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"Arty architectural" — show me what you mean.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Several people mentioned yesterday that they would like to see me move in a more "arty architectural" style with my new statement hair. Now, I have a complicated and ambivalent relationship with "arty." I may like it, but it decidedly does not like me, at least if it involves draping.

So...would those of you who imagine this look do me the favour of supplying a few visuals? I have some ideas of my own but I would like to see if they are consistent with what you might be imagining.

Thank you!

74 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Anonymous

I haven't got time to look for photo ideas right now, but I will later today. I know you fear being enveloped by fabric, but that doesn't have to be the case , does it? You can choose pieces that are less voluminous or "big" .....I mean, even the way Deborah dresses is anexample. I'll do some googling later today and post some ideas.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I wasn't one who said it but it made me think of her:

http://www.onelittlemomma.com/....._p=3341292

Aquamarine

Veteran

Some of the Peruvian Connection pieces can be arty without all the fabric of Eileen Fisher clothing, for example.

http://www.peruvianconnection......ewArrivals

http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks

http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Lisa. Deb's way of dressing is absolutely gorgeous -- for her. But it's not for me. Too much drape. Seriously. I've tried. I'm often sized out of brands that skew this way, for one thing...and it doesn't feel authentic to my personal energy.

Note: Not saying I am against architectural. Not at all. I love it. And I know "architectural" doesn't have to mean drape -- it can refer simply to very clean lines, as in 60s mod (one of my favourite fashion inspirations). That type of architecture works for me, but it is not always easy to find.

Off to check the links you suggested, Texstyle and Aquamarine!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

So just to play Devil's Advocate here but do you need to change your style just because you changed your hair?

Aquamarine

Veteran

I enjoy the PC catalog, although I have not purchased anything from it. Some of the reviews, however, do say the items work on smaller frames. So I think you just have to find the brand/items that work for you. Lots of fabric *scaled down* can work, but maybe more strategically placed would work too. The cotton dress, for example, has the fabric--strategically gathered--on the bottom. To my eye, the fitted top serves to balance the outfit. Just a simple example, but it may be something to explore for your delicate frame.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, good question! No -- I don't think I need to change my style. I do want to "tweak" my style, though -- and based on some try-ons at home and out and about, I have some decided ideas about how, which I'll get to in some future posts. (Just to keep you all in suspense, LOL.)

I don't actually feel a need for a major overhaul but it sounded as if some people thought it might be called for, and I am curious about their views, because I respect their fashion judgement!

I assure you all, I'm not stressing about this. I'm just really curious to see how others see "the new me." I think it's fun to ponder (and maybe shop!) and might add to my store of ideas!

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I'm off to look for inspiration but I agree with Transcona. I think in order for you to make your clothing work you have to be fierce even when you don't feel it. I can understand the need for change. I will pop back in later with some photos. Don't take offense but I think your cut is fierce and you remind me of the Disney Tinkerbell like in leather.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ok, I'm going to argue that "arty" (as imperfect as that term is) architectural does not necessarily equal drapey. I think it can be a more structured look that plays up geometry, angles, tonal looks, and asymmetry. Uneven hemlines, structured shoulders, interesting proportions, unusual necklines, even a fitted waist in some cases. I'm on my phone and pressed for time at the moment, so no visuals for you right now, but just some thoughts to get the wheels turning. IF... And that is IF you really decide that your new hair necessitates a style adjustment. I'd give yourself a little time to settle into the new look and see how it plays with your existing style and wardrobe.

(I am coming at this from the perspective of one who also in theory embraces the "arty" style but doesn't do a lot of drapey very well -- it doesn't seem authentic on me, and it also doesn't seem to suit my body either.)

catgirl

Veteran

I'm not one of the people who suggested this and I'm not sure these images fit what they were thinking, but they are my version of it for you. These are some of a million pins in my inspiration folder. If I had your hair, this is how I would dress. It's already an aspirational style for me. Do feel free to ignore!

