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Wardrobe Architect Week Two

This week’s wardrobe architect goal is to attach words and images to key style elements. The questions provided in the exercise are meant to make us think about how items of clothing or particular styles, make us feel and then identify words and images that illustrate the positive aspects of these.


WHEN I WEAR MY FAVORITE CLOTHES I FEEL…
Put together and unself-conscious; I don’t tend to notice myself in relation to space. I feel like I smile more and the world is/feels sunnier. Things seem more optimistic; I’m more lenient toward life (I’m not sure if the clothing choices tend to cause or effect). I feel like I’ve done something good for myself when I’m wearing clothes that suit me.


WHEN I WEAR CLOTHES THAT DON’T FEEL LIKE “ME” I FEEL…
Clumsy to an extent and awkward in a physical sense, more visible, like I’m trying too hard (or not hard enough). I feel uncomfortable, dirty in that ‘I forgot to brush my teeth’ sort of way like there’s something not quite right. I tend to feel tired more often (I’m not sure if the clothing choices tend to cause or effect). It feels like getting dressed was more of an effort and paid off less than it usually does.


STYLE ICONS
I can’t say I really have a style icon or icons (at least not consciously). I’m somewhat removed from mainstream media and pop culture so I don’t have a real understanding of modern fashion icons. That being said there are a few people (and characters (*)) whose wardrobe I adore.

Joy Williams: I adore both her “stage uniform” and her more informal everyday wear. Black, particularly a black silhouette, is something that’s always interested me. I love how effortlessly Joy pulls it off adding a bit of sparkle to more timeless pieces. While I wouldn’t wear some of the things she does she has inspired me to play around with style elements I would have otherwise written off without a second thought.

Helen Magnus*: and to some extent Kate Freelander’s*. Magnus’ sense of style appeals to me for some of the reasons Joy’s does; it’s fitted, feminine, and both classic and modern. Magnus’ style also appeals to me because it’s so varied, so unapologetically Magnus put together and formal but at times comfortable and casual, and always (at least in modern times) appropriate to the situation. Kate’s style appeals to me because of the grungier edge. I love that something casual can look thought out and put together. I also love her use of layers.

MacKenzie McHale*: Her style is similarly formal to Magnus’ but with a more comfortable twist. The blouses are more free flowing and blazers almost all together absent. What I love most about MacKenzie’s style is that it’s taught me that I’m not interested in this particular style. While it is less effortless (more comfortable in the day to day sense) than Magnus’, it’s too nouveau riche for me; Mac’s clothing is used as a status symbol. The classic elements of Mac’s wardrobe are distinctly upperclass, while the modern elements are reflective of recent popular trends. Magnus’ wardrobe on the other hand consists mainly of timeless classic pieces with modern flares, be it ruffles, or buckles and snaps.

Jennifer Jareau*: from Criminal Minds has a style I often overlook, which is one of the reasons that I love it. It’s simple, fitted, classy, and understated. I love her use of white button down shirts..

Toast (UK): Particularly their winter fashion lines with the darker more conservative colors. I love the clean lines and simple constructions, particularly their use of solid colors and color blocking. The menswear in particular, button downs under sweaters under peacoats (or duffel coats). Liden* from the US adaption of The Killing has a style that appeals to me for similar reasons although I prefer a look that’s more put together.

Catherine of SeeCreatures: I love her attention to detail (particularly the way her accessories making the outfit), monochrome or analogous color schemes, and her use of subtle textures: satin or velvet ribbon as accessories in particular.

Felicia Day: I would be remiss not mentioning Felicia since my more slapdash wardrobe days are often compared to her everyday sense of style. I like her use of layers and the geekier/nerdier elements to her wardrobe.


MY STYLE(ISH)
Bohemian
Gamine
California
Classic
Elegant
Hipster
Prep
Romantic
Sophisticated
1940’s


WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH LAST WEEK’S EXERCISE (15)
Put-together
Dressy/Formal
Well Made
Fitted
Mature
Tasteful/Classy
Wealth (but not ritzy)

Repurpose/Thrifted/Responsible
Natural fibers
Versatile (able to be layered/multi-season)
Weather appropriate
Reflective of the season (color and material wise)
Practical
Classic (not prone to trends)

Clean/Simple
Solid Colors
Mute

Comfortable
Footwear appropriate
Body appropriate


OTHER WORDS* (9)

* Snippets from this forum post.
Natural1, Traditional2, Chic3, Earthy, Outdoorsy, Sensible, Situation appropriate, Restrained, Uncluttered, Optimistic

1. Natural
Earthy, uncomplicated, relaxed and at ease. Her hair (possibly windblown) and makeup (minimal to nonexistent) exude her carefree, often outdoors-y manner. Nubby weaves and heavily textured knits, durable denims, suedes, and leathers, earth tones, and natural materials such as wood and seashells typify the wardrobe.

2. Traditional
Sensible, practical and polite. Classic in the sense that they are time honored favorites, whether the designs themselves fit the Classic mold or not. Comfortable in a pea coat or a plaid flannel shirt as in a classic black dress - as long as her apparel suits the occasion.

3. Chic
 Relies heavily on Classic looks, smart and striking. Combines well-tailored garments and well-chosen accessories in restrained, elegantly bold compositions. Clean, sharp lines, and strong colors. Time-honored styles such as navy blazers and button-down blouses. Formal balance and clean, uncluttered lines.


THE HIGHLIGHTS (5 CORE WORDS)

Sensible
Responsible (ethically/environmentally)
Not Prone to Trends
Comfortable
Traditional
Versatile  
Multi-season
Practical
Well Made
Clean/Simple
            Uncluttered
            Restrained
            Put Together
            Tasteful
            Fitted
Mature
Mute
Solid Colors
Chic
Appropriate (in terms of the:)
            Body
            Shoes
            Weather
            Social Situation
Earthy
Natural Fibers
Outdoorsy
            Reflective of the Season
            Natural

FASHION HIGHLIGHTS (20 CORE IMAGES)
My 20 images can be found here on Pinterest. Most of the images I picked are spring/fall based since we’re in the middle of a horrible cold sap, and I’ve lost all memory of warm weather. Even so, the majority of the core words are represented just with more layers and without the occasional shorts.

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