Curious Epiphany - YouLookFab Forum

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Curious Epiphany

Beth Ann

Veteran

Well, not yet. Epiphany's not until Jan 6, and I stretch out EVERY ONE of those 12 days of Christmas. I just don't sing the song.

No, it's a stye epiphany that's caught my attention. I've been working toward a wardrobe of capsules, not interesting items, but have been resisting the idea of one style vision. I'm a creative and I crave variety, but I also live on a budget in a fairly conventional midwest suburb and am not 20, 6 feet tall and and a size 2!

As I was curating my pinterest style page, what I saw really surprised me --- but I don't want to say why just yet. Would a few of you procrastinating over your holiday tasks or so organized that you've got a little free time take a moment to scroll through my board?
It's a large collection of things, but there's no need to digest every pin. It's the overall trends that were unexpected to me. In the words of the Drummer Boy....."Do you see what I see?...." Well, maybe that's not exactly what he said, but you know what I mean!

http://pinterest.com/singcrazy/my-style/

35 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Gorgeous Pinterest board Beth Ann!

I see primarily a classic style with a fair bit of modern in it as well as some retro/vintage inspiration; simple and strong silhouettes; a lot of black and white combinations; a love of jackets.

Are we seeing the same thing?

kkards

Veteran

the 1st thing i saw was black and white, with just small subtle hits of color. and jackets, jackets, and jackets. over all it was very tailored, yet modern, with simple lines and a minimum of accessories.

is that what your saw?

i liked it very much!

Astrid

Veteran

I agree, great board! I also see classic. There are a lot of solids and no crazy patterns. If you have patterns they are mostly geometric ones, stripes or polka dots. Many black and white combinations, but also colorful looks - although the colors are never too bright or neon. More on the dressy side.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Classic - maybe classic American at that.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Haha yes, you are turning into me!

Lots of black and white, jewel tones for contrast. Classic styles with a lot of menswear vibe. Not what I expected!

Thank you, now I don't need to open a Pinterest board, l can just look at yours.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Yes, you are all seeing what I saw! The board was more classic and streamlined than I expected. Now, I've moved accessories to another board, and I don't find much in the way of patterned tops on the boards. I'm often drawn to these as statement pieces (see below). I think I actually crave a little more color and pattern than the board suggests, but the lines are far more simple and classic than I expected -- but I really like them and they seem confident, not dull. Angie once said that she thought of me as a Romantic Classic style persona. Seems like (perhaps no surprise) she was right.

I plan on trying to mimic more of my board looks this winter and see how I feel. I also noticed that recently I've been drawn to soft blouses, jackets and trousers with flow and ease (ala Hepburn), and fuller skirts to round out my trust collection of pencil skirts.

I do have one concern: Will the looks on my board work well on my frame? Will my curves interrupt the long line and make me look frumpy? Only one way to find out!

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

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Gaylene

Veteran

OK, this is what I see:

Classic, clean, tailored shapes that have structure and/or drape
Neutral colors predominant; preference for saturated colors as opposed to pastels, brights, "sours", or neons
Minimal accessories (mostly belts) and pattern (patterns mostly stripes or geometric, not florals or "wild" prints.)
Fabrics mainly wovens with textural interest
Casual but with a sophisticated edge; preference for a strong, but simple, overall effect

ETA: It was interesting seeing your real-life pictures after going through your pins (we posted at the same time!) I can see why Angie called your style "romantic classic" from the pics, but I really didn't get that feeling at all from your pins. Your board seemed to reflect a much more androgynous look. I was also struck by how much bolder the prints in your tops were; the prints in the pins were much more subdued so they almost read as neutrals. The outfits in the pins seemed to have a much more streamlined, tailored vibe.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Yes, Gaylene, it's true that I adore black/white and saturated colors -- particularly sapphire, aubergine, teal, crimson and cobalt. In the summer, it's turquoise, raspberry and cobalt. I wonder, though, if I'm not going to be relying a little less on strong color in the near future. I do seem to look best in high contrast colors. I also adore texture in clothes and furnishings. I like to feel things, not just see them (not that I'm going around touching everyone!).

I do like prints and patterns more than the board suggests. I have to figure out whether they really represent me, or whether I'm hiding behind them. Sounds like fashion therapy (lol).

It is so helpful to get the reflections of others!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I see a gorgeous Pinterest board! (I really have to start using mine more regularly. Here's how mine works: I visit one of you lovely ladies and steal a whole pile of pins, and then promptly forget about it until the NEXT time I do the same!)

