Eventually, I decided that for now, I'll concentrate on a general simplifying, not just meeting a particular number. From there, though, I started wondering about a capsule wardrobe. If I had a ten piece base to my wardrobe, would it make everything else I owned fit in better?
So I decided to set a challenge for myself. I want to learn to sew better than I currently do. Why not make myself sew my own capsule wardrobe? As of yet, I haven't met that challenge, but I was reminded of it again after reading Sarai's Wardrobe Architect series. I'm working through some of her worksheets to help me better plan that basic wardrobe. Here are my results for defining a core style.
When you're wearing your favorite clothing, how do you feel?
relaxed but elegant
comfortable but structured
at home in my own skin
subtle
When you're wearing something not quite right, how do you feel?
stiff
scratchy
awkward
obvious
Who do you consider to be your style icons?
Audrey Hepburn. I know EVERYONE says this. But I can't not include her. Until I discovered Roman Holiday at age 15, I had no idea how to be stylish without being girly-girl. Audrey has been a huge part of my own style discovery. Since age 15, I've gradually realized I look nothing like her and can't be her, but I honor her individuality by staying true to my own personal style.
Leslie Caron. I love Daddy Longlegs. It is one of my favorite movies. I can't get pass how adorable Leslie is and how amazing all her outfits are! Whenever I feel in a style rut, I watch it!
Brigitte Bardot. Ok. This is a bit of a mixed style icon. I'm not a fan of her sexy looks, but I love how well she pulls together her tomboy and girlish sides. Plus, there's that hair. It always makes me feel like there's hope for my own thick, full, crazy locks.
Carey Mulligan. Carey is probably my only style icon from this millennium. I love her slightly vintage look that still borders on modern. Clean lines. Warm, basic colors. Simple combinations.
Downton Abbey Women: Quite some time ago, I decided that the 20s look wasn't right for me. I wanted a more defined waist. The recent seasons of Downton Abbey are changing my mind. Right now, I don't have much in my closet inspired by them, but I expect to see that change some.
What are some words that describe styles you like in theory but aren't quite right?
Gamine. A true gamine look (AKA Audrey) is too harsh on me.
Flapper. As I mentioned, I'm enjoying the 20s again, but the outright flapper look is far too loud for me.
Minimalism. I love simplicity and basics, so minimalism always attracts me, but it never works for me.
Look over your answers from last week on history, philosophy, culture, community, activities, location, and body. List at least 15 words that you associate with your answers. Think about descriptive words, moods, and feelings you associate with these things.
I actually didn't do the first worksheet, but I tried to come up with some words. I'm not good at describing myself. The hubby agreed to help. His answers made me smile so much, I had to share!my words
quirky
gangly
awkwardly elegant
truthful
basic
rich simplicity
warm
natural
airy
textured
controlled/structured
the hubby's words
sensitive
passionate
childlike
paradoxical
Hubby summing me up: "a passionately sensitive child philosopher."
So those are my answers. What about you? How would you define your core style?
Did you link to this project in an earlier blog post? It seems familiar, and I think I may have followed your link. Sounds like a fun project! I'm never quite sure what my style is, but I have such a small clothing budget that I can't really afford to make over my closet anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love the rust-colored dress in the first set of photos. Adorable!
I did. It's a series by one of my favorite pattern designers. One of the great things about this sort of series, though, is that it helps your budget. You know your style so well that you don't waste money on things you'll never wear. It's not really a total makeover, just a gradual change. Plus, you can get away with owning less because everything you do own works together so well. You should check out Jennifer L Scott's 10-piece wardrobe. It's intriguing. I forgot to link to it. Will fix that now!
DeleteOh and the rust colored dress is one of my absolute favorites!
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