the Style Vibe, Post #3

[usedtobeljs]

Record warmth here in the subtropics, earthquakes in Puerto Rico, Australia on fire, war-drums.... sigh. I want to bear witness to the horrors around, and then I want to take a five-minute respite and think about clothes, as one does.

I've been thinking a lot about my wardrobe, and what lines and proportions I'm drawn to. I recently got a fun novelty sweatshirt, and although I love it, I realize that proportionally it's a bit boxy for the kind of outfits I usually put together. I am v. drawn to long 70s lines, which is one reason I tend to love Victoria Beckham's clothes even though I can't wear or afford them. (The suits in this collection make me happy. The ruffly things, not so much.) Also a thing: This collection of images has fussy clothes I don't like but also some stunners. The one I have kept coming back to: this Anne Klein coat-boot combo, which if I could still wear super-high heels I would be ALL OVER.

(Also a thing: I love the 90s style of chunky ankle boots, like Doc Martens or similar, with skirts or dresses. I am so happy it's being revived.)

But I am also not going to buy anything else right now. I have more than enough in my own wardrobe. (I say this after taking a pair of Paul Smith wide-leg corduroys bought on sale to my local seamstress yesterday for hemming. As I passed the ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL trousers over the counter, I thought to myself, "You are ridiculous." But they will be so great with oxfords and a crisp shirt!)

So, to NOT buy things, I am amusing myself with this fun 1925 article on the winter sales, which the Guardian just reprinted. A great line: "It is, of course, to the advantage of the shopkeepers that women should be educated shoppers. It means a steady and satisfied purchasing spread over a longer period, instead of an impulsive and reckless buying with subsequent disappointment."

There we go. My rule for 2020: no "impulsive and reckless buying with subsequent disappointment." :)

Tell me what item in your wardrobe brings you the most joy. And I hope you wear it this upcoming week.

Comments

[anne_d]

I don't do fashion, or even a nice wardrobe, but I really enjoy reading about yours! Cheers me up, it does. Enjoy the new trousers, [hugs].

[usedtobeljs]

Hugs hugs, A! Happy Sunday!

[alhbooks]

We are having proper winter here, though no snow to speak of since Thanksgiving, so my favorite wardrobe item seems to be whichever sweater I have finish3d most recently. Today it’s a rustic cabled pullover in a subtle rusty yellow-green, difficult to describe but a delight to examine up close.

The one-sale trousers sound fabulous...

If you get a chance you should read the New Yorker interview with Jacquline Durran about her concepts of costume design for Little Women and others. I’d be delighted to take over her version of Jo’s wardrobe.

[usedtobeljs]

Whoohoo for sweaters you have made yourself! That's so awesome. :)

Hugs hugs!

[desdemonaspace]

I LOVE that Anne Klein coat! I would wear it without a belt, though, because I have no waist. Also, if I wore it without high heels, it would look like a bathrobe on me, because I'm not that tall. Still, it's a lovely coat.

I love your fashion posts.

[usedtobeljs]

I totally understand the high-heels/proportions issue. :) I am wearing the Paul Smith super-wide-leg trousers today, in fact, and I have to wear heels with them in order for them to fall right (even after having them shortened). If only I were three inches taller!

Hugs!

[desdemonaspace]

Yes, I would gladly take three more inches.