https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:01:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241861 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 21:17:48 +0000 Jules 2241861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apologies as I haven't been following the discussion that closely (will try to read more later), but there's an interesting tie-in with Helena's recent thread about dining room chairs, I think. Pairing a traditional table with modern or contemporary chairs is an example of juxtaposition in home decor. I live in an older home with original dark wood trim, plate rail etc. Many people with similar homes have gutted their main floors to be open concept with contemporary style but I knew I didn't want to go in that direction. However I was floundering a bit with furnishings. When we had to redo the electrical and the traditional style, somewhat yellowed white plastic switches all got replaced with a more contemporary and clean white style it was the breath of fresh air I hadn't realized I needed. It led me down a path of mixing and matching items from different eras and of contrasting fabrication. Although not an easy fix, more of an ongoing project, it's working for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241790 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 13:21:37 +0000 Janet 2241790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little tangent, sparked by R&amp;J’s comment: “ I do believe it is much harder for a person to have a unique style in an age where street style can be consumed so readily over the internet.”</p> <p>I never think while I’m dressing that I want to look distinctly different from everyone else, nor that I want to blend in to the background. I just seek to look like myself, like how I feel. </p> <p>I’m not sure I agree that it’s harder to have a “unique” style now. Sure, its much easier to find some example of any given outfit on the massive image dump that is the web these days, but we’ve also seen that the same outfit takes on different qualities when worn by different wearers. This is also a time when it seems so many more styles and approaches are “acceptable” than just copying the current trends. </p> <p>I dunno, maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see anyone else out in my world who dresses just like me, even though I don’t exactly stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. That said, I agree that a lot of this has to do with cultural and geographical norms too — I would stand out more in a rural area for sure, and I blend into the background in a super fashion conscious place like NYC. Interesting to ponder this notion of individuality as a bit of a spectrum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241774 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 09:06:34 +0000 RoseandJoan 2241774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, I think your thoughts echo mine, juxtaposition does not require oppositional forces merely a contrast within two pieces next to each other. How these pieces are received by the viewer will very much depend on the cultural norm. For example the floaty dress and biker boots which are ubiquitous in a major city may cause dissonance and raise an eyebrow within a rural setting.</p> <p>Therefore, juxtaposition may be used and still result in a harmonious whole or used to create a sense of tension. </p> <p>I do believe it is much harder for a person to have a unique style in an age where street style can be consumed so readily over the internet. Fortunately, I don't seek to be unique, if I have chosen my outfit with consideration to comfort and environment a successful outfit is defined (for me) by how little I think of my look so that I can focus on the tasks at hand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241755 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 03:40:09 +0000 VioletMyra 2241755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I juxtaposed my outfits this week. I was flooded in on Wed - our yard was very muddy and splashy on Thur and Fri when I had to trek to the shed to my vehicle so I wore my boots to work. My grade two children loved the look . . . and spent all day standing on my toes to check out the steel caps &lt;sigh&gt;.<br />Best wishes to all.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241667 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 22:41:53 +0000 Gaylene 2241667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion but I’m wondering about the implications of linking antithesis too closely with “juxtaposition”—especially when it involves fashion.</p> <p>Or, in other words, can we get overly fixated on the notion that juxtaposition (used in a fashion sense) requires the use of&nbsp;strong and clear opposing elements in an outfit? &nbsp;My hesitation to jump on that bandwagon is that maybe, once the surprise element evaporates, it’s exactly that kind of readily apparent opposition which gets boring quite quickly—ho-hum, another slip dress with combat boots kind of reaction—which is, perhaps, what Katerina is alluding to in her question?&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>To my eye, the outfit in the picture Katerina is showing us is actually rather harmonious. The “surprise”, though, is in the extreme looseness of the leather pants instead of the wearer choosing a more ubiquitous leather legging/slim pant option. It’s the <b>oversized look of a leather</b>&nbsp;<b>garment</b> which makes me sit up and take notice because I’ve been so habituated to the idea that leather garments are normally fitted to the body. The “clash” is in me, the observer, not necessarily the outfit elements.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess what I’m trying to say is that “juxtaposition” can involve more complicated contrasts than just choosing to mix opposing elements in an outfit. The electric “surprise” of thinking of a leather garment in a whole new way is memorable, and definitely not boring!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/3#post-2241654 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:56:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i> Think of the individual who rejects what's mainstream simply because it's mainstream. That has always struck me as fairly inauthentic.