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I don't see you in all-out draped looks, either. A lot of the pieces I think of as architectural are also black, which I'm pretty sure is a color you don't wear a lot of.

Having the short hair draws more attention to the structure of your face, hence I think the idea that highly structured details will complement that.

I have a suspicion you're going to end up with a look that's a little longer and softer than the present one, so I wouldn't make any massive style changes till this all settles out. Maybe a top with an interesting neckline.

Like Zero + Maria Cornejo stuff: <http://www.barneyswarehouse.co.....ml?utm_cam>

Oops, just noticed that Janet said the same thing.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Una, thank you!!

Those are amazing outfits, very dramatic and the fabrics also look luxe ( a huge plus!) ....and they are 100% NOT ME. I would feel in costume every second.

Meanwhile, Aquamarine's kind suggestions of the Peruvian catalogue's items were way too boho or straight "arty" for me. I would feel costumed in a different way.

This is fascinating, though, and I thank you!! I hope no one will take offence if I reject your beautiful ideas. They are all food for thought and will give me lots to chew on! I appreciate every link and photo even if in the end I say no.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Fair enough Suz! Just had to ask

I'm with Janet - I don't consider arty and architectural to be the same thing. Arty speaks to me more of drape, flow, and layers. Where as architectural makes me think of angles, asymmetrical and interesting shapes. I don't really think of you in the arty camp and I know how you've struggled with drape in the past. But I can see you pulling off a more architectural look. So from my perspective (limited as it is), I actually wouldn't not use arty and architectural in the same sentence/definition.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Whoops - strange grammer there. I meant "I wouldn't use arty and architectural in the same sentence/definition".

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I agree with you and Janet -- it's possible to distinguish the two and they don't have to go together, or only in a certain way.

skylurker

Veteran

Not had time to look for visuals yet, but Approprio's outfits immediately come to mind.
I understand architectural as : structured looks, no drape. Emphasis on silhouette : play on geometry, shapes of items.
If you add arty : you add pattern mixing, textures mixing.

Gaylene

Veteran

oK, flying out the door, but here's my input.

And this statement you made earlier
"I felt best in simple, somewhat dramatic combinations. I liked it when my outfits combined some “sharpness” or “boldness”..." as food for thought.

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catgirl

Veteran

There you go. I suspected that would be your reaction. Now the question is why aren't they "you"? And why is the new hair making you feel like you need to change your style? To me it actually isn't that radical a change from your previous look. Perhaps the desire to change it up preceded the hair choice and included the wish for a style change as well, in which case the hair needs to be considered but not be the main focus. Again, just a thought.

rachylou

Veteran

I missed the discussion on this, and confess it doesn't trigger visuals for me that satisfy the conditions of the words. But I thought of Janet's color lock dress (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....lock-dress), which could read sporty but also not. I wonder how it would look on you with your new hair ... Altho looking at it again, the straps are wider than I remember ... It's a slightly overwhelming dress ...

rachylou

Veteran

I think the pic of you in Gaylene's post - the burgundy sweater and white window pane - I see that totally for your new hair. That and red and black plaid and moto jackets...lol. I think your hair is hard core punk, which is actually basically normcore without any baby colours...or safety pins

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hahaha, Rachy! So funny.

Now, I don't see my hair as punk at all!

Well, okay, maybe a little. But much more Jean Seberg aged into a crone.

Una, they're not me because they are dark, dark, dark. Not just in colour but in mood. Their drama is the wrong kind of drama for me.

And I don't actually feel I need to change my style; I do feel I need to make some tweaks. Some posters yesterday seemed to think a bigger change was in order and I was responding to that. Curious, is all!

The thing is, I do think people are "onto" something -- I think the hair is dramatic and begs for a bit of drama. But the way I create that drama will be key.

Gaylene, you are so clever! Colourblocking for the win (you were the one who first taught me that!) and also, you may actually have beat me at my own game! I had been thinking about outfits similar to this but I was curious if others would see it differently.

