cat2 - . Count me in club skin sandwich too.
LJP - Well her price points are way out of my league, but I would definitely go into the shop just to see how her pieces translate on me. And of course there is the second hand market !
Echo - Thank you! Yes, clearly there needs to be further clarification about the skin sandwich (yes it is creepy, now that you mention it!). Which is not to say she hasn't provided it - I just haven't come across it yet.
Jonesy - I heard her say that about dropped crotches too, and I am definitely on your side on this. Do not come for my Commes des Garcon shorts! And thank you! Along with the socks and sandals, the bright earrings definitely drew me in .

Interesting thoughts, thank you for sharing. Someone who declares they want outfits to be “modern, classic and chill” does put my back up though? As per SarahD8, who is she to tell us what to do? I guess a successful designer, but there are plenty of those and they all say different things?
It grates in the current time, to me.
However, I love your outfit especially the top which I would call cobalt, one of my fave colours.

Exactly, Jaime--what could be more fabulous and perfect for your style than a pair of Commes des Garcon shorts?! And it's kind of funny because most of the pants she wears *have* a dropped crotch, because she is wearing them very loose and slouchy (and they are designed with a long rise to do just that), but I suppose she is referring to the more generous dropped crotch that hovers between mid-thigh and the knees.

After I heard her say it was dated I had to google dropped crotch pants and look up current styles :). I looked at the selection on the Farfetch website, and there are several pages (all men's), with Rick Owens represented (a classic bottoms silhouette for him that he'll probably always carry, I would guess) along with lots of other designers, including some Japanese designers. So I wonder if they are associated more with men and men's fashion and style at the moment? I do love androgynous style, so this fits with my current style vibe...

Anyway, beauty and style are in the eye of the beholder, it goes without saying! And its always fascinating to hear other points of view.

Grrr… no comments to add now, but I am now down this rabbit hole. Not sure how I missed this in my pandemic you tube scrolling

JAime, thanks for clarifying. Please ignore the so called "skin sandwich" faux pas and continue dressing like you do! You wear your look with panache!

Jonesy and Jaime, Amy's thoughts that harem pants are dated makes me chuckle. I think of the silhouette as an avant-garde look that is always there - although I know that in Israel it's become a mainstream classic (I've seen that with my own eyes). Nothing dated about it on anyone is what I'm going with!

These days, I find it challenging to pinpoint looks that are dated. In my gut, it feels off - and somewhat irresponsible even - to say that something is dated in our current times. It will bite you in the bottom later. I’m boldly going with nothing. (I have strong opinions too!) If you can wear a wardrobe item - any item - in a way that makes you feel confident, good, empowered, happy, and attractive, then wear it with a happy heart

JenniNZ and SarahD8, I can relate to your thoughts. There is no single way to look stylish. You don’t need to fit into a particular box to look and feel fabulous. Trends are no longer seasonal, and fads no longer exist. Classics and iconic items continue to have their fashion moment, encouraging us to remix the old with the new, remix items in fresh ways, and to hold onto items for longer. This makes our wardrobes more sustainable over time. It seems that that, is something many are striving for!

Thx for bringing her up, Jaime (you look great in your outfit, btw) and summarizing some of her points. I watched a bit of her on instagram yesterday and got some inspiration from it. And will probably watch more. Though there was this one where she and the other woman were both trying on these huge oversized blazers and it made me think of seeing groups of young teenage girls who are all dressed identically.

Hmm interesting take on style - I wonder whether the 'skin sandwich' thing is affected by our natural variations in body type & proportion though?

I'm thinking that showing more skin may have a different effect on someone with a larger VS smaller bust (rightly or wrongly). And showing skin on both the top & bottom could look different on someone of petite stature than tall height? That sort of thing.

I am nodding along with all of you!
Jenni - I hear you, but I do not want to be unfair. Amy is NOT saying that is how everyone should dress, rather that people that like her clothes and her style are often going to describe themselves in words like that or similar. She is not dictating, more like preaching to the converted.
Jonesy - Yes! Again to be fair, I have noticed that she often drops these kind of comments and clearly has something very specific in mind, which might not include Rick Owens or Commes des Garcon . Meanwhile, her comment was duly noted and dismissed. And yes, I still enjoy other points of view even if they are against my shorts!
kkards - Sorry not sorry?
judy - Yeah, there is that, although as they are representing her brand it is not surprising. Also noted is a lack of body size diversity (which she does mention is due to camera shyness of her staff).
Angie - Thank you for chiming back in! I have a feeling Jonesy and I will continue to wear our drop crotches regardless of any commentary . I do agree to you that it is very hard (but maybe not quite impossible) to say what is dated these days. To my eye, it is probably an entire look rather than any individual item given how big retro and vintage looks are lately. And probably a look that is iconic of a certain time and place. I will refrain from giving examples though .

eta - Zaeobi - Absolutely, body type is not really taken into account, at least in my representation of Amy's ideas.

Slightly off topic - but I agree Jaime and Angie that being "dated" is a "dated" concept. But I do think some outfit combo's can look or feel stale.

