When I did the post-mortem on the clothes I recently gave away and organized what was left, it became fairly obvious that there are several distinct women I'm dressing. It's almost like my clothes are wardrobe for a cast of characters! So one more rule for me: don't buy anything that won't dress one of these women.
I guess this makes me a multiple personality disordered fashionista? Maybe so, but at least I finally figured out what's going on.
So let's meet these women. I'm including links to my Pinterest boards with accompanying images. Ladies, come on out!
1. The Gypsy in My Soul
My original fashion statement as a teenager, and one I'm still quite
fond of. The minimalist in me likes to wear black, white and gray. But
the Gypsy loves bright colors and contrasting pattern play.
2. The Ice Princess
A look I sometimes channel professionally. I've long been drawn to the mysterious feminine power of some of Alfred Hitchcock's heroines. "Sexy Secretary" was really never a look that appealed to me much. I prefer the cool, aloof, exquisitely tailored, buttoned-up, intimidating blondes.
3. Out of Africa
Perhaps all that time spent in church as a small child hearing about missionaries in exotic locations inspired my love for safari wear. I love the look of combining British or European khaki clothes with Masai jewelry, African prints, wax batiks and ikat. I think the Masai are probably the most stylish people on the planet, in fact. I love the colors they wear, the mixed patterns and their incredible hand-made beaded jewelry. And I bet the average Masai woman does not own more than fifteen things, yet they always look fantastic. The Masai seem to have it figured out when it comes to elegance and simplicity of design and function combined with maximal use of color and surface pattern.
4. Studio 54
When I'm dancing tango, I've never found a look that works better than Disco. A body-conscious jersey dress that moves, one statement bracelet, heels -- I'm good to dance all night! Jersey wrap dresses are among fashion's perfect objects, in my opinion. And they're great for traveling with one carry-on bag.
5. Rock Star
Can't help it. If I'm not at work or dancing, I gravitate toward this look. Especially on the weekends, if I'm going out to the movies or out with friends. Although, sometimes, it can get a little mixed up with
5. Goth,
another of my original styles. No apologies. I love black clothes. And I like vampires.
6. Off-Duty Soviet Gymnast/Ballerina
When I'm not dancing or working, I am probably running or working out or lounging around in bed watching movies or reading Vogue. And when I am, this is the wardrobe I wear. When I pop out to the grocery store I'm often dressed in some kind of bastard love-child of old school Adidas and Danskin. And this is the wardrobe I like to fly in. These are my extremely practical comfort clothes. Cheap, durable, form follows function. Probably the smartest clothes I own, in terms of utility.
So from now on, I'm not buying an article of clothing or a pair of shoes unless I know WHO it's for out of the six women I evidently am.
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