Pix-Elated

40 Comments

• Joy replied 5 years ago

  Suz I have been looking forward to this post. I will be back to comment further

• Joy replied 5 years ago

  We both have that crushed velvet silvery tee. I ordered it in all three colors, keeping the silver and blush/pink. I find them hot to wear (polyester?) and wish I had not sent the blue one back as I can see now how it would have worked better for me than the silver, which is not quite the right color for me. It should be great with your berry colors with its pinkish undertones.
  The snow queen coat is my favorite and I encourage you to check up those consignment shops, for best quality and for the environment, but I hardly ever am not wearing at least one second hand piece. You are disciplined enough to shop carefully at such places. Most do not allow returns and that can make it hard. Look at the color in good light. Look carefully for flaws. I love red on you. Have fun this year.

• karen13 replied 5 years ago

  I am loving the favorite outfits retrospective - I loved them all then and still do. Happy you are finding abetter personal place in the last half of the year. I share a lot of your thoughts about buying better quality and more sustainably and I have struggled a bit when putting it into action so I'm interest in hearing what works for you. I am jealous of your access to and success at consignment stores. I have to be careful about not getting influenced by the "value". I think you are disciplined enough and have such sense of you current style that you avoid that trap. Certainly you have found some lovely pieces of late.

  You seem to be in a great place style-wise - able to know yourself and what you like while incorporating trends that work. Jut keep doing what you are doing - I look forward to the next steps.

  P.S. Like Joy I love that velvet T  - I coveted it all year, and finally found a similar style. I hope I can make it work in my wardrobe.

• rachylou replied 5 years ago

  I have to say that Quirky Waif does Themes... Alice in Wonderland in Black and White, Spanish Summer, and Country Punk to name a few. This year, starting with Fall, Country Punk has been bending Westworld... Maybe there is like room in your style...?

• Jane replied 5 years ago

  You have a super wardrobe Suz. I like the jeans outfits especially, with the blazers and the sneaks. So modern! Well done with meeting your goals for 2018 and I look forward to seeing your journey ahead.

• Stagiaire Fash replied 5 years ago
  So you're the fashionista formerly known as Prince.
  
  
  
  I'm curious re why not jeans for your WFH uniform? If you pull them on reflexively and are comfortable without thinking of them all day, isn't that what you want while you focus on your work?
  
  
  It sounds like you shop differently for new and and statement pieces--essentials where you know they'll be, and you can easily reach for a different size or slightly different style, second hand for hunting for more unique pieces. Maybe you could keep your eyes open for essentials while thrifting, so you have them at the ready when you need them. You'd still have the constant refreshers, but not so much new production. Might mean your wardrobe gets a little bigger.
  

• Runcarla replied 5 years ago

  I'm seeing a greater use of pattern and texture and wonder if, under the influence of your new home environs you might want to look to nature and natural motifs for thematic inspiration? You needn't go all earth mother crunchy granola, but rather the silver and shine of rain on glass, what wind might look like, waves on sand, the shape of leaves. I'm seeing some arts and crafts/William Morris - not just the Liberty print combo, but the Snow Queen Coat, and other items.

• Style Fan replied 5 years ago

  My favourite outfits are the ones with jeans.  They look fabulous on you.  The modern look works so well for you.  
   I enjoyed reading your review of the 2018 goals.  Very useful for me.  I am sorry things were difficult at the beginning of the year.  

• jussie replied 5 years ago

  Wow these outfits are so great. I don’t have anything helpful to add except.... I do think the structured jackets are fabulous on you. Your look seems to be “partially tailored” lol. A little “sharp”- generally nothing too floaty, billowy, or artsy.
  I definitely see modern and classic.
  I think the pops of colour and trendy prints keep things in the gamine territory too, rather than veering into staid classic.
  I’m wondering if the “mod” fashions of the 60’s might serve as inspiration for you.
  Also some tweed pieces may work in very nicely with your style.
  Your layering is looking really nice too.

• Mainelady replied 5 years ago

  Suz, you give great consideration to what works for you and are thoughtful about next steps and goals. I love all of your outfits, especially how you mix dressy and more casual items. You know how to choose clothing that fits your body well. All of your outfits look fresh and fun (and I think your Snow Queen coat is the statement item of the year)!
  I like your idea of looking for statement and high quality items that have been gently loved. Bags and jewelry are often designed to have a long life span and are iconic. I like to think of them as lovely heirlooms.
  Wishing you all things fabulous as you welcome a new year!

