I agree! Mochi - you interpret Giovanna and show pics!

That I will try to do! It will be a fun, challenging project.

And since I don't know how to do pics on here, I'll do my own interpretation and let you know how it goes on my end. I'm sure it will take me several weeks to get my look together....

Shabbychik, pics are easy. There are some instructions here: http://youlookfab.com/backstag.....ng-photos/

And if you ask questions in a new thread, people will be happy to answer any questions!

Shannon's comment about FEELING tall and slim in certain items is, in my opinion, how we make our fantasies real. When we put on clothing that makes us feel good, others may perceive us as being more attractive because we look confident and happy.

So, if dressing like your "crush", or using her as inspiration, makes you feel confident and happy, then go for it. But, I'm going to add a qualifier. I think that imitation has its limits. Copying another's look is not the same as owning that look, as Sveta so wisely puts it. If it doesn't fit your body or lifestyle, copying can sometimes make you look less confident and less attractive than if you were to develop your own style.

Ok ladies, bringing this topic back to the front, and I'm warning you, this post is gonna be long! So I went shopping today. Challenge: "Giovanna Battaglia" Inspired!
I was geared up and ready to follow the rules - Statement, Statement, Statement mixed with Simplicity. I wore my makeup as usual because I wear it natural like Giovanna. I tried to wear my hair down and casual, (this is hard for me because I love hairstyles) but I didn't like how frumpy I felt, so I loosely pinned it up and it looked super cute. I wore semi-big earrings (because I'm not a huge-earring fan) and my big watch, only other jewelry wedding ring. I have nothing in my closet resembling Giovanna's style, which is why I needed to shop. Well.......let's just say that once in the store it didn't take me long to realize that this was going to be an EPIC FAIL. I saw heels, BIG heels. I even tried a few on. But I got distracted. You see, a sweet little pair of cobalt blue pointy toed flats started calling my name. What do cobalt blue pointy toed flats have to do with Giovanna Battaglia? Absolutely nothing. But Shabby LOVES cobalt blue. And Shabby LOVES flats. (You see, Shabby fell a few years back while wearing wedge heels - ended up having a grand mal seizure afterward, and well, you can imagine why Giovanna heels simply don't call my name like flats do.) Anyway....then I looked for statement tops, because everything Giovanna wears is a statement something-or-other. But wouldn't you know it, just then, a leopard print cardigan started calling my name - and you all know how cardigans love to call my name! I know, I know. You're wondering "what does a leopard cardigan have to do with Giovanna?" Answer: nothing! But I came to the conclusion that since Shabby is buying and Shabby is wearing, Shabby is gonna get what Shabby wants, not what Giovanna wants. All in all it was a short lived experiment which proved what I felt all along...Giovanna owns her style and her style is NOT my style. I can appreciate her, much like I appreciate a rare black panther at the zoo. Stunning and amazing to behold, but not for me to try to catch. Not because I don't have her body or hair, but because I have my own style - and I love, REALLY LOVE my style!

Mochi - I would still love to see your interpretation of Giovanna - I'll be watching from the sidelines!

Oh, Shabby - you had me in stitches!!!!

I would SO love to see your own interpretation of SHABBY style. I'm sure it's every bit as smashing as Giovanna's. I think cobalt flats and a leopard cardigan have great possibilities.....

I too would LOVE to see your interpretations, shabbychick. I'm so excited that even one person found this project-worthy! I promise that at some point I will start posting WIW's. It's going to be at least a mid-term project. I've just embarked on a year-long fitness regime and am hoping to get down at least a couple of sizes. My wardrobe will probably be in great flux (I hope so, anyway) and I won't be investing in anything longlasting. (Now that I'm writing this, I'm very accountable, everyone...but so far, one month in, it's pretty good, I think).

Anyway, your first try at reinterpretation already sounds so delicious! I hope you will be posting pics soon.

Ha! Ladies - that's the problem! I interpreted NOTHING! NADA! All I did was buy what I love, same as always! I guess I have Giovanna to thank for my "great awakening".

This is such an inspiring discussion. I can't wait to see what shabby style will be like.

Here's a sampling of "Shabby" style:

~Maxi dress
~Denim Jacket
~Funky Bangle
~Fun Flats or Sandals
~Red or Vintage Bag, Depending on Mood
~Hair Loosely Up
~Fun Earrings

~Black Sheath Dress
~Teal Button Down (Worn Open), Sleeves Rolled
~Chunky Silver Charm Bracelet
~Silver Hoops
~Fun Sandals
~Red Bag

~White 3/4 Sleeve Cardi
~Cobalt, Grey and Black Print Top
~Black Skirt
~Bangles
~Cobalt Flats
~Black Bag

~Leopard Print 3/4 Sleeve Cardi
~Cobalt Tank
~Black Skirt
~Bangle
~Cobalt Flats
~Red Bag

~Black and White 3/4 Sleeve Tunic
~White Cami
~Black Skirt
~Red Flats
~Silver Cuff Bracelet
~Silver Hoops
~White Bag

Wow....Shabby sure likes black!

Heh...it is tough to get away from black, try as we may.

As long as we wear it intentionally, as Angie says. With forethought and planning.

I really do wear it intentionally. My wardrobe has lots of colors, but there is always black in the mix. Try as I might, I just can't get excited about brown - I feel so *BLAH* in it.

Shabby sounds like she can give Giovannna a run for her money. I mean, after all, cobalt flats, leopard cardi, vintage bag and silver hoops sounds pretty statement-like to me.

Whoa! I wouldn't go that far! It's a pretty L.O.N.G. leap from a leopard cardi to leopard tights worn with leopard heels!

I've had this thread open on my screen for two days now, unable to find a minute to write, but I SO agree with so many comments here. And I have had the same reflections too about YLF. It has a profound effect on the psyche AGAINST mass media thinness alienation. Looking at the real world is so much more beautiful and interesting!

And I participated last night by making Mochi-inspired gnocchi! Nom! I used organic russet potatoes, homegrown basil, truffle oil, and the very best Parmesan-Reggiano I could get at Whole Foods. Delicious!

Here's the recipe:

http://www.candicekumai.com/19.....-hot-date/