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About: Four Shortcuts to a More Current Style

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Updating my style

amiable

Veteran

I've been trying to work my way (slowly) toward a more minimal, and somewhat more edgy style for a while now.

Toward this end, I have a few updates to show you.

First: hair. I'd hoped that the inverted bob I asked for would be more inverted - next time I'll ask for it more severe. Still, what I have is approaching what I want, I think. (#1)

Second: Specs. They finally arrived today, and the red (#2) are comfy and light. The black (#3) are obviously higher quality and sturdier, but the red are more comfortable right out of the box, so I'm wearing them for now.

Third: Footwear. My long-sought-for Doc Martens (#4) also arrived today. These are the third pair I've tried, and I like them. They're 8-hole, so I think will qualify as booties to wear with skirts too. (I may try that tomorrow if the weather permits a skirt).

Forth: Handbag. This isn't an update, and might need to be updated. But I figure I'll show you the handbag (#5) I'm currently carrying anyway. I'm not thrilled with it, but also not dissatisfied enough to look for a replacement. It's nicely structured, real leather and good quality. I like the mix of brown and black. But I'm pretty sure it's dated.

Putting it together into What I'm Wearing (#6-7).

Comments? Suggestions for improvement?

(btw: the top in #4 is also new - it's a gray sparkly sweatshirt. Cropped in the front, a bit longer in the back. Is it worth keeping?)

ETA: Unfortunately, I'm not altogether thrilled with any of these updates. I'm thinking I'll have the hair trimmed to more inverted (I hope) next time, but I figure I'm stuck with the glasses for a while and will just accept them. As far as the Docs, I love the way they look, but they're putting my right small toes to sleep. I may need to experiment with lacing them more loosely.... Still, I'm hoping they're a step in the right direction, and that I can continue to take steps in the right direction.

And apologies for no make-up.

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51 replies

Latest reply was from amiable

Lyn D.

Veteran

Your hair is just lovely!
I like your bag too- the brown stripes are interesting and pick-up your hair colour too.
Not sure about the new sweatshirt styled this way, but I can see it paired with a longer under layer with a higher neckline in my mind.
Great boots, and both specs show-off your face beautifully

Nebraskim

Veteran

great haircut. I can see where having it cut up shorter in the back would be cool. I love the red specs, too. Hope the Docs work out. Big investment piece so they need to not numb your toes!

Echo

Veteran

LOVE your hair, LOVE the glasses, and LOVE the boots! The hair and the glasses really do update your look in a great way! Sadly, I do find the bag a little bit out-of-date, but if it is a decent quality bag that suits your needs and is holding up well, there is no rush to change it.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think the haircut is very flattering. Did you get it lightened a bit too? It looks a bit brighter to me but that could be the pic. I think both pairs of glasses work but prefer the smaller pair a bit over the first pair. Love the docs too and they should work well for you. I am not positive on the bag. It seems a bit more structured than your usual style but then it could be the juxtaposition that is often sought after.

All in all, I think you are doing a great job with your style shift.

Just re-read my post and realized that my comment on your hair didn't convey completely that I love it on you.

amiable

Veteran

Thanks Dianthus, Echo, Nebraskim and Lyn -

I didn't lighten my hair - it could be better lighting, or that summer lightened it a bit (or, perhaps more likely, that the grey is gaining prominence).

I have quite a collection of bags. I may need to photo them and write up a post one of these days so that you all can tell me which ones should stay. I'm having a hard time imagining what kind of bag of tomboy would carry.

And the red specs are actually a smidgin smaller than the black - the camera angle is just messing with the pic.

Anonymous

Your haircut is indeed lovely - and I think you could easily go an inch shorter and sharper in the back - would really give it some more definition back there. I also love your glasses - and like the red ones best! I know you said they are actually smaller than the black, but they sure don't look it in the pics. Anyways, I prefer those on you. You have beautiful eyes - do you ever wear eye makeup?

I think your bag is the odd man out here - and all you need to do is update it with a slouchier/softer style - something a little more rugged or boho looking.

No comment on the docs from me - I will say right out loud: I have never liked them nor been able to get my "eye" around them, classics or not. And I know I am definitely in the minority here

christy

Veteran

Your hair looks fantastic! I think a bit more angled would look great also, but I love it as is. Your glasses look good! What is it that you aren't liking about them? Docs look great - I really hope they loosen up for you and become more comfortable. I like the contrasting stripes on the handbag and it looks like a good size.

I like the direction you're going in!

Astrid

Veteran

Love the hair and the specs look great! Keeping my fingers crossed that you can break in the docs... I'm not a fan of the bag. I think getting one great new bag that fits exactly into the style direction you're going for would make a big difference. As for bags a tomboy would use, do you know the blog Tomboy Style?
http://tomboystyle.blogspot.de/?m=1
You might find some inspiration there.

deb

Veteran

Love your hair!! Are you not happy with the new specs?

