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Quote for the week:
“Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.”
~ Anne Klein
How are you today? Are you up for a bit of a challenge? Have you got something hanging in your closet that has rarely or even never been worn? Are you up to taking a bit of time to put an outfit together with that item and getting it out of hiding and into the light of day?
I don’t know about you but I often find myself attracted to an item of apparel that, once bought and brought home, ends up permanently hanging in the closet for whatever reason.
As I was contemplating the seasonal switch of one closet to another, I bumped into one of those items . . . giving me renewed motivation to find at least one or two ways to style it and get it out of my closet and into the fresh air, with me in it, of course
For me this item was a silk kimono in a batik pattern of rich blues and rusts. It immediately “spoke to me” when it arrived at Sound Styles a couple of years ago. There was no doubt that I had to have it. . . just because it was so beautiful and I wanted it to be mine.
Anyone else relate to my impulsive moment?
While I know all too well that kimonos have made a huge fashion statement in recent years, that doesn’t mean one knows how to comfortably incorporate this lovely trend into one’s own wardrobe. I was a bit stymied so I asume that I subconsciously decided to leave it to my own intuition. . . which is why it still hangs in the closet.
First let me explain that the pictured garments in this post are generic and not my real styled kimono. I’ve recently discovered a fun website where one can practice putting together items and accessories and “play” to find a desired effect. At least my “dress rehearsal” gave me some new ideas about what to do with my own patterned kimono.
I got brave and put it together with a striped blouse which is certainly allowed and doable as long as there is a central element that ties them together… most often this would be color and proportion of one print to the other like the smaller floral pattern on the kimono with the broader stripes of the blouse. I love long chunky necklaces so that was a “no brainer.” And, yes I would wear the bow-tied blouse and the necklace together but that’s just me. The embroidered black crop jeans are fun, keep it casual, ground the whole outfit with the dark color and the floral embroidery ties in with the floral pattern on the kimono. Lastly, I love my animal print sneakers and so…. what the heck! I thought they were the pleasing final touch.
And they also work because of my own “needy” compulsion to mix and match in fun new ways.
Now it’s your turn. Perhaps you want to play in your own closet or perhaps you might be interested in the website of note called Shoplook. However, if time doesn’t allow or you aren’t so inclined, don’t let the garment continue to hide out in your closet. Bring it into Sound Styles and we would love to help in finding ways for you to “style” a piece that challenges you.
Posted in Features | Tagged mixing patterns, styling kimonos, unworn apparel | 4 Comments »
Quote of the week:
“Life is not
about waiting
for the storm
to pass,
it’s about learning
to dance in the rain.”
~ unknown
I sit here tonight listening to raindrops, as they fall upon my skylights in a soothing, comforting sort of way and I just want to remind you that April showers really do bring May flowers so it “isn’t raining rain you know, it’s raining violets.”
Among this week’s trivia:
It’s a well known fact that romance blooms when being kissed in the rain; more great books are read when curled up in that over-sized wing back chair while rain tap dances on the window; sipping a latté and nibbling a cannoli in a drizzle can lead to an Italian vacation; a brisk walk in the rain burns those latté and cannoli calories faster than if it weren’t raining (scientific fact) and, lastly, if you walk and wait out the showers long enough, you’ll be in petrichor heaven which is what scientists call that amazing earthy garden scent that comes after a rainfall.
And, no worries! There won’t be a vocabulary quiz later on!
My advice for the week:
If you’re still not convinced of rain’s compelling charm, put on a Joules raincoat and experience one of life’s most interesting dilemmas — a raincoat so cute and flattering that you’ll want to wear it when it’s not raining. . . be it a red animal print, navy dog lover or black with foil bees, April showers will reign supreme until those flowers appear in May.
And last. . . but certainly not least:
How About You?
Posted in Features | Tagged April showers, Joules raincoats, May flowers, petrichor, Pluviophiles | Leave a Comment »
Quote of the week:
Ah! “She Walks in Beauty” . . . one of Byron’s most famous lyric poems. It is said to have been inspired by an event in his life. On 11 June 1814 Byron attended a party in London. Among the guests was Mrs. Anne Beatrix Wilmot, wife of his first cousin, Sir Robert Wilmot. Byron was struck by her unusual beauty and the next morning the poem was written.
If adorned in the above Masai top, new into Sound Styles, one would definitely walk in “romantic” floral and softly draped beauty. Appropriately styled for the Easter Parade, Shelly has it featured this week in our Easter window.
I’m feeling romance in the air today. Can you tell?
Maybe it has something to do with paging my way through the latest copy of Victoria Magazine which, I’m convinced, is designed to nourish the feminine soul. Pages that make you want to step into them, full of vintage clothes, castles, cottages, cobblestone streets, gardens of tulips and lilacs and everything sweet. I haven’t been able to relinquish one issue of Victoria since I subscribed some ten years ago. They are lush with beauty and romance making each issue a cherished treasure.
