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The Artistic Eclectic thread

Diana

Veteran

Una asked us to start different threads for different style groupings, so here is the Artistic Eclectic thread. Check in here if you feel that you have elements of Arty style!

So for starters here is Angie's description of the Artistic Eclectic persona, from a very old but still relevant thread.

"The artistic eclectic – you like novelty and selectively choose fashion trends that tickle your fancy, often ignoring key looks that everyone else has latched onto. You may prefer to dress exotically if you are inspired by a particular culture. Your accessories are unconventional (often vintage), and you always find creative ways of matching them with your ensemble."

I feel like this was written for me. Jean (Greenglove) is the other perfect example of this style in my head.

ETA: So, I think my leaning toward steampunky or Victoriana looks could be construed as "dressing exotically and inspired by another culture", right?

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Amy

(website)

Veteran

This might work for me. Angie described my style as whimsical and retro. I think the artistic aspect is subdued for me because of my work environment.

Anonymous

I think you are right, Diana. I would say this used to be more of my style when I was younger. Definitely had the eclectic part

cobaltblue

Veteran

Maybe I could belong here. I'll be watching this thread!

rachylou

Veteran

I think I've got a bit of the artistic eclectic, steampunk, and whimsical going, which added together comes out to what Angie calls quirky.

Although, perhaps, really the quirky comes first and leads me touches of the eclectic, punk, and whimsical...

JulieJohn

Veteran

Thanks for that link to the old thread, Diana. I am officially a mixed breed: half Bohemian-Hippie, a quarter Sporty-Natural and a quarter Artistic-Eclectic. Glad to be part of the family, albeit peripherally.

Ooh, now I can channel my inner Diana, Amy, and Rachy. Let the fun begin!

cciele

Veteran

I used to belong to this tribe with a splash of Boho, and do have some clothing that would fit (see photo), but have been in transition to who knows what! Love the quirkiness and unexpected touches you guys bring into the mix

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I definitely have a dash of this in my style (my love for ethnic prints, artisan jewelry, etc.), but I have less of it than I used to think I would, if that makes sense. I like juxtaposing elements of this with tougher or more modern classic styles. Still, I find a lot of this appealing.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I feel the same way as Janet I feel I want less of this now than I used to but I know it will ever go away completely - I just want to keep it under control:)

Sona

Veteran

I think this describes my style too. What do you all think?

Diana

Veteran

Amy, yes I can definitely see the AE lurking behind your work-appropriate ensembles! Do you think it would come out in full force if you had no outside constraints on your dressing?

Rachy, yes I think quirky is definitely a part and parcel of being Eclectic! (Or is it the other way around....?) But, yeah for me too a huge part of it is never being too predictable.

Cathy, Caro, and Janet: I think there is a subset of AE that is more Avant-Garde, maybe this is where you guys are headed?

Sona, yes, I think this describes you!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I once thought that I was on my way to being a true boa-wearing Diva, or at least a Eileen-Fisher wearing version of Georgia O'Keefe. Well, maybe not, but I still have a connection with Artistic/Eclectic, with the emphasis on artistic. I love saturation in color, quirky accessories and period dressng. I actually feel most attractive dressed in the heavy 18th and 19th century gowns, full of boning and petticoats, that I used to wear when I sang a lot of opera.

I think if I lived in downtown Chicago, as opposed to the suburbs, where the Bears, not the Lyric Opera, is the subject of conversation in the grocery line, I'd incorporate more of these elements. Still, today I wore a retro print georgette blouse under a menswear vest and simple black jacket. Now, I paired this with simple bootcuts and ladylike retro grey pumps. But I wore my spoon bracelet --- definite vintage look.

I love the attention to detail, texture and color in this style persona. I think the challenge is to be unique without being costumey.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Diana, I do think the artsy thing would come out more if I weren't working in a very conservative office. This is one of my favorite outfits and I think it has this vibe:

http://quixoticpixels.lookfab......y-for-work

I do sew, knit and make a lot of my jewelry, so that desire for creativity and uniqueness is definitely present.

Mochi

Veteran

Love this thread! (And all the category threads that are popping up.)

I am definitely influenced by this style, and have in the past striven to achieve it. Now I'm not sure--love it on others, feel a little self-conscious if I don't tone it down a slight bit.

I don't have a pinterest board but have been occasionally collecting pics off the web. Below is one that to me epitomizes an arty style. BTW I do see you (Diana) and greenglove as being artistic/eclectic, but in very different permutations of it. And it's interesting how she is the professional artist, but as far as I know it's only you who actually creates things to wear. I love both of your styles, anyway.

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Caro in Oz

Veteran

That's a great photo Mochi - it hit me that I would never feel comfortable in this type of outfit so I'm obviously not a dyed in the wool AE.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

An aside: Mochi, I wish you had a Pinterest board! I bet I'd get all kinds of dangerous ideas from you.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Hm, I feel like this could apply to me too. All these style titles are starting to remind me of astrological sign descriptions: no matter the sign, we find ways of making ourselves fit in with the description, if someone suggests that it is ours.

