Baby It's Cold Outside

It's been getting colder, and I've been hiding out at home not wanting to take the effort to layer up to go outside.  So, instead I made a cozy-warm outfit for the slightly chilly days (it's not parkas and snowshoes) that's simple and stylish.  This is what I wish I could wear, and be warm enough outside.  But I need three pairs of pants and five sweaters to be comfortable, so it's hard to be stylish. This outfit is for NORMAL people in fall weather (OR, what I would wear on days ranging 60-55 degrees)

Summer to Fall

It's semi-officially autumn! I don't think the equinox has happened yet, but once that chill in the air arrives with colorful leaves on the ground, it's Fall.  Switched my summer dresses for sweater dresses and longsleeves in the closet, washed all my sweaters so they're fresh and ready for these BRR days (I hate that musty, dusty smell of clothes that have sat unworn for months).  Right now it's mainly BRRR in the morning and evening, but that will change soon enough!

I've been working on my project, and will keep updating when I feel they're complete. Right now, I'm doing a lot of comparison-elimination once I get a few "done", so they aren't really "DONE-done" until I've made ALL, compared them ALL and eliminated down to the perfect choices. Otherwise, it will be......a large collection.  How do you choose just ONE or TWO plaid shirts? I mean REALLY.  And lace detail shirts? Those henleys with the unique cuff details? ALL THE COLOR OPTIONS?!  I'm trying to find a balance between WANT and NEED :P Which, for those of us who loves the clothes........is hard! I don't know how I'd pick a ten item only wardrobe, or a five item only, something like that.  I know thats a REALLY good idea, a minimalist wardrobe that is perfect for trips and such.  But I feel like my multiple personalities each need their own.  Har har.  Just kidding.  Style personalities, maybe.  I'm a bit of a chaotic when it comes to styles I like. Though, a refinement of my personal style is also part of this project.  What would I REALLY wear versus what I would just WANT to wear or own just because its pretty to look at? Trying to squeeze practicality into a project that flips my creativity switch on into high gear and my heart says "WEAR ALL THE THINGS" and my brain says "WHOA CALM DOWN THERE...but ok, It's pretty."   Hnnnngh.  I'm so visual, and when I see ten different black shirts that would otherwise look pretty much the same to someone else, I see every stupid detail that makes them each unique and wonderful and can't-live-without-able. Which is silly.  But the texture, cut, tiny details, length, weight of the fabric, the way it hangs, opacity even.  Each brings it's own thing to the table that the others don't have.  There is no perfect shirt with all the things, because they dont become special anymore when its combined. The specialness is in it's unique way it just...is.  Anyway.  Then I remind myself it's just a shirt and I need to just relax.

ANYWHO!

I made two (technically three but I'm not posting my third, it feels unfinished), collages where I only used things I picked out for my project, and it was fun. So much easier to toss together the outfit and a great way to see how the items I chose interact with each other.  Some of the accessories aren't part of the project because I haven't made those collages yet, but the main outfits, definitely.

The first one was in honor of the last bit of summer days we had, and inspired by the ivory tones of the dress I chose for it. I don't usually wear white, or lighter skewed neutrals, but it's been growing on me, particularly in certain forms - like lace, or summer dresses. I tried on what looked like a very nice white sweater, perfect for fall, and I looked like a freaking marshmallow on steroids. I mean seriously, my arms like ginormous. I'm not buff. I'm a bit soft, a bit chubby, but this thing made me look beefy.  Unpleasantly so.  BUT SOFT FLOWY FABRICS ARE DIFFERENT.  So this is what I made.  It didn't mesh super well and I was getting tired of looking at it eventually, so apologies for any awkward placements.

Next, I wanted to make a casual fall outfit that I would definitely wear, all the time. Comfortable, and still stylish enough to satisfy my greedy eyeballs that demand such things. At least, my version of stylish. Everyone's got their own "flavor"!

This one I was really proud of how I got it to mesh. And I added more stuff, socks, a notebook, things you'd see in outfit collages made on polyvore because you can look up more than just clothes to add to it, and I really liked how it turned out. I should collect more things like that to add to it. I feel it fleshes it out in a different way, gives it a little more life. I don't know. It's small, but really makes a difference for some reason! I also changed the models makeup (it was a bright orangey-pink on her lips, so I made it neutral, and darkened her eye makeup to something more smokey like what I'd do on myself) and even changed the nail polish, from a red to a nice grey.  I like grey. So sue me!

