Evolving my style: Part 1

Warning...you might need a good cuppa for this post and the ones that will follow later this week and next. Or, you might just want to exit now before you get sucked into the saga.  ;) 

This is Part 1 in a series. (Yup, it is that bad, folks...)


Where I'm at
2014 was the year of the working wardrobe — the first time in my life that I actually owned enough clothes and the right clothes to make interesting and fun-for-me outfits on a regular basis. It was also the first year that upcoming events didn't send me into a tailspin of panic about what to wear. 

(Pause for a moment of profound thanks to Angie and YLF.) 


But — I now have a wardrobe this is a little larger and a little less focused than I think is my ideal. 

I might be wrong about the size, of course. And there’s really only one way to find out. So I've been tracking my wears since mid-September to get a clearer picture. I have 87 pieces in my late fall/ winter/early spring closet -- not counting gear, undies, coats, footwear, bags.

My calculations so far reveal that I'm wearing all but special occasion wear and one or two other pieces (a subject we'll return to later in this series, heheh). But obviously some get worn much more often than others. And that seems pertinent. 

Meanwhile, there is the issue of focus. 

In 2012 I followed Angie's advice to write down words that described the (then current) style along with my aspirational style. 

2012 current words: 

Budget conscious
Unfocused
Comfortable
Uninspired
Safe



2012 Aspirational words

Coherent
Elegant
Clean
Creative
Comfortable
Effortless
(and sometimes) Edgy

I think the only parts of that aspirational style I achieved (eventually) were coherence and comfort, with a dash of clean (thanks to use of white, especially with blue) and effortless (thanks to fluid fits.) 

Here's an update: 


2014 Current style: 

Practical
Cohesive
Androgynous
Modern
Polished

Aspirational style: 

Practical
Cohesive
Androgynous
Modern
Polished
Distinctive
Dynamic

This shows me that I'm happy with the core of my style and don't need a complete overhaul. (Yay!) 

I'm re-posting some favourite outfits from last year, along with a few regular "everyday" outfits. 

I guess my question for this phase of the exploration is what you notice about my current style and whether those descriptive adjectives make sense? Have I missed anything important?

Thank you -- and stay tuned for Part 2.   (If you can bear it.) ;)


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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

55 Comments

  • cjh replied 9 years ago

    Great summation, and fabulous wardrobe and outfits. You nail it in every way.

    Yes, I agree all your style descriptives and ALSO your aspirational words are coming through.

    One question I have: is there a reason you don't feel distinctive and dynamic yet? And it may be revealed in the next part(s), but do you have a plan to ramp up those two aspects?

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    The two words from your aspirational style that you feel you haven't achieved are distinctive and dynamic.  I'm not sure what you mean by dynamic but I feel like your outfits are distinctive.  Of course, words mean different things to different people so maybe I don't understand what you are going for with distinctive.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Suz - I'm going to come back to this after the nighttime Tylenol wears off and I can clear my head and think properly. I fact, I love how you've laid this out and would love to follow your template myself. I love your outfit highlight reel here. All outstanding looks. You've really hit your stride a thousand times over. I think you've hit your adjectives. And I think distinctive is right there too. Now dynamic. How does one define that in outfits. I need to think on that. As for androgynous - yes - but there's definitely a very feminine, playful feel to your outfits too.

    I'll come back. Plus I need to pick myself up from your assymetrical sparkly sweater with black jacket outfit. That's my absolute fav of the lot.

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Wow Suz, that is a fantastic compilation.  I think you've really made your descriptors work for you, or the other way around, not sure which came first :).  They are bang on.  I like cjh's question... why don't' you feel distinctive and dynamic?  What does this look like to you?

    One thing to add, to address your question of have you missed anything important.  The outfit that really made me pause and say "wow" is #23.  I think you should consider pursuing angles and asymmetry in your style.  Does this appeal to you?  The angle of the sweater, and the scarf, seem to really work.  I know this is something I've discovered for myself.

    Looking forward to the mini-series!

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Jackie and Sara posted while I was writing,,, I see they are on the same page!  And I agree with Jackie about the playful element - I thought of that as I looked through as well. 

