Finding Your Own Style

Age of Self

If you're like me, finding things to wear in the morning can be difficult. A delicate balance between being comfortable, wearing appropriate attire for the weather and occasion, whilst expressing your individuality can be hard note to fine tune. Add in certain feelings about not wanting to draw attention to oneself and you might be destined for a bum note all together. 

Like I've stated in my other Style Files posts I'm no fashion guru. I buy what I like and wear what I'm comfortable in. Yet, following such a mantra can at times leave you (me) with items that I may not necessarily wear and become stuck in a style rut. What's a human to do? You want to look like a peacock but blend in with the pigeons, or you just simply want to look like a peacock but don't know which plumes may suit you. Well since this is part of the style files - my online journal to finding my sheek in chic I guess I'll be helping you and myself with that in this posty oaty. 

Finding Style
This has been a long awaited 'to-do' thing written on endless to-do lists. For some reason I've got it in my head that the moment my wardrobe and style is clarified - will be that 'a-ha' moment. The first thing which stylish people say you should do it to compile a list of words which you think sum up or signify your style or what you would like your style to be. You can make it as lengthy as your like. Here is a list I made earlier (in around 2011/2012).  

"My Style Words

Conservative. Casual. Colourful. Enigmatic. Simple. Unfussy. Eclectic. Modest. Comfy. Sensual. Romantic. Masculine. Fun. Laid back easy going. Different. Feminine. Creative. Tropical. Hippy. Bohemian. Mysterious.

Now I'm going to edit this list. As you can tell many of the phrases I used to define my style are repetitive e.g. casual, unfussy, laid back easy going etc. So I'm going to consolidate them into groups. 

 Conservative. Casual. Colourful. Enigmatic. Simple. Unfussy. Eclectic. Modest. Comfy. Sensual. Romantic. Masculine. Fun. Laid back easy going. Different. Feminine. Creative. Tropical. Hippy. Bohemian. Mysterious. - I was able to break down these words into three main categories 

1. Simple/Classic

2. Casual

3. Eclectic 

This all can be summed up into : I like simple and elegant designs which suit my casual lifestyle and taste but, also accentuates my body without showing too much of it. I also like prints and colours.

.. Its interesting to see that I'm not as complicated as I thought - I'm pretty basic in my wants actually *newsflash*

So now I know what I'm after its time to make a collage. Another thing that Stylish people advise to do - here goes ... I just bought a mag with a good freebie (because I'm one of those people who just buys certain magazines for the freebies). I basically chose pictures that I liked the look of and then grouped them together ...

I think my clothing choices actually reflected my words ... What do you think?

 

... well Tropical is stretching it but I think this reflect some of my words?

Ok let's see if my wardrobe pieces reflect it.

Left to Right: my lightweight floral blue jacket, to my wardrobe full of jumpers, to my drawer of tops and dresses.  I know, I know - I'm so neat! *sarcasm*

As you can see there are a lot of patterns ... I have patterns for days. Anything resembling curtains, wrapping paper or your grandma's knick knacks are up for grabs. I'm not really a dressy person so, over the years my plain (but printed) outfits rarely make me cringe but of course like anybody I have thought back to some choices and thought "what was I thinking?". Nevertheless hopefully this style series (which will be churned out every so often) will help me out. 

From Left to Right: Skirts and Trousers, my boots, my necklace collection and bits and bobs and lastly my handbags.

Ultimately, I'm pretty low maintenance and I live in jeans, jeggings and tights. Whilst I wouldn't call myself a "girly girl" , I do own a lot of dresses because they're so easy to wear and can give me room for extra helpings, more so than even the most strechy jeans. Plus they do look flattering and I like the way they can twirl and swing (so I'm not just thinking about practicalities and stuffing my face). Moving on - my favourite types of shoe are round toed boots, wedges, converse style trainers and court shoes with thick heels (because I'm a shorty & I don't want them to snap). Next - I have a good necklace collection that I don't really utilise because I'm not really a jewellery wearer but  I would like to change this and then my bags - I usually stick to the same (not pictured here) but hopefully I'll be using my others. 

Well that's my intro done with. I will be culling accordingly and I've been thinking that I'll do a run through on my everyday outfit or maybe a show n tell over what goes on when I clothes shop. I've got plans as usual for my health regime and I'm thinking that I could do the same cull with my food and general everyday life (eradicating bad unhealthy habits). So stay tuned if you're interested.

Whoops - I nearly forgot. I've recently been watching StyleLikeU which is a series where individuals "strip" from their signature style and speak about the battles they have overcome. People have had strong opinions and honestly I get both points of view from those see it as slightly voyeuristic to those who find it empowering. Personally I think, its interesting to see what clothing says about someone, their battles and I don't think I've come across a video that hasn't resonated with me. Anyway till next time. 

What does your style say about you?

Do you think what your are drawn to and what you already own match?

Does it reflect your personality?

Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated! 

:o)

x