While we all have a predominant fashion persona, I’ve never considered mine to be the Romantic one. However, that doesn’t mean a little of one persona can’t pay a visit to the more predominant one every now and then. Today is my day to wear a flowy, swiss dot, chiffon ruffled cardigan over my collared blouse and sip tea from my mother’s favorite English tea cup, one she bought while we were having a mother-daughter get-away visiting another Victoria. . . way up north in British Columbia.
“One sip of tea will bathe the drooping spirits in delight,
beyond the bliss of dreams.” ~ Milton
The romantic fashion persona embraces softness, femininity, lush textures, and a hint of vintage-inspired pieces. Beautiful, often delicate, fabric in flattering colors and prints (often floral) are important to the romantic. She is more drawn to dresses and skirts rather than anything too tailored. Accessories are usually a must and are often embellished with a bit of sparkle.
“Fashion expresses my Romantic state of mind.” ~ Laura Brunereau
And, I can only imagine that Laura’s romantic state of mind would be easily expressed in this fabulously feminine bold floral Tribal top with fluttery bell sleeves and tie-front. Why she might even get transported to a dreamy, more Romantic time. Who knows? Perhaps you would like to join her?
Not my intention here to go into deep detail about all the fashion personas. The point being that it’s OK to mix and match your image, different occasions demand different looks and multiple “persona” disorder need not apply here. You don’t need to feel boxed into one fashion persona when you’re drawn to several as you may, in fact, be a combination. With a little thought and creativity, you can have it all. Not only is it okay to mix and match, but it’s downright fun to bring an element of one persona into the image of another. After all, pearls and jeans with a touch of lace is a knockout!
“Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”
~ Diane Von Furstenberg
And, just between you and me, should you “find” yourself curious and wanting to learn more of your own fashion persona. . . We can all help but Jenny has fine tuned this art, as she is really good at discovering just who you are, fashionably speaking that is. Part intuition, part keen perception and part fashion expertise all make for an expert who almost knows your fashion persona when you walk through our Sound Styles door. Come visit us one day soon with the goal in mind of discovering just a little more about your style. It’ll be fun.
Posted in Features | Tagged fashion quotes, jeans and pearls, romantic personas | Leave a Comment »
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Quote of the week: “I say, dress for yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something today that says. . . Here I am” ~ Iris Apfel
“I’m too old to wear that!” is a comment we often hear from customers as they shop the store. Think about that. Have you ever seen a clothes tag that says “must wear by” (a certain age). I hope not or I’m in big trouble.
Granted, common sense applies here as, of course, there are certain trends that belong to the young. However, all too often we see women put themselves in that “I’m too old” category and it keeps them from considering wearing a cute and possibly flattering new piece of apparel. Frustrating to us because we don’t see them in the same mirror as they see themselves. We know that they would look fabulous in the exact top they are rejecting because of age.
In my mind’s eye there are two ages. Perceived age is how you feel about yourself and what you wear and how you meet and greet your world each and every day. Okay… someone 65 (true age) who acts like they are 25 is a bit silly. But… 65 and aiming for 50 is a total other story.
It’s your perceived age that counts when it comes to dressing for the day and not letting yourself be deterred by preconceived “rules” of your true age.
Most fashion style and even current trends can be worn by many ages.
Let’s focus in on one.
Women’s fashion has seen a huge resurgence of the graphic tee in the past few years. It would be easy to see how the graphic tee might fall into that youthful even juvenile category and one might consider one’s self too old to wear a graphic tee. Graphic tees are quite versatile and can be worn in more ways than you might think.
How often do we say to our customers… “it can be dressed up or down”? I, for one, plead guilty.
Well… here I am to say it again.
Self expression abounds in a graphic tee. Just pick one that is true and meaningful to you or that just captures your eye. The dressed down part is obvious… jeans and sneakers or flip flops. The dressed up part is where the fun begins.
But let’s start with the tee itself. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate graphics for you, check out the fit. Your graphic tee should be slightly contoured to your body, not too long or too wide. Consider tucking it in for a slimmer waistline. I know… that challenges my sensibilities as well. So, if you don’t want to tuck it in, consider partially tucking it in or tying a knot in the front or off to the side just to give some form to the tee. Either tucking or tying adds instant sophistication to an otherwise everyday tee shirt.
Now we’re ready to style your graphic tee. For that I need some. . . ‘graphics!’
As with fashion in general, layering is the word of the day! Let’s start with adding structure to the tee by adding an outer piece. This can be anything from jean jackets to moto jackets to blazers to boyfriend cardigans and even kimonos. What’s great about the outer piece is that the graphic tee becomes part of the whole outfit and not the main attraction.
What about the bottoms you may ask? So… while jeans are the obvious go to bottom for tees in general, let’s think outside the box. Any pair of pants, from tailored suit trousers to wide leg pants to ankles and crops will work with the tee. Even consider a bolder color that brings out a color in the tee or combine it with stripes or a pattern like animal print. And, if you’re feeling on the more feminine side that day, put the graphic tee with a flowy skirt. While these suggestions may seem like oxymorons, that’s what makes the outfit more flirtatious, interesting and fun.
