https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:29:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style/page/2#post-455405 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:24:46 +0000 Fruitful 455405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - and Steph - I loved reading this thread.</p> <p>Suz, your writing is a pleasure. ^_^ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style/page/2#post-455401 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:09:28 +0000 Suz 455401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dawn, I definitely find this is true of myself (easier to figure out the home decoration than the clothing.) </p> <p>Having said that, I was just saying to my husband that one thing I miss in our current home is our mix of contemporary and antique pieces. This house is smaller than our last house; when we moved in we had to get rid of quite a few of our more clean-lined modern pieces. Not all, but many. We still have a mix (and most of our art work is very contemporary) but in our 19th century house our antiques can feel too "twee" for me. So things are not perfect even here! </p> <p>Having said that, the environment does feel comfortable, functional, and home-like to us both, which is more than I could say about my wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style/page/2#post-455377 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:38:06 +0000 krishnidoux 455377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting, formative read! Thank you Steph for you generous teachings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style/page/2#post-455376 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:12:35 +0000 DawnT 455376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have enjoyed reading this thread and feel this whole issue (finding my "style", that is) is what brought me here in the first place.</p> <p>What I find amusing/interesting about myself is that I have been able to embrace a definite decorating style in my home, but am not all confident in my clothing. For instance, my home is filled with lots of color and things I have found on trips that I knew immediately "fit me." My basis for decorating is mid-century modern but do not limit myself (can't afford it!) to only that era. I love the occassional whimiscal piece balanced against what I see as "classics". Why can't I do this with clothing?</p> <p>Does anyone find that expressing themselves in their home choices is easier than clothing?</p> <p>Thanks for putting into words what I have been feeling! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style/page/2#post-453892 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:29:02 +0000 Suz 453892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Steph, thank you SO much for this! What a generous, kind, and thoughtful analysis you have provided here. Not to mention extremely astute. </p> <p>All my life, when I have thought about this issue, I have thought in terms like this. What I want, I might say to myself, is a kind of uniform that is NOT a uniform. What I want is basic pieces with extras for flair. </p> <p>So I knew it...but had no real idea how to get it, or how to grow and evolve it once I did get it! </p> <p>What you say about scale of pattern is a revelation to me. I had no idea that one could use markers like the size of eyes or palms to determine whether a print would feel "right." I tend to steer away from prints that are either huge or teeny tiny in the first place, but this gives me so much added information to help in making choices! </p> <p>I love your idea of creating an inspiration file. You had mentioned this to me before in response to one of my very earliest posts...but I confess I hadn't started one yet. I think the reason was that I was so overwhelmed at that point that I didn't even know yet what my true inspirations might be! Now I'm starting to feel as if I might be genuinely ready to start doing this. I would CERTAINLY love to find designers or stores that reliably work for me; alas, so far I'm not having too much luck with that, on the whole. But I haven't given up the search. And I'm hopeful that some shopping trips outside my small city might expand my horizons. </p> <p>I LOVE what you say in your penultimate paragraph. This idea of creating the base and then playing with the third layer to determine the level of "dressiness" or formality rings absolutely true to me; it sounds like "effortless" dressing, as I understand it, which is precisely what I would love to achieve. </p> <p>Thank you, again, Steph. This was very helpful to me . Not only is it a real confirmation of some of my own intuitions, but it also provides some step by step direction for what to do next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-453821 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:12:21 +0000 mrseccentric 453821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"...If you add a low cut top and high laced boots, then I think you've got the Edna O'Brien reading I once attended. "</p> <p>Vildy, you do it again! i remember my sister's infatuation with Ms. O'Brien's style after attending a reading where Ms. O'B wore a fitted tweed suit with face-framing fur collar.</p> <p>heard about nothing else for weeks. heehe!! