Why It's So Good to Have "Eclectic" in my Style Discriptor

Over the last month I have come across a particular silky blouse at Target a number of times. It appears to have been the last one available, has wide white and navy stripes and a v neck. I really liked it and I think it looked good on. But I kept thinking mustn't buy it, not sharp or edgy enough for my style. And then today as I was rushing through Target to buy Master 10 some underwear, there it was again by it's lonesome amongst the current sale items. So I tried it on again and found I still really like it. Then I started to ponder once again how it would work in with my style, and I heard this little voice say "you're an elegant eclectic" , "you enjoy variety", "not all your pieces have to be the same", "navy and white are flattering on you", "and it will look good over a slim pant" and "you can layer a jacket over it"... so it came home with me!

What I have learnt about my style here at YLF has been incredibly valuable and liberating, bringing me to place of knowing and being comfortable with my style and has given me so much more confidence in my choices. While the blouse may not be typical for me, I know I can make it play well with the rest of my clothes... cos Im in charge!

Im sure many of us feel this way but this experience today was one of those little lightbulb moments for me:) Thanks to Angie all you fab ladies:)

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

I have full confidence in your ability to make it play well Deb!

Looking forward to seeing a picture

Ingunn

(website)

I completely relate to this! To be able to phrase "what & why" is so helpful in many aspects of life, not the least in our style journeys.

Lantana

Looking forward to seeing it in action.

carolbee

Sounds interesting, will look forward to seeing it in action.

jayne

oh, i love the sound of that blouse and knowing you will make it work womderfully in your outfits! Let's see!

hedgiehog

The louse sounds great! Navy appeals to me so in looking forward to seeing it on you and how you style it.
I've learned similar lessons here. In the past I'd purchase an item because I really like it not giving any thought to how it worked with other pieces I already owned. So now I stop, think, evaluate and sometimes move on.

Transcona Shannon

Good for you Deb for not letting restrictions get in the way of something you really love. I think we all need a bit of flexibility with our style to allow for these pieces. I have no doubt that you will rock this blouse - now let's see it!

Parsley

You're so right about that, Deborah!
a little variety keeps things interesting. Can't wait to see the top!

pil

Good for you, now let's see the blouse styled!

Anonymous

Such great insight on our style descriptor. I can't wait to see your striped blouse. It sounds like a good example of unstructured structure.

annaj

This is such lovely feedback on this forum Deborah!

Several months ago, I had a terrible experience, whereby a stylist gave me some advice (unwarranted I might add) which went totally against all of my own personal beliefs about my "self", and also went against style advice given to me by other stylists. It really threw me! Given that I had so much respect for the stylist, I felt that I "had" to consider her advice. It didn't "fit" and I have since gone back to "my" style and feel so much more comfortable in doing so.

I also love Angie's take on things. She doesn't dictate what is and is not "right" but gives us suggestions and insights, and encourages us to discuss pros, cons and our own personal feelings about style. I enjoy the "self discovery" journey and the respect that members show each other.

I'm glad you found your blouse, and I look forward to seeing how it fits with your wardrobe!

Ariadne

I hear you, Deb! Way to go. But. ahem. We need pics, lady!

Speaking from another EE point of view I know exactly what you mean it is nice to think that it allows for variety as long as you can make it work with your other pieces, and I'm 100% sure you can, then it's a win win situation. I am so looking forward to the pics, don't keep us waiting too long.

Aida

/highfive! This is a great insight Deborah. I often struggle with those items myself (I wrote on this idea recently too, it must be the season change bringing on doubts); for me it's a matter of limiting those eclectic pieces so that I don't overclutter my staples. Anyway! I have complete faith that you can make the top work, too. Now let's see it

Lyn D.

Obviously 'meant to be' Deborah!
This confidence that YLF gives us can be a double-edged sword though-
'cause I can now find at least 1 great piece most times I look.
I can better tell how an outside of comfort zone item could look with this or that, and if the fabric and workmanship is there, further justify the (non-list) purchase!!

ElleH

It sounds like it would work with any style. I know you will make it look fab! I love YLF. I, like you, have learned so much & been able to branch out.

I'm so glad it was still there when you went back with your son. You're right, it is very handy that you are eclectic in your style, it will work in your wardrobe and of course navy and white will be flattering on you. It will look super with all of your black items, too. You were very wise to go with your "fashion gut" on this on Deborah. I will be waiting anxiously to see a picture of it on you.

CocoLion

I could not agree more. I feel style descriptors should be loose enough not be trapped into a formula.

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