Eclectic Artistic/Urban Warrior Princess/Leo/Water Rat/Hazel?

Maybe I just like having a descriptive title.

rachylou

Veteran

Very interesting, Mochi. I think of AE as having a kind a hand-crafted element to it. I probably would not have put this gorgeously groomed red-legged gal in the Artistic/Eclectic category. Perhaps Gamine or Architectural. But obviously this girl is NOT going to work in a bank or something.

I shall have to reconsider!

Anonymous

I am loving reading all these styles. It has been more beneficial than the books on style I have been devouring

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Angie just dubbed me elegant eclectic so I will be joining you all:)

Now I need to let my elegant side take precedence over the eclectic jumble.

Maybe it could include more:
Tailoring - particularly on the top part of my body.
Controlled drape & movement.
Expensive fabrics.

Diana

Veteran

Beth Ann, you're absolutely right about physical location affecting how we express our style personas. I live in an urban environment and work in an academic setting, so I think I have a lot of sartorial freedom that a suburban office-dweller wouldn't be able to exercise. Amy is a good example of the other side of this coin. You're also right that sometimes we have to be careful not to appear too costumey. This might also be a problem for UWPs.

Amy! That is one of my favorite outfits you've ever posted! Love.

Mochi, I love that photo. I think there has to be some element of creativity in an AE's outfits but it doesn't necessarily have to be something handmade. It could just be something as simple as pairing things that normally wouldn't go together. I think of it as having something of an "artist's eye" for the unexpected.

Elisabeth, I am an Aquarius, and my chinese zodiac sign is sheep. They're actually both kind of eerily predictive of both my style and my personality.

Caro, welcome to the fold! I definitely see you as a minimalistic, more avant garde strain of AE.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Here's my shadow style...I used to think it was boho, but really, this is it. I love it, but it's not me, so I will just enjoy it vicariously through you.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Suz you could always buy me clothes:)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Heh heh....since I pin 3/4 of your Pinterest pins, maybe I should! Well, if I had the money, I would! Actually, many of your pins work for an urban prince, too -- it is the elegance.

Anonymous

Like Caro, Angie has me pegged as elegant eclectic and I think she's been very perceptive. Over the years DH has reined me in from outfits veering toward costumes or just too overpowering. But there's a strong attraction to wearable art and fashion as a creative outlet. Nowadays I'd be more likely to wear an Ikat fabric as a pencil skirt or structured jacket than a peasant blouse or prairie skirt. My favorite scarves are hand painted silk. My favorite necklace is of beads made from African grass.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Joy --- You said, "Nowadays I'd be more likely to wear an Ikat fabric as a pencil skirt or structured jacket than a peasant blouse or prairie skirt." I think this is PRECISELY why you are eclectic, as opposed to say boho or folksy! Like Diana said, it is the use of the unexpected element or the unexpected use of an element --- there's something 'artist' or 'poet' about that right away, which probably is also what resonates with Mochi. In your case, artisanal accessories also represent your artistic leanings, don't you think? But at the same time, your preference for contemporary silhouettes and on-trend fabrications and cuts also makes you more elegant/modern.

Niefern

I have read Angies' descriptions of the various styles and I am afraid I do not really fit into any of them although I like some better than others. I guess I am all over the place.

Vix

Veteran

Elisabeth made me laugh with:

>>All these style titles are starting to remind me of astrological sign descriptions: no matter the sign, we find ways of making ourselves fit in with the description, if someone suggests that it is ours.

even though I have my own persona/style statement categories, I feel the same way since they all SOUND so appealing.

And of course the forum members who feel passionately about their look/category are very good ambassadors.

However, as much as I love looking at all the different categories and variations, the A/E is the one that I find most exciting. The randomness appeals.

So (with thanks to Amy, Cciele, and Mochi for getting us started) --

WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS, FOLKS?!

If I *had* to pick one general label I'd chose Artistic/Eclectic and Modern Classic. [See why I can't pick one?]

Since I lack the sewing etc skills of Amy and other talented forum members I have started getting custom pieces worked up here and there. Gives me an outlet and some nice bridge-between-category pieces.

Some of my vintage, custom, and new things below....

Photo 1: L to R, top to bottom my "style persona snapshots" -- Minimalist Magpie (with vintage ring), Contrarian Classicist, and Persnickety Bohemian. The fountain manages to embody them all!

Photo 2: Custom pink striped sweater and Missoni-by-the-yard pencil skirt and tank

Photo 3: Work looks: Custom grey wool jersey dress (with removable waistband + chain belt for non-work), vintage powder blue mohair capelet, and knit scarf + staid wool suit blazer

Photo 4: Back in black with the only type of leather jacket that feels right to me -- minimalist -- and a custom Pucci-by-the-yard scarf

Photo 5: A simple draped blue jersey dress alone and under a boho scarf-as-overdress + a multi-way periwinkle silk blouse

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