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2018 Style Goals

Sal

Veteran

I was planning to do this later in the month (or next month) as January is a strange month here with extended school breaks, some weekends away, general routines being put on hold, and juggling work as I can.

But after Angie's request I added some simple goals to the blog post and have reposted here so I have a starting point to build on later.

1) Continue to wear outfits that fit within my flamboyant natural style persona – key words are sporty, elegant and relaxed.
2) Being clear and fussy on new additions – pouncing when I know something is perfect, but sometimes waiting is the best approach.

3) Building on my love of 70s looks with one or two new midi looks.
4) Key new additions will be – puffer jacket, ankle boots, blazer.
5) Hold back on statement pieces that are hard to layer and enjoy wearing the ones I already have.
6) Find a great outfit for a mid winter wedding ( the midi 70s look would be my ideal.
7) Re-evaluate my winter essentials early in the season (March) as this is an area that I can get caught out on.

8) (just thought of now) Develop a work winter capsule that is professional and practical and stylish. I need flat covered shoes, simple pieces, some warmth and really only about four to five looks of .which I have many of already - one or two careful additions will make this work well (the ankle boots and the blazer).

My wardrobe is in a good state mostly thanks to YLF so it is a case of refinement and judicious refreshments.

24 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Style Fan

Veteran

Great goals and perfect for you Sal. I will join you in wearing the 70s midi looks. I love the 70s style too.

rachylou

Veteran

Right. You know my eyes zoomed in on ‘new puffer’, lol. But let’s not let me get bogged down there ... sporty, elegant, and relaxed is so natural for you. Good words to remember

Anonymous

I'm curious to know more about point #5. What prompted this? Or what do you not want to be layering?

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Style Fan - I am hopeful that we find some 70s looks!!

Rachy - I only have one puffer and wear it so often - it is four years old and I think it does need a friend:) Thinking a neutral but not black.... My existing one is clear purple which is the only purple thing I wear!!

Sal

Veteran

Sorry Lisa- cross posted

I have about eight tops that I struggle to layer over, and then I have about six jackets that I love that I prefer simple (striped or plain) tops underneath. I really like all these pieces but with our changeable climate there are many days when I need a jacket for some of the day and these tops don't work.

They might have
- interesting splits at the back
- sleeve details
- unusual lengths
- bold patterns or necklines

It is almost like my jackets and tops are not friends with each other - so I need to think about this when I add new items.

Does that kind of make sense?

karen13

Veteran

You are much farther along this journey than I am. Your goals are very specific and focused - which will make them all the more achievable. I thin you adjectives fit you perfectly.

I've been drawn to the 70s vibe a bit too I wonder what is driving that for so many of us. Reaction to decades of skinny jeans?

What have you decided on your hair?

Mainelady

Veteran

It is great that you have identified your goals. I hope you will post some pics of your flamboyant natural wardrobe. I am wondering if part of me might be flamboyant natural? I have never really thought of my style in exactly that term. Also, I would love to see some of your statement pieces that are hard to layer. I have to layer my outfits from Oct- April. I am. It an expert, but may have some suggestions for you.

Helena

Veteran

Great goals, and it's wonderful that you are at the stage of making tweaks rather than overhauls - a sure sign of a well-thought-out, authentic wardrobe!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*APPLAUSE*

Sal, this was a pleasure to read. Detailed, to the point, specific, manageable, and effective. You have a great handle on your style and follow through on your goals with the best of them. "Flamboyant Natural" is a fabulous style moniker, and I loved that you included addressing those all important wardrobe essentials. WELL DONE.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sal, you are a pro at this! I love your goals, and am especially eager to see what lovely 70s inspired pieces you unearth this year -- these looks are so consistent with the style personal you've embraced and always seem to give you joy.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Suz - I hope I can find some. I have some tall suede boots, some flared jeans and one or two other bits and pieces so I am partly there. A long sleeve midi dress that can be dressed up or down is my real desire so I will see what I can find!!

Angie - thank you. It was not too hard at all so I must be further along than I thought.

TG - thanks. Yes over the last two years I feel I have added in some real essentials that I was lacking in the past.

Thanks Mainelady. I got the term from the Kibbe analysis which I can find some links for if you are interested. Basically you look at your body shape, height, face shape, features and there are categories (classic, dramatic, gamine, romantic and natural) and sub - categories within these... It is an old system and often the pictures and terms are a bit dated. What helped me was realising my need for long lines, texture, boldness and a relaxed, natural ease to my hair and clothing. When I follow these looks I just feel right.

