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The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty & Fashion Blog
What is Style? Odds and Ends (part 8)

Posted by Dain, Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:56 PM (Eastern)

Damn, these articles take forever to put together. Well, they've served me some purpose. I have a pretty good idea of how things lie now. What works, what doesn't work, what I need to find. Of certain things, I need only one, such as an evening shoe, others, as the desire suits me, such as pretty blouses or lightweight knits. I own some of the pieces already, such as my espadrilles, others are longed-for exemplars that have yet to be surpassed, such as the Anya Hindmarch Alessandara, and a few others still I have no idea what to look for, such as an everyday flat. I've mostly been thinking as I write, but now that it's done perhaps I can say some a little more organized.

I hope to draw this series to a close now. So this final article should fill in what I have not yet covered, and come to some conclusion on what I have already. Like most people, I think as I write, and as I've not tried to organize my wardrobe before (like I've done my stash many times), it's not entirely decisive yet, in spite of the articles below:

Part 1: Getting Started

bottoms
Always more useful to start with bottoms first. They are the foundation of your wardrobe, not in the sense that you match your tops to your bottoms (it's usually the other way around), but rather in the sense that one bottom will suit many tops. As such, I prefer them very simple, neutral, and refined (when they are too casual, they are not so versatile), so that I can wear the very busy tops without fear of "too much". I favor navy and grey, because they go with everything and don't dirty too quickly. I've tried more colorful variations, such as sky blue or red, and I find they don't see much use. I would, however, like a white skirt.

tops
There are four kinds of tops in my mind: a camisole for layering, lightweight knits (which I wear like tees), pretty blouses, buttondowns.

When it comes to camisoles, I like a skintight lace one, it's ideal for layering under sheer blouses, but isn't so plain as a cotton tank. Since I tend not to wear anything too dark, so a white one will do. Normally, I'd choose a pale pink, but white is better in case of a white top. Yes, there are plenty of pretty camisoles out there, but I don't wear them often alone. I feel too exposed in something that looks like lingerie. I have included one that isn't for layering, though, because it's just a nice touch of sex appeal underneath a cardigan.

Buttondowns and lightweight knits make for great everyday wear. Since my bottoms tend to be so plain, I tend not to choose anything casual for a top. If they're solids, many pretty colors are possible, and the overall effect is more polished than a t-shirt, without sacrificing any comfort. Prints are not so common, but they certainly exist.

A flowery, embellished, sheer, lacey, colorful blouse (though not necessarily all at once) is my top of choice. I think it's a matter of personal taste: a blouse is a dressier, more elaborate version of the buttondown. They might be sheer, they might sleeveless or long-sleeved, and any color of the rainbow; it's hard to say in advance.

dressesTwo-piece outfits are all very well, but a pretty dress is much easier to wear, and looks instantly dressed up.

As with the blouses, I have no specific plan for obtaining dresses. They come as they will. I like embellishments, a lot. But of course everyone's taste differs.

bags

I don't need another big bag, I decided. I just got a nice one last year. It's huge; I've taken it traveling, transported three handles of liquor, the heaviest tomes, etc., etc. These two will be fine. I read in this month's Allure that the average woman owns ten bags. Ten bags?! I think three is too much! I hate moving items from one to another.

shoes

I'm pretty much convinced that these eight shoes will cover any and every situation, from the fanciest evening galas to inclement weather to the beach to casual wear. I also think they cover a range of colors and styles, but ones that are versatile enough to match every outfit. I wear the same shoes to death, so eight will do where thirty might result. I own practically none of these, though I do have some lesser versions.

jewelry box

Jewelry should be chosen with care, as it's very, very expensive and much more laden with personality than your other effects.

intimates

A bra (plus at least a dozen panties and socks), a silk chemise and a silk-cashmere top, plus a robe is all you need.

hot and cold

Err... well, it certainly gets hot here, in a bad way, but it's only a short portion of the year. Many days are cold, so I don't know that many solutions to beat the heat 'cept air-conditioning and going to the beach. As for cold weather, one word: layers. Cardigans are your best friend. A thick, chunky sweater is better than a sweatshirt, and more stylish. And coats. If you live in a warmer climate, you may only need one, in which case I would recommend a classic trench coat, which will never fail you. But if not, a few coats is probably necessary, from the lightest trench coat to the loftiest down puffer.

I was hoping to make an exact list of the clothing... but it strikes me that some things, such as the blouses and dresses, are impossible to predict. They come and they go, according to what the market offers. Overall, I have very feminine taste. I'm not for avant garde or minimalist fashion.

Ok, that wasn't as satisfactory as I'd hoped. I kind of wanted a "pack it all in one trunk kind of wardrobe", but there are more loose ends than ever. Maybe I'm not done yet.

Labels: fashion notes

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