The term "architectural" makes me think of clean, uncluttered lines, bold juxtapositions of elements, structural integrity, and a timeless quality. The designer Max Mara's clothing is an example -- no draping, just good lines and beauty in simplicity. Here are some current offerings at Nordstrom:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/max-mara

To me, they also have the "arty" element, but I guess it's a matter of opinion.

Astrid, thank you. So sweet of you to remember that post from long ago.

I think the simplicity and the drama of the two outfits I described is well within my grasp -- but to my mind, they're not really at all outside what I usually wear, so I'm curious about what the differences would be. I may be missing something here...

Love that beautiful blue outfit you posted! The clothes look expertly made.

Xtabay, I owned a Max Mara linen jacket years and years ago; I still remember it fondly. The clothes are beautifully made and the designs are clean and simple, yes.

Xtabay, perfect example! I think "structural integrity" is the key word here.

Suz, I think that's the reason why it's easier for you to pick classic or modern classic items, because they usually have the structural integrity you want.

I'm back... You're going to wish I was back at work! I think the key is to find images that convey the essence of what resonates with you. Most of my own inspiration folder is just that, inspiration - not to be copied literally, but to provide an aesthetic guideline before seeking actual items.

This top reminded me so much of you. But how I see you and how you see you may well be different!

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Looking at what you wrote back then those outfits sound less "modern classic" to me than your style often is right now. At least it reads like that to me. So those imaginary outfits may have classic lines and structure, but they're a bit different and in some way more out there all the same.

You wrote: "And it's not really "modern classic" as per Angie, either, because it's less fashionista and more edgy in a different way. I'm just not sure WHAT way, exactly."

That's the difference, to me.

Speaking of needing tops - and because I can't seem to figure out the finds feature - I'll just post a link. I don't seem to be able to get the link to the ivory to show up, but maybe that isn't even 'your' white.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....olor=BLACK

And for something architectural without being at all drapey. . . .

Suz, I'm not sure that this has your name on it, but it probably comes small enough for you because it is Topshop.

What I was thinking was that you could do more black, and more blazers in bold hues.
Or a shirt dress like Angie's..
Or something from COS.

This is such an interesting discussion. I am looking forward to seeing how or even if you go in another style direction. But I also agree that to me, your hair is not *that* radically different than before. And as you noted in another thread, maybe just your colors may need to be tweaked.

It's so fun to think about this, and see all the different interpretations:-)

I think an Arty Architectural effect can be achieved through all of the below (separately or a combination of). Here are some descriptors (throwing in examples for inspiration):

> Pleats
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492126/

> Subtle peplum
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492161/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070781063/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070744399/

> Good shoulder fit, great tailoring, a structured element...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070495429/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517071115542/

> Controlled drape
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517067256319/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517066013269/

> Jewellery or accessories with clean, sleek lines
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070875884/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070714251/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069500260/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517065935009/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/325103666833702032/

> Interesting sleeve detailing
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070963731/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070491774/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070725850/

> High-low hemlines
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517066597278/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492238/

> Rounded or angular lines (or combination of both)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069445562/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070698065/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070680982/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070491971/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070491850/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070752860/

> Wraparound or belted items
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069892649/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069892560/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517071115140/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492254/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492217/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492183/

A piece like this Angie Top Pick would be fantastic:
http://youlookfab.com/finds/item/?product=50431

> Creative layering (asymmetrical / (self)-patterns / pattern mixing / high-low styles...)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069971424/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069461978/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517071192824/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070713810/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070698154/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517066144055/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517065820424/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492101/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070752893/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070752858/

> Well-placed colour blocking
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070119867/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069407136/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070439554/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069407120/

> Minimal A-line with interesting design details
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070119851/

> Texture-rich fabrics
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069919415/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069951408/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517071053274/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070811736/

> Stripes going in different directions
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069941754/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069920107/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492004/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070766794/

> Long over long
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069919413/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517069919406/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246642517070492277/

I think of these outfits as arty architectural : clean, structured lines, with some bold texture, pattern or contrast, thrown in.

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Aquamarine, thank you! More posts to come!