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-453820 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:10:31 +0000 mrseccentric 453820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Phew! it's been a while, life has been pretty hectic! But. as a blogger, i always like to say that real life takes absolute precedence - without real life, we'd have nothing to blog about !!!!!!</p> <p>Suz, thank you again for asking for my thoughts on this! It's a huge compliment i’ve never done an outfit analysis without visuals before. It was a challenge and i learned a LOT!</p> <p>It's not a very catchy phrase, but 'artistic professional' is a great start as a style statement. Evaluating your two favorite looks it seems that the bulk or base of the look is made up of classic/professional type pieces of elements, with 'artistic' elements on top, as the 'frosting on the cake'. This is a great approach for you to take regarding your professional life, as the professional elements reassure your audience that you are reliable, stable, competent, etc., while the artistic flair reflects your role as a writer and the more fluid nature of your professional duties.</p> <p>In these two looks i see the classic/professional elements as: emphasis on perfect fit and proportions, quality fabrications, attention to grooming (great, well-maintained hair), neutral &amp; subdued colors, simplicity of color palette/texture/pattern/details. The artistic elements would be the statement earrings, 'edgy' hairstyle, heeled ankle boots, and the bold jacket (larger graphic pattern).</p> <p>Both outfits provide the 'pulled together' effect of a suit without actually being a suit. This, again, fits perfectly with your style statement - professional yet artistic. You acknowledge the usefulness and appropriateness of a suit, but prefer to 'create' your own rather than wear another's creation. </p> <p>But for quite a while i was a bit flummoxed as to how this provided any key to generating further outfits or new directions for your personal style. The obvious places to go would be two-piece dresses and wearing turtlenecks and jeans with jackets and ankle boots. But that's boring, obvious to the point of uselessness, and overly formulaic.</p> <p>Then I remembered a concept I ran across in Jennifer Robin's book "Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style". She recommends adding a 'third layer' to outfits in order to create a more finished 'look'. So, to a tee and jeans, add a cardigan or jacket or a scarf or even statement necklace or earrings. This third item can either tie the two pieces together (a print scarf which contains the two colors present in the tee and jeans) or provide the focal point for the look (your houndstooth jacket). Aha! The lightbulb turned on at last!</p> <p>The underlying pattern or 'formula' you could work with goes like this. You are looking to create 'made up suits' (that's what i've called them for years, don't know why!) with this recipe: take two classic basics in quality fabric with perfect fit. Add an artistic 'third layer'. Season to taste with wonderful, edgy, artistic shoes, jewelry, and scarves.</p> <p>What does this look like? Using your turtleneck and jeans from outfit one, you could add: a lighter colored faux fur vest, studded leather belt worn in the jean belt loops or over the vest, camel ankle boots and bold gold hoop earrings. Or, using the same 'base', go with a cropped silver jacket like Angie's with black patent higher spike heel booties and a chunky, multi-strand pearl necklace.</p> <p>To vary your base, you could swap out the jeans for a knee-length, denim straight skirt while keeping the black turtleneck. Jumble a big silk scarf in autumn colors around your neck and pull on a pair of cognac tall boots. For a change to this look, simply swap the turtleneck for a white button down skirt for a brighter look.</p> <p>If you wanted to pursue this type of dressing, here's some guidelines on pieces to look for. First, 'base pieces': for tops, try tees, button down shirts, turtlenecks, simple blouses, shells, cardigans. For bottoms: jeans, trouser jeans, trousers, denim skirts, straight and a-line skirts should all work well. For your 'base' pieces the important points will be to really pay attention to fit, proportion, quality fabric and construction. Pieces that overwhelm your frame or come across as shoddy will undermine the 'professional' aspect of your style.</p> <p>Then, you will want pieces that can 'carry a look'. These articles will convey the 'artistic' part of your style message. Jackets, vests, scarves, cardigans.....in this category you again need to pay attention to fit and proportion so that you are not overshadowed by your clothing. A helpful technique is to compare the scale of pattern and detail elements to part of your body. When looking at a paisley blouse, for example, any patterns where the 'paisley's are bigger than the palm of your hand will likely overwhelm. If you're considering a polka dot scarf, one where the dots are about as big as your eyes will bring them out - larger and the scale could look too big for your body. If you're interested in this concept, and it could be very useful to you as a person of smaller frame, it is covered in depth in "The Triumph of Individual Style" by Carla Mason Mathis and Helen Villa Connor. Again, quality fabric and construction are always