https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:57:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-789163 Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:21:19 +0000 Vicki 789163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this thread, so thank you Mochi and Una. Angie raised a really key point on this and Suz's exhibit and Rae's thoughts gave me a better sense of canvas vs. statement and the often melding of both for those of us who like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-788127 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:04:13 +0000 ManidipaM 788127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL @ IK! :-D</p> <p>I think Rae's remarks resonate most closely with my conception of 'statement (as standalone item)' vs 'canvas'.</p> <p>That said, while I usually don't have the time or energy to decorate the canvas (though it is enjoyable when I do, as Diana also said), I don't have the fierce confidence and skinny-minimal aesthetic to prop up a blank canvas on a beechwood easel, tease a few frayed threads out and call it 'art'. </p> <p>So...</p> <p>When it comes to food, I like plain yellow cake (no nuts, no fruit, no icing) best.</p> <p>When it comes to rooms, I like the off-white walls and the white-on-white sheets and the unvarnished basketry and ecru matting, accessorized (ha!) with the odd bit of colourful cushion and single interesting dark teak chair and a plant in the corner.</p> <p>When it comes to clothes, I like the top that does the talking and the boots that do the walking. Without any need for watches, necklaces, earrings, scarves, jackets, glasses, sunglasses, bags, wallets, hats, coats, belts---or even a hair 'style' any more complicated than a pulled-back ponytail---to complete the picture.</p> <p>Which is to say... I probably belong on Team Colour-Me-Confused! :-/</p> <p>What also struck me was what Suz was saying about 'quiet statement' pieces. I actually find it very difficult to 'finish' the outfit with accessorization or even styling tricks like layering, half-tucking, belting, or cuff-upturning. What is easier for me is to start with the one 'bold' or intricate piece---and then dial the rest back a bit. I find using 'canvas' to calm the 'colours' down easier than flinging colour at canvas. At least, this seems to be what I do when shopping---I buy 'statements', realize they're all talking too loud together, then start collecting quieter completers (the plain blue jeans, the plain brown leggings, the plain navy or grey T-shirt to tone down the 'loudness' of the statement, the plain black bag or ballet flats...). Though I'm also trying to learn to find 'softer-spoken' statements that play nicely together of late, I'm never going to be as confident with colour as MaryK or with pattern mixing as Natalie...</p> <p>(And no, I'm not minimalist enough to wear what Angie's wearing today and look well turned out---I *do* end up looking like drab canvas, which is possibly to be attributed to my *not*-shining-through wallflower personality. I can't BE the statement like Audrey can; I need to construct a statement to put out into the world that is not ME, but is not in opposition to me either... okay, I think I'm giving myself a headache here too!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-788077 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:08:22 +0000 rae 788077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like semantics talks! Near English Major in the hizzouse! lol </p> <p>"Statement" pieces are fixed. They say what they say and have a distinct point of view. Like a military styled coat, lolita dress, Team Edward tee shirt. </p> <p>"Canvas" pieces are malleable. They are more classic and can be combined with other items to influence the overal statement of an *outfit.* Solid colored cardigans, which can be worn to clash or not. Basic-styled button-fronts that could be styled with androgyny or not. Pencil skirts that can be bombshelled or de-bombshelled. </p> <p>All outfits make a statement, but not all pieces do. Some pieces only make strong statements in the way they combine with other pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-788060 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 04:45:00 +0000 catgirl 788060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I don't know! To me they are an essential... I am ALMOST regretting that I ever started thinking about this. *grips head in agony* </p> <p>And yet my immediate next thought is to think about it some more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-787966 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:30:43 +0000 Suz 787966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay...Una...coming back to you here....just for the sake of exploration, and to see if I can wrap my head around this thinking (because I'm not entirely sure I understand): do you consider your BF jeans "statement?" </p> <p>I am trying to get back to the original distinction....clothing as statement vs. clothing as canvas. </p> <p>Because I think a person can be a minimalist dresser whether or not she wears "statement" type pieces. See Angie's outfit of today, not the blog outfit but the one she told us she was wearing. No particular statement pieces (though a signature piece, in the black turtleneck). Just minimal. </p> <p>As for the blog post outfit, that would be minimal but including statement pieces, correct? (The jeans, the clutch, the boots.) </p> <p>Is that "canvas?" Not really, although the accessories are doing some work. </p> <p>Maybe we need Mochi to more clearly define what she meant by "canvas." Because I don't think really ANYBODY dresses in plain clothes that depend entirely on accessories for their impact. Even the Vivienne Files wardrobes usually include a few pieces that stand out for their colour, their detailing, their cut. </p> <p>I am more confused than ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-787953 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:09:44 +0000 Anonymous 787953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow you guys have been busy solving the problems of the fashion world! I've really enjoyed reading all of the comments. Great thread Una!