Staysfit

Veteran

Your hair looks great! You could certainly try shorter in the back and I think that would look great also. I love both pairs of glasses. Personally, I would never keep a pair of shoes or boots if they don't feel right. Boots don't stretch out as easily as a soft leather shoe. There are plenty of Doc look alikes out there. I just tried on a few myself so I know they exist. If shoes don't feel right at the beginning, you are less likely to wear them, you will develop foot and possibly back problems, and they make you grumpy all day. Are you committed to them?

Windchime

Veteran

I'm loving this hairstyle on you, Amy! It frames your face so well. And speaking of frames, your specs are a major step in your new style direction. You're blossoming into a very chic tomgirl!

Zibbets

Veteran

I love your haircut and new red glasses! The black ones are nice too, but the red…wow!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love this update! Your hair looks terrific and I think even a bit more angled and shorter would be great. In these pictures I especially like the red glasses but they both suit you. The boots are wonderful of course. The bag is tricky - not sure I would suggest a hobo only because I find that hobos tend to make me even more RATE and something more structured is a nice contrast. Not that I don't carry hobos a lot - hmm. Perhaps a full inventory as you suggested is needed.

Marmee

Veteran

Love the hair. I think it's perfect. The glasses and boots are great, although I'm concerned about your toes going to sleep. I've learned the hard way that it's important not to ignore your feet. They are telling you that the boots are not right, and you don't want to do permanent damage.

I'm not sure about the sweatshirt. It looks like it's a little thin.

tricia w.

(website)

I'm loving the edgier look! your haircut is great, though I agree that a more severe, forward diagonal would look even better. I like both pairs of glasses, and am slowly being swayed to appreciated Doc Martins; I'll be interested to see how you style them. The handbag isn't bad, but, a single strap style would be more current.

ma

Veteran

Lovely haircut! Echoing what others said about boots not being the right fit and updating handbag

bj1111

Veteran

LOVE IT! Great haircut, stellar red glasses. That very simple outfit is so stylish and modern and definitely you!

Style Fan

Veteran

Love your haircut. Shorter in the back would be great but I like it the way it is. Very flattering. Your glasses look FAB. I am a big fan of Doc Martens but like others have said if they hurt your feet perhaps they are not for you. I have major foot problems so I am fussy about my shoes and boots.

amiable

Veteran

Thanks everyone!
I'm quite fussy about my feet and my shoes fitting. I spend all of most days on my feet (I walk or stand while working), and was hoping that Docs would be acceptible for an all-day-long footwear. I've now worn them all day today, and the toes problem was fixed by loosening the laces and thinner socks. However, I sat for a good half of the day today, so I'm still not sure whether they'll work for standing all day. They do, however, work for recreational shoes - my feet are happy in them still this evening. So those are staying.

A handbag inventory will be coming soon. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Oh - and as for the specs - they are not as large on my face as I thought they would be (this doesn't translate well in the photo - in real life they're smaller). And they're very shiny, which disagrees with me. Still, they're comfortable, and I think I'll get used to them just fine.

amiable

Veteran

And Astrid - thank you for the link. I was familiar with that blog, but hadn't been there in quite a while. I'm enjoying looking around there again.

LAR101

Love your haircut and the red glasses. (I like the black but I love the red)
Love this outfit on you. Love watching your style.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I think the new glasses look great! I'm glad the boots are comfy and that you're keeping them. The haircut is good too, but a more severe inverted bob would be nice.

Beth Ann

Veteran

You hair looks healthy, shiny and beautifully shaped. I like the glasses, too. They are light on your face, but they give a little pop of color and frame your eyes well.

I notice that you mention the desire to add "edge" and to update your style, and you seem to feel like you're not getting there with these changes. Your hair and glasses make you look modern and really quite pretty. I know you are at heart a tomboy, but is is possible that there is a natural juxtaposition in your nature between a pretty, fresh and vibrant woman and an urban tomboy? Is it possible that you feel one side of this persona is more fashionable than another?

It may be that you could do amazing things style wise by embracing both the pretty and tomboy elements. I think that could be worth exploring. On the other hand, I'm a midwesterner too, also in a more conservative (although terrific) circle. Sometimes I feel people around here, unlike my YLF friends, prefer the classic me --- it can be hard, for example, for a hairstylist to believe us when we talk about an "edgy" look. Sometimes I feel a bit pigeonholed into a look that others are comfortable with, when I really want to be more creative and fashion forward. If this is true in your case, then there are a few things you can do to keep moving forward.

