@kkards: Yes!!! I have written before about my desire to better understand “fit” as I think fit - and, you’re totally right!, proportion - becomes more important as we *ahem* mature. I’m currently travelling with a wardrobe consisting of (I can already feel the collective ylf shudder, lol) mostly “gear” so I won’t be posting outfit/clothing photos til I return home (early April) . But I’ll be leaning heavily on all of you for help (and patience, and kindness), then.
@jenn: I lived in Paris for years and very much admired how many women there could sport hair and makeup that looked gorgeously “undone.” I quickly learned how much thought and discipline this effortless look requires.
@Angie. Yes, there is much in joan’s style I admire, maybe most all her willingness to embrace her curvy body shape, which is what i aspire to do in dressier outfits.
@Pedestrienne: exactly! I would not have thought of “luxe” as a descriptor since I tend to associate that word with maximalism, bling, etc. However, you’re absolutely right bc I do love fabrics like cashmere and velvet, well-cut (usually frightfully expensive) coats and deceptively simple Italian boots and shoes... all of which are luxe in their own quieter way.
@LBD: how interesting, and helpful, that you and many others used the descriptor “classic.” For reasons unknown, I always associated that word with well-pressed, crisp, tidy, polished aesthetic... all of which I admire and none of which are “me.” But, it seems that my aspirations/inspiration are classic in ways I did not understand or acknowledge.
@Angie: yes, although nothing in my style is “futuristic,” Joan might have embraced a more intentional slouchiness in her casual-wear had she been transported into our current era.
@unfrumped: relaxed is a descriptor that resonates strongly with me. As you can see, even my dressier, more “bombshell” choices have a soft ease to them. Frankly, I’m pretty lazy. While I’m willing to be more disciplined and put more time and money into my shopping, getting items tailored for fit, etc. , I’ll never, ever be someone who can commit to the daily discipline of an hour on hair and makeup each morning, or keeping my clothes pressed and crisp, etc. So, I must try to find that glorious, fine line between relaxed/easy/effortless-looking chic and slovenly mess.
@rachylou: I think some got bombshell because, when dressed way down (which is 90% of my life, as a stay at home investor/MOTG), I like a bit of almost-androgynous slouch. However, when dressier, I prefer the more conventionally flattering aesthetic of embracing my larger bust and hips while showing off a smallish waist and draping gracefully over my juicy-apple tummy.
@sarahd8: Ah, my fellow-lover of nubby sweaters... I don’t necessarily want dresses and skirts to be “very form-fitting” but I like dresses that skim over my stomach and bottom while showing that I have a waist and chest. I am fairly pear shaped with some definite apple tendencies, and I find silhouettes like wrap dresses and well-cut pencil skirts can help me feel feminine rather than dumpy.
@shevia. Oui, c’est ca. I aspire to “slightly undone” (I think this qualifies as RATE?) but in reality I skew more sloppy-street person. My hair is straight, one length except for side-swept bangs, a bit below collar bone. unfortunately, the texture tends to be “puffy” in places (especially since every hair dresses has, at some point, tried to give me layers) which adds to the unkempt-rather-than-artfully-undone look. I prefer wash and go but maybe I have to accept that will never be a stylish look for me.