</p> <p>I tend to think of canvas pieces as the readily available pieces in all price ranges. They can look boring and mass produced even if you are able to find a quality version. Statement pieces can be produced in differing price ranges as well, though it's easier to spot a cheapie with these (I'm thinking clothing, not accessories). The detail on an expensive/designer item is often the thing that makes it special, whether it is a canvas or statement piece (although the detail can get copied too come to think of it). I guess I equate canvas to "common" and statement to "special".</p> <p>Take all of this with a glass of win---err a grain of salt. I did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-787952 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:08:17 +0000 ironkurtin 787952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I skimmed this and I think we are having Fun With Words With Friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/3#post-787947 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:59:40 +0000 Jaime 787947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, so many great thoughts, and I love what Angie just wrote quoting Gaylene. Maybe the statement is what make the outfit, but that depends on the person. Still, there are issues like fit, quality, and design that make an impact with individual pieces even if they sound on paper like canvas pieces. Must reread thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787924 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:32:19 +0000 Angie 787924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*headache*</p> <p>Never mind the arm ache.</p> <p>:)</p> <p>Jokes aside, I think you ALL make sense. Fab thread, Una. </p> <p>Zap, Rachy, Suz, Denise, Gaylene, Jules and Cathy's perspectives on this really resonated with me. </p> <p>@Gaylene, with Zap's original thinking, and Suz and Cathy too, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD here for me:</p> <p>" When you find an item that really "speaks" of your personality and style, then maybe that is what makes that item shine so brightly that you, and others, see it as a statement piece. It's a type of synergy that meshes the individual and a material object (now I'm sounding a bit mystical, but i can't think of any other way to put it); others can wear the item but for most it just wouldn't have that same distinctive quality. That's why a statement piece can be a simple as an impeccable, perfect turtleneck or as complex as an intricate designer piece for another. To use Zap's thinking, it takes the individual to make the item a statement piece"</p> <p> Thanks! My arms (and head) can rest </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787920 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:26:21 +0000 Suz 787920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those are what Angie might call "signature" pieces. The ones that really define a person's style. Not everyone has signature pieces, but those who do, work them. </p> <p>Sweet of you to say my fuchsia jacket is a signature. I don't think it is, really....but it might be a signature colour. And jackets in general are a bit of a signature piece for me, as I think they might be for you, too, Gaylene? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787912 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:18:38 +0000 Gaylene 787912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap, I'm drifting over to your perspective that the statement belongs to the individual, rather than the garment. I'm still thinking this one through, so bear with me.</p> <p>When you find an item that really "speaks" of your personality and style, then maybe that is what makes that item shine so brightly that you, and others, see it as a statement piece. It's a type of synergy that meshes the individual and a material object (now I'm sounding a bit mystical, but i can't think of any other way to put it); others can wear the item but for most it just wouldn't have that same distinctive quality. That's why a statement piece can be a simple as an impeccable, perfect turtleneck or as complex as an intricate designer piece for another. To use Zap's thinking, it takes the individual to make the item a statement piece.</p> <p>Canvas pieces, on the other hand, are those pieces that do the heavy-lifting, so to speak. We all need certain items to go about our daily lives. So, for my wardrobe, that designer coat could just be a nice coat, not a statement, even if it was an expensive purchase, if it didn't have that close association. Statement pieces do not have to be high quality, or expensive, or current. What they do have to be is uniquely associated with the individual. Audrey's ballet slippers, Marilyn's beaded dress, Angie's white coat, Suz's fuchsia jacket, Una's Burberry coat, Ingrunn's navy cashmere sweater, MaryK's animal prints... You think of the person and the item as a unit.</p> <p>Thoughts-- or should I go sit on the bench with my nutcake? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787884 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:55:25 +0000 Suz 787884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap - I did notice the meetup dates. I need to do some strategizing!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787868 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:12:33 +0000 rachylou 787868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had this thought:</p> <p>Team Canvas is French Style<br /> Team Statement is American Style</p> <p>Canvas is fine quality, beautiful basics. Then perhaps you wear a lovely piece of *real* jewelry or pretty scarf. The jewelry or scarf may be something special that stands on its own in a way. You don't necessarily consider it part of the whole outfit; you come up to admire it on its own. The accessory isn't exactly accessory.</p> <p>Statement is where the clothes are the things you come up to admire. The jewelry or other key accessory is more along the lines of seasoning, more likely to be costume, and blends in more.