worthwhile, though in this category i feel you can have a little fun as long as your base pieces are great. People expect artists to get a little creative, after all ; )</p> <p>In order to get some focus to the 'artistic' part of your wardrobe, creating an inspiration file of some kind will be very helpful. You want to hone in on the color palette you prefer and which flatters you, as well as the type of silhouettes, textures, patterns, and design details that you love. It's especially wonderful (and time-saving) when you can find designers or stores that provide pieces that work for you (basic and artistic), so keep an eye out for them. And as fun as collecting inspiration can be, do not neglect getting out there and trying things on - a BUNCH of things! It's very trixie to envision how clothing will look on us before we try it on, even more so when we're out of practice.</p> <p>It is also important to keep in mind the 'background' which your base pieces will be providing when choosing your statement pieces. Angie's great silver jacket is the star when paired with a black turtle and jeans. But tossed over this concoction of complete sequin bombardment <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3pxsxfo" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/3pxsxfo</a> , it would quickly pale. If you are providing a quiet background, quieter pieces will shine. This also allows you to create looks which rely on a great accessory to provide the focus. I welcome this approach on casual occasions or when it's very hot. A great fitting white tee and denim skirt can spark when paired with a silver alligator belt, big gunmetal pearl studs, and pewter metallic gladiator sandals. In a look like this, the accessories provide the 'third layer'. </p> <p>As a rule, when you allow accessories alone to provide the third layer the outfit will come across as very casual. On the other end of the casual/formal spectrum are structured jackets. Jackets also have professional, authoritarian connotations. So when you use them as the third layer the outfit becomes more professional and formal. A cardigan is less structured, and so less formal. By playing with the casual-formal balance created by your third layer, you can go show up at the great majority of your life without worrying about varying your 'base' all that much (unless you want to!) Having and using a 'recipe' like this for your dress also helps create your own unique personal style.</p> <p>Others are much better at coming up with catchy, descriptive 'style statements'. But i hope this is clear and helps you with your style journey! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-438938 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:44:53 +0000 Vildy 438938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"one of those writers who shows up to events in a large paisley shawl and lots of jangling jewelry"</p> <p>If you add a low cut top and high laced boots, then I think you've got the Edna O'Brien reading I once attended. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-438931 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:14:36 +0000 Lisa 438931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread was a great read! Now I want to streamline my multi-personality style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426839 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:40:58 +0000 Suz 426839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tara, I know EXACTLY what you mean, and you expressed it much more eloquently than I could . </p> <p>As to why it became so difficult to recreate a simple jeans/jacket/top/boots combo...well, I honestly can't say. I think in part I had a heck of a difficult time finding jeans that fit me well, for many years. So that sort of scotched the jeans part. And jackets for a long time were not cut in a shape that flattered me much...so there was that, too. And then I was short on money, short on time, a new mom, and I lived in a city without very good shopping (to put it mildly). So all these things together conspired to make it much trickier even to put together a basic MOTG outfit. </p> <p>But now that you ask, I think FIT was really key. Those pieces just FIT well and felt good for that reason. So thank you - this is something I needed to clarify in my mind. Now I get it; I am MUCH more confident and comfortable in well-fitting clothes. I suppose everyone is, but clearly it's a fundamental for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426661 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:56:20 +0000 tarzy 426661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm reading and watching with great interest, because like you, I've recently been going through yet another bout of "who the hell am I?" </p> <p>I completely get the desire to add some sort of artistic element without becoming one of those writers who shows up to events in a large paisley shawl and lots of jangling jewelry (iif you know what I mean.)</p> <p>I'm curious why you're having trouble recreating your beloved outfits from the past. Is it that the individual pieces difficult to find? Or is it that you just haven't had time? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426316 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:32:55 +0000 greenglove 426316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz,<br /> I am off to teach but wanted to first thank you for shouting out to me in your post.