Smittie, I'd love a colourful jacket. I have a shirt dress like Angie's. And next time I'm in Toronto I will check out Cos.

Donna, great reminder about Topshop. They sell some items at the Bay and that means they're available to me.

Pil -- that's a great top! Love it. They don't have the ivory in my size but they do have a gorgeous teal.... hmmmm....

Astrid, I think those outfits really were modern classic. I just wanted them to be something different. Or I thought they were something different because they were "modern" and when I thought classic I thought only classic. If that makes sense. Interesting that you see my style as more classic than in the past. I will have to cogitate on that. You might be right...I do know it is more minimal in many ways than in the past.

I think back then I was longing for what I thought of as artiness or edge. And I tried that out, but didn't end up liking it.

Una, gorgeous top! And good choice for me, I think -- though maybe less so with the grey. I'm feeling less pattern for up top on the whole...because the hair is more variegated.

Anyway, your point about a vision board is well taken. I can do a new Pinterest board or something as an aspirational thing....

Oh my goodness, look at all those pins!! Thank you, Inge!! Off to browse.

Deb, beautiful choices and a store I can order from...

Skylurker, I see what you mean. Love the first one.

Hi Suz --

I have no real idea what folks mean by the term ("severe chic"? "crisp creative"?) but I'd google Robin Wright as Claire Underwood [House of Cards] -- more Season 1 and 2 than later -- and see if anything resonates.

Also why not google for architects known for their style as well as work?

ps interesting re print and hair -- I feel more need for print/patterns given my variegated mop

Suz, that makes sense!

You always look great Suz and there is no need to change your style...Here are some pics I found that I can see you wearing and looking fab in, but they are actually very similar to things I have seen you wearing!!

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This has been very entertaining, and educational at the same time. And remember that thread we had recently about procrastinating and work and doodling around on the internet instead.......?

I was one of the guilty ones suggesting some sort of change, and I've been thinking about this all day. Part of what prompted it was the immediate connection to graphic prints and more black and white outfits - which go hand in hand with severe grey pixies. Add some red lipstick, some jewellery, and it's a given. I was reacting then to the mid-tones that you were wearing (the soft blue shirt and the printed skirt) in terms of them being too soft and too conservative for your new hair. But it's all a matter of opinion, isn't it? What do I know? You've often referred to Jean Seberg. Her style was casual, but not too feminine and flowery. You have the body type to go more 60's/70's in look - with some bolder colours......but , none of this matters if it holds little appeal for you.

This has been interesting, because we can all be amateur stylists, but it comes down to the wearer - and her comfort with what someone else's vision is. I know that some of my thoughts are wishful thinking on my own part, or projecting my style on you. I only WISH I had a petite slim body that could rock a grey pixie. I'd be out there in white shirts and black trousers and leather jackets and red lipstick and high heels and would never come home ! Sigh.

I'm very pressed for time today Suz, but FWIW, I'm chiming in fast and furiously. I was nodding along with everything that Janet, UmmLila, Astrid and Shannon wrote. I'll add my 2 cents too:

  • Give this some time. See what you reach for from your closet, and try to asses the reasons for those choices. Learn from them.
  • I predict that you are going to end up with a longer and softer grey pixie. You're not a hard edged gal. FWIW, that's not how I perceive you.
  • You don't particularly like black, and many architectural and arty looks are black, or high contrast black and white. I DO think that the new hair lends itself to black and white outfits really well!
  • Don't confuse Graphic with Arty and Architectural. You like Graphic looks and Angular lines. Classic looks are quite angular - which is why you like them! It's also why you chose "SHARP" as a style descriptor. Astrid came up with the best examples to my eye.
  • I also predict that your colour palette will change, and that you'll adjust your make-up.

Have to run! Much love to you, Suz.

Angie, thanks for chiming in on a super busy day. I will give it a bit of time! And shop my closet.

I expect I will end up with a slightly longer pixie, particularly the front, but I have to say I feel comfortable in very short again. It has been a while. I was looking for photos of my super short pixies over the years but couldn't locate them, alas. I wanted to compare -- if memory serves, only one of those cuts was this short . Most had a bit more softness at front and sides. But I'm paradoxically liking the severity of this. Go figure. I guess I was truly ready for change.