And for the third layer… let’s think accessories. Believe it or not, add a scarf with complementary colors and tie it so that it doesn’t cover up the graphics on the tee. Bold earrings and even multi strand pendant necklaces will work with the tee. And, of course, the shoes. Beef up the entire outfit by dressing up the shoes. Consider dressy sandals for summer or leather penny loafers for winter. Even a t-shirt and jeans can get dressed up with your choice of shoes. Or, and this is also fun, once the graphic tee shirt has been “dressed up” then keep the shoes a comfy pair of white sneakers and that works too.
Okay class! Your assignment should you choose to accept it: If you’ve already got a graphic tee, see it with renewed creativity and go to your closet and play. If you don’t already have a graphic tee, check out the selection at Sound Styles and consider adding one to your wardrobe with maybe a jacket or cardigan or accessory for layering.
You know that old saying…”do as I say not as I do?” I must admit that while I do have a couple graphic tees in my wardrobe, they have been relegated to my pajama drawer. Time for me to step up to the plate and take my own advice here. I shall “style” a graphic tee and show it off soon. What do you say. . .let’s do lunch?
I must give special thanks to Neil Reid, our blog guru, for all his help on the “graphic” picture illustrating the text.
Posted in Features | Tagged age perception, graphic tees, layering | Leave a Comment »
Quote for the week: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” ~ coco chanel
During this past year, there have been many restless, sleepless nights where I have found myself reclined on the sofa, watching reruns of ‘The Golden Girls’ and remembering when.
Can anyone relate?
I loved everything about that show but especially the fashion and most especially how they dressed Bea Arthur for her part as Dorothy. To say that those ladies represented the power of fashion in the 80’s is an understatement. And the symbol of that power was the mighty return from the 30’s and 40’s of the shoulder pad. Women marched into the office and onto movie and TV sets with renewed determination to “power dress” in order to compete with the shoulder pads in the suits of men, both literally and figuratively speaking.
Big Sigh!
Call it a Dorothy fixation if you must… but I have found it difficult to get out of the eighties long enough to let go of my shoulder pads.
“We gotta get Julie out of those shoulder pads!” so said one of my co-workers to another of my co-workers. Just who is who remains to be seen but said comment did fall back on to my ears through the grapevine and I had to chuckle.
I remember watching Oprah one weekday afternoon back in the 80’s when she revealed her love for a drawer filled with shoulder pads and how she couldn’t imagine her wardrobe without them. “God Bless shoulder pads” she exclaimed, as the designers on the show that day were dazzling us with ‘before and after’ shoulder pads.
Go Oprah! I felt the same after hearing a rather famous fashion designer pronounce that shoulder pads made a woman lose ten pounds and look inches taller. Hence, it’s been difficult to give up on the shoulder pad with those words ringing in my ears, even though that reluctance has made me somewhat of a relic. Actually… more than somewhat.
Even Oprah eventually emptied her drawer.
My interest in having some new clothes in my closet is perking up and it feels optimistically good to anticipate once again finding joy in my closet. I love that fashion is necessary and I love that it is a daily decision to be expressive and even artistic in what we decide. I’m looking forward to feeling more pulled together with an outfit from Sound Styles that’s been waiting in my closet for over a year now to once again go out in public.
But I also got curious about what’s new this year and started poking around.
Well. . . guess what? They’re popping up here and there again.
I know! I know! We’ve been hearing for several years now that the shoulder pad is going to make a comeback. Maybe this year will be the one, as I have seen them featured on several TV fashion segments and in fashion ads as well.
During the past ‘umpteen’ years or so, I have challenged the kind patience of my co-workers, as they have stifled their objections and amusement at my stubborn refusal to remove the shoulder pads from my wardrobe.
They’ll be happy to know that this past year has solved that. Who cares about shoulder pads when we aren’t going places like we used to? Who cares whether I look taller or ten pounds lighter these days when most of what I find myself doing is embracing comfort food?
Guess I’m the one that’s supposed to care and maybe I will again, if the shoulder pad truly does make a comeback. Wouldn’t you know it! Just when I’ve kicked the addiction, here comes a blazer and even a tee shirt with sewn in shoulder pads.
However, there’s a shoulder pad and then there’s a shoulder pad. While great in the 80’s, enormous is a bit too strong an adjective to apply to a shoulder pad these days.
There’s a saying that applies here: moderation in all things. A gentle added shape at the shoulders is a good thing. It gives you definition and the appearance of standing up straight, as our mothers used to admonish.
Ah Dear Bea! I guess it’s you and me. . . against the world!
So . . . How about you? Does anyone look forward to the return of shoulder pads?
Eager to hear your thoughts! Let’s talk!
And… by the way, thank you for ‘being a friend!’
Posted in Features | Tagged 80's, fashion trends for 2021, shoulder pads | 6 Comments »
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