Okay- back to you - I see all of the above, plus a LOT of trousers....and I have seen you (mostly) in skirts and dresses here. So that interested me as well.

Would this work on your frame? I think it absolutely would and could if you could find a maker of trousers that fit you well. (Not easy for any of us).

Have you read the Kibbe categories? There is a Soft Classic category that you might indeed fit into. It's all dated (to the 80s) so of course you have to take some of it with a grain of salt (or a bucket) but it's fun, nonetheless, and for me (and also for Sveta) it actually helped us narrow our choices more accurately.

http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/.....NSsdaVh538

I warn you, this forum is NOT as easy to read as YLF - but there is a lot of interesting analysis there if you dig a bit.

Gaylene

Veteran

Wow, this is really interesting.

A couple of thoughts about the outfits in the pictures using your pins as inspiration:

Wear a fitted, tailored jacket with your red jeans with a simple grey/white/black T underneath. Maybe with a pair of grey oxford-style shoes?

Wear a tied jacket (like the gorgeous red one that you pinned) with your black skirt and simple, but strong, pumps.

Wear the black and white shirt in Pic#2 with a tailored, black trouser and your cardi.

Wear your denim shorts with a crisp white shirt, collar popped and sleeves scrunched.

Maybe playing around with solids instead of prints for a bit might help you find the role that you want prints to play in your wardrobe?

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Lovely collection of beautiful, classic, sharp looking outfits. If you don't own several tailored white blouses (both crisp and soft), navy blazer, gray pullover, soft tailored (as opposed to slouchy) trousers, classic accessories such as narrow leather belts and some pearls to go with a chambray shirt or two, then maybe you are not taking the opportunity to dress in the same way that you think looks good! Try it on for a whirl: take a risk and strictly copy a couple of your favorite looks - is it you? Sometimes the only way to find out is to "go for it"!

Style some outfits, take some photos, go on an outing and let us know what you think!

Beth Ann

Veteran

So helpful!

Suz: Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. Not sure what to make of a soft classic have a "delicate bone structure." I'm more Rosie the Riverter!

Gaylene: Such practical suggestions, and several I already have. In my closet are 5, count em, 5, black jackets. I also have a great pair of grey oxfords -- actually 3 pairs of classic/retro grey shoes. (see photos)

CJH: I'm on the prowl for trousers, a chambray shirt and, exactly as you mentioned, both soft and crisp white shirts. I also think I'll sew a fuller chambray midi skirt (think Roman Holiday, but maybe not quite that circular) for spring.

I do need to remix my wardrobe so I feel what comes next!

Shannon -- If you visit this thread again, any trouser brands (sold in US) you've found to be well-fitting would be most helpful, as you and I are similar in size. I'm probably closer to a 14 now (darn. double darn), and I often wish, at 5'6" for one more inch in length that I usually find. Of course. Maybe that's because I keep trying 12s!

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Caro in Oz

Veteran

I see simple, modern classic with a touch of the androgynous romantic (if that makes sense). I think it's important to remember the words modern & quality a la Angie to make this look work. Really enjoyed you board

Raisin

Veteran

Well I really liked your board, I would repin many of them myself....so, knowing what I gravitate towards I think your like simple, clean lines, fresh with minimalistic tendencies. Am I close?

Niefern

What I have noticed first is that most of the models are very very thin. I prefer to see clothes on more 'normal' bodies because those models are so far away from the average woman body that I am not sure they offer a realistic idea of how those clothes will look on me or most anybody else.

Jules

Veteran

I have to say I believe the look you pinned is more difficult to do well. With colour and pattern it's easy to let those be the focal point and stay as on trend or be as individual as you want to. This is basically what I do and since I love colour & pattern & cheap, failry disposable clothing I am happy. But with the kinds of looks you posted, I suspect that fit, quality, fabric and subtle details become so much more important. To me that's more difficult - I really admire people who can pull it off though!

deb

Veteran

Without reading any of the other posts, I see a modern classic style vibe. Is this what you see?

Beth Ann

Veteran

I've got loads of great input from you all. I am so thankful that you would take the time to help me process.

Raisin: Actually, I've always considered myself maximal and dramatic -- which is why the overall effect of what I had pinned surprised me. I think I want to move toward a more focused drama. I won't give up color or pattern, but I might choose to leave some blank space on the canvas, if you know what I mean.