1. Without "recutting" your hair right away, you could use a straightening iron and a bit of product on the ends to give a sharper edge to the bottom -- a bit like Una's.

2. How about a creamy lipcolor in the nude or brown pink category -- to give your lips a bit more depth and oomph (you have a lovely shape to your lips). I'm sure you don't have time for an elaborate makeup ritual (what homeschooling, working tomboy would?) I think a bit of mascara and brow gel or pencil to strengthen the "frame" around your eyes would give your pretty, lower contrast features a bit more contrast and stronger definition in your features.

3. Try a looser lacing, but don't keep the Docs if they don't make your feet happy! Try another pair (I think Docs suit you and are a great, practical way to "ground" your style and keep it from skewing too polished.

4. What about building each outfit around one RATE or urban tomboy piece. Working outward from this element might give you a higher happiness factors.

5. Go through your photos and group together those that are closest to your style ideas. Perhaps glancing at these once a week or so --- like a painter glancing away from the canvas toward his model -- would be helpful.

The bag doesn't read as dated to my eye --- but I agree with others that a hobo, bucket bag or backpack would probably be closer to your style home.

Dee

Veteran

Amy, I love how thorough you've been about updating your style. You've really been putting a lot of thought into all of the choices you've been making and the directions you want to go. I think your new hair looks great but if you want it more angled and dramatic, go for it! Whether at your next cut or just go back and have your stylist touch it up now if you don't go frequently. The new specs look great too.

I often have the problem you're talking about with the Docs, and if it doesn't getting better within one or two wears, I've found it generally doesn't. Thin socks do help though until they loosen up.

amiable

Veteran

BethAnn - Thanks for such a thought-filled response!
And I think you're spot-on that there's a juxtaposition that I'm aiming for - between that urban tomboy (that in my mind is an industrial tomboy), and the lady. Certainly my local crowds prefer the pretty and classic side - it's the midwest after all And I also think that 'pretty' and 'classic' are more conventionally flattering. I also think you're right that what I'm looking for is a tomboy take on something that's also somewhat classic. Maybe the best of two worlds? I'll think on this some more for sure.

Now, for your specific points:

1) I don't anticipate re-cutting my hair too soon - probably in a month or so (maybe more). I'd like to give it time to get a little more length so that I can remove another layer. I like my hair better without layering on the sides, it turns out. It behaves better. But when I go in, I'll try to convince the stylist that yes, I really do want a more severe angle. She thought this one was pretty severe And, for what it's worth - this is as straight and Una-like as I can get it with my flat-iron

2) I do often (well - at least sometimes) wear mascara, and will more with glasses, as they make my eyes look bigger. I'm look for a fall lipstick - less pink than my spring/summer one. But I haven't actually looked hard enough to buy anything yet. I should get on that.

3) I think my feet are happy in the Docs with thinner socks and looser ties. I definitely won't keep them if they prove me otherwise!

And I love your suggestions in 4 and 5, and will play with those ideas. Thank you!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

WOW!!! You look gorgeous!!

1) The hair: LOVE it!

2) The shoes: from experience, when my fourth and pinky toes go numb, it means I have the shoes laced too tight, and they are pushing on that little bone nub on the outside side of my foot, about 1/3 of the way up from the heel. Trace your fingers along the outside side of your foot and you should be able to find it. I went to a doctor for this, and he put his finger right on that bone nub where the nerve is, and I went from numb toes, to my entire body coming out of my chair in startled surprise.
If you can find that point, and figure out how to loosen your laces so that the shoe isn't rubbing on that pressure point, see if things change. But if they don't, ditch the shoes. You have an idea about the style you like - go find a pair that works

3) Specs = I can see your beautiful face and bright eyes, so I'd say they are a success

4) Love the sweatshirt and the bag.

I really think you are onto something fresh and original, and entirely you. So even if you aren't thrilled with the individual items and return them, and even if you get your hair further trimmed - still, you have really made some inroads on a remarkable personal style. YLF!!!!

catgirl

Veteran

I have lots to say - will comment when less tipsy!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Una - LOL!
Amy, I love the hair very much. The longer length in front looks lovely. I can see though why you would prefer more pronounced inverted back- I would too. It is very nice as is but it would be gorgeous with a shorter back. Wait for this month (or more) and then cut it shorter if you still feel this way.
The glasses look good, I especially like the black pair. See if you just need some adjustment time for them.
You already got a great advice for the boots so good luck!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Amy, I like the direction you're going! Your new haircut and specs are fab! The Docs will be good for adding a tough element to your looks--to add the tomboy to your classics. The bag is really nice, but you might just put it down as the next update to do, to bring it more in line with your goals. You've gotten lots of good ideas here.
I'm not a big fan of the sweatshirt--I like the idea, but would like to see it in another color. Or maybe wear it with a color?

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