Skin sandwich, rule of three and most everything else aside, I love love love Amy’s term “creative pragmatist”. I am not sure how she would define it, since I have not seen her IG or any of her classes, however to me it seems like a satisfyingly clear way to describe something that has previously eluded my words. I searched for a way to describe this concept when I reviewed my 2022 style goals and I came up with the style adjectives, Fresh, Functional, Sleek, Classic, Fun. A slight change from my previous adjectives Fresh, classic, practical, Sleek and Light. Nevertheless, I hear “Creative Pragmatism” and in my mind think of that magic quality of mixing in some fun, artistic or unique detail to useful and long lasting classic, simple or even basic pieces without creating an outfit that becomes avant-garde, overly garish or clown-like and yet looks unique to the person wearing it. If I am not a creative pragmatist, I aim to be one as I define the word.

I also like the “creative pragmatist” term — it sums things up well for me too.

I feel like style icons with this kind of content — from Amy to Trinny Woodall — have some really great tidbits amongst a flood of content. I like to put these videos on sometimes while I’m doing some other task that doesn’t require concentration. I don’t find them prescriptive — no more so than Angie — because we all have our own style, tastes, and preferences. Their strong opinions and point of view are part of why they draw an audience. We can take or leave pieces that we find valuable. I enjoy it all for the range in strategies for dressing with style and intention!

Did you see her reel this morning (not sure when it was posted but it's most recent in my feed)? I can't with the white sandals that look like they don't fit combined with grey tights but other than that, I love the idea of the low-slung skirt and blouse/sweater. That's my idea of chic dressing - not this jacked-up to the rib cage jeans look with a cropped sweater that seems to be everywhere . The oversize leather jackets are great too- and the way she explains how she packed for Paris was really interesting.

I saw that too, just in quick passing. Agreed with the white shoes and dark hose (just a poison eye thing for me), but I love the easy of the skirt and top. That’s what I was going for in not sizing down to what *I could fit into* in the Nili Lotan jeans. If I lose weight I’ll need to take the waist in even more (the fit could stand to lose an inch there), but these days I’d rather have that ease than the sausage casing fit, which is not my thing anymore.

Anyway, that also got me psyched to style up my marble print oversized blazer.

I just learned about Amy this week myself, and was intrigued by her info but was turned off by her forum (I like to read, I don't want to watch a bunch of videos) so I appreciate your summation!

I am cheering Angie’s comment from the sidelines. Anything worn with a sense of joyful authenticity will always look perfect in the moment, and therefore perfectly up to date.

As for the rest, I am way too far down the Kibbe rabbit hole, from where I aim to create an harmonious impression, with no pulling focus and as much going on as possible. I think the Rule of Three would break my brain, ditto juxtaposition. But I must ask: have the Tibi Gang forgotten how to accessorize?

I decline to comment on the Skin Sandwich.

Sal - Yes, that was what I was trying to say more or less, glad you agree.
Staysfit - I am delighted! I wonder what you would think of her clothes. In some ways they really are made for you.
Janet - Exactly! I also have watched any number of Trinny videos, although I find her energy something I can only handle in small doses. (Introvert speaking.) I don't aspire to dress like either Amy or Trinny, but do love having my assumptions unearthed and challenged.
LJP - I definitely saw something recently in Paris with the white shoes. I actually thought of Angie! I once had shoes very similar to that but they were uncomfortable and I had to sell them. Anyway, I am 100% behind the low slung look that she is into (I do think Victoria Beckham is the champion for that). This is more about my body shape than anything else.
Janet - That's the best kind of inspiration - the one that inspires you to style the clothes you already have.
Lesley - She is definitely a video person, but she is coming out with a book. Just sayin' .
Rio - . Your restraint is noted. Kibbe is revolutionary (although The Triumph of Individual Style, perhaps even more so), but I get a lot from strong points of view, even if only to sharpen my own by the contrast. As a matter of fact, she is into statement earrings, from a brand that I had independently discovered and requested for my last birthday, which rather pleased me .

I wanted to hear or see some of her style ideas, but the myriad of long slow- moving videos is too much for me.
Where is the Cliff Notes version??!

I read the article you linked to the other day, and I think you've summarized the concepts nicely. I'm skipping over the discussion, though, just to say your outfit is the bomb. And you wear the skin sandwich really well; I don't care what Amy says--LOL!

Jaime, thanks for the ToIS tip. Had not heard of that, will try to track down the PDF.

I appreciate a strong opinion as well as the next woman. As I never tire of saying, the best way to test your own standpoint is to hear out the opposition. That said, I think she is trying to square a circle here. She is promoting a brand with a strong visual identity, for which she needs to create a demand, at the same time as encouraging people to develop their own personal style. A hard trick to pull off, almost impossible in fact. It breeds a certain cognitive dissonance which I sense in her presentation. I fear Ms Tibi may have a hotline to the Fashion Police, from whence I am forever on the lam.

ETA PS: The blue shirt is a slam dunk. Skin Sandwich for the win!