Caro: You are so right. Quality. Not easy to do so, since I have real budgetary constraints and I am impatient with little time (that working mom phase, you know). Still, as Angie says: "Hi / Lo is the way to go." I can afford at least BR, Halogen, Ann Taylor. I can also sew --- although pants and jackets are troublesome.

Niefern: You are SO right, and it is so frustrating, although these women are lovely. That's why I post WIW, even when I wish I'd laid off the holiday carmel! I find that I have to try on a LOT of items before I get a great fit. I also have started looking at items in the plus section, even though I don't wear plus. The "plus" models are often my size, although they're still tall and exquisite!

Jules: You're correct that a more modern, minimal approach requires impeccable fit and quality. I'm hoping that, particularly in the items with more ease like blouses and wide leg trousers, I will be successful. I still like fun, disposable items, too, but I think I want to be more intentional about my basics. I suspect upgrading a little, as my budget allows, will be more flattering to my form. Wish me luck!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I saw a lot of classics, too! And I think they will look great with your figure... one of the cool things about classics is that a clean and tailored classic shirt/jacket/pant can be, well, tailored to you. I'm excited to see you dress from your board!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Deb: Cross post! Yes, I was surprised to see myself leaning toward classics. I always harbored a dramatic persona fantasy, or somehow thought I would morph into something more "edgy" than cool. There are women on the forum, some in my age range, who do this really well, but I was always an epic fail when I turned to this direction. I think I probably am a romantic classic who adds dramatic and modern edges to keep my look from veering too girlish or frumpy.

Lyrebirdgully

Beth Ann, thank you so much for sharing your pinboard; I am just taking breath after an orgy of pasting from it; my look folder is hugely expanded as a result. There is so much in it that I adore! Also, you have just introduced me to a designer I didn't know, but instantly love - Sarah Pacini- which is hugely exciting...so, double thanks!

Your chosen looks are I think too close to my own aspirations for me to analyse; (I struggle with style describing anyway), but words that come to my mind are: elegance, and fitted and draped linearity. I guess I am a classicist at heart. I love trends, but I always want to tweak the funky in the direction of elegant. This is partly why I am struggling to like the oversized menswear trend at the moment. Oversized women's wear (i.e. styles that most men would not wear) I love and have many examples of; and for most of us, tailored "menswear" items adjusted for the female form has always been a wardrobe essential: but menswear-type items that appear to be fit or tailoring failures in relation to the female figure underneath are currently not getting past my "elegance" filter.
Ah, where was I...back to the topic; like you I am neither young or tall or model-slender, so I know what you mean about the risk of looking boring - or worse, frumpy - while attempting to look classicly elegant. But I know it is doable. Am looking forward to see your experiments in this direction!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Lyrebird:

So many YLFers have offered me inspiration. I'm so pleased to pass it on!

With menswear, I'm looking more toward Katherine Hepburn --- a 40's inspired sense of structure with ease and flow. Perhaps this might work for you, as well!

Mona

Veteran

BethAnn, I spend almost an hour looking at your pinterest board. Thanks for sharing. You already have great suggetions from other YLF'ers above and as a beginner and a slow learner I dont have much to add. I just wanted to say that this is a great idea to share your board and see what others think about it. BTW, I love your red jeans.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Whoops - didn't log back in until now and saw your question regarding trousers. I have a pair of Anne Klein trousers (as part of my navy blue suit I ordered) on their way to me and am very curious as to how they fit. I'll update you once I know about those ones.

I have found for myself that Esprit fits like no other trouser on me - just amazing. Unfortunately they are no longer available in North America. In Canada, The Bay still carries a small amount of Esprit (I'm not sure how they do that?!) so maybe there's a Department store in the U.S. that does the same? Lord & Taylor fits nicely- good and roomy in the hip area but not too wide in the thigh. I find that to be a common problem when you're curvy - in order to find something that fits nicely in the waist and hips, they can be much too wide in the thigh so then the pants just look huge overall. The Banana Republic Sloans actually fit quite well but the lighter colour was throwing me off - those might be worth trying. Interestingly enough when I returned them to the store, the SA suggested that the Martins might fit me better. I haven't tried those yet. I've also found the Canadian Sears brand Jessica to fit well - so as Angie often says, leave no retail stone unturned!

Good luck - you will find what works for you. You have excellent style sense.