• Helena replied 5 years ago

  Suz, you're an inspiration! I do think you have a signature style ... Although not necessarily with very highly defined elements, I can definitely look at an outfit and say, "that's so Suz" ... I just don't know what the one or two words are to capture it (and this is a lack of skill on my part).
  You have an amazing ability to take elements that don't necessarily tick the "classic" box (like an unexpected pattern say), and somehow transform it into something utterly chic, easy and timeless-feeling. Like the western belt - my first thought was 'not for me', but then you style it and I'm like, 'oh, now I get it!'
  Maybe you are something like "classic trailblazer" ... Like Audrey Hepburn, things are classic because you wear them, whereas the rest of us wear things because they are classic. Does that make any sense? In any case, always LOVE your style and thoughts. Xx

• Cardiff girl replied 5 years ago

  I agree with Toronto girl.Whatever and However you are doing it ,keep doing it because you unfailingly look fab.

• Bijou replied 5 years ago

  The way you dress is very inspiring and the WIW photos above are simply amazing. I love how well you wear statement pieces and tailored clothing yet retain a playful element.

  Your style has changed over time with trends that work for you. This is key, you are not a slave to trends, but are very good at knowing which trends are perfect for you. I like TG's style moniker suggestion.

• Jaime replied 5 years ago

  Glad the second part of the year was an improvement. You look fantastic. Silver and red are definitely sensational on you, and your hair is both a statement and looks great. I do not have a moniker to suggest, but I will offer bold and cohesive/harmonious to the adjectives that describe your style.

• replied 5 years ago

  Agreeing with TG. Trendy classic for sure, and definitely add more red! I love the fun booties and the snow queen coat :)

• bj1111 replied 5 years ago

  movement is a great word for style.  capture so much.  the swish of a dress, forward motion in style evolution.

  i want that snow queen coat!

• Christina F. replied 5 years ago
  Thank you for posting. I don't plan to make a long post this year myself, but this is an inspiration to me, especially since you're my remote shopping buddy/twin.
  
  
  
  If I had to describe your style, I'd say it's crisp (the classic element) and modern but also with a playful twist. I too find it easy to recognize.
  
  
  
  I have trouble narrowing down my adjectives myself, (I guess "eclectic" is one of them) so my wardrobe is larger than it needs to be. I'll probably work on this some more once Angie posts about monikers, since I haven't nailed mine down. Your post helps me think about it.
  

• Angie replied 5 years ago

  *APPLAUSE*

  Great 2018 goals, and they were successfully reached. WELL DONE. 

  Sweet Suz, you have never looked better and have KILLER style. Full stop. You took the time to build your wardrobe patiently and with thought. It shows! With each passing year, you outdo yourself. You are more radiant, more playful, more confident, more experimental, and have more fun with fashion. How can that not be fabulous! And it's even more impressive that you accomplish this through a hard year. My hat off to you. 
  

  
  

  As always, your goals are well thought out, easy to follow, accurate, useful, flexible and evolving.
  
  
  Some thoughts, FWIW: 

  • Love your 5 words. They are authentic,

  • You have a very strong signature style! Gryffin's style is very different to yours, but you both have strong signature styles.

  • LOVE your word MOVEMENT.

  • Yes to creating a style mood and theme, and following those feelings.

  • Yes to continuing your intuitive yet effective shopping strategy.

  • My own current style Moniker is two adjectives - “Urban Polish”. Do you prefer style monikers with nouns at the end - like Glam Gamine, Classic Trendster, and Glam Tomgirl?

  • Be careful with your ethical research. You can go down a rabbit hole, and there’s a lot of incorrect and sensational info out there. Ironically, some fast fashion can be vey sustainable, for example. Like Zara and H&M. And slow fashion companies like Chanel are the least sustainable of the lot, although when you buy a Chanel bag, you have it for life. So it's a very hard and slippery slope. (I have thought about this a lot!) Personally, I've found I need to go with what feels right in my heart, adhere to what sustainable and ethical mean to me, and do what I can manage. Good luck! 

