Calling all subtly styled sirens! I am in need of your assistance and advice.
Do you ever have those moments when you peer into the depths of your wardrobe, searching for something wearable, amongst heaps of items, yet never seem to find a single thing? Or one of those days when you pass a mirror and think to yourself '... Really?' ? My friends, I must confess... I have lost my fashion mojo.
I am not sure if it is the changing of situations, starting in a completely new direction with my life, or if it is perhaps the age I have reached, or maybe even it is my ever developing personality and evolving preferences... But I really do not recognise myself these days, highly shallowly and strictly fashionly speaking (yes, I said fashionLY).
I think I am in need of a shuffle up of stylings. A fresh outlook on my clothing and perhaps to try new shapes and colours, introducing a more current representation of myself. This isn't the easiest of tasks, especially considering living on a budget, but in order to organise and collect my thoughts I have gathered some images of styles I really like.
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There is no escaping the fact that I will, and always have, loved a good pair of jeans. I have three pairs here with me in Holland, only one of which fits properly (how annoying). The right pair of jeans can do wonders for your shape and are the mother of all comfortable clothing, bringing an edge to any outfit. High waisted, turned up hem, however or whatever a bit of denim goes a long way.
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I love the twinset style of pairing a cute collared shirt or pussy bow blouse with your trusty cardi or slim fit jumper! It has a deliciously Man Men secretary-esque vibe that appeals to my inner librarian. This look can work with a skirt, jeans or dress and styled with the right accessories or slick of lippy and I really think it looks a treat. I own more than enough cardigans, an embarrassing amount actually, so perhaps layering over a sweet shirt would breath new life into an old knit.
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Another classic item that has a multitude of styling options is the dress. In particular, for my short frame, a hem length a bit above the knee, fitted or full skirt, and my sleeve of choice is forever a cap or a three quarter length (or bracelet, if you will). I definitely need to expand my colour palette and explore prints, as I generally tend to stick to navy, black or grey.
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Oh my, I could lick this image, (I won't though). I know, I know, not very Spring / Summer but I really can't help myself here. There is something about a high impact coat or jacket that sets off a whole outfit. I have only recently discovered the power of the right coat, and can't seem to get enough of this soft, layered approach to an outfit completer. It really doesn't matter what goes underneath, almost. The right jacket does all the work, and I would be delighted with any one of these!
Sincerely chaps, if any of you have any advice for how I can reclaim my mojo, please let me know. Any great online shops, any refreshing your wardrobe techniques... Or even dressing for the right shape (5 ft 1 ain't easy!). I would love to hear your wisdom.
I am completely without advice because - as you know - I'm in the same situation. And with only one pair of shoes too :/ I've become more aware of styles I love, and long for, the older I've got, but getting older has brought with it a multitude of frustrations related to all-things-wardrobe. And, of course, having a student budget doesn't help!!
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck for your fashion journey, Gem - be sure to update us with how you get on!!
It's not easy is it?! Maybe that's it, we shake off those care free styles of our early 20's, and as we learn more about who we actually are, and grow in confidence for the person we've become, then perhaps the wardrobe side takes some time to catch up!
DeleteI know this feeling all too well but I'm afraid i can't help in so far as advice to help you break out of your 'fashion funk'. I just feel like this all the time! Maybe you should break it down, take it back to the old school staples like jeans, white tee, classic knit jumpers, shirt, pumps etc. And then build from there with your accessories. Just a thought! Have a great day hun xx
ReplyDeleteMary
www.littlefeatherstyle.blogspot.com
I think that's just what I'll do, Mary, back to basics! As for accessories, this is an area I've never really ventured into, perhaps I'll give that a spin too ; )
DeleteGreat suggestions, Peach! Thank you x
Changing countries really changed my attitude towards clothing, I think having a stiff in climate too didn't help - climate I still haven't gotten use to after two years. It gets too hot (at least for me) to dress stylishly in the summer, it really is about comfort, and too I don't think as a whole the US is do dictated by high street trends like the UK. That or i'm getting old - I just tend to live in jeans and vest tops oops. I don't think you can go wrong with having a good pair of jeans that you can team up or down - have some going out tops, nice pair of flats and/or heals and a dress or two, those are my kind of back ups.
ReplyDeleteExactly. And knowing what is essential to take with you, you re prioritise everything and clothes tend to fall to the bottom of the list. But then once the dust settles, it's those things that begin to annoy. Over all, like you said, comfort is key.
DeleteI wish I could offer advice, but i've never been overly helpful in the fashion field. All I can say is a good pair of jeans in a fairly neutral colour goes with lots of stuff! :)
ReplyDeletex leah symonne x
itsleli.com
The power of jeans!!! They are pretty much 'the' go to piece aren't they. Now to hunt down a store over here that caters for short stacks, like me ; )
DeleteNice!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.its-dash.com
Thanks doll : )
Deletelove your blog!
ReplyDeletexPlease can you visit mine and twins (14 yr old's) blog? x
Promise you won't regret it :) x
www.fashionsmama.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks girlies. You sweeties have some serious style!!
DeleteI am the worst at this!! No wonder I wear t-shirts and jeans all the time :x
ReplyDeleteYou know what Ellie, me too!
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