And to follow on - I just have added too many tops over the past years that I like, but not layered.... then I have added a few statement jackets too. So I need to have a handful of basic tops (striped, navy, cream and black) that work with these bolder jackets. I am trying to wear these tops and photograph them to show what I mean but this will take a couple of weeks. I appreciate layering tips though as this is not one of my strengths.

viva

Veteran

Oh, my, Sal: sporty, elegant and relaxed is SO YOU.

I want to see every midi dress you consider. Seriously. Our styles overlap in the love of 70s era details, and I'm sure I will want to check for international shipping on every one you find.

It's interesting you've got ankle boots on your list. Have you been wearing a lot of tall boots? I'm not sure if that trend picked up steam or not. I'm still drawn to ankle boots myself, never actually pulled the trigger on tall ones, as I thought I might.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Viva!! I will post any good midi dress contenders (if there are some!) And do the same for me.

With ankle boots I have only two pairs currently - a black moto style that I am tired of (but with a lug sole they are good for some very casual outings especially if there is a rugby ground involved), and a suede camel pair that I like but are five years old (a great buy). For work I wear jeans and black crops a lot in winter, I think adding a new low heel/flat pair in black with really work well. Ankle boots work better with jeans for me.

I added some tall mid brown suede boots in very late winter on sale - I had to get some inserts in at the top to fit over my calves - but I adore them....a real HEWI that eventually came my way. I won't wear these with jeans or pants - just skirts dresses and possibly culottes if I ever get any. They are my only pair of tall boots (keep in mind I can wear sneakers and loafers in winter so my need for boots is less than yours).

They are on the last pics on this post

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ilhouettes

viva

Veteran

And, just like that, I want tall boots. hahaha!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I agree with viva. "Sporty, elegant, relaxed" is you to a T. I really liked how you identified key pieces to be added in the current year in #4. That's really wise, and I now I wish I'd done that for myself. It really requires a solid knowledge of your wardrobe and your needs, though!

Brooklyn

Veteran

You really know what you are doing! I am envious! I love how you wear 70s style and I can really see the midi dress working for you. Have you thought about flares/bootcuts?

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Jenn - they are pricey winter items, I wanted the boots last year but didn't get them and I have two thrifted blazers that are good, but I am not convinced they are great....

Thanks Brooklyn - I did get some flares late in the winter after my Sydney trip (JeansWest) - I am really liking them but too hot mostly at the moment. They will be great in autumn!!

Anonymous

I can see you in a midi skirt, kiwi!
I also like the idea of more blazers.
I do think you are a little flamboyant, and need to show that in your style (don’t go too basic).
I hope you’re able to find a good puffer—hard to know whether to get something fun and colourful or basic. What were you thinking?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Excellent goals and the vision of long 70s skirts on you is delightful!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Sal, I really like the style descriptors you've laid out for yourself. They're very true to what we see of you on the blog. And of course they suit your look. I love the idea of seventies-inspired midi dress looks for you, whether casual or dressy.

Toban

Veteran

Thanks for sharing your goals. Very thoughtful and insightful. I love your style descriptors.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Toban, UmmLila, Shevia!!

Smittie - I don't plan to go too neutral but I need some core basics to link outfits together.. I can fall for the pretty patterns but struggle to put them together...

I think for a puffer a warm olive or a toffee would be great or a pewter. We won't have the choice here that you guys will have, I am determined not to go black, and I already have a clear purple. I may go for a vest or maybe a jacket.

cindysmith

Veteran

I wish I could set some clearly defined goals like this. Decision fatigue has set in what with building the house maybe next year I can do something as well planned as this.

Kudos to you for being so organized

Sal

Veteran

Just adding in my essentials list for future reference after posting in the blog.

I can’t find my essential list from 2017 but here are my current thoughts.

1) Navy (2), cream (2) , black and white stripe (1) and black (7) tops and tees – that can be worn alone or layered. Variety of sleeve length and neckline.

2) Straight/slim mid blue jeans (2)

3) Black pants – at the moment mine are cropped (3 – 1 needs to be passed on)

4) Metallic shoes (4) – 3 are very well worn, 1 only occasional. I currently have silver loafers, pewter slides, pewter high tops, gold ballet flats

5) Cream/Camel/tan/cognac brown shoes/boots (6) – Currently have brown tall suede boots, camel ankle boots, cognac sandal boots, tan flat sandals, cream wedge sandals, nude heeled sandals

6) Bone/Camel Bag (2)

7) Good quality sunglasses (2) – one cat eye, one aviator

I know the footwear is very broad..maybe too much so. I have moved to metallic and lighter footwear in general although I do want to add black in again this year as my black pumps and ankle boots are looking a bit dated now

And I have a big gap for knitwear/jackets/toppers – most of mine are either statements or not true essentials. My area of struggle!!

While I wear dresses a lot I think they are not quite essentials as my preferences change from year to year.