Start at the Beginning
August 2021
Fashion vs. Style
When we are young we're searching for way's to define who we are. After the stage of wearing the clothes that are chosen for us by our family, we decide that we want to pick out our own clothes. I recall the first time I made my own decision on what top to wear with my favorite new denim skirt. The shock and upset my mother expressed to that black top with a blue skirt is burned into my memory. She very clearly stated that it's not appropriate to put those two colors together and "against the rules". I recall asking her who made up these rules and do they really still apply today? At 12 years old, of course you think you know everything but the questions still remains. Do these "rules" apply to me?
"...we often confuse fashion with style. Style is the ability to distinctively sort through the maze of things, make a selection and do so in a way that is in keeping with how we see ourselves. With style, we stamp our personal identity on an arrangement of things. And our closets always seem full of possibilities—it just depends on what aspect of our identity we want to make palpable in clothes that day."
Psychology today:
It's important to always remember that the seasonal fashion designed by fashion experts, over a year in advance to their release, is a good starting point but our own style is just as important when choosing what to wear on any given day. I hope in this post I can convince you to step back and analyze the information you're given each season and decide what makes sense for you and your own personal style. Most of all, I'm hoping you can begin to see fashion as something more than the clothes you wear on your back. Clothing is an extension of you and can make or break how you feel moving through your day.
What should I wear today?
I admit, I'm a fashion junkie. I've been one for as long as I can remember. Does this mean I sit in my living room dressed head to toe in Louis Vuitton drinking my coffee on a Saturday morning? HA! not even close!By nature I'm a researcher and analyzer. I always am looking to learn something new. Fashion is just one of those things that brings me joy so I research and scour through every industry published article throughout the year so I can see what the amazing artists in the fashion industry have designed. I want to understand the thought process behind what will become fashion history. I like to see how designers were influenced for the line they'll be presenting at any given fashion week. I go through the Pantone color chart for apparel and find the delightful prints and patterns that we'll see in the season's textiles. I look at the trends and make connections between each line from each top designer in the market today. While I'm going through the data, I'm formulating what will make sense for me and my surroundings.
Tips, Tricks and Tools
My number one tool I use in all things creative is Pinterest. If you're like me when it comes to analyzing and learning and creating, then at any given time you have multiple ideas swimming around in your head. It's very important in the processing of this information to get it down and organize it. Most importantly, you need to get it OUT OF YOUR HEAD. Pinterest is exactly what you need when creating your vision boards. I have more boards than anyone really should have and for any subject you can imagine. Some boards you can't even see because I keep them just for me, so I pretty much have double what the general public can see.
The next tool I use is google. It's amazing what you can find on a specific subject. I'm sure that 99.99% of all of you have used google and know exactly what I'm talking about. But if you're interested in fashion and what is coming up, you simply have to type in something like "Autumn/Winter fashion" plus the year you're looking for information on. What you will begin to see is trends and those trends can lead you down the path of personal style. Do I recommend this tool for everything? NO! Please don't search things like medical treatments or what your favorite actor is doing and expect accurate information.
Next I recommend trader journals and fashion magazine.
There are a million bloggers and sites that are not directly associated with the trade. They are great as a secondary resource but try to stick with the information straight from the fashion industry to begin with.
What's right for me?
In the end, nobody can tell you what's right for you. You need to listen to what speaks to you. Like a work of art, you must pay attention to how your clothes feel when you put them on and make you feel as you wear them. If you don't feel right, then they're not for you. Style is a personal choice and many who read this post may say they really don't put much thought into the clothing they wear. But have you ever considered how clothing might make you feel when you put something on? Is it only there to keep you warm in the winter or could a bright orange sweater not only keep you warm but brighten up your day? There really are a lot of possibilities when considering the clothing you wear. Try to think beyond what others might think and consider how you might feel.
Finally, If you are just starting to explore the wonderful world of fashion, I'm here for you! Please feel free to send me a message. Fashion is more than the clothes we wear on our back. Fashion is culture, art and history, all rolled into one. In honor of the great character Miranda Priestly of the movie "The Devil Wears Prada", remember, apparel is not "stuff". The items you adorn yourself with are more than the frumpy blue (or cerulean as it was) sweater you pull from your closet. They're something that is part of history...part of you... and can bring you joy, if you take the time to really think about it. Now get out there an find your style.
Sending everyone Peace, Love and Light! Thank you for your time and keep an eye out for future posts about seasonal inspiration.
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