  • Wardrobe Churn: as a trendy classic - (which you agree describes your outfits although it’s not your moniker) - having items that last for two years and ten years seems reasonable. Do you want some items to last longer than two to three years? It’s an interesting question. I don’t want everything in my wardrobe to last for a long time, personally. 

  • And of course you can change your word and colour for the year. Confident and Red it is! Rock on.

• deb replied 5 years ago

  Suz, I love #5, it is my favorite, but all looks are wonderful. You are so good at developing a plan. Something I am not good at, at all.

• taylor replied 5 years ago

  You have great style Suz, but what really love is the creative way you pull elements of your style together in unpredictable ways! It is never ordinary, it is always something unexpected and yet so very you ! That is extremely difficult to pull off and shows in every outfit ...

  Well done regarding your goals and for being a wonderful inspiration to me and all who you touch through your posts !

• nemosmom replied 5 years ago

  Another fabulous and educational write-up, Suz! I echo Torontogirl when she says, "I can look at an outfit and think, That's so Suz!"

  Your style goes beyond Classic, IMO; to my (still rookie) eye, it's far more progressive than that. When I think "Classic", I think Amal Clooney, Lauren Hutton, or even Kate Middleton - your looks are more fun and there is an element of unexpectedness or surprise to them. My $0.02...
  
  
  I will be following you closely to see how you develop a non-jeans WFH uniform.
  

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  Thank you for your compliments, astute observations, and excellent questions. Very helpful! 

  I'm glad that several of you feel my style is distinctive. It has certainly taken me some time to get there! 

  Nemosmom -- that is a good point. I'd distinguish my style from theirs in that they are more elegant and possibly refined -- my style is more gamine and playful. It's not only that my life is more casual. It's that element of movement or dynamism. 

  Taylor, I am blushing. I certainly don't see that I put together outfits in an original way -- not yet! But perhaps I am slowly starting to get there. 

  Deb, I'm great at developing plans. Not so sure I always stick with them! 

  Angie, thank you so much for this incredibly perceptive and thoughtful reply. 

  Glad you think those words sound authentic. Me, too. I also loved Shevia's observation -- bold/cohesive -- and it made me think that perhaps that is the juxtaposition in my outfits at its core. It's not a matter of dressy with casual (though that is often there, too.) It's more a matter of adding something bold to an otherwise very cohesive look. That's the "movement" or dynamism. 

  I will need to think some more on the style mood and theme and consider what I'd like my mood in Spring 2019 to be! I really love the way Brooklyn has used this strategy to enhance, deepen, and refine her personal style. She started out with a very clear style and has made it even better! 

  Yes, I like shopping intuitively. In my review post some people mentioned how organized I am. I guess I am that -- but honestly, I'm a total mood dresser and very intuitive in my purchasing. I might do a post on that. I think there is a distinction between impulsive shopping and intuitive shopping. 

  YES -- I prefer a moniker with a noun because it describes a character or persona. So Urban Prince worked for me. But not Trendy Classic, even though I agree that the phrase describes my style. Maybe my persona/ moniker can reflect the mood I want to embrace. Hmmm. 

  Re the ethical shopping -- I know. It is vastly confusing. I can't help but think that buying (and churning) less is the main takeaway -- but that is awfully hard to reconcile with a "trendy" style. :) Many of the so-called ethical or eco brands make minimalist clothing that would swamp me (like EF). What happens if the only stuff that fits is Zara, J. Crew, Club Monaco? I do buy sometimes from small Canadian firms -- it is pricey but worth it because the items do have longevity and I don't tire of them. 

  If I were going strictly by my wants, I'd be churning. It's fun! I like to play with the new. More than I did when I was young, in fact. I guess it is a question of deciding for myself how much churn is acceptable. I think for you, it's necessary -- you have to set a certain tone in your profession. But I'm not in the same role so don't get a "get out of jail free" card. ;)

  And thank you. Red and confident it is! :) 

  Joy, that is so interesting that you find the crushed velour top hot! I don't find mine too warm except in summer. I tend to wear it in fall/winter the most, and under a jacket. Thank you for your comments and your wise advice re consignment shopping. 

