Individual preferences are incredibly complex, but it can be fun to break things down into a simple this or that question. This is what I have been doing with the “Team X Team Y” posts for the last six months or so. Not too serious, just a simple matter of deciding which of two options (and those options only) resonates most. Sometimes it is hard, because you like both things, but most of the time one of them will resonate at least a little more.

Today’s choice is a good example. Most people do a combination of thrifting and buying items first hand in retail stores. But most people will also have a preference. The fun is to think about your own preference, and then explain it to the rest of us. Was it hard to decide? What makes your choice resonate?

I have been going to thrift stores for years and still frequent them fairly regularly. Unfortunately I come home empty handed 99.99% of the time because my size is seldom available in the items that tickle my fancy.

Given the size challenge, I spend most of my thrifting time looking at accessories. But this presents another challenge: when I do find an accessory that makes my heart go pitter patter, it usually costs an absolute fortune. This happened to me just last week in my Seattle neigbourhood. I saw a killer tomato red Chanel bag in great condition for $900. Although it is much cheaper than buying a similar product brand new, I just can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money in a thrift store! I’m not in the habit of buying extremely expensive handbags, but if I was going to buy a Chanel bag I think I’d rather spend more money and be the first and only owner. I know. This sounds ridiculous because I would be saving lots of money thrifting the item. But I can’t help it — that’s the way I feel.

So because I don’t have much luck at thrift stores, I am Team Retail. Over to you. Are you Team Thrift or Team Retail (note that the latter includes online shopping). No batting for both teams!

Inspired by the resurgence of 70’s style at New York Fashion Week, and seeing glamorous pictures of my late Mum in that era, I’m all over adding a subtle 70’s kick to my style right now.

I’m still a 60’s and 80’s fashion gal at heart, yet I’m surprised at how many 70’s inspired items I like and already have in my wardrobe. Bring on a little Charlie’s Angels and Abba fabulousness I say. Of course, my 70’s looks are not overly retro, dramatic, or bohemian since they still have to feel like me. Despite my current 70’s edge, I’ll always be “the Chanel girl in tomato red”, as one of friend’s describes my style.

High-waisted bell bottom jeans are as 70’s as it gets. For several reasons that’s not my thing so I opted for a baby version of the look in Gap’s Long & Leans. The hems aren’t quite as flared and the waistband isn’t as high, which suits me perfectly. That way I can wear flares with comfortable low heeled pumps, and create a belted look with tucked -in tops. When I tuck tops into jeans and add a belt, I prefer the rise to be a little lower than on my natural waistline because on me, the proportions look best that way.

I tucked in a black and grey textured turtleneck and added a dark brown studded belt. I accessorized with a shiny gold Chinese medallion courtesy of my late Mum’s jewelry box. This is another one of Mum’s pieces that took me 11 years to wear since it never felt right until very recently. I remember my Mum wearing this piece when I was a little girl in the 70’s. It warms my heart to do the medallion justice in my own wardrobe all these years later.

Since cat prints were huge in the 70’s, that’s what I like to wear on my feet with my flares. I topped it all off with a belted leather and faux fur jacket that I’ve had forever. Feelin’ groovy is working out for 2011.

This type of outfit is quite different to my normal style. The colours are fairly low contrasting and earthy, there is lots of gold, it’s not as clean and crisp looking, and there are no pearls. In the name of 70’s fashion fun I am enjoying the change.

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I’m regular height at 5 feet 6 inches, but people sometimes think I am shorter than that. In fact, on more than one occasion a salesperson has told me I that should look in the petites area (implying that they thought I was around 5′ 3″). I asked Greg whether I look shorter than my height to which he said, “No, you look like your height”. But he also reminded me that I rarely wear heels and when I do, they are seldom above two inches. So maybe that’s why some people think I’m petite. They assume that I’m wearing heels.

Greg also said that when I wear 3 inch heels I seem MUCH taller than normal, and that he always has to get used to my elevated height on those occasions. I wonder if people would think I was tall if I regularly wore 3 inch heels.

I find it quite easy to accurately assess the height of others in real life, whether they wear heels or flats. I tend to misjudge height in photographs though. For example, when our forum members post their outfit pictures, I’m amazed when some ladies who look regular height are actually around 5 feet, while others who are almost 6 feet look shorter. So interesting! I’m sure there are some body types that naturally seem taller or shorter than others.

How good are you at accurately assessing a person’s height both in real life and on photographs? Do you find that people assess your height correctly?

Casual maxi skirts are trending for Spring 2011 and there are only two instances where I vote yay for the item:  when you’re required to cover up head to toe for religious and spiritual reasons, or when they form part of a national and cultural dress code like they often do in India and Malaysia. For the rest I vote nay.

I just can’t rationalize an ankle length skirt in a casual ensemble. Long skirt silhouettes scream formal wear to me and that’s the only way I can see it. This is a completely subjective opinion, but I’d much rather see a bit of leg when you sport an outfit with a relaxed vibe.

On the other hand, I love uber formal maxi skirts. Carolina Herrera’s creations spring to mind, especially when she pairs one of her killer white blouses with an impeccably cut fish tail creation. I also adore interestingly designed calf-length skirts when worn in fun arty ways. Think of those All Saints skirts that look amazing when matched with edgy jackets and boots. At least we can see a little more of the leg that way!

Bottom line: I will absolutely not be wearing casual maxi skirts this season. What’s your verdict?