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WIW (By request): My Style Personas + the Items They Like (PICS)

Vix

Veteran

This is a thread born of a few things:

* my currently INFLATED ego due to all the nice comments YLFers left on my recent Vancouver BC trip thread

* discussions Suz and I have had about some similarities in our taste, and her continued efforts to add more architectural pieces to her wardrobe while still dealing with other looks she likes

* CocoLion's comment on my trip thread that it was unusual-but-nice to see several of my style pics in one place

That last one surprised me since I feel I am *constantly* spamming threads -- especially style persona ones -- with multiple photos. But it's true I don't initiate many, so I see where it could be hard to catch 'em.

So with Suz's prodding [<---- bus wheels meet Suz]

...I'll try to structure this thread to show how a lot of my pieces move in and out of my 3 somewhat arbitrary and oft-blurred personas.* I find it super-easy to assess my potential purchases by weighing them against the 3 phrases below.

First up: 3 photos to roughly illustrate personas.

1. Minimalist Magpie
(illustrated with jewelry, and my 4 "desert island" pieces)

2. Contrarian Classicist
(illustrated with standard dress pants and a horn purse + a custom-made faux-sarong knit dress)

3. Persnickety Bohemian
(illustrated with my ancient silk maxi-dress topped by a T)

Next post: How by shopping with my persona categories in mind, a lot of my outfits end up as Vaguely Vintage or Barely Boho.

* To come up with a persona, I followed a cheat sheet for the Style Statement book -- then I added 2 more of 'em.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Vix

Veteran

*** Photos are all over the map re quality -- apologies! ***

For the most part, I wear a lot of "Modern Classic" looks -- and despite the lack of photographic evidence, I do wear lots of monochromatic or tonal outfits.

Since Modern Classic is so broad and since I gravitate to a smaller-vs-larger wardrobe for lots of reasons (champagne taste/beer budget being one of them!) I use my style personas to keep me on track.

CLIFF NOTES: Too much classic feels wrong to me, too much boho feels wrong to me, too much "muchness" feels wrong to me. I like to mix classic with boho, classic with shiny things, and classic with color.

By shopping with and/or combining items with personas + a certain color palette in mind, a lot of my pieces end up working for both Vaguely Vintage or Barely Boho looks. Good things in my book! [But it's relatively easy to swap in one's own style goals/preferences.]

Below, some collages of outfits that use the same piece but have at least a slightly different feel -- to me, anyway!

#1 = same blouse in 2 photos; same jacket in 2 photos

#2 = same custom-made wool jersey jacket in all

#3 = same scarf in all

#4 = same blazer in both

#5 = periwinkle silk pouf blouse worn with different necklines and front/back (includes blazer from #4)

#6 = multi-way peacock print dress, can be worn as tunic of varying lengths (based on design of #6)

#7 = same green pencil skirt (includes blazer from #4...wish I had a photo of a different top with it)

#8 vintage metallic clutch worn with jeans + drapey top and luxux-threaded dress

#9 yet another zigzag...worn with standard lightweight wool pencil skirt + cardigan as well as with matte satin ruched pencil skirt + unseen black knee- high boots

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Vix

Veteran

Last batch of photos -- thanks for reading if you made it here!

My Missoni-by-the-yard obsession is certainly revealed on this thread...but then I am an admitted "multiples"/uniform dresser.

Fewer repeated items per collage, but some of my typical silhouettes. Often I find it's just one or two accessories that tip something from straight Modern Classic to somewhat vintage or boho.

Group A: Vaguely Vintage: #1-4

Often one somewhat retro silhouette or print paired with classic items. In #3, skirt in top and bottom outfits is the same espresso-colored one -- and blue mohair capelet is vintage.

Group B: Barely Boho: #5-10

Generally classic silhouette + boho-y pattern, but sometimes the reverse. Photo #6 shows blue dress solo and as underlayer to scarf.

In #7 I know you can barely tell but the drapey top is worn with the long shorts. And the same shorts are what I put with the billowy, sheer purple top.