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    I'm with the others who are wondering about your descriptors and what they mean to you... I can't quite imagine what dynamic looks like. And I definitely see a distinctive style looking at your outfits, although I guess it might not be the look you are wanting to go for in the end? But that is something different to not having a distinctive style in the first place. I'm looking forward to see where you're going with these posts...

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    You have a wonderful style, Suz, and all these gorgeous outfits reflect your style descriptors pretty well.  I have to think more about this, but have to admit that I can't quite get what it is that you would like to change/evolve to.  You look amazing to me right now.  So how would you like to look? What would be the main difference from your current looks?
    I also do not think the wardrobe size is an issue at all. 87 sounds like a fairly moderate number to me ( I am alrge wardrobe fan though) and you do wear everything, obviously some pieces more often.  My philosophy is that it doesn't matter how often is something worn as long as it makes you very happy every time it is worn.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Good morning Suz!  My afternoon meeting just cancelled on me, so I now have time to sit and play and ponder on YLF :)  This is an interesting exercise, and I'm not immediately sure what to say.  When I hear the words "distinctive " and /or " dynamic" , I think of a sense of "pow" , or "wow"!  (I feel like I'm writing a comic book strip).  Something very notable and striking, is that right?  

    When Elizabeth mentioned the use of angles in your outfits, I did nod my head along in agreement.  There is something about that metallic asymetric-hem sweater that gets all of us commenting each time you post it.  Angles, and sharp/defined ones, certainly read dynamic and distinctive to me.  Now, you won't get your favourite semi-tuck look from an angled top or jacket, but maybe that's where you can bring in some variety.  

    Your outfits have a softer-rather-than-harder edge to them, which is something else I see when they are posted together like this.  Semi-tucks, rolled cuffs, soft sweaters - even though the details provide structure, it's still a very soft look.  Not sure where I'm going here, but take that observation for what it's worth.  I also see layering as a softer look - and you do layer a lot with your shirts/sweaters .....

    These are just thoughts here, no real concrete suggestions -but it's where I see the dynamism and distinctiveness maybe lacking.....????

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Suz, this is a great overview, and your style definitely fits your objectives. It's  nice to see some of your warm weather looks too. If I had to pick favourites, it might be 16 and 20, because I love the juxtaposition of boyish and ladylike. 

    Since we're playing the numbers game, your wardrobe is probably about the same size as mine, which I also feel could be smaller. I think I'm going to follow your lead and write down some descriptors of where I'm at, and try and work out my direction from there. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks so far, everyone -- and you are definitely onto something about the angles; I have something to say about that in a further post! 

  • trekkiegirl replied 9 years ago

    This is a really inspiring topic, thank you for posting it!

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    You've built such a great wardrobe!  I really love all of these outfits so much. Out of these, maybe #5, #6 and #25  seem slightly less dynamic to my eye. The reason being is that they don't have some of the signature or maybe I should say "bolder" elements that the other outfits possess. Sometimes it's the shoes, sometimes, the color or pattern and sometimes it's the shape of the garments that add the dynamic/boldness I think. #17 with the button up all the way buttoned takes it just a step more dynamic.

    So if you truly want dynamic (or maybe what I'd call "interesting"), I think  you've nailed it in most of these outfits by combining the right shapes, colors, shoes, belt, etc. to create more than just an everyday person sort of look.

    I'm not sure how "Androgynous" these outfits are. To me, wearing pants is an everyday thing so I don't consider jeans/pants outfits to be androgynous. That would require (to me) no heels, no leopard print belts, no sparkle, no kitty prints, no jewelry, etc.

    Are you sure androgynous is one of the terms you are trying to achieve?

  • replied 9 years ago

    What a great collection of fab outfits, Suz! You've done well. :)

  • columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

    I noticed the word edgy was dropped. And I wonder if you want to bring that in more, maybe through Elizabeth P's suggestions. Looking forward to your series.

