https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 12:29:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing/page/2#post-1790002 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:02:01 +0000 lyn67 1790002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am buying clothes but try making art out of them:-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing/page/2#post-1789999 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:59:31 +0000 Anonymous 1789999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>approprio</b> -- it sounds like we might have similar shopping habits.&nbsp; Now you have me wondering if I should wear my edgy Bulgarian dress to the dentist today.&nbsp; With sneaks, bien sur!&nbsp; </p> <p>Also -- can't wait to see Those Shoes in action!</p> <p><b>Cynthia</b>, 5-inch heels, whew.&nbsp; Beautiful....and deadly!&nbsp; But fashion and pain have walked hand-in-hand for a long time, I think.&nbsp; :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1789982 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:20:58 +0000 approprio 1789982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question! Late to the thread, but here goes...</p> <p>I buy fashion in exactly the same way as I buy art. Not all the time, but if I see something that "belongs" in the collection, I don't think too much about whether it's going to get worn, I just consider the aesthetic value. I have a fair few trophy pieces which fit this description, and yes, I wear them. In service, a distinctive item can become what I'd call an essential statement or even a signature. In fact, a lot&nbsp;of my favourite footwear* falls into this category. </p> <p>I think the trick to getting it right is not to buy indiscriminately and to consider how to contextualise it for your lifestyle. For instance, if this means you end up collecting cocktail dresses, are you willing to wear them with sneakers? My own "aha" moment came when I realised I could throw an Ann D trophy blazer over pyjamas to go to the supermarket.&nbsp;</p> <p>(* By the way, in case you were wondering, Those Shoes will definitely get worn. Oh yes. Just as soon as the weather warms up.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1789928 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:04:46 +0000 cindysmith 1789928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You just described my shoe problem. I have beautiful shoes that I don't wear but can't bring myself to get rid of. I've been forcing myself to try and buy shoes I can actually wear instead of the most beautiful shoe I can find (but has a 5" stiletto heel that just won't work in my life). Sometimes it works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1788098 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 22:54:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 1788098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think when you are not a particularly creative person, like me, and "don't understand art", then putting outfits together is a way of channelling what creativity I do have. And my most loved items like my 21 y old skirt with the embroidery and mirrors do seem like art to me.<br /> BTW, some of you ladies may enjoy checking out the WOW festival website ( World of Wearable Arts) held here in Wellington NZ. Internationally famous and amazing art/ costumes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787955 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 15:56:38 +0000 JAileen 1787955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a bag at a thrift store once that was hand painted. It was Anuschka, I think. I eventually redonated it because the style didn't work for me, but it really was a work of art, with birds and tropical foliage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787954 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 15:45:32 +0000 Anonymous 1787954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really enjoying all your comments and insights.&nbsp; Maybe we need to have a Clothing as Art virtual fashion show on here!</p> <p>Frames for the art, now there's a thought... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787938 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 14:24:38 +0000 Elizabeth P 1787938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great concept....definitely one to ponder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787926 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 13:31:53 +0000 Ledonna N. 1787926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like thus post as i am in thw same boat. Wearable Art is a great name. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787837 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:12:36 +0000 harmonica 1787837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can definately relate to this. A well made item is a kind of art and skilled handcraft. But it has to be functional, too. I try to find a balance between my creativity and shopping. It can be hard, especially when the creativity is halting. The solution should probably be to not shop as an easy way out. Or SYC.</p> <p>I like Penny's idea about focusing on frames for the art work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787821 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 05:13:29 +0000 Carolyn E. 1787821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good, thought provoking post. For the art of it, is pretty much how I subconsciously live. I love browsing gift shops embedded in art galleries and museums....and the coastal California boutiques, o my! I have found unique pieces of jewelry and scarfs that make simple outfits look and feel so very special. That vest (Janet), that is so Badd that it speaks to the wearer and everyone she passes hears...<br /> I have observed that you YLF ladies are ever evolving artist, and your personalities really shine beautifully through your clothing choices. I appreciate the artistry of you all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787808 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 04:14:00 +0000 Sal 1787808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I can understand that.....and consider a beautiful artistic piece of clothing has longevity. &nbsp;It often transcends trends.</p> <p>But like all art, it needs (IMO) a simple backdrop to appreciate it.</p> <p>I don't consider my wardrobe terribly arty, I do have one or two pieces, and a couple of jewelry items that might fit the criteria. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787804 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 04:06:12 +0000 Brooklyn 1787804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great observation. I never get excited about buying essentials. It's the artistic/unique element of a piece that is exciting and that means statement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787799 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 03:55:03 +0000 Jaime 1787799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point! I think I see myself as a canvas though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787771 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 01:28:29 +0000 Penny 1787771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great concept! Maybe you can focus on buying "frames" to showcase your art? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787757 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:20:28 +0000 binkle 1787757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting point! I think I channel my art/statement craving into jewelry - specifically one of a kind mostly turquoise rings by an artist I met several years ago at a craft show. Maybe one or two clothing pieces of art a year - splurges by designers that I admire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787709 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 22:34:57 +0000 LaPed 1787709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm too much of a wear-it-into-the-ground type to buy clothes that I perceive as artworks. I wouldn't say I'm truly function-over-form, but I can't shop for form alone. It has to function. But it does need to satisfy my aesthetic criteria as well. I'm also super picky about art, so if I acquired clothing the way I acquire art, I would not have a full, functional wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think you're onto something with the making vs shopping. Shopping is almost always an easy way out. I'm trying to get better at setting aside discrete chunks of time, instead of always having a dozen browser tabs open with pretty wearable to gaze at with longing. Maybe I should go back to brick-n-mortar browsing only. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787700 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 22:12:40 +0000 Anonymous 1787700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's what I mean, <b>Janet</b>.&nbsp; I think I should be creating or even just appreciating rather than shopping sometimes.&nbsp; Putting some beauty out there instead of consuming it.&nbsp; </p> <p>Your pieces are beautiful.&nbsp; I see the first one as a piece of sculpture and the second one as a painting.&nbsp; I could easily see either one at a gallery event, or meeting with your clients.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787693 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 22:01:55 +0000 Janet 1787693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I get this. I don't have enough wall space in my house to buy more art. ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>I do love having things in my wardrobe that are viewable as "art." I wore my oversized patina leather vest to an art event this weekend and got SO many comments on it. It truly is wearable art. I also think some of my scarves and jewelry qualify as wearable art. Also, I end up wearing the long patterned coat to a lot of events with creative people because it also makes an artistic statement.&nbsp;</p> <p>In a way, I would like to thoughtfully add more pieces like this to my wardrobe over time. For my lifestyle, they are a big part of dressing for certain events and days. But I love wearing them on a typical day for no special reason as well. :-)&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think that channeling our desire for beauty and art in our lives can mean taking the easy (shopping) way out instead of doing the hard work of creating. I am guilty of this sometimes. I'm aware of this weakness though and am working on it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787666 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 21:09:50 +0000 Anonymous 1787666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those new pants are a work of art, Style Fan.&nbsp; Hang them on the wall when you're not wearing them!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787660 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:56:33 +0000 Style Fan 1787660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this.&nbsp; I love really well made clothes and I will pay the price because they feel so incredible.&nbsp; I only want a few pieces of clothing now that I am retired.&nbsp; I do want functional clothing so that makes the clothing different from art.&nbsp; So far I have not worn any of our oil paintings.&nbsp; But you never know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787653 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:37:40 +0000 Anonymous 1787653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Tulle</b>, those purchases made for purely aesthetic reasons can definitely feed the soul, no argument there!&nbsp; I just need to rein mine in -- a LOT.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; It sounds like you've found some treasures, maybe even heirlooms!</p> <p>Thanks <b>Traci</b>.&nbsp; I want a wardrobe like yours, nice and functional.&nbsp; Mine is semi-functional at the moment.</p> <p><b>Grayscale</b>, I'll bet that McQueen dress is pretty cool.&nbsp; His designs always stand out in a crowd.</p> <p>I'll give you an example of what I'm dealing with.&nbsp; I saw a dress on Etsy by a Bulgarian designer that I just adored.&nbsp; It was part leather and part fabric, and draped in an interesting way, and I was reading it as a piece of sculpture.&nbsp; I bought it and I have no idea where to wear it.&nbsp; My SO said I look like I've joined a heavy metal band when I tried it on for him.&nbsp; I guess I'll have to see when Metallica is in town next!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787646 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:28:26 +0000 Greyscale 1787646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow. I like this concept. I have a few things that I unwittingly bought as art (and probably shouldn't have). Like the unworn McQueen sundress sitting in my closet gathering dust. But it was so perfect for me. (I'm sure I'll wear it someday.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787643 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:15:06 +0000 Traci 1787643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've realized recently that my drive to buy clothes and my need to be clothes don't necessarily intersect. I have a very nice, functional wardrobe right now, but that doesn't interfere with my desire to acquire lovely things. I'm trying to find the balance. The comparison to buying art is a good one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787634 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:50:21 +0000 tulle 1787634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting thought, and I would extend the wearable art idea to that of craft and costume:&nbsp; when I find a vintage or antique piece of exquisitely crafted clothing, representative of its day, with beautiful fabric, embroidery or other detailing, and most often handmade, I almost always buy it.&nbsp; Some of these pieces I have worn, some simply cherished.&nbsp; I guess it is a sort of art substitute, but one I don't begrudge myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787633 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:50:02 +0000 Anonymous 1787633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's okay, your hair looks really great in the photo, no pink required! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787632 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:48:14 +0000 rachylou 1787632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to work on the pink. Tried to add some last time, but it faded so fast.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787628 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:44:58 +0000 Anonymous 1787628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Ginger</b>, the fabric, YES!&nbsp; My brain overheats when I find something in a luxurious fabric.&nbsp; Willpower goes right out the window, alas.</p> <p><b>Barbara Diane</b>, it sounds like you have much better restraint than I do, and know how to only buy artful things that can be actually worn, even if only occasionally.&nbsp; </p> <p>Thanks for chiming in <b>rachylou</b>!&nbsp; Is your hair pink yet?&nbsp; Now THAT would be some wearable art, right there.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787625 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:35:28 +0000 rachylou 1787625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>EXCELLENT point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/am-i-buying-art-or-clothing#post-1787624 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:33:21 +0000 Ginger 1787624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a very astute observation! I don't do that with clothing (or at least rarely), but I am quite tempted with fabric. There are so many lovely textiles out there, so it is difficult to say no even when I lack both time and the occasion to make a garment with it. </p>