Have to run to pick up DD but will be back!

ETA: Lisa, that's a beautiful top! Great colour, too.

catgirl

Veteran

Tweaks make sense! I look forward to watching the process and I know you will look smashing throughout.

Also interesting that you see my pins as dark in mood, since that isn't even a second thought for me! It's sometimes just as enlightening (haha) to figure out what doesn't work for us first and go from there.

rabbit

Veteran

From skimming the thread I'm thinking maybe don't change silhouettes so much, since you really have found your niche there and have tried things that don't work for you. Leaning a bit more towards the trendy/alternate hemlines versus very classic looks already in your wardrobe might feel better with your modern shorter hair during the adjustment period. Maybe also experiment a little with necklines -- are there some that work better or less optimally with your shorter hair? Also different earrings/necklaces may or may not work.

I would also try more tonal or column of color dressing which in my experience can up the drama and statement factor which might also help your hair feel more integrated with the overall look during a transition period. Also if the color looks a bit more high-contrast from strand to strand than when you were dying (not sure) it might make pattern or marl read differently than it did in the past, so pattern might take some experimentation to find what works best now.

ETA: Gaylene's color-block suggestions are also another good approach

catgirl

Veteran

Randomly looking at stuff on Nordstrom now (hey, I'm trapped at home). Any of these strike a chord?

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Olen

May I put my two cents in too?.. To me, your haircut looks more delicate than tough. It would definitely go well with geometrically minimal clothes, but the lines shouldn't be severe. I see something like this blouse http://www.landsend.com/produc.....118?sku_0=::42S over some wide-leg crops, with approprite accessories.

Anonymous

Me again. Had a few minutes to find some looks - but it was hard, because I can her your voice in my head : no black, no drape, not me , lol....but anyways, I was thinking along the lines of arty as intellectual and crisp and angular and less boho. Those weren't easy to find, I admit. That said, I did find a few pieces that I could see on you - but these are just ideas - many of them aren't linked to a specific site. But, then again, I could just be transferring my own likes over to your body - which means nothing - lol.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Olen and Una, how did you know I have a special need for tops?

Truly, I have been top-shopping (with only mixed success) since well before the haircut. Thanks for these suggestions.

Olen, I tend to agree with you about delicate vs. tough. Although some people do seem to read grey as inherently tough.

Rabbit, you are also onto something with your artist's eye. I have been looking in particular at pattern and colour as places I will want to tweak. The hair does read as both more "pattern" and more "statement" now. And it's a neutral vs. a colour so that is doing interesting things that I'll report on later this week. (On the theory this might be instructive to others who plan to go grey.) Necklines are okay since I was already limiting them to those that work with shorter hair and I have a pretty good handle on what works for me that way.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, Lisa, thank you -- you went out of your way on this. I appreciate it.

And sadly, I reward you with more..."not this, not that"....actually, it's good to hear you admit that the kind of thing you are thinking of is not so easy to find because I suspected as much and that's one reason I asked!

It turns out we have ideas about this look and think it is common but the reality of it is actually pretty difficult to buy. Sometimes EF comes close, but then, I'm usually sized out there -- though our own Joy shows us it is possible to wear EF even if slim and rectangular and not tall.

I think some years Club Monaco could work, and there I am not sized out. But this summer's offerings are skewing heavily towards the off-the-shoulder tops.

Astrid

Veteran

Actually, arty architectural made me think back to that one perfect outfit you described for Mrs. Eccentric years ago.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....refine-my-
Remember? Maybe that is what you are looking for.

I added some pics for you of one of my favourite eco brands - Lanius. I love moderate drape paired with just enough structure, I couldn't wear something like the looks Una posted either. I think the pictures of you Gaylene posted are a great example for that too - just enough structure to make drape and volume work for you. I think arty might play more of a role when it comes to detail, texture, pattern, color...

I don't think you need to change your style if you don't want to, but I think the direction you imagined all that time ago would be awesome on you in combination with the grey pixie.

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