For the longest time I didn't really care about what I wore. I take that back. I cared, but I didn't care enough to figure out what styles and colors looked best on me. I didn't care enough to pay attention to whether or not something fit the way it was supposed to. I especially didn't know what my style was. It was either what someone else bought/picked out for me or whatever was on sale and fit.
My Dad had the joy of taking me shopping during the dreaded pre-teen and teen years so I was at the mercy of what he approved. At the time it felt so incredibly strict. All the other girls get to wear skirts above their knees, silver tube tops and brick shoes -- why can't I?? Who remembers JNCO jeans? But then he took me to the Banana Republic and JCrew outlets in Commerce, GA. This was back when they actually sent out of season clothes to outlets rather than designing a cheaper line for them. And back when you could get a good deal. The clothes were beautiful and so well made. I still have two linen skirts and a pair of leather wedges that I wear. And they still look great.
Then, during College, I still loved clothes, but I didn't have a whole lot of time to think about them. Flared jeans, a fitted tee and Birks were my uniform. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure my two sisters picked out most of my clothes.
When I got married I decided it was time I started dressing professionally and fixing my hair beyond just drying and brushing it. But what? And where do I start? I didn't want to spend hours in the dressing room, having some sales lady tell me what she thought looked good on me. The best tool for identifying my own personal style has been Pinterest. I save outfits that I think are cute and would want to wear in every day life. After a little while, I started to see a consistent "look" on my clothing board. Huh. That must be my style. It's feminine and simple. Very unfussy. I love full skirts, cigarette pants, pencil skirts and fitted tops. I also love horizontal stripes and polka dots. And solid colors. Lots of solid colors. I have a good friend at work who makes fun of my aversion to prints.
If you want to take a look, you can find it here: http://pin.it/35-5iWz
Some may consider it plain, but I think it's more of a classic look. See, I'm a bit vain. In 30 years, I don't want to look back on pictures and wonder why on earth I gave in to that ugly fashion trend. Every time I look at family pictures from the 80's/90's I wonder why on earth anyone would wear such awful clothes. And don't even get me started on that hair. By the way - why are we trying to bring those fashions back? Weren't we just making fun of them? The other part of being drawn to the Classic look is because I'm a bit cheap. I want to be able to wear the same clothes in 30 years. Now, don't get me wrong on this whole cheap thing. If I find a beautiful navy blue, Italian wool, pencil skirted dress, I will spend some money on it. Why? It's an investment. As long as it's properly cared for, it'll last decades. And, more importantly, it'll be in style for decades. The only things that will change are the accessories and hair style.
My two style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton. They both have a classic, timeless look. Especially Audrey. You know why? They choose simple styles that showcase their best assets, and here's the key, without being revealing. I know modesty isn't a popular word right now, but it's a factor in creating classics. Yes, yes, I know some people consider hot pants and mini skirts as classics. I would argue that they're more of a pop culture icon than a classic style.
Are you wondering what this has to do with sewing or learning to draft patterns? A person should know what her style is, what clothes look best on her, before she starts sewing. Otherwise there will be lots of frustration and dislike of the final product. Being excited about wearing the final product will keep you going through the challenges associated with sewing.
Enough about me. What is your style? Bohemian? Romantic? What's clean? What doesn't smell that bad and isn't that wrinkled? Who are your personal style icons? Marilyn? Kim K? Yourself? Walmart sales rack? No judgment here.
My Dad had the joy of taking me shopping during the dreaded pre-teen and teen years so I was at the mercy of what he approved. At the time it felt so incredibly strict. All the other girls get to wear skirts above their knees, silver tube tops and brick shoes -- why can't I?? Who remembers JNCO jeans? But then he took me to the Banana Republic and JCrew outlets in Commerce, GA. This was back when they actually sent out of season clothes to outlets rather than designing a cheaper line for them. And back when you could get a good deal. The clothes were beautiful and so well made. I still have two linen skirts and a pair of leather wedges that I wear. And they still look great.
Then, during College, I still loved clothes, but I didn't have a whole lot of time to think about them. Flared jeans, a fitted tee and Birks were my uniform. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure my two sisters picked out most of my clothes.
When I got married I decided it was time I started dressing professionally and fixing my hair beyond just drying and brushing it. But what? And where do I start? I didn't want to spend hours in the dressing room, having some sales lady tell me what she thought looked good on me. The best tool for identifying my own personal style has been Pinterest. I save outfits that I think are cute and would want to wear in every day life. After a little while, I started to see a consistent "look" on my clothing board. Huh. That must be my style. It's feminine and simple. Very unfussy. I love full skirts, cigarette pants, pencil skirts and fitted tops. I also love horizontal stripes and polka dots. And solid colors. Lots of solid colors. I have a good friend at work who makes fun of my aversion to prints.
If you want to take a look, you can find it here: http://pin.it/35-5iWz
Some may consider it plain, but I think it's more of a classic look. See, I'm a bit vain. In 30 years, I don't want to look back on pictures and wonder why on earth I gave in to that ugly fashion trend. Every time I look at family pictures from the 80's/90's I wonder why on earth anyone would wear such awful clothes. And don't even get me started on that hair. By the way - why are we trying to bring those fashions back? Weren't we just making fun of them? The other part of being drawn to the Classic look is because I'm a bit cheap. I want to be able to wear the same clothes in 30 years. Now, don't get me wrong on this whole cheap thing. If I find a beautiful navy blue, Italian wool, pencil skirted dress, I will spend some money on it. Why? It's an investment. As long as it's properly cared for, it'll last decades. And, more importantly, it'll be in style for decades. The only things that will change are the accessories and hair style.
My two style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton. They both have a classic, timeless look. Especially Audrey. You know why? They choose simple styles that showcase their best assets, and here's the key, without being revealing. I know modesty isn't a popular word right now, but it's a factor in creating classics. Yes, yes, I know some people consider hot pants and mini skirts as classics. I would argue that they're more of a pop culture icon than a classic style.
Are you wondering what this has to do with sewing or learning to draft patterns? A person should know what her style is, what clothes look best on her, before she starts sewing. Otherwise there will be lots of frustration and dislike of the final product. Being excited about wearing the final product will keep you going through the challenges associated with sewing.
Enough about me. What is your style? Bohemian? Romantic? What's clean? What doesn't smell that bad and isn't that wrinkled? Who are your personal style icons? Marilyn? Kim K? Yourself? Walmart sales rack? No judgment here.
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