Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Trends and Me, Part Two ... "Wear Me Maybe"


After sorting through and deciding which trends are definitely not for me, I'm looking at trends that might be workable. Maybe. These are some of the most tempting of the season's fashion ideas, but they are also the ones that come with warning stickers all over them.

Asian Inspiration
This trend has the potential to be one of the most beautiful of the year, but the danger is that it can become too literal and costumey very quickly. And inexpensive versions of the concept can look very cheap. Personally, this kind of exotic could look a little strange on this round little redhead if not handled with care.



Black and White Graphic Prints
No other look of the season is so clean and modern to my eye, even thought black and white combos have been around for at least a couple of seasons. But the big personal warning sticker on this one is about scale. Too small a print or graphic in scale can look prissy and too large a print could overwhelm instantly.



Baroque
Yes. Be still, my heart. But a moment's overconfidence on my part could result in the tricky job of avoiding the appearance of an odd looking little ersatz matador. Boy, is this a referential style. It might also could look cheap if it fell within my budget, so this may be a trend where I can look but not touch. Unless, of course, I can find a clutch or shoes for just a touch of Baroque opulence.



Evening Goth
So tempting, but so dangerous. It's hard to wear head to toe black without looking too severe, particularly with lots of leather. And speaking of referential, this style refers to some tough and edgy ideas. Lux fabrics can soften, but it's still a risky look if the approach is too literal. My guess is that gentle makeup and hair would make a big difference.



Cropped or Flared Pants
I tried the cropped pant this summer against Tim Gunn's best advice for petite people. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. A very good fit on a cigarette-slim pant with same slimming dark color bootie and hosiery, with attention to a balanced top might work. That's a lot to ask from my wardrobe and my own styling skills. 

The little bit of bare skin at the ankle looks drafty-shivery to me!

I have a pair of lined chiffon flares for evening in black that I did not wear last year. At our restaurant, these can sometimes be work clothes, so I may be able to use these with a modern jacket. But for causal wear, I think I'll skip flares in fabric with no drape.



Thanks for listening while I think out loud. Stay tuned for the last installation, Part 3 ... trends I really want to try.

Do you have "maybe-trends" that tempt, haunt or intrigue you? Do tell !
____________________________

Late, but present! I'm going to join Patti and all the very fancy ladies at Visible Monday  , and declare my current weakness for pink gold rings and watches. Yes, the ring is just vermeil, and the watch is only pink gold-toned, but if you don't tell, I won't.


(Photo editing inspired by Bella Q at her wonderful The Citizen Rosebud blog. Thanks, Bella, you for pointing us all to Pic Monkey ... very satisfying toy. Free makes it even better!)

16 comments:

  1. Oh Janin, so glad to meet you. I just know I like your blog from reading this post. I'm on board with all those trends with the exception of skinny flares. Even though I'm tall I just can't seem to make those work for me.
    I'm looking forward to the next installment.

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    1. Thanks so much for reading! Your adventure just made my day ... no Clint Eastwood references intended. I'll be checking back at your site lots and lots. I still can't get over your pattern mixing. Really sophisticated without being contrived or stuffy. See you soon!
      Jan

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  2. Yes I want to attempt the animal on my sweater trend but I think I will look like my ten year old so looking for the perfect sweater. I think it's like you said take trends in moderation .

    Carrie

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    1. Some of the animal graphics get a little strange, I agree. The ones I've seen that work for grown up women seem to have powerful images rather than cutesy pictures. I can imagine, too, that the image is allowed to take center stage ... context is everything! As you are young and slim, I hope you go for it. And hope you show us all what you buy, and tell us about your process! (I love to know how women choose what they wear...)
      Thanks for reading,
      Jan

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  3. Oh you've picked three of my absolute favourite trends here - the Asian, the Baroque and the Goth! I love these and I hear you - they can veer into the costumey - but I like costumes :)
    Your chiffon trousers sound lovely! Do post a pic!
    Love that Prada quote you have on the blog here - a great one to pin up somewhere you can read it all the time.

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    1. I've got to alter the length on the chiffon pants ... that's the main reason I haven't worn them yet! At 5', I have to alter ALL my pants. I also think I have a better idea how to make them work this year ... will try to get a photograph when I manage it. They also need a special shoe ... details, details. (Shoe shopping, shoe shopping!)
      I'm so enjoying the Flamenco pictures. I see what you mean about costume!
      Yup. I think of that quote every time I dress seriously or shop. One of my faves.
      I'll be visiting again soon. Thanks for reading!
      Jan

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  4. Oh, some good reading here I can see! Thoroughly enjoyed your trends part I and II. I'm a bit nervous because I'm not sure any of these trends will work on me. I like the cropped look, but whether it likes me is yet to be determined. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    Sue

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    1. Thanks for reading, and so glad you enjoyed! Looks like you have the height to carry off cropped trousers or jeans, and I'll bet if you like it, everyone will. The trends I chose are just the ones that I love ... but they make me nervous, too!
      I'll be looking in at your blog often.
      Jan

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  5. I think the good thing about trends is it creates new ideas for me and also encourages me to dig deep into my closet; I've probably done the "trend" before and forgotten!

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  6. So true! Every time I see something I used to wear all the time described as retro or vintage, I cringe, and think VERY hard about wearing it again.
    Thanks for reading!
    Jan

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  7. Great ideas and cautions, plus you used one of my favorite words "ersatz"!! You're a woman after my own heart!! There's nothing like a good vocabulary to keep you warm and stylish.

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    1. Ha! You have no idea how much grief I take about the words I choose to use. Thanks for loving this sad, funny little word. And for reading. Especially for knowing what "ersatz" means!
      Jan

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  8. Thanks for all the fashion eye candy! I have been loving all the rose gold that's been making a comeback too. Thanks for commenting on my blog so I could find yours!!! ~Sarah

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  9. Kind of you to read, Sarah. The blogs I like best are readable ... like yours ... as well as pretty. Also like yours. Have a great post-birthday week. Personally, I think a girl's birthday should be celebrated for at least 7 days. Perhaps 10.

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  10. Very good post. I like bits and pieces of them and mostly use trends for inspiration.

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    1. Sorry, Debbi, you can't avoid it. You're really a pretty trendy girl. But you manage it so well ... that's 'cause you have taste!
      Have a better week than last.
      J.

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