This thread is sponsored by the style icon/fashion inspiration questions in Indiegirl's Intro thread (style polls).
I recently had an epiphany. I saw a picture of myself in a top that (I thought) was cute and that I had recently purchased. My first thought when I saw that picture was "I look pregnant in that top! And it way too long for me and therefore makes my already short legs look like stumps! I am throwing it away RIGHT NOW!"
WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!
It was a huge reality check for me. Though I'm not a fan of fashion 'rules', I know that there are some things that just don't look good on me. Apparently, I wear them anyway and have the misfortune of having them documented, like in said picture. Why do I do this to myself? Please tell me I'm not the only one!?!
These are my style vows:
I WILL NOT wear empire waist tops until I actually am pregnant. They are, clearly, not flattering on me.
I WILL NOT wear shirts that end below my hip bones. My legs are short enough as it is thankyouverymuch.
I WILL NOT wear anything oversized EVER.
I WILL NOT wear very fitted or very wide pants. My thighs don't appreciate it.
I WILL NOT even be tempted to buy something trendy/stylish if does nothing for my body, even if it is 85% off the already-low clearance price and/or so fabulous I would rather die than leave it at the store!
I'm feeling terribly unsettled and self-conscious about my wardrobe right now. Off to do some serious editing and hopefully think of some more flattering possibilities. What is your "I just can't wear that" item? What did it take to cure you of the desire to wear it anyway once and for all?
-- Edited by LMonet at 12:59, 2005-06-30
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I can definitely relate - I seen pictures of me, and caught myself in a mirror unexpectedly, and it's scary sometimes! But really, I think the kind of rules that you listed are effective. I have a friend whose opinion I trust that I always ask for opinions from - we know each other well enough that he'll tell me honestly.
it happens to us all, been there soooo many times. one good thing about dressing people twice a week is that i learn very quickly what styles look good on certain figures (so don't be scared to ask a SA's advice).
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"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots
LOL - I'm sorry but your message made me giggle a bit.
It is funny how sometimes something looks okay in the mirror, but when you see a photo it looks off. I always ask my hubby if I think something might not be quite right for my body type and he's pretty honest. EXCEPT, in his world shoes come in black or brown, so I can't ask if my shoes look cute with an outfit, he doesn't get that.
I used to have a really bad habit of buying stuff that I really liked or was on sale even if it only almost fit. Now I try really hard to buy stuff that looks perfect on me. It makes my wardrobe better and actually saves me money.
My biggest thing is that skirts must be within about 2 inches of my knee either way. Otherwise I look short and wide.
I totally relate. My SO is often times my reality check. We went shopping and I tried on bermuda shorts this spring, and his comment was "why would anyone want to start showing off their legs starting at the ugliest part- the knees". After that, all impulses for bermuda shorts died. Even though I would try to stray and occasionally try on a cute pair, all I could do was stare at my knees.
Other things that look horrible on me: skinny pants/jeans, full skirts, long skirts, blouson tops
I think this happens to everyone from time to time.
I look in the mirror (and this includes the one in the room with a back view) and I stand at the most flattering angle, I suck in my stomach and stand up straight. Sometimes I catch myself in a store window and I am reminded "Posture." Then someone takes a photo where I am not posed just so (or even if I am) and I am surprised to find out I am not looking so chic after all.
Before you toss a favorite item, I think it's a great idea to get a second opinion. Photos do lie: a funny angle, harsh lighting, off-colors, and of course, the ten pounds that the camera adds.