Creating Projects For Myself

So, I've spent the past few days working on a project I've "assigned" myself, and it's been far too much fun.  You see, I've been feeling better physically and mentally and have been delving back into hobbies that had been collecting metaphorical (and literal, in some cases) dust, and collaging and fashion is one of them.  Even though I've gained weight, and half my closet isn't FITTING me right now, I've been trying to have more "fun" with my clothes when I get around for things.  I've been leaving the house more, and for far funner things than appointments for once, and decided I'm not going to neglect my need to enjoy my outfits. It's also an attempt to not feel like crap about how I look since I have gained the weight. I have a new body to dress, so my style is changing slightly. I'm trying to see it as a good thing - or at least not letting it make me upset.  While I'd LIKE to get new clothes  (the other day there were three separate RIPS coming from various items of clothing when bending over to tie my shoe...its just not good), I cannot right now, so I'm exploring the possible styles and items I might purchase when I have the chance through collages. I've decided I'm going to continue that "Dream closet" idea I had a while back, and actually complete it - and part TWO of that will be to create full outfits using ONLY the items I've chosen for that "closet".  This will be a test, seeing if the items I choose actually work together as a cohesive, dynamic wardrobe that would provide options for all the situations life gives me - professional wear for photoshoots and meeting clients, comfortable yet adult looking clothes for doctor appointments, casual fun clothes for hanging out with friends, some unique pieces for concerts and events, and casual clothes for home, exercising, camping, ect.   I've been starting with taking a style - t-shirts for example, and tossing in every one that I'd love to own and wear myself. I then narrow things down by limiting a certain amount of one color, putting into practice rules like 'having other colors besides black' and making sure I have neutrals and colors that complement my skin tone. I rule out anything that wouldn't actually look good on my body type, or something that realistically, I wouldn't wear no matter how much I love it.  Fabrics that would catch or get ruined because of my cats.  Things that are the wrong cut or shape. This STILL leaves me with tons of options so I try to make sure I don't have too many of the same style, and after finishing a few categories, I go back and compare them to each other, often finding I found a similar version of a shirt in each category.  Some I can't let go though. I'm SO one of those poeple who would have fifty different versions of a black button down shirt, simply because the length is different, the sleeves are different, the fabric is different.  That's pretty realistic, cause I'll wear tons of those all week, and can style them many different ways. So that's me "cheating" I guess.  This is also a "DREAM" closet so it is much bigger than what my realistic closet would be.  BUT, it's going to be incredibly fun when I get to the part where I make outfits from those selections - it scratches the "fashion itch" I get where I want to try on all the things and buy all the things because I constantly have outfit ideas floating around in my head and they NEED to be released!  This releases them. Without putting me in debt.   Oh, universe, thank you for not letting me have a credit card. That would just be....bad.

So, here's a few I've put together that I will probably refine even more as time goes on and I complete more "closet compilations".  I wanted them on the blog so I could look at them side by side, and really see what I can remove to make them more specific.  This is pretty much all the "tops", from tanks to tunics to button ups that are basically dresses or cardigans - works as both! So anyway.  Round 1 of Dream Closet - TOPS!

Navy Night Skies

This friday is a Blue Moon, and although it doesn't actually turn BLUE, I wanted to share my navy blue, night sky inspired, newest clothing collage.  This outfit is echoing a lot of styles I've been seeing that have really peaked my interest. I love layers. I love lace. I love patterns. And I love them all being subtle and carefully arranged.  The barest hint of pattern in the jeans, the tiniest peak of navy lace shown by the low cut of the top, layered different length necklaces...I'm in love. Of course, the silver detail in the shoe and the silver jewelry accents with the tiny spheres are my "moon and stars". The light in the dark. Oh anyway....enough of that metaphor.

 I ALMOST added a big floppy hat to this, but figured the top was dramatic enough.

