Funny things happen when you write a blog, and read at least a hundred of them.
You start noticing patterns, and trends, and how everyone seems to have the same taste.
I blame Pinterest. (Not too much though, I love you, Pinterest.)
Bright neon satchels are suddenly everywhere.
Mint green is always paired with something sparkly or gold.
Everybody is suddenly wearing polka dots and sequins.
But what if you don't like that? As an artist, people's personal style has always intrigued me. But if it's not really your taste, and you still wear it because you see it everywhere, is that really style? Or are you just wearing what the stores or the top ten fashion bloggers tell you to wear?
In my home, I've always preferred a sort of neutral palette. Call it the curse of working a creative career, but as a designer, I used to be surrounded by so much color and pattern. When I came home from work, I wanted nothing but a peaceful retreat. I decorated my home in blues, greys, lavender, with touches of gold and warm wood. I didn't feel bad when I skipped over bright pink accent pillows or chevron.
After years of purchase mistakes, and clearing those mistakes out of my closet, when I stand back and look at the things I really love, they all follow this same pattern. Yesterday I mentioned that when it comes to 2013, one of my goals is to simplify all areas of life.
I fear you'll think I'm boring, but pardon me if I wear nothing but black, brown, olive, burgundy, navy, ivory and every shade in that palette this year.
I'm using these ladies, proving a limited palette is anything but boring, as my inspiration.
And in case you were wondering - I think yellow looks radiant on you. I admire how you can pair plaid with polka dots and completely work it. I'm celebrating what makes you "you" and me "me." That's really what style is, am I wrong?
IMAGES VIA | 1. Refinery 29, 2. Elle Sweden, 3. Harper's Bazaar, 4. Elle Sweden, 5. Harper's Bazaar
So true!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! I didn't notice until I took this picture (http://instagram.com/p/RanFeTiNe_/) of my closet last fall that I definitely stick with a neutral pattern. But that's what I like to buy and that's what is easy for me. :) Great post!
ReplyDeletegeez. lady, you weren't joking when you said you wanted to take it to the next level in 2013. it's only been a week but these two posts have been killer. i'm oddly really proud of you, as if i'd known you long enough for that to even be a valid feeling?!
ReplyDeletealso - i'm dying over these images and clearly need to get back on the pinterest wagon and check out your recent pins. i've been thinking a lot about this lately - creating a uniform, simplifying. and while i do have some constant colors (very similar to yours as you know!) i think i really do like all the colors and lots of random things... so now i'm thinking about trying to understand my signature cuts/pieces so that i know i will still get use out of the things i wear. style is always evolving, i guess... just wish it didn't have to be so expensive to figure it out!
Kudos for staying true to yourself! I still haven't returned to blogging, but I've been thinking a lot more about what colors and patterns are really "me." I think that jewel tones flatter many, and you can't ever go wrong with a classic neutral.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you made it back to SF safe and sound!
You're right -- every blogger does seem to have the same taste! I think an all neutral wardrobe is classy! Plus, I think you'd have so many more options than if you had clothing in every color of the rainbow!
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST! I'm so comfortable in neutrals, but more so, just my casual style in any color. Great post embracing our comfort and what makes us happy.
ReplyDeleteThese pics are perfect! I love a good trend now & then, but won't wear something if I don't like it..no matter who might be on the label! Great post!!
ReplyDeletehttp://herestohappinesses.blogspot.com/
Sometimes my outfits can be seen as "boring" or "casual" in the blog world, but I don't care! I wear a mixture of trends and classic things. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Love! I've been craving neutrals lately; in fact, I just painted and redecorated my bedroom to be more neutral last weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this. You've got to wear what you love and what makes you comfortable. I love neutrals, and colour, but I too wear what I like. Sometimes that fits with trends, other times, it's far from. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about color that you do about neutrals haha :) Nothing wrong with either!
ReplyDeleteChristine In Color
These photos are gorgeous, and I wholly support your resolution! I can't wait to hear how it's going.
ReplyDeletexo,
Ali
Exactly! You always come up with incredible combinations, and I think "that looks awesome...on her!" It's just not for me. And that's totally what personal style is all about!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly! I guess I'll be blending more into my surroundings this year, too!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfits. It's nice to have another blogger that shares their personal perspective versus what's popular.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Krystal! Totally wear what makes you "you!"
ReplyDeleteI went through my closet last night and boxed away several things - I'm going to look at it as a challenge!
ReplyDeleteI wish you would return to blogging - I love your perspective on preppy style because I like the inspiration. I love to look at other styles and figure out how to make it work for me.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you, Rita! Your comment made my day. I'm pinning up a storm these days - that's what prompted this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan!
ReplyDeleteBoring? No way. Trends will always be there and they'll stand out. I've been forever in love with celadon/mint/whatever - so I'm thrilled that I'm finding so many things in my color. Yet, it's odd for me to see people in seafoam green when it was (unjustly) hated on so much in the past. Plus, I've noticed that blog v. real world is totally different. So keep on being you, and we'll still be here to giddily take it all in. :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you are saying, and I think to each his own. I try not to jump on a trend bandwagon just because it is the thing to do, though I will admit that there have been some things (trends) that my initial reaction was disgust or indifference, but that I later came to love and/or appreciate. I tend to buy the same styles over and over, and always have (navies, blacks, grays, and stripes being on top of that list), so no matter what, I will always stick to those. I do like color and pattern, too, and will throw it in. Good for you for following your instincts; that is what fashion is all about!
ReplyDelete~Lori
So true - which is why when I RT "hey Emerald is the colour of the year" - and then reflect - "do I really like emerald on me?" - I felt... insincere. Style should be more about the personal than the popular. Also, love your picks - layers and textures in a limited colour palette can be interesting too.
ReplyDeletegz x
wherewearwe're
I'm so happy you agree! I happen to love emerald on me :) You have such a cute blog!
ReplyDeleteLauren- I love your style and your resolution to simplify. This is my goal for 2013 as well.
ReplyDeleteI check your blog often (yours is the only one I frequent). I am struck by how similar our tastes are.
Thanks for all the wonderful posts and inspiration!
Laura - thanks for your note...that made my day!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. So much.
ReplyDeleteI love love love this idea and need to bookmark this post. I'm a designer too and I find myself feeling the same way. I have a great gut/instinct when it comes to design and colors.. but I find myself totally failing at it when it comes to fashion. I really think simplifying things would help.
ReplyDelete