  • AM replied 9 years ago
    • 13, 16, 22 are my favorites because they feel more modern and distinctive.
    • "Practical" and "Cohesive" seem functional -- and I believe you already have a handle on these two descriptors. And I also think you've mastered "Polished"
    • I would prioritize the others and do a mood board to reflect what really makes your heart sing.
    • Color - I'd be interested in seeing your color board. Another YLFer pointed me in the direction of into-mind.com. Helpful in my own refinement.
    • My own personal learning: 1) Find individual pieces that feel very modern (fresh lines, fab details, etc.) and a bit uncommon AND 2) Look at your individual outfits and ask yourself "How can I make this more ______?" Fill in the blank. Distinctive, modern?
    • Looking forward to following this post. I'm knee deep in this process myself.
    • AND I love that we are boot twins on the Sweet Aquatalia. I've never had a boot twin!
  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    I always enjoy your musings and you express yourself so well. I've also wondered about how and to what I want to evolve my style and like starting with the descriptors. You would already be distinctive and dramatic in my neighborhood. I wonder if, with your career, you want to move toward a bit more arty version of what you are doing. Like others, I especially like the assymetrical looks and angles on you that balance the softness. I also like the taupe and blue/white colors best.
    As for closet size, I have also been tracking what I've been wearing for winter/early spring. It looks like there are definite favorites, but the less worn pieces of this closet provide much needed variety when I need it. I have found that i don't need anymore skirts, but get tempted every time MsMary posts one of her amazing pencil skirt outfits.
    I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and hope to play along.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    *applause*

    I have been WAITING for this thread, Suz. (Thanks for the kind words). And I look forward to Part 2.

    Good job tracking your wears since Sept. It can be a very useful tool. And help focus your sartorial needs when you’re feeling astray.

    You sound VERY focused in this thread. I think you’re after a little "fine tuning pizazz” in order to feel even more killer fabulous than you already look. When you look at the outfits you posted - they are all killer perfect - so its a FEELING inside of you that is searching for change if you’re not entirely happy. It’s not a visual thing for the person looking at your style.

    My questions about your new style describing words are:

    • Distinctive from who? 
    • How is an outfit Dynamic?

    FWIW, these are my faves from your outfit selection here: #3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 25. (I guess I love you in structured jackets - and I’m loving the fresh look of flats too). There is a Playful touch to each of those outfits - your sense of humour is coming through in your style. THAT I think at this stage is key.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I am looking forward to revisiting this later tonight - I'm eating lunch right now and must get to teaching the kiddos how to read (work does get in the way of YLF sometimes, doesn't it?)!

    So I haven't read the other responses yet, but the first thing I noticed was the addition of distinctive and dynamic. How will you make those two relate to the other 5? To me, and this is probably only to me, they seem a bit at odds with "practical." When I think of distinctive and dynamic, I think of throwing practicality out the window. For example, today I'm wearing blue cigarette pants, a navy anchor print top (my way of laughing at the snow), and a tomato red blazer. Distinct/dynamic me would have worn red heeled booties, practical me said, "What are you crazy? There's 16 inches of snow on the ground!"

    Hummm....of course incorporating your additional words can be done, and I do think you already are both distinctive, dynamic, and all the rest. And now I'm rambling. And there are children knocking at my door with their books (Go away, I'm on YLF! Oh, oops, did I say that out loud, or just think it? Yikes...)

  • Summer replied 9 years ago

    You have such a fabulous wardrobe, Suz, and I'm seeing all those style words represented, except, as others have said, for DYNAMIC.  For me that translates as: powerful, energised and lively, and  I think 7 and 20 are strong contenders for that description - they definitely have plenty of wow factor.  So, is it that you want to inject even more of that element in your outfits?  (if that's even possible!)

    I shall be following this closely.  Roll on part 2!
     

  • kkards replied 9 years ago

    well, i'm not sure where part 2 is going to take us, but let me chime in on my take on part 1.
    i think you have already achieved just about everything on your aspirational list.
    your look is very focused, modern, and polished yet not stuffy. i see your style as very distinctive, becuase of its focus and cohesion.
    i'm a bit unsure that you mean by dynamic, but i'm wondering if it really relates back to the big missing piece for your 2012 list --edgyiness.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    You know, I see Romantic touches starting to appear in your outfits, Suz. Less Moto. Which maybe reflects the way Edgy has dropped off the list.