</i></p> <p>Agreed. That’s why I said getting the arrows backwards, trying to do “original” without starting from authentic, will fail. But I certainly know that “ugh” feeling when the thing you’ve wanted for a long time suddenly becomes popular and doesn’t feel like yours in the same way any more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241623 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:43:39 +0000 Suz 2241623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet </b>and <b>Jonesy</b> -- thanks for this great example and explanation. I agree 100%. I think I used the word "jarring" above (in talking about writing) because there are times when some readers experience some forms of juxtaposition in that way -- but mostly it has to do with familiarity, i.e. they may be unfamiliar with that particular contrast/ strategy.&nbsp; Other readers find it dynamic but not jarring, or even harmonious -- much as we find that Japanese garden harmonious despite (or maybe because) of its contrasting elements.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Janet,</b> I do think&nbsp; juxtaposition can create a sense of "movement' or energy in an outfit. I like the idea of the "syntax" of an outfit, too!&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, that movement is one type of drama. There's the drama of stillness -- an all monochrome outfit (esp. in black), one with long vertical lines -- and then there is the drama of contrast, which creates a kind of dynamism. Not sure I'm expressing it well, but I know it's that type of movement that I need to create in outfits or else I feel inauthentic and uncomfortable. Too much stillness isn't me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241612 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:53:05 +0000 Helena 2241612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF my opinion is that I don't think authenticity will necessarily look unique ... imo, for example, the best art is often appreciated by wide audiences because there is something universal contained therein ... therefore a large number of people could authentically share a taste without being unique.&nbsp;</p> <p>In my personal experience, sometimes authenticity and uniqueness can actually be opposed to each other! Think of the individual who rejects what's mainstream simply because it's mainstream. That has always struck me as fairly inauthentic.</p> <p>When it comes to clothes, let's say, of course the differences between individual appearances means that no two outfits would look the same ... but two people could authentically, but not uniquely, choose the same outfit.</p> <p>Just my humble opinion on that point </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241607 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:06:57 +0000 Irina 2241607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jonesy &amp; Janet</b>, thank you so much for bringing up juxtaposition in art and design and drawing parallels with fashion. I could never put into words like you did! In our home interior we also use juxtaposition to highlight some elements or textures and to mix contemporary with a few antiques. And I often see this tool being used by my husband in his photography. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241599 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:18:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, thanks for explaining more. I think I’m catching on, with the help of examples. What you said about it drawing attention to the individual properties of each makes sense to me too. So then there must be kind of a moving line that divides juxtaposition from clash, depending on viewers’ affinity for variety? </p> <p>Jonesy, thanks for that extended example! Thinking about the same concept in a different context makes it clearer. </p> <p>MB, yes, this is why my moniker here is about learning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241594 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:11:42 +0000 Janet 2241594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at that garden photo, it illustrates nicely what I’m talking about. The geometric architectural manmade forms contrast nicely with the rounded organic shapes, forming a type of punctuation on the design. They lead the eye through and create a dynamic effect. The same idea can be employed in an outfit, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241591 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:08:41 +0000 Janet 2241591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Jonesy and I are thinking very much along the same wavelengths and cross posted! Thanks, Jonesy. Lovely example. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241589 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:07:18 +0000 Janet 2241589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Juxtaposition need not be jarring or clashing, from an artistic point of view. I’m speaking as someone who employs and studies juxtaposition in art and design. One can juxtapose antique with modern, soft vs hard textures, dressy and casual, in a way that surprises the eye and enlivens the individual elements, drawing attention to the unique qualities of each, without actually clashing or being visually dissonant. </p> <p>Certain types of juxtaposition may employ clashing or more jarring elements, but my point is that juxtaposition is a tool for building interest in visual design that may or may not include more extreme examples. Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241584 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 15:03:29 +0000 Jonesy 2241584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Building on Janet's recent comment, an example of an extremely harmonious setting, built on juxtaposition (e.g., square grid with rounded shapes, smooth placid water with rough stone, small elements with large, and so on). Your eye dances around and takes it all in, but the overall effect is beautifully harmonious, elegant, peaceful, not jarring. I would say that juxtaposition of different elements is one of the defining characteristics of Japanese gardens. These are not "surprising" elements, since they've been used for centuries, but still delightful and very pleasing (at least to me). Obviously, clothes and personal style aren't the same as a garden, but the basic point is generalizable :).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241578 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:43:08 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2241578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Helena</b>, I love your take on it not looking staged, but sort of an organic emergence, because I don't do juxtaposition a lot (or at all?&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm thinking hard on past outfits now).