<br /> I will respond more thoroughly when I can. Artistic professional is a great thing to aim for.<br /> I have so many ideas for what that might mean for you.</p> <p>It can be quite simple and make a strong statement.<br /> I will get back to you.<br /> Agree with all about the hair.<br /> Please post when you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426204 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:20:10 +0000 celia 426204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tread Suz. I will wait anxiously for the nectar chapter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426185 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:10:06 +0000 Deborah 426185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, fascinating thread.. Thank you. Just chiming in to say I agree re haircut. Your current hairstyle is kind of incongruent with your look. The photo you posted with the pixie cut was just so beautiful, I encourage you to revisit it. Please post a photo after your hair appointment. I can't wIt to see what you decide. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426179 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:22:12 +0000 Lynne 426179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, tell you hairdresser that there's no pressure, but women on all parts of the globe are waiting to see the results :). I love this thread and can see you rocking a style similiar to Bei Jings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426139 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:10:32 +0000 ButterflyLady 426139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, this is fascinating - I agree with Kyle - with a short pixie cut, I can so see you as Audrey - and classic with a twist is how I see your style at the moment (but what do I know?!).</p> <p>Can't wait to see pictures of your new do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426090 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:54:16 +0000 Kyle 426090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie took the words right out of my mouth with the haircut advice. I about fell out of my chair when you shared your pixie cut photo. </p> <p>Is there a smidgen of Audrey Hepburn gamine to your style? It plays into the classic and simple themes you have identified, but it is supremely chic. </p> <p>I often use the term "classic with a twist" -- is that what you are thinking? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426082 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:32:36 +0000 sarah 426082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been very fun to read, Suz. I completely understand where you're coming from, as I've often had very similar feelings about trying to marry my style preferences with my own body and profession. Somehow getting it all to synchronize has been a huge challenge. I, too, ADORE Jonesy's and Jean's styles, but I've come to realize that I just don't have their natural talents, nor their body types, so I'm just going to have to work with what I've got.</p> <p>I am SO glad that Angie said that about your hair, because that's the first thing that came to mind for me, too. I absolutely LOVED your pixie pics! Can't wait to see the hair cut tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-426071 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:54:24 +0000 Vix 426071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz --</p> <p>I'm glad you offered yourself up as a case study -- this has been a great read. </p> <p>I'll be interested to see the discoveries you make along the way; a cut that does justice to your delicate features sounds like a great place to start, so good luck in the chair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425985 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:10:27 +0000 Aida 425985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz this was a great read! Your question "what happens if your main style personalities are not, shall we say, analogous?" resonates with me because I have this same issue; when I narrowed down my style preferences it came down to Euro-chic + Punk (AND I also bat for Team Eclectic at times) I look forward to seeing how you incorporate more arty and dramatic elements to your style, which so far I see as somewhat classic, and I do agree that getting a shorter, edgier hair cut will really let your clothing choices shine without feeling like you have to try hard to add edge (if that makes sense?). