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Earthy Urban: Rethinking Style Descriptors

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

A few weeks ago, Aida used the term "earthy urban" to describe my WIW posting, and it's stuck with me ever since. This morning, I typed the words into Pinterest and... oh my wow.

I liked everything. I liked the home decor. I liked the jewelry. I liked the outfits. I liked the art. I'm thinking this is a pretty accurate style descriptor/aspiration for me.

Pic #1 is a collage of Pinterest images I found on the search today, as well as outfits pulled from my existing inspiration boards. Pics #2-8 are some things I've been wearing over the past three months, all of which you've seen before.

The difference between the two, I think, is the textural element of tapestry embellishments, embroidery, ikat prints, and light neutrals. What do you think? Should I endeavor to add a few statement items in these categories to my wardrobe over the next season? Is this the direction my style is heading?

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Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Brooklyn

Ginger

Veteran

I think you should try! Your style could tweak this way very easily. I can really see you in this, and it would be fabulous. A few really fun/special statement pieces, that make you really happy, would be a great way to test going Earthy Urban.

Sara L.

Veteran

How fun that you found a descriptor that resonates so clearly for you! I think that's an accurate description of your style based on these photos. I think you could incorporate some of those other elements such as ikat and light neutrals if you like them. If that's not something you think you'd enjoy, than I wouldn't worry about it. It might be interesting to see if your style shifts any with the new inspiration photos.

catgirl

Veteran

Hmmm. What do you think of Prairie Underground? I think they fit an earthy urban style. You are definitely onto something.

Anonymous

Oh yes! Those Pinterest images are so you. I think you may have a direction calling you for sure. The ikat prints and the embroidered textures do look really fab don't they?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

alaskagirl - I have mixed feelings about Prairie Underground. I like quite a few of the individual pieces, but the brand look as a whole, in my eye, lacks some sophistication (maybe that's not quite the word I'm looking for, but as close as I can get at the moment), which pushes their head-to-toe looks into granola territory.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Ginger - Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking, I don't need or want to revamp my entire wardrobe, but a really standout addition (maybe something like that leather jacket with the patterned inset at the bottom left) would go a long way.

Sara - Interestingly, a lot of these inspiration photos were already in my collections. I think I'm just seeing connections that maybe I didn't before. Hmm.

Diane - The prints/textures remind me a bit of my bellydancing days!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yup. This is totally you! I think the sandals are a great indicator of the direction. And adding a couple of statement pieces (not necessarily expensive) could do it. Think of the mileage you get from your amazing hat. The sandals are now fulfilling a similar role -- so adding a few more autumn/ winter items would really be great.

kerlyn

Veteran

Yes! Your outfit photos look like they would fit right into that Pinterest board. Seems like even a belt or bag might be something you could add fairly inexpensively. Maybe Cognac leather with a patterned inset.

Also loving all that black and cognac together, which you do so well. OK, and I love the home decor as well. Alright, do you mind if I steal some inspiration from your images, too?

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Go for it, kerlyn! If you're on Pinterest, I'm http://www.pinterest.com/jhtatroe and most of this stuff is there with links to original sources.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh yes! I think a statement piece or two would round it out. Love the pinboard.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. Great idea. Clever, Aida. I see Boho Urban too, Jenn.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like these looks a lot on you. Your pins are great. Some statement pieces would be a great idea.
Have you checked out Sundance? Or Peruvian Connection?
I have never bought anything from these places. Just looked.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

rachylou - Music to my ears. Statement shopping is the funnest shopping.

Angie - Yay! And yes, definitely lots of boho. I need to school my mind and habits, though, to treat boho as more of a spice than a main course. Earthy, hoho-flavored urban.

Style Fan - I have owned some Sundance pieces in the past, but their sizing doesn't always work for me, anymore. I still love the catalog for inspiration, though. Thank you for the Peruvian Connection recommendation! I've never shopped there, but I see quite a bit that could work for me, and their sizes go up to 18! I will especially check back later for statement jackets and sweaters.

Runs With Scissors

Veteran

I haven't figured out style descriptors yet (I want to ... working on it!) but I just wanted to say I really love all the outfits you posted -- they are quite flattering -- streamlined, but with interesting details that feel specific. I can imagine elements similar to the Pintrest postings slotting in there too -- they would harmonize while upping the texture quotient.

Meredith

Veteran

I absolutely see this working for you. Doesn't hurt to try it out for a season or two.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Yes, I can definitely see the connection. It looks like you have the earthy neutrals covered. I think you might need some more prints and statement items. I like this descriptor too!

Anonymous

Nice . I love it when things come together like this . Sounds logical and right to me . And I have a thought I want to PM you about re : the body image thread from the other day . You made a comment I have not stopped thinking about since . To follow ....