</p> <p>I think there's a version of Canvas, where a <em>single</em> striking piece of clothing takes the place of the traditional gem, expensive silk scarf. Which means Statement would be about whole ensembles and outfits, clothing that works as a single unit.</p> <p>In which case, I might be more of a statement dresser than I originally surmised. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787867 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:11:35 +0000 Anonymous 787867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And yes, you don't necessarily need to decorate the beige walls, yet, I think it is really hard to be a true "beige undecorated wall". We all put a little somethin' somethin' in our individual recipes, no matter how minimalistic we want to call ourselves. If it is not via the clothes themselves, it is thru our individual personalities, physique etc. The outfit cannot exist without the individual, after all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787863 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:05:16 +0000 catgirl 787863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap, I've missed you! I fear I'm not good with words, as I seem to create more confusion than clarifty. But thanks for the props! Hope you are around more now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787862 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:04:06 +0000 Anonymous 787862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes sense, Una. You have a gift with words. You are amazing at explaining these things.</p> <p>Suz, you are too kind, hehe, I missed you all. Did you notice the NYC meetup thread? The dates were set for 2/8 - 2/10/2013. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787860 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:02:03 +0000 Suz 787860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah....just the cake, that's it! </p> <p>That's me. Just the cake. </p> <p>Albeit, a bit of a fruitcake....or better yet, a nut cake....but just the cake! </p> <p>Endless complications, no? </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787858 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:59:52 +0000 catgirl 787858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, plain left plain is just the cake. And cake is good too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787855 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:57:39 +0000 Suz 787855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find it all endlessly fascinating. </p> <p>I *think* you're leaving one possibility out....plain left plain. So....cream/white walls, and forget the knick-knacks. Turtleneck, skinnies, brown boots. </p> <p>I tend towards this...um...."style statement" if one can call it such. </p> <p>Of course in Angie's case, as I insisted earlier, even this plain outfit would have tons of interest. The distressing of the boots, the ribs of the sweater, the fit of the jeans, her specs, her hair...It is not as if she is wearing a plain white bathrobe. </p> <p>And I'm also betting that the cut/ shape of all of these would make it clear that she is current; they would not be identical to what she might have worn in 1988, even if she wore an outfit with the same components then. </p> <p>(Ironically, the walls of my house are painted all kinds of vibrant colours AND I have a heck of a lot of books, adding additional colour, pattern, texture, and even shine.....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787836 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:22:34 +0000 catgirl 787836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops, Angie, I screwed up and analyzed your blog post outfit today.</p> <p>Rethinking the whole thing as I drove back from the doctor (because I am Team Overthink Everything!), my distinction was also less extreme. I was talking about individual pieces vs. the entire outfit. Every outfit makes a statement, after all - your self-described outfit surely does. Maybe it's the difference between the noun "statement" and the adjective "Statement"?</p> <p>To give a different example, my husband is very much about a neutral, say off-white, paint color for a room, with interest added via artwork, knick-knacks, pillows, and other variables. He's Mr. "Only a psychopath would paint a room four different colors." That to me is Team Room as Canvas. I, on the other hand, am all "paint this wall lipstick red and that wall mango, throw in a purple, red and mango chair and call it good. Please don't make me shop for home decor." That's Team Room as Statement. </p> <p>How might that translate to clothing? Team Value Added? Team Built-In Impact? What this realization has meant to me (and it's not new, it's just that Mochi really defined it for me) is that I don't enjoy having to add on to my outfits - scarves, jewelry, or layers. I like my cake and icing mixed together. In other words, stop shopping for all-purpose items - the plain black dress, the do-it-all cardi, the everyday black boots. </p> <p>Now, is your (Angie's) outfit today cake, icing or both? And does it really matter? Probably not, but It's fun for me to think about! Most of you probably already knew this about yourselves and didn't to have me thresh it out. </p> <p>That's all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787814 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:45:08 +0000 Suz 787814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you kidding? We are not just GLAD. We are jumping for joy!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787749 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:18:01 +0000 Anonymous 787749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>... and I just realized Gaylene explained it as well too... My reading comprehension levels are at pre-k levels today. Too jet lagged....