Group C: Minimalist Magpie persona intersects with Contrarian Classicist one: #11-13

Usually a streamlined shape + one or more shiny things. Same 13 y.o. black dress in #11-12.

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jayne

Veteran

fascinating stuff...this must be reread....I do see the style personna you describe in each of the examples and find it so inspiring how you reuse the elements in all . I love your use of color and even the idea there is a minimalist magpie...with minimalist having meant no jelewlry t me before. But I see it now.

Let's see ..I haven't the done the analysis you have but I idenitfy strongy with the classic,, the boho. and the magpie...and I thought they were contrary to each other, but seeing how you manage to be all these, and more, means that maybe I am not as personna confused as I thought. Hmm, I m trying to deal with a little bit warrior in addition...with a drawing to black leather, Ralph Lauren western elements and safari....buckles, belt and bling oh my!

I have to take more time and read and think...but I love how you organzed yourself with this...and you are a great writer...love the humor in your blog

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vix, THANK you so much for taking the time to put this together. What a feast for the eyes and the mind.

Something that comes across very strongly in this collection and that we can only see from looking at a group of photos at once is how important textures are to the success of your look. There's such an interesting mix here of soft/shiny, smooth/drapey, pebbly/tweedy, stretchy/woven-crisp (with less emphasis on the woven-crisp than might be typical in a flat-out modern classic wardrobe.)

I definitely see the influence of all 3 of your fashion personas in these outfits. "Vaguely vintage" and "barely boho" also seem exceptionally good descriptors for the end result.

I'm really interested in your use of pattern and colour. I know you are a reformed "blackaholic." When you started moving towards more colour and pattern, how did you choose a palette for yourself, and in terms of patterns, did you simply go with what appealed to you or did you (or do you now, perhaps) choose consciously? There seems to be a combination of abstract floral (esp. on shiny pieces) and then the textured zig-zags that I think of as completely "you" and that remind me of the inside of 19th century books. I have a skirt in a pattern like this that I adore, and that always feels "vaguely vintage" to me, too.

I think one of the reasons it all works together is that -- those zig zags notwithstanding -- you're drawn overall to somewhat curvy or organic shapes. This lends a cohesiveness to the whole picture. You do show a few crisp and sharply angled items....the trench, for example, and one or the jackets comes to mind...but these are softened considerably by the scarf or skirt or blouse they are paired with. Of course it might look a bit different IRL when we would see a whole outfit at once.

This is going to lead to lots of thinking. I may have given people the impression the other day that I was done with vintage or retro looks....but nothing could be further from the truth. I will always be attracted to that. So I need to find a way to meld or combine a very modern aesthetic with a "vaguely vintage" one (love that phrase!) and I foresee a few architectural challenges at minimum! I do think the road towards a happy marriage may be by really asking myself again and again what it is that deeply appeals in both. And, as Gaylene suggested, making a list of all the things I do NOT want my look to be.

Thank you again, so much!!!!

Claudia

Veteran

Vix, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It is "a feast for the mind and the eyes." As someone who wholeheartedly loves your style, use of color, texture and artistic flair, your analysis and photos are of keen interest.

Loving this discussion and comments.

Anonymous

Vix, you are a visual feast! And a thoughtful writer and charming person as well. This thread is such a treat for a Sunday morning! I am savoring it with my coffee. Thank you.

Lantana

Veteran

Fascinating and instructive, thank you.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Wow Vix, your posts are always a visual and literary feast! Love your Vancouver pics too! I feel like I'm taking a college course in Artistic Fashion--there are so many layers and you're obviously operating on a much higher plane. I feel like I can appreciate that you're a true artist, even if I don't understand everything you're referring to. Maybe after years of study I can begin to comprehend. This thread is something I could learn something from every time I come back to it--I'm bookmarking it for sure! Gorgeous clothes, gorgeous pics! The peacock blouse is to die for. I love the zig zag outfits. And can I just say I love your hats! Between you and Suz, you're making me want to rush out and buy a cloche! So vintage glam! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and post your pics! You've got incredible style!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I love these looks! Can I copy your style, please?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fab thread and thanks, Vix! It's wonderful to see you inspire others! Your gift with words and how you have managed to hone your style is a great example for us all

Vix

Veteran

Jayne, Suz (of course!), Claudia, Alicat, Lantana, Goldenpig, Mander, and Angie --

You know I can't resist responding to individuals, but for the moment I'm going to steal Alicat's line and say your responses were *my* Sunday morning treat. You all are much more fun than your competitors: laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping!

