UWP wannabee?

jayne

Now I may be too early in this process to know where I want to end up, but looking for advice from the UWP team on what defines the term?

I feel drawn to the label and think it might suit my tendency to add a edgy item in my outfits.

Una, if you read this, what was the way you found out that UWP was what you wanted to achieve?

What does a UWP 'lust' after and what does she avoid?

UWP tribe apprentice, possibly!

12 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from jayne

catgirl

Veteran

OMG, a recruit! *gets out the ceremonial sword and tiara*

Okay, I wrote out a WHOLE post that I accidentally deleted. Grrr. A UWP is free to growl when annoyed.

I think Rae and I kind of stumbled on this idea together. I coined the phrase Urban Warrior Princess accidentally in Claire's thread here, describing the disconnect between my fantasy life and my reality: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ife-i-lead

But soon I realized it really was something I aspired to in my wardrobe. Then I realized that it was actually possible to bring elements of that fantasy into my dressing, and at the same time noticed that retailers had the kind of items I loved and could fit. And as i started wearing them, I realized how comfortable I felt and how much more like myself. For me, wearing totally girly clothes feels like a costume, the way that some women might feel too "butch" or "unfeminine" in what I wear.

How did I get here? Haha! First I got to YLF and copied everyone I saw, even if their fab style didn't suit my life, climate, tastes, or needs. Lots of trial and error, lots of buying and returning. Then I found one or two formulas that worked and tweaked them (tunic and skinnies). Honestly, Claire's thread was so enlightening to me, along with verbalizing what I secretly imagined for myself if I were a fictional character.

I'd say above all, the UWPs here lust after BOOTS! And jackets. Leather. Not so much frills, cutesy or twee looks.

Rae had a great post on all things UWP, which I need to find. To figure out your UWP style, consider the three elements of it:

Urban: gritty, rocker, edgy - lots of black and grey seem obvious, but color works too, and I love it. Asymmetrical silhouettes and futuristic or steampunk styles are all good. Fabrics are part of it too - nothing too twee or frilly, unless in a Victorian way. Think Trinity in the Matrix.

Warrior: the fantasy element! For me it's my hair (I wanted to look like a manga character - weird, I know) and boots. RAWR! Metal, zippers, studs. Utilitarian, military, functional. Think Mad Max.

Princess: the feminine side. Could be makeup, could be the clothes, could just be your demeanor. Check out Goldenpig/Natalie's UWP outfits for this emphasis.

These are by no means limited to UWP, nor are there any real rules other than Angie's rule to have fun! Check out Allsaints or Rick Owens for inspiration. Anna will have some high-end suggestions for inspiration too, I'm sure.

Calling on my fellow UWPs to chime in!

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Even Taylor Swift can be a UWP!

http://blahbethany.com/tag/jacket/

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

For high end UWP

http://www.style.com/fashionsh.....-HACKERMAN

Saw some of his stuff on designer clearance at Nordstrom, it was still very expensive.
FYI I really don't identify with UWP, although there may be aspects of it in my dress.

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

This thread was very good, IMO:
http://www.google.com/url?q=ht.....xtqMHY7WiQ

What I wrote:

I think this will vary from one UWP to another, but here's my interpretation:

Urban
Modern or city influences (e.g. tailored fit, luxe fabrics like cashmere & leather, current fits and silhouettes, allowance for pretty things like handbags and jewelry). I personally also think of older cities and the industrial revolution, blue collar workers, and things like that as well. I guess you could say "not country" and that would fit, too.

Warrior
Anything involving combat. This can be imagined sci-fi/fantasy combat (Xena, Battlestar Galactica, Matrix, Dark City, City of Lost Children, Firefly) or real combat from the past or present (modern militaria, survivalists, foreign wars, Wild West, gladiators, etc.) For me, this means utility jackets, BOOTS (any UWP must love boots!), hardware, leather, and so on. ETA: Things that look as though they've felt the effects of combat - I think this is where the RATE element comes in. Distressing, mussed hair, patches...

Princess
The feminine side! To me, an UWP balances her inner sh*t kicker with ladylike, feminine elements, whether that be a body con fit, pretty Victorian influences, colors that aren't urban or warlike but that flatter the complexion, makeup, hair, high heels, or anything else that says, "I'm tough, but I'm not butch."

12 years ago

jayne

Veteran

This is perfect, all of you! And it really feels right for me. Girly, romantic, bohemian, soft....no no no! But as RAE describes, not quite motorcyle chick, more warrior. I will definitely be exploring this!

Wanna -beeeee!

12 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

This is such a great description of UWP!!! Sounds very interesting and intriguing, so I have to explore this more

12 years ago

Anonymous

Oh lord. I just had an ephiphany. I think I am a UWP in disguise ... I have an obsession with boots, leather, structure, urban influences, minimalism, texture let alone I am obsessed with the Matrix, Battlestar, Firefly, and the list goes on...

Question: Is it possible to be a polished UWP? Or is that an oxymoron?

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

(From the Peanut Gallery: UWP Taylor Swift freaks me out...!!!)

12 years ago

jayne

Veteran

Love that film list Zapotee, right up my alley!

12 years ago

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