Travel-loving freelance PR consultant Kirsten Wick (44) and her husband recently moved from Germany to Chester in the UK. She is an adventurous dresser who has a soft spot for retro influences and likes bold pattern mixing. Kirsten, who likes to combine on trend pieces with arty, tomboy or girly touches, documents her playful and quirky style on her blog, The LIFB Issue. Her light copper inverted bob with blunt fringe is an essential part of her style, as is her trademark bright lipstick.
“My style has become much more playful these past years and I have to say I have to thank blogging for this. I think I found my style (though this is a process that never stops in my opinion) which is mostly colourful and/or has some pattern mixing as well. It’s usually very playful, It reflects my personality and it’s how I feel most comfortable. Blogging has helped me in just trying things and see what suits my type. But now that I’m older I got more confident as well which is a great thing and I’m embracing that. Plus I have to mention the fact that I’m self-employed which makes it easier because I don’t have to dress according to a code; I can wear what I love and this had a huge impact on me. Colour and pattern lifts my mood.”
The houndstooth pattern, short sleeves and standup collar give the knit top a retro ’60s vibe. Kirsten went matchy-matchy with a flouncy short skirt in the same grey and black pattern to create a two-piece dress. She’s layered a thin red turtleneck underneath for warmth and colour contrast against the fluid top pieces. Flat over-the-knee riding boots look both modern and mod. A small boxy crossbody complements the red top, while the gold chain strap echoes the gold buttons on the split sleeve cuffs. The pièce de résistance is, of course the bright-coloured faux fur stole. It adds bold colour and picks up all the colours in the outfit. It makes for fun pattern mixing and adds Playful Glamour.
This is a great example of how a leather dress isn’t necessarily hard edge. The classic fit-and-flare silhouette gives this sleeveless faux leather frock a ladylike feel. Picking a colour other than black, and the way Kirsten has styled it here, further soften the look. Going bare-legged and sporting black patent pointy toe flats creates a Mod vibe. Layering under a lightweight black turtleneck top complements that effect. The eyelet lace-up trim around the neckline and arms provides tonal textural interest. The straight lines of Kirsten’s inverted blunt fringed bob add structure to all her outfits, while the dramatic light copper shade works well with her lovely pale complexion.
Kirsten is whole-heartedly embracing preppy equestrian style. The bold striped blazer with chest pocket embroidery, the riding cap, and black over-the-knee boots are cheeky fun. Pairing the blazer with a cream ruffled lace blouse adds dandy softness. Opting for distressed skinny jeans casualizes the look. Nice detail: the distressed parts are adorned with sequins. Unexpected and fun! A small crossbody saddle bag in a denim-y blue complements the colour palette and fits the equestrian outfit vibe perfectly.
A charming nod to fifties French Riviera style. For this casual look our blogger has paired a quirky insect print blouse with gingham capri pants à la Brigitte Bardot. Tucking the soft drapey blouse exposes the waistband of the tailored trousers and lengthens the leg line when wearing cropped pants with flats. Tasseled flat loafers in a delicious peach add to the relaxed Summer-y feel. They also bookend Kirsten’s hair that is a slightly darker shade of copper here. A black chain strap bag and a set of playful thin bangles finish off the look.
Doesn’t this Chanel-esque knitwear ensemble look like it could have come straight out of British TV-series The House of Eliott? The navy ribbed knit midi skirt with black and brown border, and matching long-line jumper is something the Eliott sisters would have happily worn for casual occasions in the 1920s. Kirsten puts her own modern spin on it by adding brown patent booties with fun tassels. They add a spot of tomboy flair, as does the taupe Stetson hat with colourful feathers. Wearing a column of colour helps to create flattering proportions when wearing a calf-length skirt with flat booties. The chevron patterned scarf cleverly picks up the blue in the outfit and also elongates the silhouette. Kirsten’s bright lipstick and trusted crossbody are the simple finishing touches.
How elegant does Kirsten look in this rust suede jumpsuit! The colour and suede fabric give it a ’70s vintage vibe, while the culotte silhouette makes it very of the moment. Modern Retro at its best! The jumpsuit fits our 5’6″ blogger beautifully and complements her copper bob perfectly. The self-belt emphasizes Kirsten’s slim waist, and the hemline hits her at a flattering point on the leg. Pairing the jumpsuit with crisp white low-top Converse sneakers adds a touch of Sporty Luxe. This eye-catching look doesn’t need a lot in the jewellery department. A big chain link necklace adds just enough interest up top. A cute vintage-look mother-of-pearl handbag and our blogger’s trademark lipstick are all that’s needed to complete the outfit.
Let us know in the comments what you think of Kirsten’s playful and quirky style. Then hop on over to her blog to browse the rest of her outfits, or check out what inspires her on Pinterest.