  • Summer replied 9 years ago

    On second thoughts, Suz, using the dictionary definition of Dynamic:  ever-changing, full of energy and ideas, the opposite of static; this seems to sum up your wardrobe perfectly.

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    Well, I definitely see Modern, Polished, and Distinctive in all these outfits. What amazes me, in fact, is how these descriptors stay consistent through all your outfits--in everything from casual, at-home to more dressy casual and professional looks. The Modern comes from your obvious awareness of what is trending in the fashion world and the Polished from your ability to fine-tune your outfits by paying attention to those all-so-important details. As for Distinctive, it should be apparent, after the skirted-legging episode, that to most of us on the forum there exists a highly distinctive "Suz look"--a selective adaption of what is modern and trendy to create an personal look that is flattering, practical, and very enviable.

    But the best aspect of "the Suz look", to my eye, is the sense of fun that is at the heart of all your outfits. Angie uses the word "playfulness", but my choice would be "joie de vivre"--a joy and delight in living--that provides your Dynamic. It's a element that goes beyond drape, angles, and shapes of individual pieces--something we all want, but can't buy in the shops--and is a huge part of your look.

    Can you tell I'm a huge fan of "the Suz look"?

  • Peri replied 9 years ago

    Wow! Well, I'm not sure how you get any better than this...or why you would want to change! But I will be curious about the process. But don't change. Hahaha. 

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    Wow! you should be honoured with a fashion degree from YLF with extra marks for concrete and focused efforts.

    Do you mean bold and dramatic by dynamic? The thing that jumps out from these outfits is how distinctive your signature style is. I think that is why I had such a hard time seeing you in those skirted leggings. You certainly own every single piece of your wardrobe and that makes your style very distinctive (in my opinion).

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    oh and now I am waiting anxiously for part 2 of this series.

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Suz- once again you bring your signature ability to focus and articulate here to generate lots of great thoughts. Your wardrobe is beautiful, functional and grounded in its "Suz-ness". It is interesting to me that you are aspiring to add the extra seasoning of distinctive and dynamic to the mix. Like others, the issue of your version of edge comes to mind. It may bring the two D's with it. Also makes me think that you might find both in a wild card or two per season- perhaps wild cards that will veer towards workhorses just for the sheer joy they add to your already solid wardrobe.

    Your style journey, so well expressed, has been very helpful to me. I am struck by how sophisticated and far along the style path you are to pose this question so thoughtfully. If you are looking for a bit more, It's all in a bit of fine tuning at this point. Bravo!

    Many thanks, Suz.

  • Style Fan replied 9 years ago

    What a great wardrobe you have!  There is nothing like a FAB pair of jeans, gorgeous blazer and a shirt of some kind to catch my attention.  I would have a hard time picking out my favourite.  All of your pieces work well together and you have a great sense of style.

    I am not sure what distinctive and dynamic mean.  I am looking forward to the rest of the series of your journey.

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    Interesting. You do have a distinctive and fabulous style. I notice a love for stripes and checks, a cool colour palette, and perfect accessories for each look, sometimes matching, other times deliberately not doing so. You wear trousers, jeans, button ups and jackets to perfection, but can carry off an elegant skirt brilliantly.

    I look forward to your next instalment.

  • replied 9 years ago

    What a treat, Suz, to read your musings on your personal style. I'm nodding along with others who can see distinctiveness already. I'm not altogether sure about dynamic... I think, as Gaylene pointed out, that it's already coming through with your personality, but maybe you are after 'your' kind of edge...'your' dynamic essence. Perhaps it is linked to bringing out your artistic side a bit more, hmmm...perhaps, not edge in the 'tough booties, black leather' sense, but more in the unusual juxtaposition sense?

    I'll keep popping back to this to read all the different points of view. Great thread.

