STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

shopaholic · Kenneth Cole

How do you determine what YOU like?

ILoveChoo · Hermes

thats a tough one. I think I mostly tell because I feel comfortable in it- not necessarily physical comfort but I feel like its "me"... if I'm wearing something that I *really* like I won't feel at all self consious in it or think that people are looking at me funny or anything. But that could just be because I have ridiculously low self esteem...

rocky · Coach

It is definitely hard to weed through trends, but I usually stick to what looks good on, and what I feel comfortable in, as mentioned above. Pretty much what you tend to wear everyday is what your style is, try not to stray to far from that.

Renee · Kenneth Cole

There was a period in my life when I bought indiscriminately, just because I could and because buying was fun. I noticed that I had a closet full of clothes, but I would only wear a few pieces I loved and that looked good. Finally I changed my strategy, and sold and donated all the clothes that weren't "me". I did it over some four months (and maybe more) in 2004, and all this time I was thinking about what I really want in terms of my wardrobe and style. In fact, I am still thinking about it - I think that right now I am really starting to build my closet. There's no simple answer to figuring out what you like, but I have some guiding principles. First, the piece has to make me smile, make me excited. To test that I put a piece I want to buy on hold for a day. If I'm ready to face the hassle of going back to the store the next day, then it's probably a worthy investment. Before I pay for something I have to imagine at least three outfits with this piece. I also made a rule never to buy more than two pieces at any given time; one is my ideal. If I have a very special piece in my hands, I should only want to buy it and nothing else, and I should only buy very special pieces (and even basics can feel very special). Next, its very hard to distinguish between what you really LOVE to look at and what you love to have on you. I think we all know this one the craving for the next "it" item that looks so good on a star, or in an on-line store (but not so good anymore when it is just hanging in your closet with all the tags on). My strategy is to go to the store, take the "it" item and carry it around with me in the store. After some time of this I feel I've had enjoyed its beauty and I can move on. I also think it's OK to go shopping without buying anything, just to figure out what looks good on you.

Another thing: in my everyday notebook, I often sketch the items in my closet, and draw schematic outfits. This helped me clean out my closet, because I saw I was going back to the same items to draw in my notebook. They had a magical appeal like color, pattern, texture and they made whimsical drawings, while others were just blah or "clothing for aliens"- this is what I call clothes that look good on ideal people like models, or just on other people but never on me! For example I love the look of turtlenecks but can never wear them because I'm big chested. So when I see a pretty turtleneck in the store I immediately go "huh, here's a top for aliens!" It helps me!

Hope this makes sense.

Also, this stylediary article made a lot of sense to me and I am trying to use many of the principles:

http://stylediary.net/toolbox.aspx?ArticleID=68

CarrieS · Marc Jacobs

I think Renee has pretty much summed it up. I think, at age 26, I'm just starting to figure out what I like and what looks good on me. I think my brain finally started stepping in with rational information on fit and colors and what really works for me, instead letting my careless side take over and just buy what's "in". I think some of this just has to do with getting older and not caring so much about buying what's trendy at the moment.

I also have to stop and think about what I already own that will go with a piece in the store that I like. If I can only picture one outfit, then I put the item back.

I try to be picky with celebrity trends, because they don't always work for us "normal" people. I might like something on a celeb, but know in my heart that it won't really work for me in my real life.

I think my biggest thing though, is is that if I have any doubt at all, even the tiniest bit, I won't buy something. I don't like buyer's remorse.

-- Edited by CarrieS at 20:31, 2005-03-01

exsupahero · Kate Spade

This past weekend, I decided to try something new. I was wearing a miniskirt, capri leggings, a Marvel VS (it's a trading card game) shirt, and a blue hoodie (trying a Mary-Kate look). I knew I looked good but I just felt so out of place. I thought to myself, "Never again am I gonna try something trendy." I ended up going back to my "preppy" self and am totally comfortable at this very moment.

How do I know what I like? I took a risk and tried something that was totally new and when I didn't feel like hot stuff, I knew it wasn't what I liked. I'll still take risks but... I won't sway too much from my clothes.

