food, localvores, and farm-to-table dining. Aside from being a modern muckraker of what's really in a $1 burger, the book posited that the globalization and monopoly of our food sources has resulted in environmental and economic harm. Enron filed for bankruptcy in late 2001 and exacerbated corporate distrust. In the following years, the economic recession found blame in examples of corporate greed, especially subprime mortgages.

Aside from a reaction to the recession, I would argue the rise of social media and blogging provided a massive global community but sacrificed the intimacy of face-to-face neighborly interaction.

Either factor alone could launch localism as a trend, but together the combination have resulted in what, hopefully, will become more change of lifestyle than trend. The influence of local movements on style has meant what is in is:

1) Vintage. It's perfect for the time. There is no new ecological footprint. Generally, it is purchased as a one-of-a-kind, unique items (perfect for establishing a memorable image for Facebook photos) usually from small businesses.

2) Locally screen-printed shirts. While it would be costly for small business owners to have their own cotton field, loom, etc, local screen-printing allows graphic designers and artists a chance to create branding for our own hometowns. In high school, I never imagined it would feel so cool to wear an 'Okie' shirt!

Top available at DNA Galleries, $28, online (dnagalleries.com or in store at 1709 NW 16th).

3) Boutiques. Stocked with unusual items, knowledgeable and caring staff, and run by small business owners (can't support the next Madoff at this income bracket!)