Style Icon Challenge: Jean Seberg

First, apologies for hogging the forum. I am about to leave on a holiday today and wanted to get to this before the forum loses steam for the idea. 

Inasmuch as I could ever be said to have a style icon, Jean Seberg is it. Of course, she's much more relevant to my younger self. But even now, we have much in common. Similar body type, similar facial structure, similar colouring, and similar love of stripes, and cats!!  

Oh, and look how fabulous she looks in silver!

She died at 50 of a barbituate overdose (possibly brought on in part by grief over the death of her infant child, the rumours of an unkind press, and the pressures of government surveillance) but I like to think that if she'd lived, she would have cut her hair back to her signature pixie. She did wear it long for a while but it never suited her as well. (Picture 1) 

Something I learned about her in searching for images is that she would very likely have been a strong supporter of Black Lives Matter. She was on an FBI watch list because she made frequent donations to the NAACP and also the Black Panthers. 

There's a playful gamine freshness that I relate to in her style. She's often photographed in simple tees, pullovers, or button down shirts with ankle pants or shorts. She can also do lady-like elegance, but always with simplicity. Never much adornment; even her makeup was lighter than most women's for that time. 

I don't have to think to dress like her. Except for the neckerchief, which is a bit hot and fussy for today, and the cigarette (I tried, with a pencil, but can't capture the cool factor) and, um, the ARMOUR, I could and would and DO wear almost everything I've seen her wear. 

So. My tribute to Jean. Bonjour, Tristesse! 

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Parisienne style...in your own backyard?

In Shevia's thread about Parisienne style, I was struck especially by this remarks. 

"French style seems ultimately practical and based on appearing elegant and

charming through wind, rain and cold, while walking on uneven pavement. The vibe was freedom

within structure rather than anything goes and I had the impression of a culture that is more

Haiku than free verse."

Skylurker added the explanation or context that: "Wearing statement clothes - too luxe, too sexy, too eccentric or too loud - is seen as vulgar, esp in bourgeois circles."

This got me wondering. If it is true that Parisienne style is ultimately practical and based on appearing elegant and charming in the actual conditions of city life (in that city), then how does that translate to Miami, or New York, or Tel Aviv, or Toronto? The scarves and motos and sober tailored cuts that make sense in Paris -- what are their equivalents elsewhere? 

What are they, where you live? 

Shevia also suggested that self-knowledge seems to be the basis of great Parisienne style. Perhaps it goes further and includes knowledge of the environment, acceptance of it. 

We've talked numerous times about how important it can be for us Canadians, for example, to develop a real "coat capsule" -- either aiming for variety (if this is a need) or the very best quality coats we can afford. I am thinking that is one example of "translating Parisienne style" to our own reality. 

Well, Angie's been saying this stuff for years (Dress for your body today; dress for the life you lead). I guess it just takes me a while to let it sink into my noggin. 

Or maybe I am still wishing that I lived in Paris....    :)

How about you? How can you "do Paris"?

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Silver hair: How did your style change?

Last summer I missed Una's great thread on transitioning to grey because it occurred during the time I was dealing with my mother's sudden fall. Luckily I found it again in connection with Angie's post on hair changes.  Thanks to all who shared! It was inspiring. 

Now I'm eager to hear: If you've elected to go grey, how has your style changed...or has it? And in what respects? 

Having taken the plunge and made a few preliminary discoveries, I am curious to hear others' experiences.  :) 

Tell me anything. Did your wardrobe change in colour? Did your pattern preferences change? How about about preferred kinds of outfits? Makeup changes? Jewellery? What surprised, delighted, frustrated, or bolstered you?

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"Arty architectural" — show me what you mean.

Several people mentioned yesterday that they would like to see me move in a more "arty architectural" style with my new statement hair. Now, I have a complicated and ambivalent relationship with "arty." I may like it, but it decidedly does not like me, at least if it involves draping. 

So...would those of you who imagine this look do me the favour of supplying a few visuals? I have some ideas of my own but I would like to see if they are consistent with what you might be imagining. 

Thank you! 

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Setting Style goals for 2016

Well, better late than never, right? I hope so, and I hope you will also excuse the long post. Putting it out there both to keep a record for myself and also for those who like this kind of rumination. 

Context: I’ve returned to school as a (much older) student. I’m also the mother of an active teen and the temporary guardian of another teen. I am no longer employed in the fitness world but I still try to make it a priority to get exercise each day. (Admittedly, some days "exercise" = a short walk). Still working as an editor/ teacher, still writing creatively and publishing when I can, still volunteering for community arts organizations. I live in a true four season climate and travel a lot. I had a stressful year and gained a few pounds as a result, but I haven't had to buy new clothes to accommodate the gain, so from that point of view, things are fine. 