&nbsp; Certainly, it's never been on my radar as something I needed to try.&nbsp; &nbsp;Your comment is very helpful, because it gives me a starting point I can use!</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, your comparison to writing really wow'd me!&nbsp; I had not thought about the 'movement' energy of juxtaposition in an outfit.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now I'm considering how there might be a 'rhythm' to an outfit, or a syntax in the 'speech' of it.&nbsp; &nbsp;And <b>Janet</b>, your concise summary about harmony and flow, as opposed to jarring or wacky, has made this entire concept more accessible to me.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Overall, I feel this entire thread is like getting to take a semester at Parsons.&nbsp; &nbsp;<b>Katerina</b>, thank you for bringing up the subject! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241577 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:40:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. How is a juxtaposition not clashing? Genuine question. Definitions for them are very similar. I see that we get used to some juxtapositions, like the examples at the beginning of Katerina’s original post and the music thing I mentioned, but isn’t getting used to the clash different from it never existing?</p> <p>ETA—are you going at it from the opposite direction, that not everything that’s jarring is a juxtaposition? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241574 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:33:59 +0000 Janet 2241574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jarring = clashing or incongruous </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241570 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:29:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I agree with you on weird and wacky not being synonyms for juxtaposition, but can you explain about jarring? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241568 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:27:17 +0000 Janet 2241568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Juxtaposition doesn’t need to equal weird or wacky or jarring. </p> <p>Juxtaposing elements in all kinds of design can create visual flow, even a kind of harmony. I think some people are interpreting “juxtaposition” as throwing disparate elements together for shock effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241538 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:38:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seeing as each person is unique, authenticity would lead to originality, wouldn’t it? But I agree with Suz and others that trying to turn the arrows in the opposite way is problematic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241513 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 02:16:39 +0000 Jaime 2241513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Helena's appreciation of Suz's comment. Yes authenticity is the goal with originality the occasional by-product. Love that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241495 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 22:03:58 +0000 Irina 2241495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, I feel exactly the same! I started to add different elements to my default classic style some years ago. Nothing “unexpected “ just a small twist. I also think that age plays a huge role in it, at least in my case. As I get older, I tend to dress more classic and experiment less. Adding some juxtaposition emboldened me to some degree to play more with fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241490 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:55:43 +0000 Helena 2241490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I love your distinction between originality and authenticity ... well said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241470 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:13:15 +0000 Suz 2241470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such interesting questions and what a great conversation. I've enjoyed the visuals, too. Thanks for raising this, Katerina, and thanks everyone for your smart thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>I use juxtaposition a lot in my writing and I've noticed that readers have mixed feelings about that. Some find it jarring and disruptive. It takes them out of the narrative. Others love it -- they enjoy that feeling of being brought up short and use the pause (white space on the page) to think about the relationship of the two (or more) different elements. For me, as author, there's always some connection (which I typically get to, later in the piece) but keeping some gaps builds suspense. -- or I guess surprise.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway. Until I came you YLF I did not understand that juxtaposition was the missing element in my style. I was raised by an old fashioned mother apart from a short period in my 20s didn't really. pay attention to fashion for years so when I started rebuilding a wardrobe after weight loss I couldn't figure out what to do. Classic tends to suit me -- but an all classic outfit looked and felt boring and stilted. </p> <p>At the time, my hair was long and feminine (unusual for me; I'd worn a pixie off and on since I was 6). <b>Angie</b> encouraged me to cut it short (my usual style) and bingo -- I instantly felt like myself. The short hair provided just the right degree of contrast to the classic or more feminine elements in my clothing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since then, I've continued to play with contrasts and juxtapositions. I don't think I'm especially creative with any of this -- I pretty much go with what works for my actual life, so that means, yes, denim or moto jacket with a skirt, something a bit distressed with something smooth or silky, a sparkly necklace with flannel shirt, sneakers with a suit or a skirt, etc. I also pattern mix a lot. And my now-silver hair offers a distinct contrast with the somewhat youthful and sometimes playful/ whimsical elements of my style. As well as with the energy of my movement patterns. </p> <p>None of this feels unexpected or distinctive or unique in today's fashion environment. In fact, I borrow it (unconsciously, usually) from images I see here or at retail. </p> <p>I'm not sure I'm really after distinctive or unique, though. In my art, I don't strive for originality. I strive for <b>authenticity</b> and might happen on originality in the process. I think maybe in fashion it is similar. I gauge "authenticity" more by intuition and feel than by anything else (in both realms).