  Karen, I hope your tee works out for you! It's a fun type of piece. It was a great wild card for me, with surprising longevity. And thanks for your kind words. I, too, need to watch out for sales goggles, still. I'm much better than I used to be, though. 

  Rachylou, that is interesting! I definitely like the idea. And I can see how Quirky Waif can blow in multiple directions. 

  Jane, thank you!

  Fashintern -- jeans have been a fallback for so long and since I managed to destroy a pair this year just by sitting I am wondering about alternatives! But no doubt jeans will remain the core. I do keep my eyes open for essentials while in consignment stores and bought my pea coat that way. I tend to like those items to be fresh and new, though, if possible, because they will get a TON of wear and I see that as a place to spend my money. 

  Carla, I love the images you evoked there! Really nice! You're right -- some of the patterns I've gravitated towards this year are more organic than my usual stripes and plaids. Hmmm. Great thoughts to ponder. I think the organic patterns typically have a kind of diagonal line or curve to them -- this is evocative of movement in the same way as stripes. 

  Style Fan, thank you so much!

  Jussie, thank you -- and yes, you are absolutely right. "Sharp was actually one of my proposed key words." I definitely need a tailored element in my style and nothing too floaty. Good observation. 

  Mainelady, thank you. And I agree -- bags, scarves, jewellery, belts -- these are all good bets at consignment, along with statement outerwear. 

  Helena, thank you! I think "trailblazer" is a bit more advanced than I am, but hey, I'll try it on! 

  Cardiff Girl -- thank you! 

  Bijou, thank you also. And yes, I think it's key to take up the trends that work for us individually but not all the trends. 

  Shevia, I loved what you said. 

  Suntiger, yes -- more red for sure. Coming right up! 

  Bj111 -- thank you! And yes, movement feels right...(it might even get me to the gym now and again, ha!)

  Christina -- I think "crisp" was a word I used last year. So yes, it is relevant. Waving at my shopping buddy!! I love how we can both love the same items, even though I'm so much older, and our colouring is different and we live in different countries/ cities. Fun. 

• Angie replied 5 years ago

  Suz, you could be Silver Super Hero, or Sumptuous Silver Urbanite :)

  My 2 cents:

  • You have to decide what ethical and sustainable means to YOU, and run with it. There is no point in being extreme if you can't maintain/manage the strategy, and if the visual result does not make you happy (after all, style is a very visual thing). We don't need the extra stress of that in our lives!
  • You have to decide how much churn is acceptable to YOU, which you pointed out already. (Yes, my line of work allows me more churn.....)
  • YES to the juxtaposition of cohesive-boldness, and dynamic-stillness. It IS at the core of your style, and related to the trendy-classic analogy. A Playful Pragmatist! 
• Helena replied 5 years ago

  Playful Pragmatist is brilliant! *applause* 

  I do stand by trailblazer though (although I get your hesitation - it does sound a bit dramatic!) - from my point of you, I think that although you are particular about what trend you take on, if one appeals to you, you are pretty fearless about being an early adopter and integrating it into your style in a way that makes other think, oh NOW I get it/want to try it. You lay the style groundwork for others in this way. Just fwiw ;) :)

• Angie replied 5 years ago

  Thoughtful Trailblazer :)

  I like the tension of the words too, Helena. 

  Your style in 2018 Suz, is also more dramatic than ever. It's thanks to a  few more trends, more patterns, and HOW you've combined your pieces to create outfits. 

• JAileen replied 5 years ago

  Your style is just wonderful. I do try to copy you occasionally, but even if I were to replicate an outfit completely, it would still look better on you! I’m glad you’re posting WIWs, though, because I’m made aware of things that might work in my wardrobe.

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  Angie, Yes, I love the drama. :) I may be little but I am powerful. I guess that is where Shevia's "bold" comes from. 

  I like Playful Pragmatist. Or maybe Pragmatic Pixie.

  Helena, yes, I see what you are saying now. You are right -- I don't hesitate for a second if I like a trend and can find a version of it that I can see would work for me. I wasn't sure about the western belt, admittedly. So there you go...

  Angie, thanks for the further thoughts on ethical shopping. Yes, I completely agree -- it has to be personal. I don't think wardrobe turnover is always an inevitably bad, either. When I gift my step-daughter with last season's items, she is beyond thrilled and it works for us both. She has a very eclectic and trendy style, and is close to my size. When you give items to DFS and friends, it gives them new life! 