What I liked and disliked in my style in 2015

Overall, I felt comfortable with my style last year — the wardrobe did what I needed and I had a fair bit of variety. My greatest dislike/ disappointment as usual had to do with the disjunct between practical needs and style aspirations. I need to be very casual many days; and I need to dress for my walking commutes in a slushy, snowy, cold, northern country. I prefer a sort of business casual juxtaposition of casual with dressier items, and I prefer to show a bit of bare skin with my outfits once in a while rather than covering up completely!  But it is very hard to do this in winter where I live and considering my lifestyle. 

What did I do well in regards to style?

  • Kept a coherent colour palette that works for me. 
  • Edited efficiently and bought sensibly. I bought far fewer items in 2015 than in my big wardrobe building year of 2014. 
  • Tracked my wears (at least in one season) and so got clearer on actual needs. 
  • Took great joy in my new things (and some older ones). 

What did I wear that made me feel great?

I felt best in simple, somewhat dramatic combinations. I liked it when my outfits combined some “sharpness” or “boldness” with some “pretty” element (eg cut or colour). As always, I loved wearing jeans, booties, jackets. I felt great in my Okalas with slim jeans and jacket, and in my pretty new Club Monaco dress. I also felt great in my Zara sarong shorts. A favourite fall outfit involved cropped or rolled jeans, higher shaft booties, and a feminine blouse with jacket or not, depending on weather.

I'm not sure that "Urban Prince" is the best moniker for my aspirational style any more. I picked up "Glam Gamine" from Viva and rather like it so I am trying it on for size. (Though I might have to lose those extra pounds to ensure it fits, LOL!) 

Style adjectives 

Pretty: I will always embrace an androgynous element in my style, but like Angie I find I am drawn to more obviously feminine cuts and detailing after a few years of boyish styles. Last summer and autumn, I enjoyed wearing blouses more than shirts, dresses and skirts when weather permitted, and pretty footwear when that was possible. (Alas, it's boots for now and nothing but!) I reached for flattering colours as well as sober neutrals. White and cream. Sparkle and shine. Also, I loved the hand of luxe fabrics like silk, cashmere, fine merino, great leather.

Modern: I really enjoy playing with trends. Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh seasonal update of some "wardrobe essential" item (e.g. jeans, jackets, footwear). I love to try my staples in a new shape or worn in a new way. Also, I like clean lines, simple outfits.

Retro: I used to have a very strong retro element to my style. Toronto was a paradise for vintage when I was in my twenties and that is what I could afford; I’ve always retained a fondness for that. But nowadays, I prefer contemporary re-workings of past styles. I am not into whimsy, cute, or twee. But I do a touch of romantic from time to time, and I definitely love 60s mod and 70s glam. 

Classic: I love wearing iconic items like slim jeans, chelsea boots, a blue blazer, a trench, peacoat, watch cap, etc. To my mind, these cannot be improved upon. I love love love great tailoring. I need to balance it with casual (ie jeans and a blazer; a skirt with denim jacket) or else it is just not practical in my life — but if I do balance it like that, it’s still wearable at least some of the time.

Note: for quite a while I dreamed of a more “avant garde” style. Well, I think I have given that up as not me. I finally found a pair of leggings I like reasonably well and that only fall down some of the time — but I still don’t like them on me all that much. I don’t really love the drapey vest I bought. (I’ve only worn it 3 or 4 times and couldn't wait to get it off). I do enjoy asymmetry, but one asymmetrical top I bought has been a bit of a bust. 

My conclusion? What I thought I wanted, I don’t really want. What I really seem to want is a type of “sharpness” or “crispness” or “tailoring” — this, again, is somewhat in conflict with my personal colouring and my climate, not to mention my need for very casual clothing. It's a conundrum I have yet to solve, and I would love input if anyone has ideas! 

Thanks for humouring me if you have read this far, and I would love your thoughts!

Below, a few favourite items from last year. 

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Reflections on my style, 2015 (Long)

Angie, thanks again for posting your reflections on your evolving style. I learn so much from hearing about your process and engaging in a bit of reflection of my own. And thanks to everyone else who has done the same; I've enjoyed reading about where you are in your fashion (and other) journeys.  

This will be long, so if you don't want to read, please do not. I like to write it all down to make better sense of it. 

2015 was a year of many changes for me. I quit my full time job, picked up additional contract work, and travelled to Israel, China, the west and east coasts of Canada, and to Iowa. I also made monthly shorter trips to places such as Toronto, Stratford, Montreal, Ottawa, and more. I went back to school as a (much older) student and as part of that arrangement I also returned part-time to teaching. I tried to continue with my creative work. I parented a teen (enough said!!). We also (quite suddenly) ended up caring for and housing another teen for several months -- one we do not know well and who has significant problems. He is living with us again temporarily as I write.  And this summer, my mother died in a matter of days following a brutal fall and knock to her head; I had to rush home from China to be with her. 

It has been a lot to bear, and to tell the truth, I wasn't able to put fashion at the top of my list. Luckily, my wardrobe was up to the challenge. 2015 was the "year of the working wardrobe" for me, thanks to YLF. I did edit, prune, shop, and augment my closet. But for months and months at a time I just enjoyed what I had and made it work together. Basically, I concentrated all shopping into about four short periods (for seasonal needs) and apart from that, didn't bother. 

