2018 Style Goals (clarified from the blog post comment)

(This clarifies what I left in the blog post comments)...

My goals for 2018:

My words are Mermaid, Draped, Clinging, Minimalist, Luxurious, Retro, and Futuristic/Sci-Fi

Mermaid: I read an amazing book a year ago, and I've realized that the colors that suit me best, are ocean colors aqua, turquoise, teal, mint green, navy blue, golden & silvery sand colors, dazzling whites, seashell creams & pink, coral pinks & reds, and a wine-red that reads 'sour' or 'dry', not the more purplish-red of sweeter wines.

I also want more iridescence and shimmer. Sequins, beads, pearls, embossed leathers and snakeskin.

Black: Black is always going to be my favorite, elegant and/or easy fall-back. But I have plenty of black clothing, so I'm not planning to buy any more for the first half of 2018, aside from basic layering camis and tees.

Retro: My retro is 50's and 60s - the era where fashion was willing to accomodate a massive bra underneath your clothing. I used to be all about pin-up looks, and I want to re-incorporate some of that 50's and 60's retro/pin-up/rockabilly into my wardrobe. But not all-out like I used to, because it feels too much like a costume.

Drape and Cling: I want soft, comfortable clothing that is luxurious, and closely fitted, but not bodycon-tight.

Futuristic Sci-Fi:

I want to honor my inner nerd in 2018. I'd like to have a small capsule of clothing that echoes a uniform or outfit you might see on Star Trek, Dune, or Star Wars. And a minty hint of steampunk - not distressed or RATE, but sharp and clean-looking.

I thought I wanted to add "more pirate", but I've realized that would be better saved for Sunday best: DragonCon, other Cons, Ren festivals, and the like.

Minimalist over Maximalist: I tried some maximalism in clothing, accessories, and prints over the last few months, and felt ill-at-ease. I feel happiest when things blend together, without too much variance.

I want a little bit of Clean Hard-Edge: Nothing RATE. No ripped jeans, no distressed leather, no fading. I'm about to root out anything like that from my closet.

I only want a little bit of hard-edge, enough to make me a force to be reckoned with, but not enough to make me unapproachable to people.

Summer: I tried to pull in a safari theme last summer, and found I didn't really like it. This summer, I want my outfits to feel more ocean and sky-inspired, not earthy.

I want to find a couple of pairs of shorts that have linen, and I want to wear more skirts this summer. I also want to find comfortable flats and sandals that will stay securely on my feet. I think my days of ankle-strap wedge sandals may be done, much as I adore the look.

A Couple of Pairs of Jeans: I am happiest in dark wash skinny jeans. I recently found the Maria high-rise skinny by J. Brand. I have two pairs and I wear them a lot. I want to add one more darker-wash pair, and a white pair.

Prescription Eyewear: I want to add a couple of pairs of specs, and a pair of prescription sunglasses, to my wardrobe.

Makeup & Hair: I want to cultivate an everyday, soft, posh and polished look, similar to Peony Lim or Victoria from In The Frow.

6 years ago

Toban

Veteran

What a fascinating read and set of style descriptors. We overlap a bit in style preferences (many of the same colors, minimalist, dark wash jeans, and direction of summer wear to be ocean and sky-inspired, clean not RATE, drape). I suspect we'll put it together quite differently based on your additional modifiers of retro, sci-fi, and hard edge. Mine tends more to Scandinavian natural, but with color not neutrals. I look forward to seeing your outfits this year.

Sal

How fun to be Mermaid and Sci Fi inspired!!

I think these are fantastic fun and perfect for your evolving look. I look forward to seeing you get on.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OOOH, LBD. HOW FUN. We'll be discussing the adjectives to describe our ideal style next week, and you'll be prepped and bang on the money.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mermaid and Sci-Fi.

Cling was another fun one, and I'm high-fiving your love for Modern Retro.

columbine(erin)

I enjoyed reading your descriptors; you have intriguing constrasts among them.

I will have to think about Mermaid, because those are also my best colors, and I also am motivated to add some shimmer this year. I am taking a painting class this year, and am to copy two works. Both works I’m considering feature water.

Joy

I also enjoyed reading your post and admire your clear vision of the style that you want to try this year. It will be fun to watch as you translate these thoughts to your style.

Bijou

LBD - you really know your style and what suits you. The mermaid colours are stunning on you. Your style goals are really specific and much more likely to be achieved. I love how you have added a fun element to your style goals, your post is very inspiring.

jussie

Your style direction sounds very intriguing. You seem like a creative dresser, and I can’t wait for you to post some outfit pics. I have very similar preferred colors to you, my absolute favorite is seafoam green. May I ask what the amazing book you read relating to colour choice was?
Best of luck on your style journey.

cindysmith

I love "mermaid" as a goal <3

And your futuristic sci-fi sounds very much like spaceship corporate to me, which I lobe so much. I also happen to think it could blend well with mermaid as you're interpreting it. Well played!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

Thank you, everyone, for your lovely comments My apologies for not replying sooner, this has been an insanely busy week, heading into a busier weekend.

@Jussie I don't have time to review the book on YLF, but I talk about it in my blog (I linked in my initial post here, but I'm going to put the link below) It's called "Color Your Style: How To Wear Your True Colors", and it is AMAZING.

http://labelledemimondaine.blo.....orted.html

karen13

I'm learning so much from all the Style Goal posts. Thank you for sharing. I love your description of Clean Hard Edge.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you interpret these fun descriptors. And since I'm in search of color help, off to read your post.

rachylou

I love your goals, your mermaid and science-fi (and wine red). They bring your goals to life for me.

Anonymous

I too enjoyed reading your style words, and understanding what they meant. I think “mermaid” and “sci fI” are very powerful because there is very strong imagery there.

Would love to see iridescence, minimal-maximal and how you do hard edge without the RATE.

SarahD8

This is great, LBD. Your mentions of mermaid and sci-fi appeal to my narrative-loving self. I can’t wait to see how you put these. Goals in practice.

Mainelady

Oh my gosh! I have had so much fun reading your goals! Your wardrobe sounds so fun, I find myself wanting to join in and try on some of the fabness for size. (Pun, of course.).
Back to reality and lifestyle lessons learned. I seriously would love to try out mermaid, retro pin up and drape and cling. Drape and cling I can manage in the right setting, but not for everyday. From shopping trips with my twin sister and visiting the fringe of her world, I have often found incredible, delicious and swoon worthy items which made absolute sense to me in the moment and shopping with my city slicker sister. I CAN wear some of those fab pieces and feel sooooo happy, but transport them to my real world (much more country bumpkin) and those items get rare wear. There aren’t many opportunities to show them off and when I wear them I feel somewhat costumey, which reduces my happiness factor.
So, LBD I shall enjoy watching your journey and your happiness factors evolve. I can’t wait to see how you do your summer sea and sky wardrobe!

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