I know it's not much of an advice but I think after awhile, you'll realize that style is sooooo overrated. I figured that out after my little fiasco.

bumblebee · Dooney & Bourke

i'm a very intuitive thinker, so i can't really put my finger on why i choose something--either it feels like it's "me" or it doesn't. there's no rhyme or reason. i'm like that with everything, though--buying things for my apartment, for gifts for other people, etc. so i usually feel pretty good in what i pick because i choose what speaks to me.

i've always had a pretty independent sense of style. i guess maybe from starting to look at and be interested in fashion at an early age--my mom is a world-champion shopper and i wanted to be just like her. so i've kind of always felt pretty confident about what i liked and what i didn't.

i do read magazines and observe people on the street, though, so that gives me ideas. sometimes i will like how i have seen someone pair up an outfit and will try a similar thing on my own. i try really hard not to get caught in the trap of wearing something that looks bad on my body type just because it it in style--that is my pet peeve. i think body-flattering-ness comes first, and then following trends.

smash · Dooney & Bourke

quote:
Originally posted by: bumblebee
"i'm a very intuitive thinker, so i can't really put my finger on why i choose something--either it feels like it's "me" or it doesn't. there's no rhyme or reason. i'm like that with everything, though--buying things for my apartment, for gifts for other people, etc. so i usually feel pretty good in what i pick because i choose what speaks to me. i've always had a pretty independent sense of style. i guess maybe from starting to look at and be interested in fashion at an early age--my mom is a world-champion shopper and i wanted to be just like her. so i've kind of always felt pretty confident about what i liked and what i didn't. i do read magazines and observe people on the street, though, so that gives me ideas. sometimes i will like how i have seen someone pair up an outfit and will try a similar thing on my own. i try really hard not to get caught in the trap of wearing something that looks bad on my body type just because it it in style--that is my pet peeve. i think body-flattering-ness comes first, and then following trends. "

i couldn't have said it better. this is exactly how i am too. i pretty much know within a few minutes of entering a store whether there is anything there that catches my eye. i think knowing what works for you comes with years of trying lots of different things on and also accepting your body and lifestyle. there are times where i open up a magazine and see a great "rockstar" kind of look (particularly going-out kinds of looks) or i see a girl all perfectly primped in a suit on the subway and i think "wow, i wish i could wear that/look like that" - but honestly, i rarely go out and i work in a casual environment, so both of those looks/styles would be silly for me. i have basically had the same style for my entire adult life - pretty casual, very colorful - i just see something in a store and i am drawn to it. about 90% of the time, the things i am drawn to end up fitting/looking good.

i think the most important thing is being able to look at magazines or at other people and appreciate the ideas that they give you, but not to get overwhelmed by the desire to integrate all of those things into your personal style or wardrobe. i love looking at mags and at runway shows to get new ideas for color pairings or fabrics or layering ideas, but i make a point not to run out and buy one of every new trend on the radar for that month/season. most trendy things wouldn't work with the rest of my wardrobe anyway.

that's my $.02.

kenzie · Chanel

quote:
Originally posted by: smash
" i couldn't have said it better. this is exactly how i am too. i pretty much know within a few minutes of entering a store whether there is anything there that catches my eye. i think knowing what works for you comes with years of trying lots of different things on and also accepting your body and lifestyle. there are times where i open up a magazine and see a great "rockstar" kind of look (particularly going-out kinds of looks) or i see a girl all perfectly primped in a suit on the subway and i think "wow, i wish i could wear that/look like that" - but honestly, i rarely go out and i work in a casual environment, so both of those looks/styles would be silly for me. i have basically had the same style for my entire adult life - pretty casual, very colorful - i just see something in a store and i am drawn to it. about 90% of the time, the things i am drawn to end up fitting/looking good. i think the most important thing is being able to look at magazines or at other people and appreciate the ideas that they give you, but not to get overwhelmed by the desire to integrate all of those things into your personal style or wardrobe. i love looking at mags and at runway shows to get new ideas for color pairings or fabrics or layering ideas, but i make a point not to run out and buy one of every new trend on the radar for that month/season. most trendy things wouldn't work with the rest of my wardrobe anyway. that's my $.02."