&nbsp;</p> <p>So the reason I juxtapose is not in order to get other people's attention; it's to express my own aesthetic and serve my own practical needs.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241444 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:54:14 +0000 Helena 2241444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting to read though! As usual, Gryffin said what I would have liked to, and much better than I would have! I feel like juxtaposition used to be rare and thus a way to create uniqueness, but now that it's mainstream, it's still juxtaposition, but it's not really unique anymore - in fact, it makes me think of Angie's knit sweater and skirt post - the matchy match style is now a juxtaposition to, well, juxtaposition! :D</p> <p>Another thought inspired by various pieces within the thread, is that I agree that juxtaposition can look far too staged ... to my eye, for it to work it has to make actual sense ... like juxtaposing a moto jacket over a pretty dress and delicate booties can make perfect sense; I can picture a sensible story - woman gets dressed, it's chilly so she grabs a jacket and doesn't worry about it matching per se. This is sort of a cool and modern approach to dressing to me. Not so much with stilettos and workout gear, or flips flops with a winter jacket - this is debatably good for a photo on Instagram, but not for much else. To my eye, this doesn't work and bleeds into that other fraught language territory - "trying too hard".</p> <p>Not sure if that makes any sense at all, but thanks for the brain exercise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241434 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:12:37 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2241434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, I love how you brought the element of ‘surprise’ and/or ‘whimsy’ into focus, in a way I hadn’t previously considered!</p> <p>I’m digesting a new understanding that sometimes juxtaposition has surprise, and sometimes it plods along, and sometimes it strides confidently.</p> <p>Going back to Katerina’s original questions:</p> <p>“So, does a juxtaposition per definition have to involve an unusual, or unexpected combination?” No, I don’t suppose it does. </p> <p> And what ARE the juxtapositions of TODAY? The only one I can think of is sneakers + dressy skirt formula that I’ve seen all over social media. (Btw, the only time I ever noticed this in real-life Atlanta was when my fashionista friend wore this pairing while hosting at a restaurant, in 2018). </p> <p>“What is a juxtaposition to you?” I commented earlier.</p> <p>“Do you consciously or intuitively build it into your outfits and style?” I don’t believe I do. I like “harmonious”, and themes, like safari, equestrian, pirate, academia, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241431 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:37:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, that is so sweet of you to say—thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241425 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:05:40 +0000 gryffin 2241425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fash - I absolutely love what you wrote and love the outfit.&nbsp; My son being a music major, I thought your comparison to music and increased dissonance was really interesting.&nbsp; But doesn't it go the other way in fashion too?&nbsp; Creating harmony and order out of dissonance.&nbsp; Like the pairing of the black beaded antique cashmere sweater and ornate sweather clip with the ripped jeans and combat boots?&nbsp; Balance, theme and variation, old and new, new uses of existing.&nbsp; As much as all things go toward entropy and chaos in physics, it's the tension between the two that I think is really beautiful.&nbsp; But I love the element of "play" in your outfits.&nbsp; How you are fearless, fun, creating balance and elegance but always with a wink and a smile.&nbsp; That's how I react to your outfits.&nbsp; They always put a smile on my face!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241424 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:34:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2241424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, that’s how I understood this initially. My first reply teased out the difference between distinctive/surprising and juxtaposition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-a-juxtaposition-in-styling-anyway/page/2#post-2241422 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:11:39 +0000 gryffin 2241422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katerina - Forgive me if I missed the point. But I was wondering if juxtaposition is really the element you are seeking. Are you really looking for the element of surprise. Juxtaposition can do that. But surprise, unusual, whimsy, unique. The woman who wears her tiny bee or bug broach on the back of her shoulder gets a double take. The unusual ethnic or creative necklace. The vintage large Bakelite frames that are now sunglasses. Vintage ornate sweater clips and beaded sweater with torn jeans. The eye catching often created due to necessity. Like the first woman who tied her scarf to her handbag was probably hot. A scarf used as a belt probably because she lacked a belt. Safety pins to hold a ripped seam together. But it can also be deliberate. I can’t wear shoes without orthotics anymore. I had to go to a black tie wedding and finally opted for the EF purl booties. They were ok but I didn’t think they looked deliberate. Although my feet were happy. I’m shopping silver ankle bracelets and boot bracelets. I have frye harness straps to change the look of my boots. But I’ve never seen this done irl. If I wear this and someone notices that could kick off a micro trend. Like the first woman who got sick of wearing a skirt over her leggings coming up with skirted legging. I got the feeling your not looking for juxtaposition so much as a surprise. An element of delight. Creative but deliberate. A unique but appropriate usage. Like taking that long opera length necklace and running the length down the back. Or a beautiful broach at the bottom of a low backed dress. Sometimes achieved through juxtaposition velvet laces on combat boots but sometimes something unique or a unique or whimsical usage of a common item. Small decorative broaches covering the moth holes in your cashmere sweater become an art form…… </p>