I too like a strong opinion. I can decide for myself if I want to appropriate it (no pun intended) but I'm not as much inspired nor informed by the "everything is great - nothing is wrong" theory. I do agree that she is sticking herself out on a very narrow ledge, but that's up to her and her business. From what I understand , her business is a successful one, and maybe succeeds based on her strong viewpoints. She walks the talk, that's for sure. The only thing I know that might be swaying me inappropriately is that she is extremely thin and without a curve in her body. So all of these clothes look a certain way on her that I really aspire to, but won't be able to emulate. I do at least realize that part.

Rio and Lisa, totally agree on all points, and well stated!

I do have to watch out that I don’t try to emulate the styles of some of these influencers. I start craving sequins after I watch Trinny and then realize my lifestyle just doesn’t support that look.

Such a good point about checking oneself before being too heavily influenced by the influencers, Janet. It's a balancing act -- whether with things I see on the forum or elsewhere.

I was watching some of Amy's videos the other night and found that much of her approach is very in line with what led me down the path to my all black wardrobe.

I'm paraphrasing here, but she talks about how an outfit can be so chameleon-like that you can feel equally comfortable in it in both dressy and casual circumstances. That was my philosophy back in the day -- I dressed in a way that I felt I would fit in whether everyone else was wearing jeans or dressy attire.

I don't have as much of that going on these days, but my wardrobe is also very much in flux.

The summer wardrobe I've built this year skews to colourful, happy, carefree, but within that I think I can pull together the odd chameleon look.

Now trying to plan for fall and winter is a different story. My needs are different and the way I will dress is different. Still, I am giving fresh thought to the idea of holding out for versatile pieces that are casual in vibe but elegant enough in structure/colour to pass for dressier occasions when needed.

I think this is actually a perfect strategy to build a wardrobe of pieces I could use in the office for as long as I continue to work, but that won't sit unused after my office life is finished.

Lisa, when it comes to product, I am firmly of the opinion that 90% of everything is rubbish! We should all exercise discernment in what we put on our bodies, inside and out.

I guess what I’m trying to say is: what she is actually selling is perhaps not quite what she claims to be selling. If she was really keen on supporting any progressive enquiry into stylistic diversity, my guess is that her clothes would look less like Cos and more like Uniqlo.

I agree that she is absolutely selling her brand. That is her main goal, to be sure! So there is always the element of the infomercial, but I feel like it's quite transparent--she doesn't have any pretense, that I can see. And there are useful style nuggets here and there that go beyond selling the brand, IMHO.

For example, I think the idea of an ugly shoe and sort of neither here nor there neutral colors (greige, pale brownish gray, pale muddy green, etc., which she and Tibi are really into) that add what she calls "friction" to one's style is very interesting. So, someone might wear an ugly, weird shoe precisely because it's ugly and weird (and thus a visually arresting counterpoint to a very elegant jacket and pants, e.g.), you know? The emphasis is more on being creative and slightly odd, and the intricacies of juxtaposition (in keeping with the Tibi brand, of course), and less about colors or silhouettes that conventionally "flatter." And she is definitely having fun with fashion :).

Just my two cents, of course!

I’ve been interested in Tibi for a while, since the brand was doing “prettier” looks. The only items I currently own arw a pair of weird-ass, harem pant-shorts that almost read like a skirt, lilac patent mules and teal velvet kitten heel boots. None especially recent.

It’s funny that I enjoy Smilovic’s ideas and presentation but I often find most of her clothes too large in form or too weird for me.

Distilled, I feel that her current philosophy is something like: whatever you do, make sure you don’t look like you’re trying too hard (antithesis of cool) and therefore include an “off” element in every look.

Well, it’s interesting to ponder why I would need to watch hours of video to learn how to “do my own thing” or “not look like I’m trying too hard”? Seems like a conundrum—or a very clever strategy.

I actually enjoy Amy Smilovic’s look but, frankly, it looks best on HER, not me. Same goes for the other influencers I follow, including Angie. I’ll always enjoy whims and changes in fashion as seasons come and go—and seeing how others wear the latest versions—but influencing MY style is a much slower and more thoughtful process.

Bravo Gaylene! And haven’t we discussed before on the forum the nonsense about the “trying too hard” thing? - trying too hard to what?

I only heard the name last night(my last night) when Zaeobi referred to the creative pragmatism as a potential moniker for some inspiration photos I had put up. I do like her pieces but some seemed seasonally confused. I wouldn’t wear pastel flip flops with a dark suit. The analysis is all too much for me.

unfrumped - If you go to her Instagram page she has some highlights for some shorter summaries with visuals. It is a lot of content!

Ok I’ve now watched, or more accurate to say had you tube on while I made dinner/cleaned the kitchen through a number of “classes” from season 1.   Wow, these are brilliant!  It’s QVC for women who could never dream of “buying something they saw on TV”.  Sorry, yes ,maybe there are some styling rules but really so far what I’ve seen is one long infomercial.  And so far with really really bad visuals and sound. Maybe the later seasons get better, and more interesting