Another Style Epiphany (long...sorry)

Elizabeth's post regarding YLF approved "rules" (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-straight) really got me thinking about trends, individual styles, fashion rules, etc. and how this all applies to me and my style journey.

There are many trends I truly love and want to participate in them, but the trend in its exact state doesn't match either my wardrobe or body type, or doesn't quite work with my individual style. For example, I have looked for the past week or so for the perfect bright coloured blazer to bring into my spring wardrobe. I tried the Gap neon green one and wasn't loving it although it looks beautiful on others here and I went on a marathon shopping trip last night to try on every single coloured blazer for sale in my home town (the Gap pink blazer, F21, Cleo Petites, Jacob, Laura Petites, etc.) and none of them felt right. They either didn't fit right or I didn't really like the colour. I wondered why there were so many beautiful coloured jackets that worked for everyone else but didn't work for me. Then this morning I popped into my favourite consignment shop and there it was - a vivid cobalt blue Nine West spring blazer BUT...it's not what technically fits today's trend. Instead of a collar, it's got a gathered almost Elizabethan-type "non collar", instead of regular sleeves it has puffed 3/4 length sleeves, it's cropped, slim fitting and has a small peplum at the back. It's a fabulous colour and is extremely figure flatting (it also has gorgeous lining)- of course I bought it.

Then I realized I had done the same sort of thing when buying the leather jacket from hubby - i didn't choose the more versatile and "regular" (for lack of a better word) style, I chose the more individual, Shannon-like purple jacket.

This brought me to my style epiphany: personal style is really all about taking the trends and making them work for you...DUH!!! It doesn't need to be a literal translation of the trend just your interpretation of it and that's what keeps your wardrobe from looking dated and boring. I really think this is what Angie encourages with us - we don't need to all wear the same items in order to be fashionable and in fact, we shouldn't. Some of Angie's rules are there not just because the item couldn't possibly be figure flattering, but also because the item will immediately date your look.

What do you think?

14 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

FWIW, I completely agree !! One person's basic is another's trend and vice versa. That is what makes style so individual. I am about as non-trendy as you can imagine. But when the "safari" utility trend came around I bought a bunch of stuff because I love it and it is a "regular " for me.

I have also learned that I can get much satisfaction out of something someone else wears well....without my participation : )

ETA : I just want to say that when teal and deep berry colors were big, I bought some things in those colors because I love them and I think they look good on me. So I was in THAT season and will be again in a decade or so because I will keep them that long.

Suz

(website)

Yay, Shannon! I love these little epiphanies! And I can't wait to see your new jacket. I got a fab 9 West wool jacket at my consignment store in the fall; the fit is wonderful!

Transcona Shannon

Is it just me Suz or does the 9West fit perfectly in the shoulders? I have narrow and sloping shoulders but this jacket fits wonderfully.

P.S. How is your Mom doing?

RoseandJoan

Absolutely Shannon, you take a trend and then pass it through your personal filter to see how it comes out the other side.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

"personal style is really all about taking the trends and making them work for you".

This is what it's all about

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT EPIPHANY.

taylor

EXACTLY!!

Anonymous

Yay! I love how you do this Shannon! And I can't wait to see your new jacket. I'm still trying to figure out what constitutes a "trend" and what is "mainstream fashion" and what is a "classic that's enjoying its day in the sun" and what's "in style". As I was dressing yesterday, the words of several fashion gurus sprung to mind about how women shouldn't sport too many trends at one time. I was wearing white skinnies, grey Cons, a scarf, a denim jacket and striped shirt. All of these items seem to be popular right now but I wasn't sure how many were actually "trends".

Jem

I have to say, Shannon, you are doing amazing at taking the trends and making them your own! I can't wait to see your jacket! (ps, I'm having similar issues with my green jacket)

Meredith1953

Shannon,
Excellent ephiphany indeed! Gotta use that as my mantra. BTW I have sloping shoulders also and it make finding a blazer difficult to say the least. I probably need to look for sleeves that are more "inset" but it seems hard to find them.

biscuitsmom

Great discovery!

goldenpig

Excellent post Shannon! You are brilliant at taking things and making them your own. You have a distinctive, killer style!

rae

Of course I agree, Shannon! I only recently thought about this, too.

And now I am absolutely salivating to see your new jacket!

Fruitful

Great post.

But...WWP *being cheeky* ^_^

"I have also learned that I can get much satisfaction out of something someone else wears well....without my participation : )"

Isabel, I want to frame this

catgirl

Brilliant epiphany, Shannon, and well expressed.

Mochi

This is where being intuitive really helps. I'm so glad you realized this (and that you bought the items you fell in love with, even if they didn't officially fall into a plan). Is there anyone else besides myself, by the way, who sort of bristles when they hear the word "trend"? Not that there's anything wrong with it per se, but I would like most of my wardrobe to have a lifespan beyond one season. I guess I feel like "trend" has this implication of not being myself, or of not finding my universal, eternal style...and I think I'm thinking about it too much! (And definitely starting to ramble.) Anyway, it's all the process we're going on at our own pace. And Shannon, you are finding your way very adeptly and stylishly, and it's a pleasure to watch your process in real time.

Jaime

Wise words Shannon. It has taken me a while, but I think I am finally at the point that I can look at and admire something on another without thinking it would be a good idea on myself. I used to think that if I liked it I should try it - without considering why it works on the object of my admiration. Can't wait to see you in the blue jacket.

Jem - you're not happy with your green jacket?

Mochi - I used to be the type of person who wanted to blend in, look like everybody else and wear exactly what catalogues and stores told me I should wear. If there was a trend, I was on it and often bought outfits off of mannequins in their entirety - top, bottom, shoes, purse, even the jewelry. I was invisible. But I don't want to be that anymore and want to be able to wear trends in different ways so that I can still be me.

Jonesy

Fabulous, Shannon! Your jacket sounds gorgeous. And, did you know that peplums are trending big time :)? You are on the cutting edge, woman!

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anne

I want to see the jacket too! And I am enjoying hearing about your style journey.

DragonflyJane

Active Member

Yay for your epiphany!

The jacket sounds divine - I can't wait to see it!

I'm a sucker for peplums.

rachylou

*nodding head* - You're so right. A timely reminder.

nancylee

Congratulations on this style epiphany, Shannon. It's funny how sometimes you can hear advice over and over, and it just doesn't click into place until you have a personal experience like this. Glad you found a jacket that works for you.

And you just added another tool to your arsenal of personal style knowledge!

Still trying to decide on the green blazer. I just posted a K/R on it, to see what YLF thinks. I hope we get to see your new blazer soon! I'm sure it looks amazing. I wish I had a good Consignment store to look for cool things, like you find!

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