Hope you enjoy :)

Badassery

Once again, been a long time since I've made any collages. I've been busy painting faces! And health stuff, life stuff.  But I was able to get one done tonight, and here it is :)

Inspired by the likes of Young Catwoman on the new series, Gotham, with her unique jeans, boots, and leather jackets, both practical and badass - and perfect for surviving the streets, and the cold.

 

Sorry For The Neglect (Though I'm not sure anyone reads this!)

I've been totally forgetting to update this blog, or even to make collages. Life held so much chaos for so long...but now things are starting to slow down. I figured I'd see what collages I'd made but not posted, and found three. Hopefully I'll make more.  Here they are!

This is a rather casual outfit that most people would probably be okay with. The jewelry was were I had the most fun, simple silvers but still unique, a touch of personality to a good backbone of an outfit. The black and burgundy and grey are a stylish starting point for anyone to use and either leave as-is, or to add their own unique touches to. The jacket could just as easily be canvas, or cotton, if one doesn't prefer leather. But I...always prefer leather ;)

This one is following the style I've been enjoying the most right now. Comfy close-fitting blacks with earthy accessories, lots of leggings, hoods a must, a less-is-more approach with tribal-like statement piece jewelry and weatherproof outdoor friendly jackets and shoes.  You can look chic and feel comfy just as easy on a city street as a wooded path. Not to mention that lounging at home in leggings and tunics you end up feeling like your wearing pajamas and yet looking like your headed somewhere extremely awesome.  This is the direction my purchases, the few times they happen, are headed, when it comes to winter or fall outfits.

I've been falling madly in love with these floppy hats, and I honestly can't tell you why. I used to hate large hats, anything to draw attention to me. Beanies were the way to go. Tight to the head, hide the hair, look semi-cool in the process (and nice and warm in the winter).  But now, I see Free People and so many others sporting these gorgeous wide brimmed floppy hats and I've just fallen in love with them. Especially in black, and not too terribly wide. This is a great middle size, looks especially great with the long locks that have become quite popular, like its the 70's all over again. Except thankfully layers in those locks are also in fashion, just adds so much more character and shows off the colors, in my humble opinion. I'm a fan of layers in general. As you can tell in this outfit. Blacks and greys, of course, because I'm a stickler for my own traditions. ;)  I love the tribal print in the dress (so many times in the stores the tribal prints have every color in the rainbow, and they glare at me from the racks, taunting me. When they're in black and white, they sing to me, they look so damn good) and even a subtle print in the tights. Tons of texture in the scarf, and in the jewelry. The plain black cardigan off-sets all the visual stimuli and balances the whole outfit. And for some reason, boots that tall are just asking for a hat. A hat just like that. ;)

Its Not Summer, But...

Heres a summer outfit collage.