    Doh! I can't believe that I didn't say how awesome you look in every single one of the photos! There...done now :)

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Oh, thank you all so much for the lovely compliments. I really appreciate them. I happen to be having one of "those" days...you know the ones where you look in the mirror and think, "Where did THAT wrinkle come from????" Oh, and I also got a rejection today in the mail.   Bleah. 

    You are a smart bunch. You have already put your fingers on the key issues here. Tomorrow I will add to this (don't want to overload you all on one day), but in the meantime, you're absolutely right to question the whole "dynamic" thing, I suspect...I need to think that one through a wee bit. 

    I think my biggest problem is one that Angie mentioned in a different post: Quite simply, it is difficult to reconcile my aspirational style with my actual lifestyle.

    And, being a practical girl at heart, I mostly revert to lifestyle needs. You wouldn't necessarily know that from these outfits. By far the majority of them were "going out in the world" outfits, with a few being dress-up outfits. 

    Like Angie, my favourites are the ones that include a great structured jacket.

    But...um...I don't wear my jackets at home. Or my fun and fab footwear, either. 

    And, what does it say that the largest portion of my favourite looks were not work-at-home looks -- when I work at home????

    Sigh....

  • Marilyn replied 9 years ago

    Sounds like you're making good progress with your style journey, Suz.
    I completely understand the aspirational versus lifestyle part but I'm not certain it needs to be reconciled.   I'm in the same boat and it's like I have an at home persona and an out and about persona....and that's ok.  At home is more comfortable and practical.   When I'm going out I step it up with jackets and more polished outfits.  Enjoy the times when you DO get to dress in the way you aspire to.  The rest of the time just be comfortable in your own skin....you probably look better than you think even if you're super casual.

  • Inge replied 9 years ago

    This is fun!

    I was actually thinking something very similar to what Angie said, i.e.: "You sound VERY focused in this thread. I think you’re after a little "fine tuning pizazz” in order to feel even more killer fabulous than you already look. When you look at the outfits you posted - they are all killer perfect - so its a FEELING inside of you that is searching for change if you’re not entirely happy. It’s not a visual thing for the person looking at your style."

    I love your style, Suz, and feel that you have achieved all of your 2014 style goals. To my eye, you have a very cohesive style that allows for a good amount of variety (in silhouettes, and room to experiment with new trends and colours). You know which colours suit you, which materials you like to wear, and you have a real knack for putting together simple and strong, visually interesting outfits.

    I too would like to hear more about your new style descriptor "dynamic". And I was also just about to ask you if the feeling of not being quite "there" yet, comes more from being a bit more limited in your outfit options while working from home (I 100% get that).

    P.S. I'm very sorry to hear about the rejection letter.


  • Ann in New England replied 9 years ago

    I have been wrestling with the work at home thing, too. I may need to post my own thread, so as not to hijack yours. You are more advanced in your style journey than I am, so I hope to learn from your thread as well.

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    What fun this will be! I haven't read the other responses yet, so someone else may have mentioned...I see more Strong-Feminine influence than I do Androgenous. I don't mean mean frilly in any way, but strong, confident, yet distinctly feminine. Maybe it's just my bias, but I really love this look on you.

    Can't wait to see what part 2 holds. Off to read the comments.

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    OK, just a thought. Maybe it's time to think about a comparable, at-home versions of your favorites. Maybe a structured third piece that could sub in for the jacket like a sleeveless top in an interesting color or texture? Or an interesting shoe that you can wear indoors and is easy to slip off when you want to curl up on the couch? Or a non-slouchy, architectural sweater in an interesting shape?

    I know that this winter my favorite at-home outfits have come from being forced to combine items that formerly would have hung in different sections of my closet. I no longer think of dressy casual--to me, anything that isn't in my tiny dressy capsule is fair game for everyday wear.

    ETA: And about that rejection--their loss. Sometimes people are just too blind to recognize a good thing when it drops into their laps...