I'd like to say ditto to that. I just instinctively 'know' what I like. I'm always drawn to color and girly things, as well as things that I know fit my lifestyle. My work environment is fashion focused, so I get to dress up and have fun with my work clothes and my closet reflects that. But I also don't jump on board with every trend that comes through the store. I just know what works for me and what doesn't. Sorry if that wasn't much help.

theotherjess · Chanel

quote:
Originally posted by: smash
" i pretty much know within a few minutes of entering a store whether there is anything there that catches my eye. "

This is me too! When I go shopping with other people they are confused when I only want to spend 5 minutes in a store, but I can just tell that I'm not "getting" the store's clothes. I can tell by the vibe of the majority of the clothing that at that moment if there is or is not anything I would like.

Meow · Coach

I have wondered the same thing, shopaholic. I am 34 years old and I only started to get really interested in fashion when I was 30 or 31. I had always loved clothing, but I was basically in and out of college until that point and it was only then that I got a life. I have tried several things in the past 4 years and some have worked/some haven't. Some looks were too young and some too old. I feel that I am still learning what I like and what I don't, but hopefully I will get better. I feel that only recently have I begun to ask myself what is really "me" in terms of clothing and what is not. My goal now is to "build" a wardrobe that will last me from season to season and only add pieces that I LOVE each season. I have basically thrown out almost everything I wore last Spring and am starting over (it was a bit too casual for work, although I wore it anyway) So far the things I have bought I really like. There has been one purchase I made that I am afraid was made on a whim, but thankfully it was only $17. It was a pair of shoes (my weakness). However, this Winter I did pretty well. I made about 4 purchases that were whims and not really thought out. They were not expensive purchases, so I can be thankful for that. My clothes I bought will carry me into next Winter except I need new pants. I lost some weight and they are all too big. Since finding pants to fit is a problem for me I kind of dread that, but I digress. The area of my wardrobe that really needs help is in the area of transitional clothing. I have a problem going from Winter to Spring and Summer to Fall. I really want to get some lightweight blazers, long sleeve shirts, and to practice layering more with camis. The climate I live in is mild (basically our winter will be over about the end of this month), so it is kind of crazy that I don't have "transitional" clothing, but I don't. I am trying now to work on a wardrobe that is "me" and to only add trends that I really like and feel are really "me". I know that what I said is easier "said" than "done". I will probably find that out for myself as I try to put that into practice. I think basically what I am going to do is to ask myself how I will truly feel in an outfit before I buy it, and if I am truthful with myself that I don't like it, maybe I will not buy it. I feel I have rambled, but I hope that helps.

Lilykind · Hermes

I'm really very much an intuitive, but I'll try to outline my thought processes.

When I walk into a store or surf online, I try to keep the focus on a few elements that will make the the dirrerence between a blah piece and a standout that I'll take out often that will just make me smile.

colors that I know will work with my skintone. I cannot wear pale pastels, for example, but I've rarely met an earth tone/jewel tone that didn't love me back. The pale pastel thing does hurt...I put down an otherwise supergorgeous Twelfth St. tunic style dress that was $35 at Loehmanns because it was a shade of pale aqua that just didn't do anything for me. I love bright crayon colors and I want my clothes to be a positive mood modifier.

I guess I would call my style a bit funky and sassy. I'm drawn to pieces with bucketloads of attitude and I will wear them no matter what other people say.

silhouette/cut. I am at ease with my body and I love my curves. I try my best not to force my body into unflattering silhouettes and stick with those that accentuate my body shape. This one's hard because it seems like lots of things don't work on me, but I keep going...I keep learning

my lifestyle. Shoot I love gorgeous satin dresses as much as the next girl, but can I really wear one out shopping or to work? Well, nope...so I stay away from anything that would be too impractical with my lifestyle. Hard to do, because there's just so much beautiful stuff, but absolutely necessary at the same time. I go to work 5 days a week, so basically it's 3-4 days of business casual, and 3-4 days of regular casual. I go out rarely so I don't go buy little sequinned tops every weekend.

I've honed it to the point at which I can walk in a store and pick over clothes with my eyes until I find something I like that has at least a 70% chance of working on my body within ten minutes. Oftentimes I spend only 5 minutes in a store.