Time to Kill

Well, I've been having an interesting few months.  For a few weeks of that time, I was living at my grandparents - I enjoyed my time there, even without having internet, and I ended up with a lot of time on my hands.  That resulted in me catching up on shows, spending quality time with my grandma, getting full nights of sleep like I hadn't had in months, healing physically and mentally, helping my mother with what I could since I was closer to where she was living, and, well, making lots more outfit collages. With all the hubbub of moving into my new apartment, I forgot to upload them once I had access to the interwebs again. So I finally remembered tonight.  They vary in styles drastically, which was fun for me. I was also able to go back on some old unfinished ones lurking in the depths of folders long forgotten in my computer, and make them complete (and updated).  Its interesting how back then, making those outfits, I thought they were great! Looking at them now, not so much, and the ones I make now, I think are GREAT! Heh. I wonder if a few years down the road I'll think the ones I post here are trash. Maybe I just see them through rose-colored glasses? Or maybe thats just how fashion is. Who knows what psychologically makes trends seem amazing and stylish and sexy at the time, but later down the road, look horrible.  There are a few things that stay the same, the classics, the wardrobe staples. Its even more interesting how fashions will turn from tacky, to fashionable again, in just a few generations.  I'd love to really waste all kinds of time debating and considering the psychology of fashion and culture. But I doubt anyone would want to do it with me :) I think its a fascinating subject, but its also subjective, and fluid, and will probably always be a mystery.  I love seeing fashion as an art form - but do other forms of art follow the same pattern? I guess maybe music comes the closest - but there are so many Art forms that stand the test of time, and really don't come as trends, but as landmarks throughout a social subconscious, always valued, always admired.  Maybe the reason for Fashion being seen as a temporary thing, with trends that eventually turn into jokes, has something to do with how fashion is so easily used to define people - and people are far more complex than definitions suggest, ultimately making Fashion seem a tool for a mediocre way of thinking, when really thats simply what people have done TO it, or WITH it, what have you, but its not what it IS. It's ultimately a form of self expression as much as any other Art form, except since it is worn on the body, carried with the person through lives and actions and personalities and a constant visual reference for a people and a culture, its turned into something else. If we took our sketchbooks and wore the pages stitched to ourselves to be worn daily through the fantastic and mundane of human life, the first thing anyone see's of you, then those sketches would become something other than a peice of yourself expressed on paper. It would become someone ELSE's definition of you. Other people's minds would twist the definition, unconciously, every time they saw you, because you wouldn't be presenting it as art, it would simply be the image that goes along with every word you speak and action you take and place you go - all these other parts of you that that one, single expression of yourself had nothing to do with.  So ultimately, Fashion as an art form succeeds better in photography, than in action of everday wear.  It feels right at the time, but the mindset of a society and culture will ultimately change what that expression means, leeching the YOU out of it until there is nothing left, and it becomes a joke.  Its unfortunate, but how the world works. So whatever, we enjoy it anyway, and thats why its a constantly changing growing re-inventing world, Fashion is. Stylists constantly striving to come up with something NEW and different. Letting your own mind make up what you think of something, rather than a culture's collective opinion of something taint your thoughts, will determine how much you will enjoy fashion. You either find parts of yourself or who you want to be in each piece of cloth, each shade of color, each length and trim and texture, or you will see what the world has shaped it to be. I guess I enjoy clothes and Fashion so much because borders and definitions and lines and labels have always blurred for me. They never really meant much - I saw them as manufactured right from the get go.  They can surely be convincing, and they can make things easier to handle, to understand, to generalize and make simpler in the mind - but they're not really needed, if you can look past them.  I don't look at every piece of shiny black leather and think dominatrix. I don't look at every piece of lace and think of a grandmother. I'm not afraid to put them together, or to wear one on a monday, and the other on a tuesday.  People shouldn't worry so much about "your not original- you look like everyone else!" or "your just trying to copy so and so" or "thats not in style anymore" or even /"you follow trends too closely!"  It really doesn't matter. Its amazing how much people care about what other people wear. You should wear what makes you feel more like yourself. It should inspire you to walk out the door and become MORE of yourself. To be confident, comfortable, even sexy if thats what you want. I know I enjoy something that makes me feel sexy, or feminine, or what have you. I also enjoy outfits that are gender neutral, or modest, professional, tomboyish, whatever. I love things that make me think of things I love - like how tweed makes me think of England, because of MY mind and thoughts and life and the things about England I love, not because of some general rule of something supposed to mean something else. Tweed makes other poeple think of stuffy uptight people. So then they don't wear it.  I'm not saying that clothing is merely for your own likes and interest, it is of course also for aiding you out in the world - meaning not only being warmth and cover and practicality, but also sending the message you chose to send to the people around you - whether its work, family, friends, strangers.  You either want to send the message - I'm professional and trustworthy,  or - I'm tough, and don't give a crap, or - I'm ready for a damn good time lets have some freaking fun - or even, well, come hither! Theres also some good "leave me alone" outfits out there.  Or "I'm sick, and feel like crap" and those outfits are mostly pajamas. ;)  Its certainly half and half, fashion is. You have to balance the message to yourself, and your message to the world, in each outfit.  Each situation or day or whatnot bearing more relevance in one of those messages over another.  Say, the days you dress for work, versus a night out on your birthday where you just wanna wear whatever makes you happy.  Totally different scenarios.  Its honestly fun dressing for both.  Not always of course - like wearing the longsleeve turtlenecks to cover the tattoos you know such-and-such will have a fit about, or wearing the heels you hate to impress a man who isn't worth it anyway.  Not always fun.  But anyway......This turned into something else, didn't it? I should probably post those damn collages!!