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ah, thanks, Gaylene and Inge, for the kind words on the rejection. It's actually a grant rejection, and those are always kind of a crap shoot -- you send a whole lot out and hope at least one will stick. And you know that most won't. And days when you're feeling strong, you thumb your nose. But days when you are not...bump. But I'm back in the saddle again...  ;) 

    Gaylene, I think that part of the reason I enjoyed my summer wardrobe more than usual this past year was that I had a couple of fluid yet structured tops. Plus I wear more button downs in summer. Also tube skirts -- while stretchy knit -- do feel a bit structured. As do my knee length slim shorts. So your suggestion bears thinking about. Although sleeveless tops at this time of year are not happening. It is -14 and snowing at the moment...

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Your style seems so well honed to me, Suz. These outfits are all fantastic! And of course they are your favorites, so one way to evolve your style from here is to bring what you love about these outfits into even more of what you wear. And winnow out the things that made the other outfits less than favorites.

    As to dynamic, I do see your style as dynamic. I think of dynamic as conveying a sense of energy--dynamism is energy, to me, in other words. And I see energy--youthfulness, freshness, brightness, vitality could be synonyms--in your use of color and pattern. Your stripes are bold. In the outfits where your patterns are more diffuse, the colors are usually not all muted (as they might be in an outfit of mine, for example), and the outfits without pattern still have texture and shine to give them the sense of verve. So "dynamic" I think you've definitely got.

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Glad you are back in the saddle, big hugs, 

    These are all fab looks Suz & I'm glad you stopped to appreciate all the hard work you've done. 

    Just a couple of questions :) Which two or three of these outfits did you FEEL best in & which two or three do you like most when you look at the photos? Are they the same outfits? If not what is making the difference? 

    It does sound like your stay at home outfits need some tweaking to make them more "you". I had a similar problem with my summer wardrobe - I just didn't like it in the way I like booties & jackets. With help from YLF I've now found a way to still feel like me in the heat. I'm sure you'll find your at home style :) :)

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Wow! What a fab collection of outfits. I haven't read through all of the posts but I certainly will later. I see your descriptors in all of your outfits. Dynamic, for sure! Modern and polished as well. You have killer style!

  • Dimity replied 9 years ago

    Hi Suz, 
    I'm mostly at home and want my clothes to be comfy when I'm curled up on the couch with the laptop. Yoga pants and a sweater get boring after a while, so I've been thinking about shapes, textures, colour and proportion. Firecracker introduced me to http://www.oska.de/ and I love the idea of shaking things up by changing the shapes of my basic look of pants and top. Oska has some interesting silhouettes. I want to try loose pants and a fluid sweater look this coming winter and explore a more Japanese aesthetic to add interest to what my current mix of basic, classic and preppyish clothes. I've moved away from looking at outfit bloggers (and mainstream and department stores) for inspiration because I haven't found many with originality, so I'm looking mostly at European designers and translating looks I love for me. I'm hoping that these explorations will morph into an interesting and individual look that works for me.
    When I look at your outfits I see a vibrant and stylish woman with a great deal of spirit. I think your style is modern and crisp and I have only good thoughts about it, but I know that it's never static so evolution is a positive and vital move. Good luck!
    Oh, and in terms of numbers, 87 (plus summer things) seems very reasonable to me. 

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    And, what does it say that the largest portion of my favourite looks were not work-at-home looks -- when I work at home????

    This really struck a chord with me, because I have/had almost the opposite thing going on.  The outfits I pick as my favourite are often my casual ones, yet I dress for work 4-5 times a week, and at home tend to live in Lulu's and hoodies.  So the casual outfits are worn maybe 1-2 times per week. 

    Trying to figure out what it is that I like, and how to pull it across into my work wardrobe isn't easy.  For me I have realized comfort is part of it, but that's in how it feels, not how it looks.  And it's both elements I need to figure out.  Working on it!  Good luck to us both in this one.

  • MsMaven replied 9 years ago

    What an educational post! Thanks for sharing with us.

    Androgynous femininity? Maybe we should be talking about yin and yang. I've been going through Imogen Lamport's posts on this at insideoutstyleblog.com. For some reason I find this a fascinating topic. You are doing great--you may be wearing a "boyish" outfit--jeans, shirt and blazer--yet you always look very feminine to me. 