I've made TONS of mistakes since my intuitive behavior often leads to me buying on a whim, but usually those purchases are heavily discounted/cheap to begin with which makes it not so bad. But now I try to be more choosy and I'm really going for quality over quantity. I want pieces that have personality but I want them to last a long time.

I am imspired by others and by the media somewhat, but at the same time, I do my best to filter out what would work with my personal style and what just flat out won't.

I'm still learning, though. I always will be, and that's the great thing about fashion...it's all about what you make it to be.

mischiefandmayhem · BCBG

i trust my instincts. i don't know - when i shop, i just look for what speaks to me, same as when i am flipping through a magazine. if i find something i like, i'll ask myself how i'd work it, how long i might wear it, etc. for example tonight i picked up the most recent lucky and saw this meli melo pencil skirt (i have some meli melo jeans - love them!!) but after i gave it some thought, i probably wouldn't really wear that for any long duration. It's just not my style. I could then use it for work when i'm in our main office & it's business casual, but I don't go there enough to merit buying something like that. so i'll skip.

when you see something you like, always try to get a sense of how you'd wear it, with what pieces, what kind of vibe, etc. Then ask yourself what you have in your closet that'll work with it. for me usually this helps me understand how a piece is going to work into my closet a little so that i can decide whether or not it's a worthwhile buy. i do buy stuff that i can't think of a single thing i own that'll work with it, but doing this with everything really helps you sort out what is nice to admire from afar and what is totally worth buying.

kealoha · Kate Spade

I'm like bumblebee & smash--I know what colors & fits work w/my body. If an item grabs my eye, I zero in on it to see how I'd work it in w/my other pieces.

A girlfriend of mine always laughs whenever we shop b/c she sees me gravitating toward knits. For me, it's b/c I hate to iron, so I look for tops that I could throw in the wash & not worry about when it's time to get ready for work. I have a theory that if I could pack it in a suitcase & it won't wrinkle, then it's a keeper.

Also, I'm not a big fan of prints. I try to keep it simple w/solids & accessorize. I do have a few pieces that have flowers or vertical stripes, but for the most part, my bags, belts, scarves & jewelry add to my outfits.

ayo · Coach

I don't know if I'm intuitive or whatever..

but I do know what I like and I do know what looks good on me.

I do by buy into certain trends, but only the ones I know will look good on me. I like to have fun with fashion and I often get very bored wearing the same ole thing in the name of dressing "classic" or "timeless". On trendier pieces, I sort have a self imposed spending limit; I'm willing to pay a lot more for my wardrobe basics.

I think you can still follow certain trends and not compromise your personal style. I think the key is to identify what your personal style is. I take a cue from fashion icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss they always manage to be in vogue but you can tell they definitely have a strong sense of their personal style.

erin · Chanel

i have been really into fashion since i was a child, and even then my tastes were outlandish and over-the-top. i love coats, dresses and shoes, the rest of my wardrobe is basics to tone down the other items. i know what shapes fit me best, and i tend to stick to them unless i find something i really love. if i love it, it doesn't really matter to me if it's flattering. i will wear it to death and enjoy the beauty of the item.

atlgirl · Gucci

it's a gut thing. and at 37, i know what works for me too. I'm curvy - much as I'd love to wear a lot of those cute camis that are everywhere in recent years, the girls aren't as high as they used to be, and at a 36C, they always needed some support anyway. so, though i enjoy some of the looks in the mags, i can usually tell what will or won't work for me just by glancing at a spread. same thing in stores. i can tell right away whether a store has something that will work for my look or my body. if i try too hard to make something work that shouldn't, i'll regret the purchase the moment i bring it home. so i don't bring those purchases home anymore.

i'm drawn to many of the same things i have always been drawn too - heels, cute tops, jeans with a good cut (though i've never paid more than $80 for a pair of jeans, and that was looooong ago), and quality - or quality-looking, in a certain price range - shoes and bags. i like a somewhat classic, definitely urban, little-bit glamorous style, so i am drawn to the same types of things over and over again. i mix it up a bit with slightly different cuts, or colors, or accessories, to keep things fresh.

oh - and i personally *hate* to pay good money (or even a little money) for something that will be "out" in the next season or so. i prefer things to last, so i don't have to keep constantly purging my closet all the time, to i gravitate toward a lot of classic things, like blazers and such.