they offer the best and most affordable option to add that authentic and personal touch.
Consider for example that you and another person are both wearing the same outfits...
Let's use a white top and a pair of black trousers as an example.
You are both unique.
Unless you are identical twins, of course you'll look different.
So right off the bat ~ you are "YOU."
YOU may want to further personalize your individual look by adding accessories....
YOU may not...
and the good news is that it's up to YOU.
Tilda Swinton is a prime example of someone who is a minimalist when it comes to accessorizing and yet she makes a very bold impression...
she gets noticed for her personal style even when she is modeling designer clothing.
We "see" Tilda, not just the clothes.
So how do YOU add flair that is honest and authentic?
Are YOU in tune to what YOU want to add to make the outfit "YOURS?"
If not...you might be asking yourself why not.
Where to start?
What do I need to know about myself and how do I go about excavating my personal taste and unique look?
Something to think about before you embark on the journey of exploration.
Consider your lifestyle and personality and how they impact they way that you dress?
Do you want to make a BOLD style statement or are you comfortable BLENDING in?
"Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered."
~ Giorgio Armani ~
The "Real You" is in there...you just need to explore and investigate.
This part should be fun.
It took me quite some time to go through the discovery process...
I visited thrift shops, galleries, markets, read magazines, blogs and books before feeling confident about my choices.
I love Hermes silk scarves, vintage jewelry and pearls.
Your choices will be completely different from mine but that is the whole point of the exercise.
There are so many wonderful ways to put your personal touch on an outfit.
Ebay and Etsy offer a huge range of items...
Carve out a day just for yourself
take time to savour and wander through the shops.
Ethnic, thrift, and antique shops are a great source of unique and beautiful pieces.
Don't rush or you might miss something...
it takes time to discover what makes your heart beat a little faster.
You may already have an inherited stash of family jewels and if so, lucky you!
There may be a paste brooch from the 1930's or a stunningly beautiful necklace that you can adopt as your signature piece...
Sherman brooches are popular here, are of good quality, and beautifully designed.
Sherman jewelry has increased in value and is highly sought after by collectors.
The local antique mall Vanity Fair has quite a few Sherman pieces for sale.
If you are passionate about designer goods you'll definitely need a larger budget.
If your budget is smaller your work will take longer.
Think of the process as an adventure.
You may never snag that coveted piece but you might be surprised at what you discover along the way.
Consignment shops, estate sales and ebay will most likely be your best bet.
I tried on a gorgeous tweed wool Chanel jacket with champagne hued silk lining
in a consignment shop several years ago
the price was a bit high but within my budget
but sadly it was too snug...
(it would fit me now)
It might sound silly but I have regretted not purchasing it.
I can imagine myself wearing it with a simple white tee and dark wash jeans!
You may want to start your journey of personal discovery with a signature scent.
Meander through the department stores and try on some perfume.
Ask for samples to take home and wear them awhile to see how they react with your chemistry.
It's a great money saver testing them out before investing in the full sized bottle.
"A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika.
We all need a splash of bad taste—it's hearty, it's healthy, it's physical.
I think we could use more of it.
No taste is what I'm against."
~ Diana Vreeland ~
It's all about YOU!
Excavating your personal style should be fun...
it will evolve over the years as you age and your lifestyle changes.
It's important to remember to have fun on the journey...
and getting to know yourself better can be a real eye opener.
Is a great read and a wonderful resource on the road to self awareness.
“The way you reach that awareness is through an inner journey that brings about an emotional, psychological, and spiritual transformation. A deep inner shift in your reality occurs, aligning you with the creative energy of the Universe. Such change is possible when you invite Spirit to open up the eyes of your awareness to the abundance that is already yours.”
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~
11 comments:
I love that you mentioned brooches. Right now they have made a return to fashion and pinning 3-4 on in a group is the new way to wear them. Really great post, my friend !!
My goodness! I am wearing a pair of black wide-legged linen pants, a white linen tee-shirt from Monoprix (fun, cheap shopping when you're in Paris), black ballerina flats, a crocheted blue/grey cardigan right now. I'm in my fourth week of the black/grey/blue uniform and I haven't run out of combinations. Silver earrings, necklace, bangle bracelet or scarf (choice of two) make the difference. When I go home, I mean to get an heirloom brooch fixed so that I can wear it.
Your vintage pieces are stunning, hostess. You've definitely carved out a style that suits you, and is elegant at the same time.
What a generous and thoughtful post! Too be so aware is really a talent and the suggestions are great! Thanks for sharing this!
I'm still on the journey and maybe it doesn't end, or hopefully it doesn't end. You have such an artistic eye for photographing objects.
Fabulous post! It is such a fun journey to develop our personal style. Accessories tell so much of the story, I love to collect and like you, I'd be very sorry to have passed on that jacket.
I passed on one at the street fair, up in Qualicum Beach, 3 summers ago and am still wondering what I was thinking???
You are clearly comfortable with your style and in your skin, what more could one ask for?
Great post! I always tell clients our age that head-to-toe vintage can be risky, but a great piece of vintage jewelry or that Chanel jacket you mentioned is absolutely what the style doctor ordered.
My usual day-time casual outfit is a pair of skinny jeans, kitten heels, navy blue or black Tee and tweed jacket w/a brooch. Of course, I never leave home w/out a scarf, usually Hermès,
You and I are definitely on the same style page.
I have a number of brooches, vintage and new; and a few Sherman pieces too. I keep some pinned to jackets; but never on my Chanel's.
I don't have a signature style; but I put my money towards coats, jackets, and handbags.
I have that long vintage baroque pearl necklace. would you show how you wear yours?
I have many photos of me wearing my pearls...go to the sidebar scroll down and look for tags and click on "pearls" and you will be directed to all the relevant posts!
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