<br /> Aren't you glad I'm back? Tada </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787747 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:15:31 +0000 Anonymous 787747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, you are right Suz, Angie is probably wearing some killer specs along with some nice arm candy, awesome outerwear, killer shoes and her signature gold watch... No canvas.at.all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787741 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:11:11 +0000 Suz 787741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap - Angie just described it, we can't see it. She describes it someplace in this thread - simple tight black turtleneck, skinnies, dark brown boots. Full stop. I am betting she is wearing her specs...well....just because! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787739 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:09:49 +0000 Anonymous 787739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh crapola, where is this second outfit? I'm too rusty... I'm off to look. I'm sorry for the confusion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787737 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:07:19 +0000 Suz 787737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We're talking about two different Angie outfits here, I think....the one she is wearing in the BLOG post today (with the gold jeans) and the simpler version she is wearing today, with a black turtleneck, skinnies, boots. </p> <p>For whatever that is worth. </p> <p>I do think it might be worth something....the blog post outfit with the gold jeans and the amazing accessories is one type of ensemble. Today's outfit sounds much more straightforwardly like what some people might call a "canvas" ... but she is not painting on it. The essentials stand alone. And that in itself makes a statement. </p> <p>But it wouldn't, I suspect, if Angie were not also wearing fab specs, and if she had an ordinary haircut, or even a mousy and nondescript hair colour. The turtleneck etc. looks great on Audrey partly because of fit, quality, figure flattery. But it also looks great on her because she is Audrey. And what Audrey looks fab in, Liz Taylor doesn't (and vice versa). Some of that, again, is pure figure flattery....but some is personality. What SUITS a person. </p> <p>That is what no list in the world can tell us -- what suits us? That is what only PPP and perhaps a lot of mistakes can tell us: what suits us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787736 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:05:58 +0000 Gaylene 787736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Take the outfit I am wearing today: tight black turtleneck, blue skinnies, rugged dark brown mid calf boots. Now - is that canvas or statement?"</p> <p>Ah, Zap, I was thinking of Angie's statement earlier in the thread, not that gorgeous blog outfit. When I visualize her in the outfit she described above, though, I can see each of those items as iconic statements pieces as worn by Angie. On another woman, however, I might be thinking of what completer pieces should be added to make an outfit sing. Your comment about the true nature of statement vs. canvas as being revealed only in the context, though, makes me think you are on to something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787729 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:54:11 +0000 Anonymous 787729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Gaylene: I think Angie's clutch, specs, watch and red lippies are the completer pieces, but I'm quite hesitant to call shiny, fantabulous pants a canvas.</p> <p>I can see how an item can be classified in this matter. i.e. canvas vs. statement, but I think the true nature (jeje) is revealed when the item becomes part of a composition, i.e. the outfit. It is almost as if the item's true identity is revealed once it is paired with something else. Sometimes that item can be the statement, sometimes it can play second fiddle. I dunno :(</p> <p>I think that in the case of the Audrey Hepburns of the world, the style elevation is so ethereal, that the person becomes the statement, and the clothes do play second fiddle. I think that's what you see in Angie too. It is almost as if the clothing choices are no longer "too relevant" since you see the person first, no matter if she is wearing a trendy, a classic outfit.or whatever combination of trendy and classic. You will recognize that signature style nevertheless. I think it has to do with the confidence of having found what works for oneself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787720 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:44:07 +0000 RoseandJoan 787720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about this some more whilst washing my hair.</p> <p>I have a wardrobe of roughly 20% basics, 70% essentials and 10% statements.</p> <p>Some of my essentials could be classed as canvas pieces because they are easy to layer or may be easily transformed with accessories but I do not view them in this way because I layer as little as possible and happily pair my clothes with the same accessories time and time again.</p> <p>Gaylene - I think the look you described may look incomplete due to poor fit, cheap fabric or figure flattery issues. There is nowhere to hide with such a simple outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-starting-a-conversation-on-mochis-behalf/page/2#post-787716 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:41:39 +0000 Gaylene 787716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, this is a bit harder than I'd originally thought. If I classify Angie's outfit of turtleneck, jeans, and boots as a "canvas", then what do I tell her to do to make it complete? Add a belt or scarf? In my opinion that would negate the strength of each piece which comes from the simplicity of the outfit. Maybe simplicity can can turn an ordinary item into a statement piece? Just think of Audrey Hepburn in her black sweater, black capris, and ballet shoes. Denise might call these "canvas" pieces because of their timeless appeal, but, as Audrey wears them, they look like iconic statement pieces to me--nothing incomplete (or flaccid--love that term applied to outfits, R&amp;J!) about her look. </p> <p>But, having said all this, I can see another woman wearing the same outfits as Angie and Audrey looking "incomplete". Why?? </p>