Beliefs, Values, Personality - YouLookFab Forum

I am thoroughly enjoying reading other's posts and getting insights on myself. So I will attempt to distil where I am at:

Beliefs
- Style is important and a form of communication. I have a dressy and feminine style. I was the child that was the little princess with fairy wings trying out Evil Kenevil stunts on her bike. I'm not sure where either of those extremes came from, but it has always been there.
- Fashion should be fun, don't take it too seriously. I think this is where I am quite happy sporting quirky elements, like my beloved Owl Bag.
- I want to role model to my son "be the best me that I can be" - living a healthy and full life and making the most of opportunities. This is what I aspire to.
I have a dark side, 'being the best' is not being a perfectionist. I have a tendency to perfectionism (in everything which can be stressful)...I like to have the perfect outfit in all situations - which I am realising is NOT NECESSARY as no one cares and that would cost a lot and involve even more clothing that the excessive amount I currently own.

Values
- Loyal - I like to reward trusted retailers with my purchases. There are a few smaller local boutiques where I buy most of my clothing and shoes. I know I could probably buy the same item somewhere else cheaper - but not excessively so and I value the opinion and service of the owners of these businesses.
- Respectful - I value good manners and inclusive attitudes and behaviours. In my career I have been discriminated against because of my gender. I won't tolerate sexist, racist, ageist and other discriminatory behaviours and will call it out when I see it, having done so on many occasions.
- Modest, I don't feel comfortable wearing sexy clothing or any body constraining underpinnings to wear such clothing. Clothing that is feminine and alluring - yes, provocative - no.
- Cost vs benefit - I am an Accountant, so there is always a "cost vs benefit' analysis that will come into my buying decisions! That said, I can be spontaneous when buying items and can get swept up in the excitement of buying something fabulous. I am trying to make sure that those 'fabulous and exciting' purchases are realistic for my current and not past or fantasy life... sometimes I overestimate the benefit vs the cost!

Personality
- Optimistic and ambitious - I see opportunities in most situations and thrive on change and challenging myself. In many respects I like these qualities - it has meant that most things I set out to achieve I do achieve. Whenever I get knocked down, I get back up. Where this is not so good is that sometimes I see only what I want to see and am not as caring or considerate of others. In addition, I do wonder if I just do things because it was a challenge rather than something that actually matters...When dressing professionally I have always aimed to 'dress for success' and love the look and feel of a great sheath dress or suit. I try to add personality with colour and interesting details.
- Playful - I am always up for fun, I love parties and socialising with friends, trying new things and having adventures. That energy comes through in my fashion choices.
- Formal and high maintenance - I have never been the 'low maintenance, natural' type. I wish I was because I am a pain. I take half an hour (and that's on a good day because I am not a morning person) to have a shower, do my hair and make-up and get dressed. In my youth I put it down to not being a natural beauty, but to be honest, I think it is that I am just not that type of personality. I dye my hair, wear make up, keep my clothing very neat and tidy, have a dressy style. I like to know where I stand - whether in personal or professional pursuits - I just have to face it that ambiguity does not sit well with me. Even my hobby, karate - its a formal thing - we bow to our instructor and wear uniforms. Most of my clothes have structure or some luxe element because without it, I feel a little off kilter.

My lovely husband once said "I knew what you were like when I married you" and has never tried to change me - what a relief! Maybe my style moniker should be "Evil Kenevil Princess".

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Yes! I can see the kid with the fairy wings doing bike stunts in your fearless fashion style of today! Good analysis.

Anonymous

You too- re: Evil Keneval? In my case it was a tricicle down the steps!
Definitely see the formal and the fun!

Helena

Oh Carla, that is such a great image! Bijou, I can see you express your inner self beautifully through your outer style.

Jaime

(website)

I can so clearly picture your style as I read your analysis - it matches up so well. Yes, Carla has it just right too. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking your time to get ready in the morning. It is positively charming, as your wise husband clearly understands.

nemosmom

I certainly see the fun balanced with the structure in your looks!