  I think I've reached what feels intuitively right in terms of churn. Especially when you consider that half my retired items are retired due to wear. I could reduce it a bit by finding a few classic HEWIs in really high quality, but that will come with time -- you have to be on the lookout for them. (E.g. "my" fab military coat and pea coat.) 

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  JAileen, thank you! What a sweet thing to say. I am glad you post, too. We grey-haired pragmatists have to stick together. ;)

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  Oooh -- the idea of pragmatism reminds me of Bijou's quoting Texstyle -- to buy the most fashionable or stylish version of what is practical. That is definitely a long standing goal -- maybe a lifelong goal -- of mine. 

• Angie replied 5 years ago

  Suz, dynamite comes in small packages :)

  YES. Passing on your items in an ethical and sustainable way makes a difference. Most of my items go to DFS Seattle where most go to auction to raise funds for the non-profit. My retired bags go to friends. 

  How about: Powerful Playful Pragmatist, or Powerful Pragmatist

• nemosmom replied 5 years ago

  btw, trailblazer totally goes with your awesome western belt....

• Stagiaire Fash replied 5 years ago
  Potent pixie?
  Accomplished amusement?
  

• replied 5 years ago

  I like pragmatic pixie and silver superhero :)

• gryffin replied 5 years ago

  Suz - I agree with all,like Angie, who pointed out you have a very strong signature style.  "That's so Suz!!"  Elegant, tailored, refined, fun, edgy classics with nods to the trends but always practical, easy, unfussy, clean and harmonious.  You always have great proportions and balance to your outfits, both structure and color - the way you harmonize the elements is I believe your signature and it's very difficult to do.  Brooklyn also does that very well but your styles are different.  The playful, colorful and trendy elements of your wardrobe are so you!!  So why is it we all feel we "should" be doing something other than being exactly who we are sartorially and otherwise?!!  That's the thing that gets me into so much trouble and wasting soooo much money.  It's the crux of my mistakes.  My strict palate works for me because I'm an introvert.  Not shy, but I get overwhelmed by too much stimulation. I need quiet and order.  Toss me into a big mall store and I'm going to shut down.  My quiet wardrobe is a place of respite, shelter around activity, a portable way station of repose.  Theme and variations, texture over color, harmony, quiet interest, detail - those items which bring calm and cohesion to me are a one way ticket to ennui for you!!  In the same way I can so admire and even lemming an outfit that's so perfect for you, it would not be me.  I think the hardest thing to do is be truly authentic to ourselves because grass is always greener, the shoes are so much more comfortable and edgy, the accessories more divine, etc, etc when someone else wears them so very well, as you always do.  The trick is to remember that that's so suz, or brooklyn, Lisa or bijou or angie and then step back and sigh, deep cleansing breath, credit card tucked security in bag and then realize the only question I really need to ask, love it though I do, is is it me?!  I think you have an amazing wardrobe and wear it so well.  You and your wardrobe seem pretty perfect to me, just as you are!!

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  So so true, Gryffin! You made me laugh out loud with the "shoes are always edgier" etc. Especially Janet's, right???? 

  Your observations about your style being a refuge are really interesting to me. You see, I am an introvert, too! But like more "action" in my clothes. It made me wonder if this would be the case if I were still a full time teacher. I used to come home completely drained because while I loved the kids, it was just too many people and too much stimulation in one day! (I also avoid malls, though I love city streets when in the right frame of mind to face the crowd.) Anyway -- I am sure environment affects our style in ways that go beyond mere weather. (Not that "mere" really characterizes weather in your part of the world or mine!) 

  Anyway, you are so right -- to thine own self be true is a good motto for us all. I wouldn't be me without all my many blues and pops of red and silver, and you wouldn't be you without quiet, mysterious, powerful black. Onwards!