Joy

Veteran

Yes! I can see Earthy Urban with Boho spice looking fantastic on you. Try just a bit first to see how it feels, experimenting inexpensively. Maybe add some ethnic jewelry or an interesting bag to your outfits. Check out Ten Thousand Villages for those.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the idea--I can see it fitting with your style really well. It's fun to have a little different element to add, and your excitement for this direction comes across in your post here. My question is, are you replacing "bookish boho" (was that it?) with "earthy urban" or mixing them? How does bookish fit in? It's so central to your passion and your work that I would vote for keeping it on board, somehow reflected in your style. Maybe that element is represented mainly by your glasses, and a few of your statement/graphic tees?

Oh, and I had a thought that you could get some of this tapestry/texture feel with a hatband or two--with a beaded band or a jacquard ribbon one, perhaps. Or a belt.

Staysfit

Veteran

I love it! Your style absolutely matches the description.

I'm going to play Devils advocate and question the idea of you adding some tapestry, or embroidery as a statement to your wardrobe. Is there a reason you haven't done it so far? Are you not attracted to these types of pieces naturally? I think a Pinterest board can be pretty to look at, but just because it uses your vocabulary, it may not exactly match who you are. I would add cautiously and carefully. I find I'm attracted to a lot on Pinterest, but when I really think about what I enjoy wearing everyday, my enjoyment is of a vicarious nature. Of course, you may truly love this embellished look and have discovered something you want to explore, but then why the hesitation and need to ask us?

Momo

Veteran

Yes! I love those pictures. They do seem in line with your style.

I just have to say I LOVE the way you wear jeans! They look so cool and great on you, I wish I could figure out how to pull them off as nicely as you!

celia

Veteran

Hello, this is your friendly enabler here:)
What about this bags:
http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca/en.....6683708-38
https://www.ninewest.ca/collec.....408056-2mg
https://www.ninewest.ca/collec.....414403-6kl

Yes,I do feel that earthy ( boho) urban is an easy next step for your style.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I'm excited by all your replies. I feel like I have a shopping blueprint for the months ahead now.

Runs With Scissors - I love seeing people's inspiration and hearing their style musings, so I very much hope you start a thread as you hone in on your descriptors.

Thank you for unequivocal yes, Meredith. Enabling for the win!

Brooklyn, I have said it before, but I still think this descriptor suits you well too. You also have the boho aspect, probably more strongly than I do, even.

lisap, my curiosity is piqued.

Joy, I quite like Ten Thousand Villages. Also Cost Plus World Market.

Firecracker, good question! I think I will always have a bookish aspect to my style, and I can't imagine my wardrobe without at least some plaid, cardigans, and my glasses. One thing I have found, though, is that the twee "librarian chic" look (which I love) isn't really for me. The two bottom middle outfits in that Pinterest collage, to me, are more on the bookish end of the spectrum, especially if you imagine them with my glasses. Actually, I think my glasses go a long way to adding bookish to any outfit. And yes, I will still wear the graphic tees. I really like the idea of an embellished belt. Your suggestion about hat bands makes me think of some of the regency books I've been reading. Those ladies were all about the hat accessories!

Staysfit - These patterns do strongly appeal to me, but I grew up in a small, Midwestern town, so working with them doesn't come quite as naturally as it might to someone who grew up in a diverse city, or even in the southwestern US. I went through a period where I incorporated a lot of my dance costuming (jewelry, harem pants, cholis) into my everyday wardrobe, mostly in bright reds and oranges. That feels like it would be too much for me right now. The prints and textures here are similar, but different from where I've been more. Quieter, and more neutral-based. Last year, I tried on some similar prints, but they're so trendy right now that it was actually hard to find higher-quality versions. I know I could pick up an acrylic, Aztec-print sweater just about anywhere, but I know that wouldn't make me happy. I want something fabulous, and for purchases like that, I'm a planner.

Momo, that's one of the nicest compliments ever. It really really is just a matter of the right jeans. I tried on so many pairs of bf jeans this past spring, at all price points, and I can't believe I ended with a pair from Target, but the fit was exactly what I wanted. No stone unturned, I guess.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, celia, I like that first bag a lot!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Ooh yes, good pics Celia! I have been eyeing this one at Nine West.

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celia

Veteran

Glad you enjoy them

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I can really see the Ikat print jacket in the upper right hand corner on you. It jumped out at me.

Sally

Veteran

I really like your casual style...you do pull off jeans really well. Now i just saw your pinterest boards.. I'm so pleased there's someone else around who likes gypsy caravans. I used to have my bedroom decorated as a gypsy caravan.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I see what you mean, Jenn, about the librarian element, and I agree. I think of your bookish element as more professorial. Your recent blazer experiments go along with that feel.

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