On Deb's  recent post I noted that I made 47 purchases (not counting undies and gear or jewellery). I also retired 32 or 33 items. So while I haven't quite reached the point of one-in-one-out, it's clear that my wardrobe is finally assuming an appropriate size for my needs. (For those who are new, I've been on YLF for five years and have been building a wardrobe from the ground up after significant weight loss. I had to buy everything -- and I've had to develop a style persona as well. Obviously, I have made some mistakes and missteps on the way and have had to wait to make some purchases.)

I feel pretty good about the size and functionality of my closet and my evolving style. I have somewhere between 120 and 140 items for my 4 season climate (including coats and footwear) and that seems to be working quite well. I certainly don't need more; I could possible reduce a bit -- but I do enjoy this variety and nothing goes completely unworn (although obviously some pieces get less frequent wear). 

Here again are some of my favourite outfits and purchases for the year, in no particular order. 

Thanks, everyone, for your support and fashion advice over the past year! It's so great to come here to share the fun of a new purchase, the frustration of a fashion fail, or the joy of a tried and true combination that never lets me down. You are all inspirations! 

I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts about where I might be headed in 2016! 

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Hair thoughts?

I'm getting my hair cut next week and wonder if anybody has a fresh idea for me. I've been wearing it with this asymmetrical fringe for several years (since 2011) and I'm getting a bit tired of it. Having said that, on the positive side, it's a super easy style for me and I do like it. I have varied it a bit by changing the length and sometimes (rarely) switching the part to the other side. It has been more or less textured at various times, but it does require texturizing because my hair is super thick. 

Angie suggested a pink streak last winter but I didn't go for it. I don't think I want to do that this year, either. 

I want to keep it short. But I'm feeling bereft of ideas. So if you have an image you like, please post! 

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Fashion Era Challenge: The 80s

I associate the 80s (especially the early to mid -80s)  with black and white, grey, and hot pink. (Inspiration pic is actually  '79, but you get the idea.) 

And to me the 80s also mean skinny pants, big shoulders (lots of jackets), jelly shoes, oxfords, an urban sensibility. 

Here's my attempt. I don't have a big-shouldered jacket, and I don't have big hair. But I tried to "punk up" the hair (my attempts were less successful than Rachylou's earlier this week due to lack of product). And I chose a tux jacket since I remember wearing one back in the day. Black and white checks, vinyl oxfords. Skinny grey jeans, pink belt. 

And the soundtrack? The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. 

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Fashion Era Challenge: 70s layering

The "layered look" and light but textured knits were big in the 70s, along with the menswear look. I wanted to try to channel a bit of that. 

The inspiration pics are circa 1972. Jane Birkin in the first photo. 

I'm wearing Stuart Weiztman chelsea boots (not very 70s, but these pants are not hemmed for anything taller). 

Theory Emery wide leg trousers. They don't have the high waist of the 70s versions or the luxurious pleats in some (they're more like the Birkin version) so I wore my knitted vest over top to disguise the waist. 

The shirt is a Brooks Brothers gifted to me and thrifted by Clearly Claire. I don't know its provenance but it is not a current shirt for sure. I wear it anyway, as I love the soft herringbone fabric and the French cuffs. The collar is not quite 70s wide and pointy but is definitely on the wide, pointy side of things. 

Jacket is my trusty Reiss. 

Discovery of the day: I would wear the version with just the vest for 2015 (with cuffs restrained a bit for practicality, LOL. 

I would not wear the version with the jacket in my everyday life. But I might wear that version if I switched up the trousers for jeans. So the reason I wouldn't wear it in everyday life is that in this version, it feels a bit too "mannish" and "corporate" for me. Switch to jeans and I wouldn't feel that way. Or take the jacket off. 

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Fashion Era challenge: 70s menswear

This outfit (which I cannot wear today due to travel and POURING rain) is my nod to 70s Yves St. Laurent menswear. It's also an "ink out" look

GAP Long and Lean jeans (flares on me)
Reiss jacket in ink
Ann Taylor silk blouse in navy
Zara booties
Hipsi belt
Earrings from Israel -- they are my nod to boho
Fossil sunnies. 

Interesting note: I removed the dangling earrings for Pic 2. All it took to make this feel less "costume" and more wearable today was the switch up of those earrings. The dangles plus the bow feel like too much for my personal style sensibility.

Another interesting tidbit: I find that -- whatever the decade -- I have a strong tendency to gravitate towards the menswear inspired looks of that decade. In searching pins, those are the ones I typically veer toward. OTOH, those looks are always "softened" with femininity -- they are menswear inspired vs. mannish. That is a great lesson in terms of where and how to refine my current style. 

I am  really enjoying this challenge for the opportunities it offers to learn things like that. Thank you, Angie! 

The inspirations are YSL runway looks from the mid-70s.

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