    I love the word focused right now. You do look focused--your outfits all work together without a belt or a thread out of place, but I also see a lot of variety. You clearly know how you want to look--and you achieve it thus far. 

    I'm looking forward to part 2 as well.

    Now I'm going to go back to your photos and really focus to try and figure out why I like each outfit so much.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Oh, that's a big deal - your work-at-home wardobe. I just finished up my project, so now I'm at home too and thinking about the subject. I don't feel like doing my Saturday clothes all week; I want to dress for my purpose. But I don't want to be officey, because this is my chance to be much weirder at work than that (lol!).

    Heh and golly olly. I don't know who I am when I work from home anymore. Haven't done it in so long.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    If we can bear part 2? Are you kidding? you left as with a cliffhanger - can't wait!
    That said I will try to make something of your slight dissatisfaction with your current style, which, as everyone agrees, is pretty darn fabulous. Distinctive and dynamic - do you mean the bit of flair and originality that make great style Suz style? Because, as mentioned above, you clearly have created Suz style that distinctly does not include certain wardrobe items that shall not be named :-). Do you want to be more idiosyncratic? Incorporate more unique pieces? Have a few signatures? Up the playfulness to wittiness (I have no clue what that would mean)? More, more, more musings please. And do tell us which are your favorite outfits. Mine are: 3.7.8.15 and 22. (I may have missed some, it's early.)

    eta Nothing is more random and persnickety than grant applications, but you know that! good luck with the next one!

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Bwaaaaaaa, the Voldeskirt.....

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    It's really late, and I'm hoping to be coherent ---

    I so get the disconnect between aspirational style and real life.  Are you in a transition in your life in general, Suz?  I find dressing in the midst of personal transitions is far harder --- style personas  are hard to nail down when one's life is a moving target!  I'm feeling this myself.

    Are you sure you feel you have "too much" in your closet?  It seems like you require variety -- particularly at the end of winter.  Also, you've had great luck with capsules as focusing tools -- are you using a capsule now?

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Suz, I read this post first thing this morning and have pondered it today.  I am excited for you :)  I was going to ask the same questions as Angie.  The thing with the words Dynamic and Distinctive is that they are subject to interpretation and I need to understand your interpretation to comment on them.  I agree that probably what you are experiencing is that moment of readiness to take the next step in further defining and , for want of a better work, perfecting your style.

  • replied 9 years ago

    You know that sentence you wrote about the fact that you had shown photos of more outfits that you wore out even though you work from home, very much  struck a chord with me. I think I socialise less than you and have less reasons to go out. I feel like it hampers style growth and it makes me a little sad...I have to keep putting such thoughts to the back of my mind whilst choosing clothes for 'my lifestyle' and I suspect you feel the same. Oh the joys of working from home... We need a solution!

  • goldenpig replied 9 years ago

    Suz, you've got an amazing sense of style and your focused collection of looks is so cohesive, and I think it is very distinctive. Very modern, clean and bold but with soft romantic touches too. What a treat to see your outfits all together! Your writing is so compelling too. 

    You mentioned wanting to add dynamic and distinctive and that your favorite outfits are for going out, not home. Which outfit is your very favorite and what elements make it your favorite? When I was just starting out and trying to analyze my style that was the best suggestion. I picked the one that's in my avatar and that's how I ended up with the style moniker Demure Bombshell. (Actually I probably should change my avatar, since my style feels like it's gone in a little darker and edgier direction lately). Maybe you can use those elements to guide your choices for your style evolution.

    I also had the same issue with concentrating so much on work outfits, that I didn't feel like my MOTG style was as honed. This year I've worked more on my casual style lately and I agree it is a whole different ballgame, but there is a way to make your MOTG/WAH style cohesive with your overall style personality, it just takes some creativity. I'm all about the transitioning pieces from work to MOTG and I think you would be great at casualizing your favorite pieces too.