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425920 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:36:53 +0000 Suz 425920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How wonderful to come back from driving my daughter to tae kwon do and find all these interesting responses. Thank you SO much for reading my long, rambling musings...this is the problem with being a writer. I like to write stuff! </p> <p>Natalie, thanks for your thoughts. I think you're right that I can sometimes go bold with colour. Not as saturated as a "true winter" would wear but I can go surprisingly rich. And YOU are well on your way to figuring out your own style, my dear. I don't think I've ever seen such a fast learner! </p> <p>Rae and Una, you can highjack any time. I don't think I can go eclectic, Una...LOVE this about you (and about one of my best friends, who's similar that way) but for me, it's too...ugh...my OCD tendencies start acting up. I want to send one message. </p> <p>Angie, I SO appreciate your frankness. And the hair appointment is booked for tomorrow! I actually asked him to cut it short a few weeks ago but he thought I ought to wait a bit. Well, now's the time. I will be seeing a different stylist because the other one is in Toronto. I may go pixie or I may try a short angled bob (which I've never had, so it would be a change) and then graduate to the pixie later this winter. In any case, I am pretty sure you're right; in the past, when I had short hair, I always felt that I had at least a LITTLE edge, whereas this style, change though it may be for me, and beloved of some, is not really truly "me." </p> <p>I am not sure that my aspirational style is actually vintage, Angie, although I do like to have a few vintage pieces and I enjoy haunting the vintage shops from time to time. I think in my case, going vintage is more a way of trying to go arty or a bit more dramatic (without much money). Know what I mean? And this summer you've seen a few outfits with vintage pieces because I had special functions to attend, so I may have given that impression. </p> <p>Thank you for the link to Laura; I had indeed visited her site in the past! </p> <p>And Steph, THANK YOU again for taking the time to read this and for your thoughts and links. I LOVED Bei-jing's looks when I first saw them on Angie's blog, and now that you post the link again I remember that I wanted to order about three of the pieces she was wearing there, although I can't because I'm in Canada and the costs would just be too high. I think she is more dramatic than I could ever go, and you are right, so is the Style Crone. But you are also right that if I take some inspiration from them I may find myself heading in the direction I want to go. </p> <p>Thank you again for your so interesting musings on style personality. Really, the idea of looking at one or two outfits was a deep revelation for me and feels like the key to all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425880 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:43:13 +0000 Anonymous 425880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had Emily Cho's book on the style "types" on my shelf for many years! And thanks for posting Steph's link. I had to slow myself down, I was reading so eagerly!</p> <p>You are onto something, and I know you will find your edge, and it will be all yours! Angie has given you some great advice. Sometimes the accessories can be the thing that add edge to an outfit (Nick Arojo always says hair is an accessory). :)</p> <p>Your comments prove that something can look fabulous on you, flatter your body-type and coloring, and still not be "you". You look great, but only you know when your outfit strikes that note that you want to express. Keep up the great work! Can't wait to see how it goes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425872 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:25:23 +0000 mrseccentric 425872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, i am absolutely bowled over and floored by the love!!! All of you ladies are just knocking my socks off - i don't know what to say. Except - it's especially amazing considering how smart, creative, kind, and stylish this board's members are. (i'm getting teary - .............). so. - down to bidness!</p> <p>1st, Suz i will do what i can. 2nd between family &amp; work i'll be scarce around here until towards the end of the week, but that will give the right brain time to do it's work 3rd, Our Empress and Leader of All Leaders is so right about hair! you make a statement every day with your hair, so getting that sorted will make everything else that much easier. Think of Angie's citron and red fashion week skirt with the ubiquitous long blonde blowout. It's just not as edgy, and the 'typical' hair doesn't work with the completely unique color statement - it's conflicting messages. Suz, can't wait to see you new 'do!!!!!!!!</p> <p>Suz, 'Artistic Professional' is a really great baseline for your statement. That's who you are and what you do, and very much meshes with your aspirational style. So, drawing from Emily Cho's ideas, you would want to take part of your personal style from the Classic Elegant image and part from - Exotic Dramatic. (i haven't gotten to that post yet! i'm still making my notes and finding images!) </p> <p>Ex Dram is very much seen as the professional woman in an artistic field - gallery owner, writer, fashion designer, boutique owner, magazine/book editor....ED icons would include Isabella Roselinni, Anna Wintour, Anjelica Huston. Angie's gorgeous client Bei-Jing has a LOT of ED in her personal style. </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/20/bold-career-style-personified/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/.....rsonified/</a></p> <p>Here's links to Laura's website:<br /> <a href="http://www.writing4dummies.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.writing4dummies.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>YUM! A person could get lost in Laura's closet!!!