When I found out September was going to be personal style month here at OMFG, I was very excited to read everyone’s articles on what contributes to their style.
Style is subjective and objective. Our parents had first dibs on selecting our style while we were infants. Then inevitably somewhere in our toddler stage comes the day when we tell Mom: “I can dress myself!”. That day is momentous! Our first personal style statement. Style is influenced. Style evolves (hopefully). Our friends, hobbies, travels, books we read, the movies we watch – all this influences our style.
Winning “Most Fashionable” in my yearbook was as important to me as winning an Oscar was for Julia Roberts – seriously. I just always had a love of style and fashion. My mother was a big influence on me. We would take trips to New York City and spend the entire day at Bergdorf Goodman. The goal – to get some “essentials”. My mother was a big believer in quality over quantity. She taught me the importance of investing in classic pieces (the classic little black dress, a divinely tailored black pant, a crisp white shirt) and then mixing it with the trendy stuff. To this day I still spend the big bucks on the best jeans and dresses and then have fun in H&M blending in the fun trends that will not last a season, i.e. Ikat prints.
Accessories. If I had to do it over again, I would have loved to been an accessories editor as I LIVE for accessories.
Jewelry. From Cartier to Costume, jewelry is very powerful. Firstly, jewelry is emotional….we remember when and where we got each piece. Whether it was a graduation gift from mom and dad or a fab flea market find. Secondly, jewelry becomes sacred and one’s collection can be passed through the generations. Lastly, a statement piece can do just that….. just make sure when accessorizing with jewelry not to overdo it… If you think you have too much on, you probably do, so remove a piece.
Shoes. Ladies, I’m sure I don’t have to go on and on about the importance of good shoes, but it is important to have at least a few really good “go-to” stilettos/flats. I know that some brands are as much as a car payment, so keep a eye on those sales racks. At the end of the season try buying staple pieces for the next year, they wind up lasting much longer. Just as essential – find a great shoe repair spot to keep those big investments going.
Scarves. Probably one of the most versatile pieces one can own. Scarves can quietly grace your neckline. They can be used as a belt. Tied a certain way they work as a sarong or even a top! Folded over a few time as a headband or knotted on the handle of a bag; scarves are a fashionista’s secret weapon.
Handbags. Having lived in many different places from the country to the city… I can say that women in cities are definitely more handbag-conscious. It is the one piece that can really sum up and define your style and at the same time needs to be functional enough to carry all those “essentials”.
Style does not just reside in fashion does it?! The car we drive, the way we decorate our abodes is also a further reflection of our style and sensibilities.
I think the most important thing to remember, as cliché as it sounds, is to feel confident and have fun in whatever your rockin’. Don’t be so quick to judge! That gal with the nose-ring and Manolos or the headband and Babour coat may have more in common that we think!
In the words of Yves Saint Laurent; “Fashions fade, style is eternal”.