And really, a round of applause to all contributing YLFers (photo-posting or not) and of course Angie and Greg for hosting our discussions.

When a friend had a "style intervention" with (on?) me 7 or so years ago, I had lots of experience reading fashion history stuff and fashion magazines but no idea how to a) opt in to participating in something besides 99% "black and baggy" and b) not much idea of how to condense and shop for my preferences, opinions, insecurities -- and budget! On the other hand sometimes ignorance is bliss.

More about my intervention and its aftermath here: http://buildingacolorfullife.w.....ng-collabs

In addition to getting practical and inspirational ideas from YLF, one of the things I like is being able to cheat on my preferences by looking at all of your choices and living vicariously! Especially with colors that look awful on me but that I like, or when it comes to print mixing, or....

[And also since I can be one of those "I don't know what I want, I just know what I don't want" types...which IMO is actually a great way to hone in on what one does want to try.]

JR

Veteran

Indeed, very interesting. I'm nowhere near that intentional myself or conscious of what I'm doing, but I'm heading in that direction. And I really like your looks, all of them. Hope I can find a dress I can love as much as you have loved your LBD.

Vix

Veteran

Not to exclude others (discussion welcome!) but Jayne and Suz, a few thoughts around some of your specific questions --

Suz --

At the risk of opening up the whole "rules/no rules!" thing when it comes to style, what you noticed about my choice in starting to add prints and patterns to my closet is correct.

I had help from the print selection guidelines Bridgette Raes details in her book, Style Rx, and have shared the tips with friends. [Earlier style gurus have said similar, but Raes is where I encountered it, so.] Book link: http://www.amazon.com/Style-Rx....._cd_t_pb_t

Unlike intuition-advocate Gavin “The Gift of Fear” de Becker, Raes notes that her clients’ instincts about prints often run counter to their personalities and style goals. And their coloring. And the size of their body and facial features. My people!

Given my facial features (including square jaw, full lips, almond vs round eyes, "soft" vs defined nose, semi-arched vs linear brows or rounded brows) I find a mix of angled and rounded lines work best for me. I cheat a little with the Missioni fabric because they are a softer angle unlike, say, argyle (shudder...terrible on me) .

Bridgette Raes: The Basics of Picking Prints

* Consider personality: bold types should think twice before undermining their personal power with “ditzy, irreverent” prints; demure types are frequently overpowered by mega-dynamic prints.

* Print scale isn’t just about body size, but about facial features: smaller-sized women can have larger features and vice versa.

* The boldness or softness of one’s personal coloring is one’s “intensity level.” It’s the relationship created by the contrast between hair/skin/eye color, and it can be bold, soft, or somewhere in between. If skin/hair tones change for any reason, intensity can change.

More here, as I was helping another friend, Fizz, pick fabric: http://buildingacolorfullife.w.....ints-pt-2/

*****

Jayne --

You might be interested in reading/skimming the blog posts I did on my friend Eileen. She let me interview and photograph her last year after she went through a re-evaluation of her style (non-style in her words!) and the whole process was fairly emotional for her.

http://buildingacolorfullife.w.....mons-pt-1/

I thought of you because she has a love of womanly retro and goth! Talk about seeming opposites for me.

Eileen realized she wanted her clothes to express her:
* love of color and texture
* leanings toward the exotic and frilly
* goth punk side (she said: "it’s there…it never really went away!")

I think her initial results captured what she wanted. The later ones, too. It's funny because while she and I do overlap and there are items I would so steal -- there are many others (the "tough" leather/hardware, the urban utilitarian") that I'd leave.