I found it very interesting that you mentioned Katherine Hepburn above - she is my all time style icon - her and Lauren Bacall. They both wore that menswear look with such panache.

Traci

Veteran

I think the biggest surprise for me was the menswear. I always envision you in very lady like clothes. I was also surprised to see so much black and cream. I think these solid neutrals will be lovely on you. I have only recently started buying many more neutral items because I find they stretch much further in my wardrobe.

Anonymous

Well, I started to read the other comments and then I stopped because I wanted to remember what I wanted to say, lol!

Besides the normal skinny jeans/striped tops/blazer/heels outfits that everyone seems to post and modern classic that I would expect from your work looks, what stood out to me as different was the Romantic Drama I saw. Drama in contrast (dark with light) and lots and lots of fabric and draping. Wide legged trousers and Grecian gowns. I think you have the frame to pull more of this off, especially for performances where it might be a little more appropriate than the classroom.

I loved your board by the way, and got completely lost in it!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Beth Ann --

Despite being one of the "rules-lovers" on the forum, Kibbe style categories kind of overwhelm me. However, I know just enough to be dangerous.

Based on your actual and inspiration outfits, the category that immediately springs to mind for you is his Soft Dramatic -- Dramatic with a Romantic undercurrent. You ARE a diva on the stage, after all!

I assume Kibbe would steer you to the lower contrast "sweeps" of color, lower necklines, and draped garments on your Pinterest board...and there are many there!

Not-all-all-coincidentally, it's the one that resonates most strongly for me in terms of personality + beloved clothing styles.

Below is info from the same Seasonal Color forum linked above. This poster went to a Kibbe workshop in the 80s and has a boatload of Kibbe's suggestions for Soft Dramatics -- this is an excerpt.

See what you think.

>>Something else that may help. Length means large to Kibbe. If your bones are long and delicate, he considers that large.

>>SD's can be very narrow or very voluptuous. The difference between a TR [Theatrical Romantic] and a SD [Soft Dramatic] is about detail and the waist. TR's have waist emphasis. That translates to gathers around the waist or grecian style folds around the waist. SD's need a long sweeping line in their clothing so you don't have a break around your waist, unless it is the dress with the full skirt and dramatic belt.

More:

>>The first impression is exotic, theatrical, flamboyant, sensual, queenly, definitely BOLD and FEMALE. Taken to its extremes it's a bombshell look or a courtesan from another era. You can not do too much. Your silhoutte is bold and sweeping with draping in a very narrow outline. Even in your most casual or conservative enviroments you will need to add bits and pieces of glamour to suggest your true nature. There is no bulk added to the look with excess gathering or cinched in waists. Overall a 1940's feeling with a continental designer feel.

>>Remembering the lookbook, many of the silhouettes were simple, quite tailored and very narrow to the body. But lightweight fabrics were used in the tailored garments, instead of the usual medium weight or stiff fabrics. The fabric gives the look of "draping". There were very conservative looks that you could wear to the most conservative law firm for work even today. Also the most flamboyant evening looks were at the end. Most occasions were covered. It is surprising how many would still be relevant.

Link to poster's full recap of SD workshop:

http://seasonalcolor.yuku.com/.....NT-URzxbqI

Beth Ann

Veteran

Mona: So good to hear from you, and I'm glad my board was of interest to you. I don't consider you a slow learner at all! You have an amazing eye for color. I'm glad I decided to post this question, as I've gotten so many generous responses that will give me months of experimentation!

Traci: Yes, the menswear is surprising isn't it? I think I'll probably take it in a little bit of Hollywood retro direction, without being costumey.

Claire/Vix: You are both observant in noticing that I have an interest in dramatic looks and I LOVE the draping and texture of fabrics, in addition to color. I do have the frame and temperament to pull it off, but my environment? Well, not so much. Let's put it this way -- I'm the only one with red jeans!

Vix: Thanks for the link. I"m not familiar with Kibbe, although I went through the "color anaylsis" myself in the late 80's. This is fascinating, and I'll investigate further.

Now.....into the kitchen for Christmas cooking!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Shannon: Thanks for the recommendations! I have both Sears and Banana Repubic (outlets -- I think the fabrics are slightly different) nearby. I'm really looking for Katherine Hepburn trousers. Let me know if you see any! Eventually, I might try making some, but I'll need to work my way up to that -- pants construction, along with jackets, is more complex.

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