WIW --- Art Deco and Bootcuts - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW --- Art Deco and Bootcuts

Beth Ann

Veteran

Such interesting discussion on the forum! Is January always this stimulating? What did all you YLFers do on the holidays to recharge the batteries?

I've been musing on style personas. Am I a Diva? I've been googling literal Divas of old (Maria Callas, anyone) and of today (Renee Fleming, Anna Netrebko), and it doesn't seem a perfect fit. When I look more broadly at old Hollywood icons, like Katherine Hepburn and Grace Kelly, I feel inspired, particularly when I see they "casual" looks. Perhaps I'm just a more "Down to Earth Diva." I must say, though, in my fantasy life I'd be in gowns for dinner (which the "staff" would cook). 2 parts Downton Abbey and one part Tosca.

I'm posting two recent "teach voice students at home" looks, both with bootcuts. Both also have graphic, rather "art deco" patterns in the tops. The only new piece is the blouse in the first outfit --- BR Outlet on Clearance. It has little pintucks at the neckline and a mandarin collar that I can (and perhaps should) button to the top. The second outfit I'm not sure I like quite as well, but I can cook and do light housekeeping in it between students, which is a plus!

These definitely point to a Realistic Romanticism (not boho) that is major part of my personality and style. Shout Out to Diana: These show my Artistic/Eclectic leanings a bit, too.

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22 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

fern

Veteran

I love the patterns you choose. I like both outfits, but, yes, highly practical & these don't say "Diva" at all to me. Are you happy with that, or do you want more gowns & drama in your home fashion?
(I first wrote "more drama in your home life?" but that seems like a loaded question!)

Anonymous

I especially like the second outfit. The shoes (smoking slippers?) are darling!

Day Vies

Veteran

I love your eye for patterns. #1 is so divine. I would say the pattern is more Art Nouveau than Art deco. The pattern and palette reminds me of a Charles Rennie Mackintosh painting (it was installed in a tea house which has since been demolished). See:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/your.....mackintosh

I like down to earth diva -- it certainly picks up on the sparkly cheetah loafers. How to explain the men's wear influence? I love the vest and jacket by the way. I'm not sure down to earth diva captures that.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Fern: Well, while I've come to terms with the fact that my life has more "cleaning" than "dining," I do have several opportunities to dress up during the year because I sing in regular, if not exceedingly frequent, performances (classical music). I think I would like to enjoy the texture, color and "specialness" that we feel when when dress for special occasions in my daily dress. I think Angie is a great example of this --- her polish extends to her "work at home" days.

Joy: Yes, these slippers were a holiday purchase from DSW -- a little sparkle in a practical package!

DV: Yep! You're right! Art Nouveau. Thanks for the clarification. I think Deco might be more minimalist and linear -- less curve and sweep. And let's face it, I curve and sweep! I think the menswear --- and I've got a hankering for a soft, oversized men's shirt and Kate Hepburn trousers --- is actually just a form of romanticism that tones down and gives structure to other elements of my wardrobe. This vest (not new) is one of my most versatile items.

catgirl

Veteran

Spunky looks! Would like to see the vest open. The second outfit is fab, and the shoes!

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm not sure about the category but I love the bootcuts and waistcoat! Your smoking slippers are adorable too. You look great!

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

I really like both the outfits. And those shoes with little block heels look so comfortable and fashionable at the same time. I also like the funky animal print shoes.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I love both outfits!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Do you perhaps think you might accommodate a dual personality/alter ego? Arty Dandy Diva vs Down-to-Earth Diva?

Especially adore outfit #2 -- those shoes and that print make a 'practical' on-the-go outfit so very luxe.

Anonymous

I love 4-5. It looks great and luxe.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love these self-definition threads! I have been thinking about you since that first classification as diva, and wondering if it really fit. I sort of like the idea of trying to fit us all into the court somehow...in which case I see you as a Countess or a Duchess....maybe you are a Country Countess (country isn't quite right....) or yes, Down-to-earth Duchess....there is a strain of the fresh natural in your look as well as the arty, it seems to me. Definitely some softness.