</p> <p>I think that Judith, The Style Crone, is a pretty pure Exotic Dramatic and she shares your delicate bone structure. She sports a pixie, too She's a great source of ideas for color, unique silhouettes, luxe fabrications and accessories. As she is a pure ED, my feel is that you would want to draw on her looks for inspiration and ideas as opposed to 'going the whole hog'.</p> <p>and again, Angie is a great one to learn from.....(it's useless, i'm just a big old fan of that woman!!). Angie is also a professional woman in a creative field - an artistic professional - and she does a wonderful job of conveying both of these aspects in her personal style. it would be an interesting exercise to take one of her looks that really appeals, and tease out what 'parts' send the professional vibe, and which send the creative. In the citron/tomato look i referred to above, the colors are outrageous!! VERY creative and unique. But they flatter her coloring and sunny personality and they are presented on a very professional 'frame' of perfectly cut classic pieces in high quality, luxe fabrics.</p> <p>oh i hope this helps Suz! i can't believe i'm writing this here because you asked me to....it's really amazing is all i can say. Really, it's an incredible compliment. okay. - anyways, i have to get going here and get some things done!!! i will be more away than here until around Thursday - everybody thank you for reading and have a great few days!!! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425869 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:12:01 +0000 rae 425869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed the part about Comrags before - someone mentioned them on a thread for AllSaints alternatives, so now I'll suggest AS as a Comrags alternative. They do lots of black, too, but also grays oatmeal, and browns with the occasional color... And Una, I would take that job any day of the week? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425799 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:21:58 +0000 cobaltblue 425799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wait to hear the advice you get from Steph. I totally agree with Angie re: your hair. Go for the pixie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425793 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:07:51 +0000 amyreh 425793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the compliment Suz! I must say I love the haircut you have on your website picture - not everyone can pull off short hair like that, but with your beautiful features you certainly can! Seems like you have gotten some good descriptions to run with here, looking forward to seeing more outfits from you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425790 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:04:17 +0000 catgirl 425790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, MaryK and I will be hiring you as fashion research paralegal at our "Under Color of the Law" firm. That is a good thing to know in terms of a possible theme.</p> <p>Sorry to hijack, Suz! And I agree with Angie's hair assessment 100%. Your hair right now is cute but conservative - your former pixie was eye-catching edgy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425787 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:55:56 +0000 Angie 425787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope that you can feel the well deserved love, Steph :)</p> <p>Suz, do you have photos of these two outfits - are they recent? I love that you remembered them in detail and why they made you feel fab. </p> <p>I'm going to be really frank, Suz - if I may. Cut your hair! Your style will *totally* fall into place if you go back to a pixie - it's the natural edge that your outfits are looking for each time you put a look together. I can virtually guarantee it. From what I have seen so far, you are not a true modern classic like our amazingly stylish forum members TX Sarah, Seattle Amy, Philly April, Toronto Michelle, Chicago Marianna and Virginia Debora. Your style is more arty and vintage - although still polished, which sounds like it matches your persona. Am I close?</p> <p>Laura (Laura65 that is), who lives in Chicago, is a great inspiration for your aspirational style. She is also a writer and has young children. A very stylish forum member. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425785 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:55:00 +0000 rae 425785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not well-versed in classic looks (sorry Suz), but Una, I have always thought that the mod movement was also associated with the music scene. I looked it up, and I'm not completely off my game:<br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mod_(subculture)" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mod_(subculture)</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style#post-425775 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:42:37 +0000 catgirl 425775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still recruiting for Team Eclectic over here. Looking at two of my photos from today, it is hard to find anything in common, but I love them both (the mod dress and the k.d. lang pirate/rocker).</p> <p>However, I love following these style analyses! And yes, Steph is BRILLIANT. </p>