    I agree with the others, the silver asymmetric sweater is a real standout and I think the asymmetry and angles are something to explore further. I have an Eileen Fisher poncho that Angie recommended that is so soft and cozy, I wear it for MOTG all the time but it also has that impact and the angles. And another Vince Camuto sweater that has stripes and angles. (Angie was so smart, she knew just the two pieces I needed to move my MOTG style along!) Maybe you could look for something along those lines? Also, I have this Bobeau navy fleece cardigan that is so snuggly. One of my favorite MOTG outfits is that plus a striped T and white jeans and boots. I could totally see you wearing that outfit! They have all different colors--it's a great 3rd piece to finish off casual outfits. I just bought another one in storm grey.

    As for the "distinctive" element, I think you should look for some statement pieces if that's what your after. I'm guessing that if you chop off your head in the pics, you want people to still be able to say, "That's Suz!" I actually think you're there already, but maybe you want to look for some casual items that have that extra bit of flair you are looking for. I think the "dynamic" would follow from that, because I take that to be a code for you wanting to change things up a bit and push your style boundaries. I don't think you need to change a thing in terms of you already having a modern, clean, distinct style that is quite enviable (I really admire your style and would happily wear any of your outfits), but I think we always want to have that fresh element to keep us excited and on our fashion toes! Just when we think we've gotten to where we need to be, there's always something new around the corner to keep us evolving!

    ETA: Forgot to add my faves--they're all awesome but particularly 10, 11, 16, 22, 25!

  • shipskitty replied 9 years ago

    Hmm...this was very interesting to read Suz and I have to say that before I read anyone else's comments my gut reactions to the collection of pictures that I didn't see expressed in your list was 'playful'.

    The adjective in your list that I struggled to see was 'androgynous'. But maybe that is just me?

    'Distinctive' is definitely there for the rest of us to see. 

    'Dynamic' - is harder to identify - I'm not sure what you are looking for. Are you looking for a sense of movement in your outfits - something that moves the observer or draws the eye? I think you do achieve this with the asymmetric touches.

    Also with respect to your musings on 'work at home' outfits being the least satisfying are you seeking a less casual work at home look? Or more variety in that look? What is it about the 'heading out' outfits that speaks to your heart? Why do you exclude that from your 'work at home' looks?

  • Marley replied 9 years ago

    Suz - your outfits are all great and what fun to look at them!  The only other thing I have to add is the suggestion that Angie made awhile back about putting a streak of pink in your hair?  I didn't ever see any conclusion to your ponderings about that - maybe I missed it and you decided against it - but if you're still considering it I think it would definitely bring a dynamic and distinctive element to your style!

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    These are all so fab, but that may miss the point.
    I have a lot of trouble separating what I like best from what you may want to achieve. I like the more grown-lady looks a little more than the pixie-tomboy but that's because I think you look so awesome-powerful in those, yet still highly approachable. So I like the sporty-dressy  more than the Huck Finn And slightly arty--there is an artistic look in some of your pieces and outfits, probably adding the modern touch and sophistocation. But you do the tomboy thing so well, and that can really work for WAH. So it may get back to trying to identify that element that transcends home vs. special occasion.

  • Day Vies replied 9 years ago

    Practical is a relative term -- so it's hard to see practicality. Some people think a heel is a practical shoe -- others think more in terms of mobility and ruggedness when they think practical.

    Otherwise I see the remainder of your list in your outfits. All of your outfits are consistent with your style. I think you may be concerned with your wardrobe becoming too large. With more pieces comes experimentation and possibly repetition of cut, style, and pattern.

    Perhaps because your taste is evolving from season to season you're looking at the evidence of those changes thinking it's inconsistent with your core style -- it might be but I think that's where the inherent dynamism of personal style lives. As long as you love the inconsistent pieces and their color and cut work with the more consistent pieces I see no reason to change. However there might be things that you used to love that you've evolved past, because nothing on the newer end of your wardrobe works with them. That was a bit rambling but I hope it makes sense.

  • Lisa replied 9 years ago

    I'm not sure why modern and polished are not in your style descriptors yet.  Your outfits look that way to me!  It looks like you have really honed your style so far and you are using all of your clothes, so your wardrobe size sounds like it's on point too.  You've done a great job!

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