Lisa, I like the idea of more drama and (gasp!) I might even go for more graphic black and white!! (More on that in another post). And I am all for 60s mod. So you're not totally off base here. (Also, you are totally on point re the jewellery.) I doubt I'd ever give up my blues, though.

I was struggling to see how different it really would be from my usual style, though. As Gaylene has showed, I do in fact wear graphic black and white, or colour blocking...the floral full skirt is a total wild card and not really representative of my usual style at all!

Back home for a few minutes and just want to throw out a few thoughts I had when I made that comment on your earlier thread.

To my eye, both your cropped pixie AND your full skirt/tucked shirt outfit were equally lovely, but they didn't quite come together for me. Theoretically a pixie is a pixie, but, in reality, it's way more complicated. Annie Lennox's pixie is modern, sculptural, and edgy; Audrey's pixie is delicate, cute, and very feminine. Part of the difference is facial structure, but I suspect personality (and maybe Kibbe type) are also important.

All of this is just a roundabout way of trying to say I think you have choices here. Do you want to keep your current, ultra-cropped, grey pixie and explore the Annie Lennox-ish side of your style by playing with more sculptural looks like those color blocking ones of yours I posted? Or, would you prefer to wait it out until your cut grows out a bit so you can go for Audrey's feminine, classic-modern look like you've shown us in your full skirt/tucked shirt look. If the latter, I think you need to look for ways to meld the sculptural qualities of your pixie with the femininity of Audrey's girlish gamine style as an interim style.

Personally, I think the term "arty architectural" is way too broad to be useful to you because you already have a strong personal style and I'm not sure you want, or need, to copy anyone else's "look". Once you figure out where you want to push the boundries of YOUR personal style, you'll get lots of ideas from Angie and the rest of the forum on how you can explore those areas.

Interesting discussion! I don't have much to add, though what Janet wrote really jives with my thoughts. I feel like, perhaps, "artful" rather than "arty" is what you're after.

Skylurker, I looooove the examples you posted! I dunno about for Suz, but definitely for me

Suz, I am work so am very quickly posting and running, but what do you think of the type of styles here?

https://www.cue.cc/Shop/Tops

Not always the colours, but the styles.

My head is reeling because there is so much to think about here! I say go slow here and adjust to your new look. You may have an epiphany if you slow down, listen and look very closely........ (I'm feeling very Zen at the moment)

Wow I want to gobble up this thread. As one of those that may have said something about arty, architectural, I want to retract! Well at least the arty word as it has too many spurious associations. I like what Janet said about architectural, and I think Gaylene's reference to your past outfits is very helpful.

But to clarify, I think I was responding to a sometimes voiced by you desire to move to a more (not sure what) style. Perhaps the word is representative. As in representing your self.

Una, I love your images and please send me the link to your pinterest board right now!

Haha- here you go! It's very repetitive and endless.

http://pin.it/5BIoifs

Thank you! That's service!

Awesome thread and I promise I will read in full when not at work:)

Suz, I don't see you are 'arty' but I can imagine what I think of as architectural but I would see you mixing that with items that are 'soft' and 'feminine'. Your new hair makes me think of women like Audrey Hepburn, and Judi Dench. There are others but they just don't come to mind right now.

Your haircut, to me, says... 'crisp, cool, modern, interesting'. To be honest arty (my definition anyway) doesn't sit well when I think of you - I don't view my own style as 'arty' - arty to me is the women featured on the Advanced Style blog. I am sorry that I am at work otherwise I'd look for some pics. Modern with a little edge is what keeps coming to mind. For example, tailored slim fit pants and a white button down with a interesting twist to the design. The mixing of items that are classic and streamlined with items that are interesting and unexpected. I know I am not being specific but if I can tonight I will search out some pics.

Deb - I know what you mean. I know I didn't articulate the idea of arty or architectural very well at all - those words mean different things to different people.

I feel a little bad for being one of those who made that comment /suggestion because I haven't been able to put into pictures what I'm thinking about. But then again, I'm not sensing , Suz, that changes really are on your mind now anyways....as others have noted. It's always a work in progress