Saturday, March 24, 2012

Which shoe are you?



I have been thinking recently about my personal style, or lack of thereof.

What is the difference between having a style and being fashionable or just dressing nicely?

I think that style is a purposeful expression of our personality through sartorial choices. Some people can be fashionable, but if it has no relation to who they are, it is not really their style. And then there are others, who just don't care about external appearances, and although this is reflected in the randomness of what they wear, it not a style, because it lacks the intentionality.

Style does not have to be thought. Most people instinctively select clothes that are consistent with their personalities. Not many shy, reserved women would choose to wear super high heels with a short dress in loud geometric pattern. But we do get sidetracked,  most often by two things: what others tell us to wear, (including our peers, family, fashion industry etc) and by our ideas of who we would like to be and the lifestyle we don't have but which appeals to us (more parties? more travel? more romance? better career?)  

For example, most of my clothes I love and wear in real life, but I also own a few fantasy outfits. Anything flowy and romantic, slightly boho and artistic, this is the personality I admire, but it is not quite me.  Then there are the wanna-be-fashionista purchases, very high heels , stacks of bracelets,  purses with thousand zippers and strapless  dresses, things I don't really like, but I thought I should be wearing. All this stuff mostly sits in my closet and collects dust.

When I listen to myself I choose my clothes based on the fit. I tend to select styles that are flattering for my body type. I gravitate towards classics and simple cuts and to solids rather prints. I prefer to spice it up with color and accessories. I also define myself as much through what I select as through what I reject. I would rather dress a little too young than too old, too sexy than too prissy, too simple than too ornamental, sporty rather than glamorous, modern and urban rather than folksy and romantic. I also admit  I would choose conventional versus flamboyant, and too cute rather than too austere.

I like my clothes simple because I believe that the most interesting element should still be your face (that hopefully radiates personality as well). I would rather spend money on a haircut that on a new frock.  And I just realized why I don't wear brightly patterned dresses. I don't think I have a personality bold enough to compete with the attention they generate and I certainly would not want to hide it behind my outfits. I can handle a printed skirt, but that's about all I have in me.

I am still learning, from both my good choices and my mistakes. And I hope I will never be completely done with it. The journey is always more fun than the destination.

***


What is your style? How do you define it?  Do you rely on your instincts or do you get influenced by others or carried away by your own big imagination?  How did your style evolve over the years?

As a side note, it just occurred  to me that if the style is indeed an expression of personality, this would  explain why we often identify with bloggers that share our taste in clothes.  Do you think this may be true?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!










16 comments:

  1. I love this post!!! It is spot on for me as well. I am the pumps on the right by the way.

    I have struggled in the last few years to redefine my style as I approach 50. I cannot wear the cute cheap clothes I wore when I was 30 - things are heading south despite exercise and yoga and i am not a young woman - I am a CEO and I need to dress a certain way. I like a "pop" to my clothes and I like to look chic, and I am not a fan of simply wearing a navy suit with a plain white blouse, no matter how well cut it is. I do that sometimes, but it doesn't feel like "me". Yesterday, I felt like I was really wearing a "me" outfit - the j crew morse code blazer, a lovely silk tshirt with a bow, an acid yellow textured linen skirt and nude nine west pumps. I felt truly chic, but with the pop of personality that tells people it is me. Now I just have to recreate that kind of look on a daily basis! I always admire your style and think you and I probably have similar taste. I admit to being caught up in some styles that are gorgeous and gorgeous on others (boho is a good example or full skirts for example, but when they end up in my closet, they don't get worn because I don't feel comfortable. I have always admired those women who simply knew their style intuitively and never struggled or wondered what their style was. That is not me, but I will say that I am certainly en route to getting their, and it is blogs like yours and many of the other wonderful women who frequent this blog who are helping me get there!

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    1. WMM, the outfit you described with morse code jacket sounds smashing! You definitely should go after that vibe. I do make mental notes and soemtimes even write down when I feel particularly good about something I wear. I cannot tell it when I put in in the morning, it is only if after it still feels like me at the end of the day, sometimes I change my mind as the day progress.
      Thank you for your kind words!

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  2. What a great post ajc. I do think that you are onto something with the bloggers (and readers like WMM!) who we identify with, we get along well and we share similar thoughts on style... not a coincidence. :)
    I think my own style evolved as I have been able to add to my wardrobe, edit and refine. I've always known what I liked (and didn't like) but for a very long time I did not have the means to buy frocks or shoes. Those were the jeans and a sweater years, and for a long time, the denim overall years.
    My own style: I am quite modest and even prissy at times, certainly matchy-matchy. June Cleaver is my style icon! As you know I dress up for travel and I plan well in advance, those choices inform my everyday style as well.
    A great belted dress with my pearls and some Chie Mihara heels (I have xoxo to thank for bringing those into my life!) that outfit makes me feel like myself.
    Have a great Saturday!

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    1. Now that is a whole other post Dani! Which style icon are you? What wall colour? What book would you be? flower? the possibilities are endless!!! I am not June, but I do admire her - I think I would be Ann Curry from the Today Show or Michelle Obama (wish I had her budget) and for you canadians Heather Hischock (sp?) host of the cbc newsworld morning show - love all of their styles and try to emulate!