Yet here you are playing with menswear items and they look great! I think the structure of these works particularly well with the organic patterns you've chosen for the other elements -- it all comes together on you in a beautiful way! Love those slippers - what a great buy they were.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love the patterns you have chosen in both of the tops Beth Ann and I think pattern overall is part of your style. As well, you layer your items beautifully and I'm noticing a few menswear things popping up. LOVE those slipper flats in outfit #2.

I kind of like the idea of Down to Earth Diva. I think it suits you.

Emily

Veteran

Arty Rebel Diva?

(inspired by the book title here- http://youlookfab.com/books/2012/12/rebel-chic/)

I absolutely love the tailored menswear vest over printed top in #1. So gorgeous.

Anonymous

Oh, I must copy that bootcut with vest look ASAP! I find your style really attainable and relatable. Thank you for the inspiration!
( I still think you must include the diva somewhere.

pil

Veteran

These are both really nice looks Beth Ann. I really like the vest and shoes in 1 - I can see how that vest would be so versatile.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

Fern: Even Divas spend most of their lives off the stage. I'd like to project a certain creative, artistic energy in my look without relying on "stage wear" to do so. I also want to look approachable and relaxed -- nothing that seems "high maintenance.

Mandipa: I definitely have alter egos (lol)!

Suz: Divas -- I have a literal Diva (Renee Fleming) in my mind, have a sort of polish that is not the same as my "team dressy" persona. Perhaps that's where I'm hung up. I do think of myself as a "classic romantic or perhaps better still,a soft dramatic. Maybe I'm the Diva who turns it up for the two hours she's on stage, and then comes home to have an easy dinner with her friends. And, while I don't feel country, I'm the sort of Duchess who would be out for a ride in the morning before the ball at night.

I enjoy the juxtaposition of menswear on a curvy body type. I think it keeps my patterns and colors from look fussy or twee.

Shannon: I LOVE texture, pattern, and color. I'm trying to learn keep it focused, however, or I look like I'm either trying too hard, or lot a hot mess!

Emily: MUST read that book. At first I though that I wasn't a rebel, but DH says I am! Kate's look isn't as "edgy" today, but it still carries a certain energy and confidence.

Zap: Humbled to have inspired you. This vest is last year's purchase from Kohl's, if you can believe that! I'd love to have another in burgundy or black, but no luck so far!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW

You look KILLER, especially in #1 and #2. It's amazing how patterned shoes add spunk, don't you think?

Down To Earth Diva works too!

tarzy

Veteran

I love the idea of the "Down to Earth Diva!"

It seems you are NOT using "Diva" to imply a sort of personality (high maintenance, willful, center of attention, demanding) but rather a profession? (Master opera singer.) That may be hard to convey to others, but since this is a guide for YOU, it doesn't matter what it implies to other people, as long as you can use it for yourself.

Do you want people to look at you and think "She must be on the stage/artistic." If so, are there specific fabrics or styles that would say that? I used to be in the theatre, and many of the leading ladies I admired (when I was younger) seemed to always be dressed up - beautiful fabrics, blouses in striking colors (never t-shirts) trousers (never jeans) - or else they wore all black with one bold piece of jewelry. I always think I'll dress that way "when I grow up." (I'm 55 now, so I don't know what I'm waiting for.)

I'm excited to follow your journey to define your style!

Isis

Veteran

I love both. #2 is too cool for school!

Tina.b

Veteran

Beth Ann, you have such a great eye for patterns and using them to add drama to your look. Though these are both fairly casual outfits, you make them look luxe. Just lovely! And your slipper flats, I want to steal those!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Two beautiful looks! #1 is my favorite of these--I really like the menswear touch of the vest, and I adore the blouse. You are so right about how the vest and jacket complement your curvy frame--so lovely! I like the softness of the second outfit, and those smoking slippers are so fun with it!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Angie: Thanks for the thumbs up! I'm looking for a little more zing in my shoes, after decades of all black. I have 4 pairs of patterned shoes, and am on the hunt for a little more color for spring. Perhaps cobalt point toe flats and a pair of oxfords?

Tarzy: I like the kind of personal energy that doesn't say "Look at me, I'm special," but rather, "Be with me and we'll have a marvelous time together." That's why I made the rubric of: form with flow (a balance of structure and softness) and energy with ease (special, vibrant looks that are approachable).

Thanks for your helpful comments! Seems like I'm not heading for the minimalist camp, but that my use of patterns isn't OTT.