Another fun read - from another admired forum member with such great self-awareness. I had to laugh at your comment about taking a half hour to shower and get hair and makeup done. I like to allow myself 90 minutes for all that stuff - LOL! I can of course do it in less time, but I love puttering around while I perform the various rituals.

I see your style reflected in every one of your statements above - so you really know yourself and have dressing for YOU down pat!

slim cat

Lovely and fun description ( and so you! ) - put a smile on my face.

Sal

Loved reading this - and I see a new style moniker!!

Mainelady

Strong woman, strong sense of self and style. Ambitious Evil Knievel Princess. Love that!

Stagiaire Fash

Another member of the Evil Kenevil girls’ club signing in. The neighborhood boys and I built ramps to jump off on our bikes.
Bijou, reading this, I was reminded why I like you so much. Lots of what you write is true of me as well—wanting to have fun with and being able to laugh about what I wear, quirky bits, being respectful and loyal, unnecessarily dressy but not stuffy, and always getting back on that horse, no matter how many times I get bucked off. But then there’s the time to get ready part. Half an hour is my time to go from bed to out the door, lol.
But I always appreciate your posts and your insightful comments. I don’t think you mentioned a tendency to lift others up and see the best in people, but I see that in you too.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Beautifully expressed, and from what I know about you - 100% ACCURATE. I can see it ALL come through authentically in your style and with busloads of verve and confidence. Sooo many unique juxtapositions that live together in perfect harmony. You are the epitome of Powerful Playful Pretty. Soooo glam, yet kicks arse with that black belt!

*APPLAUSE*

Bijou, you have mastered insideout style! WELL DONE, and enjoy the KILLER results

Kaelyn

I love the "Evil Kenevil Princess" moniker for you! Evocative in a fun way.

Bijou

Carla - perhaps we don't change that much as we get older.

Suntiger - good to hear that I am in good company. The first rendition of my stunts was riding my wheeled duck down a staircase at age 2. I can't remember this but it scared the living daylights out of my parents. I graduated onto ramps (like FI, when I moved onto 2 wheels and a bike).

Helena - when I wrote this I thought "this proves I am mad".

Shevia - thank you - you are so kind, I just cannot see the benefit in stressing in the morning. My work colleagues know to leave me be until at least 9am.

Nemosmom - I am glad that the fun comes out - it can be hard when you have to dress in a corporate way.

Lisa - you are the best, 90 minutes is my weekend treat. Glad I am not the only one that putters around in the morning (the perfect description)!

Slim Cat - yes there are some things that are not great, but I might as well be honest about it.

Sal - I have given up most of my stunt woman ways.

Mainelady - thank you - it is much appreciated.

Fashintern - why am I not surprised to hear that you were part of the daredevil girl club as a child? You are my less prissy, more athletic style sister.

Angie - thank you for getting me to accept my style rather than trying to emulate others.

Kaelyn - thank you - we do need to have fun with fashion and our style statements.

rachylou

I’m just so down with fairy wings doing Evil Kenevil. There’s a park where mountain climbers practice... I used to scramble past them in my red patent leather Mary Janes. Ahahaha! I just think about that. Imagine having all your gear out, sights set on Everest, and then this kindergartener in a party dress scurries around you...

Rachy - Ha - I can picture this perfectly, its always good when kindergarteners bring the competitive guys down a peg or two especially when wearing red patent shoes.

Liesbeth

Another great story. I love how you see the good and the pittfalls of every personality trait. For me it's always good to be reminded that behind every great outfit there are stories and instead of feeling envious of other people's style it's best to applaud it just as it is - which is perhaps not suited to your own personality.

Jenn

I think that if I read this without a name attached, I'd immediately say, "Oh, that's gotta be Bijou!"

Liesbeth, yes there are things about me that on reflection are less than optimal. Reflection gives me the opportunity to change. However I fear it is highly unlikely I will ever break the 30 minute mark on getting ready in the morning on a regular basis, I am just a slow starter in the morning. DS and DH are the same, so it is not an issue in my household. We are all happily night owls together.

Jenn, I am sure that would be the case for most of these style reflection posts.

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