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    2. Oh Dani, you know tat you are one of the bloggers I identify with... You have a definite style that i believe is in sync with your personality, not only in clothes you wear but in the way you decorate, organize, take care of your family. I sometimes look at something and think of your style of handling it, the way I imagine it, it seems to me it is a kindler, gentler way of life, than the chaos that surrounds me.

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  3. what a great topic,ajc.
    my style certainly has evolved too and i am not sure how to describe it.
    it is definitly not boho,but is also not classic.i love skinny jeans,lots of bracelets,wedges and my chloe purse.
    you never see me without heels or bracelets.
    i love to try new styles and have embraced colored jeans(i own red and green).
    the blogs really help me become more bold,try new things,learn and be creative.
    i like jenna lyons style and love her taste(i know i might be the only one).

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    1. I love it Ina, skinny jeans, Chloe purse, heels and bracelets!
      YOu have to show us more of the colored jeans, for some reason I have trouble embracing the style, but I never say never...

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  4. Another great post!
    I'm trying so hard to stick to my style remit, as I just don't want to have anything lying unworn anymore. Comfort first for me, so that means jersey, cotton, cashmere and nothing too tight unless the fabric has stretch. Then white, silver, grey, camel as my base colours and clean lines. No jewellery really, it's a waste of money for me.

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    1. I forgot to mention comfort, I thought I had a paragraph on it but I think I deleted it, I always think I ramble too much and (if you can believe it) I discard at least half of what I write. Anyway, comfort is a must, sometimes I think I have a great outfit but by the mid day I cannot wait take it off, because something is bothering me. I used to be very minimalistic with my jewelry too but I have been into long necklaces recently. Cannot do bracelets, and usually only studs for earings, and always taking off belts...

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  5. Interesting post. I could say a lot of your text applies to me as well. Like you I don't wear a lot of prints, mostly a few printed skirts and plaid pants. I'm definitely all for the classic look and prefer to be understated because I think the face should be the focal point. I don't follow trends and sometimes will even try to avoid what is really popular because I don't want to dress like everyone else. I have only a few pieces of costume jewelry, I usually wear silver although I have some gold and gemstone jewelry as well and I wear jewelry every day.

    I spent time with a stylist before I left college (gift from my mother) and it was instrumental in understanding my personal style, especially what does not work for me. That has saved me a bundle, I don't have things in my closet that are new and unworn. I edit every spring and fall and take stock of the lessons learned or what no longer fits my style. I buy the best quality I can afford and that is shifting already as I move up in my career. I would much prefer to buy one or two good pieces in a month rather than have a big sale blowout and get 10-15 pieces that are mediocre or worse.

    I agree about following bloggers with similar style. It's especially helpful with product reviews and style tips.

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    1. what a great gift from you mom! I can imagine that this must have save you a lot of headache with wrong purchases. You seem to really know what you like, I was nowhere near that when I was in my twenties, and my older daughter is I think in the same place I was at her age.
      ITA about buying one thing you love is much better than 10 sale finds that are disposable!

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  6. gosh i think it's kinda hard to describe my style. i'd like to think that i'm well-dressed and appropriate for everyday life. i love clothes and love buying 2nd hand most of all. when my husband and i decided to simplify our lives 4 years ago, one of the things i wanted to include in this journey was my wardrobe. we both wanted to get back to our more carefree teenage years. years that were free of all the heavy commitments and responsibilities that having a family has. back in those days i shopped thriftshops and yardsales for our clothing and it was so much fun. that is what i'm getting back to. i love reading fun fashion blogs for great inspiration (like yours) that i can employ in my own wardrobe. i mostly look for quality fabrics and workmanship, things that will last and stand the test of time. i honestly don't need another thing right now and may call shopping quits for quite awhile. it does bring me joy finding things but it is also quite joyful having just enough. that's where i'm at right now. thanks for posting such great topics and making me think!!!

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    1. Janet, it may be hard to describe but I think your style is very distinct and I consistant with everything else you shared with us about yoourself. I love that you and Larry have downsized and tried to simplify your life. It has been an inspiration to me.
      Going back to more carefree teenage years!!! Wow that's a good description, although unexpected for me. Especially going back with the wisdom of the experience you have gained. the idea that you can it fact do it, why not? Something to think about.
      Love your style!

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  7. No to clown shoes! LOL It's pretty easy to pick out which pair represents my style. My style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. I agree with others who want to invest in the best they can afford, rather than owning a bunch of junk. Which means...I should shop at JC less (sharp intake of breath)! I do enjoy very much seeing outfits on you and other bloggers. Thanks for the great post, very thoughtful!

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    1. I am with you!
      Although, to play devils advocate, a pair of Louboutins can have different connotations to different people, classic simple pumps, but also high price and labels, sexy underside etc...
      But I do want to be the pair on the right, just don't know if I measure up, lol.
      Thanks for playing!

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  8. I am *so* with you. I am totally preppy and more classic w/some flair. Boho is definitely a part of who I was when I was a student and taking public transportation. She's still in my heart, but I usually only dress like that when wearing maxis. I have totally purchased for what I want more of...parties! Outings! I've pretty much stopped doing that once I realized what I was doing. If only you'd written this a year ago. lol

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