• gryffin replied 5 years ago

  Suz - that's exactly right.  I'm a physician and I spend all day with patients.  True service profession but it takes a lot out of me.  I need to be up for everyone, on it, engaged.  It's the prefect field and I love what I do but I get tired, weary on long days.  So I need to build in tiny islands of repose whether it's an outfit, a couple of sips of tea, a quick check of email, I sometimes need to step back into center.  If I spent my days at a computer or quiet repose I would probably crave more outside situation!  Something tellsl me I'll drop in harness but if I ever find out I'll let you know.  But that's very insightful.  And Yes, RIGHT!!  No one has edgier and better shoes than Janet, well maybe Una and well hey where is Anna, queen cool of shoes!!

• Brooklyn replied 5 years ago

  Hi Suz. My first thought in reading your post was if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. You have a style that is trendy, flattering, practical and distinctive. What’s to change? You also seem to make very few mistakes, which suggests you know what you are doing, at least intuitively, even though you may have trouble articulating a theme.

  Personally, I don’t find style monikers and adjectives that useful. I am drawn to a number of styles, and usually broad adjectives don’t help me to choose between them. For instance, I think one of my adjectives would be “polished”. To my eye, there are a zillion ways to be polished (as the members of this forum regularly demonstrate) so that doesn’t necessarily help me on the question of whether I should buy into a particular trend. It might help me with outfit creation (is this outfit making me unhappy because it’s not polished enough?) but not necessarily on additions. Lots of things can be worn in a polished way.

  I like to have a more practical and refined list of the style elements that I want to focus on. It has to be reflective of my current mood, which changes, and my desire for creativity.

  This year I have 3 themes going. I’ve given up on trying to stick to one. I’ve thought about them a lot and I’m happy with each of them. I will aim for every new purchase to be used towards at least one of those themes. And I will use them as a tool for outfit creation and editing decisions.

  So, for instance, white boots. I have been toying with buying a pair for about 2 years now. I love the graphic punch that they add to an outfit. You, Angie and others in the forum look terrific in them, and I tend to be influenced by that also. When something looks good on someone else, or it’s trending, it can be hard for me to make an objective decision about whether that’s really where I want to go, stylewise. I just want to give into my impulse to buy, buy, buy.

  But, when I sit back and think about my 3 themes, white boots are not an obvious “fit” with any of them. I fear they would be a mistake for me. And I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and would like to avoid making more! If my mood changes and I decide to pursue an 80s retro theme, or a bright, graphic theme, or a classic theme or a Ralph Lauren winter white theme (which is tempting!), then white boots might have a place in my wardrobe. In the meantime, no. So my themes help me navigate and filter trends. I get to boss them around instead of them bossing me around.

  All of which is a long winded way of saying it’s proving to be a useful (and fun!) tool for me. If you wanted to develop a theme, I suggest starting a mood board of images that you are drawn to. Not necessarily specific outfit images. Think patterns, colours and textures. Images of nature or man made structures. Try to figure out what connects them and how you can interpret those images through your style choices.

  Or...just keep doing of what you are doing. You always look fabulous to me!

• Column replied 5 years ago

  What Brooklyn said—both on Suz`s fabness and on wardrobe curation. If you don`t mind, Brooklyn, might you share with us your three themes?

• Suz replied 5 years ago

  Column, thank you! And yes to Brooklyn sharing themes. I think she has done so in earlier posts but maybe a round up post would be good? 

  Brooklyn, thank you so much for your considered and kind reply. I hear exactly what you are saying -- "classic" is a word that functions in a similar way as "polished." There are so many versions of "classic" that you almost wonder why bother with it as a descriptor? But by picking a theme you help yourself refine your choices. Got it. 

  And yes, maybe a mood board. My tendency has been simply to go with the retail flow. I'm not tempted by trends that don't tempt me, if that makes sense -- I mean I'm rarely tempted by trends that won't suit me, or if I dip my toe there, I barely get wet. (E.g. ONE flare sleeved blouse vs. 10, and I decide -- NOPE -- and move on.) So I guess I am lucky that way. But if I want to steer the style ship myself it would still help to pick a theme to keep me focused. Thank you!

• Brooklyn replied 5 years ago

  Suz, it sounds like you are not an impulsive shopper the way I am (or can be unless I have a plan). A theme helps to keep me on the straight and narrow. But you might not need that restraint. It also helps to divert my attention away from shopping and more towards outfit creation. Which is a good thing for me.

  Column, I will post the themes eventually. Visuals are still in development :) Thanks for the interest! I think about it a lot. That’s part of the fun!