Eileen did end up chopping her hair, so below pics are also her. She wanted a version of my Peacock Print dress, so we fabric shopped and the choice is below (retro + womanly!). As you might guess those are her shoes/belt, not mine.

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Anonymous

Wow! What a fascinating thread Vix! I was just trolling around your website the other day and appreciating what an artist you are. Nothing brilliant to contribute, but I must go read the referenced threads that I've missed. Thank you tip, and for all of your beautiful photos!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Incredible! Thank you for sharing this. Very inspiring to see all the collages!

jayne

Veteran

Thanks for the tips...I might order that book (one thing I can import without VAT killing me)

Now to go read the link you posted...

Vix

Veteran

Claudia, Alicat, Goldenpig, and Claire --

I'm not even sure what to say, except a big thank you. [And that GP, you're a much faster learner that I have proved!] There are many times both the blog and my paid work have seemed like an echo chamber and I am not afraid to say my ego really appreciated the boosts from people who have high standards (that would be you all!).

Latana -- You're back (and have been missed)! Thank you.

Mander --

Take what you want (I'd see it as a compliment, for sure...hope others do when they inspire me). As I stole that scarf-as-dress look right off a mannequin it's not as if can feel proprietary about anything I wear!

Angie -- I appreciate that! Hope you saw my thanks to you and Greg in an earlier response!

JR and Ingunn -- I'm glad you found it instructive. Truthfully I learned some things myself that I need to keep in mind when I belatedly go through my fall/winter stuff. "Don't buy or dress on auto-pilot" is first on my "keep remembering this" list!

Suz -- I will add some stuff about color palette selection later. Just wanted to say I am a *recovering* blacktextile-a-holic, ha! Black's not super-terrible, but dark cool grey is better, and I'm not kidding when I say it's a struggle to keep away from the shade. I cheat a lot by finding printed items with black in them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Vix, thank you, again. I have just decided to order that book! And I will be checking back and thinking more about your other links. I followed along with your blog before about Elieen's fashion overhaul, but these new pics that you posted for Jayne are also super-instructive. Thank you!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Wonderful thread, Vix, and very helpful to me as I rethink my style direction. I'm particularly fond of the ensemble with the wool jersey jacket in the second batch of photos -- it fits with my rubric of "form with flow," and I can believe it's custom because these items are so hard to find in stores. I also adore the "vaguely vintage" jacket and skirt combo --- so interesting, but not at all costumey. I appreciate your well curated approach to dressing, and the way you manage to look youthful and feminine while looking distinctly like a grownup.

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

What wonderful photos, Vix, I love your style, and I particularly love the prints you've chosen. I am very picky about prints and prefer beautiful, subtle tonal colour combinations in prints - exactly like those you've chosen. Am off to read your blog more thoroughly!

Vix

Veteran

Beth Ann and Butterfly Lady --

Thank you both. Glad you've outed yourselves as picky in certain ways so I have company. Doesn't operating in Goldilocks mode drive you wild until you FINALLY find an item that ticks a variety of boxes? Makes the times I settle that much more of a disappointment.

And Beth Ann, I'll be looking to see what direction you take your style. From my end, Seems like you had summer all sorted out!

**********

Suz --

Glad you enjoyed Eileen's story and the little photo update. I'll ask her if she has any others of the goth-y or urban utilitarian nature to share.

I skipped over your question about how I chose/choose a color palette earlier. First, that's relatively new to me (last 2 or so years). It's a combo of a couple of things:

* DIY color analysis to find color boundaries and color contrasts (high/medium/low) that seem to work for me [I think there's value in a pro analysis, just haven't gone there]

* Paying attention to color forecasts and seeing what's in the stores, then mapping that back to my flattering shades (warms, neons, too muddied/muted = pass)

* Looking at what's in my closet color-wise, and trying to buy to work with those pieces AND have at least some of any new stuff work together as a little mini-capsule

For more, this post analyzed 373 days of my shopping, with an emphasis on color choices -- and it has links to all my relevant posts on the matter:

http://buildingacolorfullife.w.....e-me-bawl/