Friday, August 7, 2015

Prep Shoe Diaries

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it. That is my fundamental fashion philosophy, hence the refrain at the end of each blog post. Style is personal, and doesn't have to cost a mint. It also doesn't have much to do with what's "in style" at any given time (which is why you'll never catch me in thigh high boots or skinny jeans - they may be "in style" but they just aren't "my style," even if I admire them on others). 
Style is in the details: Bag (Brahmin); Watch (Skagen, with custom designed watch band); Pink and green tourmaline ring (Taxco Sterling);Bridle bit leather bracelet (Churchill Downs Gift Shop); Rough cut emerald and freshwater pearl necklace (Ross-Simons); Monogram necklace (Ross-Simons)
Sometimes the "what you do with it" of style can be as simple as mixing two unexpected pieces or colors, or even wearing something in an unexpected way. Take this dress from eShakti, for example. It's a perfectly preppy little sundress with bold stripes that is very "me." Yet, when I first got it I noticed that the low cut square neckline gaped in a way that made me self-conscious. I don't like to wear anything that I have to constantly fuss over or "adjust," but I absolutely loved the dress other than the way the neckline laid. My solution - wear it backwards! It zips on the side, so if I hadn't just told you, you'd never know. The neckline in the back was higher and laid flatter - et voila, perfectly comfortable; perfectly me; just my style.
Lindsay Phillips SwitchFlops are my favorite summer slip-ons - the straps are interchangeable to match any outfit!
In fact, the bold stripes and fit 'n flare, retro vibe are so very "me" that I also own the dress in red, orange, navy, and mustard. Maybe that's overkill, but I loved ALL the colors. With a buy three, get two free special deal from eShakti, I just had to taste the rainbow.... Beyond reasonable prices and stellar deals, another great feature about this online retailer is the ability to customize features of the piece you're buying, such as sleeve length, hem length, neckline, and whether you want pockets or not. (Next time I'll choose a different neckline, at no additional charge).

This dress exemplifies my personal style, and I've paired it with multiple complimentary colors beyond this preppy pop of pink and navy (accessories are key to creating different looks even with a bold dress like this one). The last time I wore it, I was meeting a friend I'd not seen other than in the virtual world of social media for many years. She said she caught a glimpse of the dress from the back and knew it had to be me before she even saw my face. Similarly, a friend's husband saw me from a distance in a different sundress as I was headed to the Indy 500 this year and later said he immediately thought it must be me, but wasn't close enough to know for sure. He was right; it was me. Orson Welles said you should "create your own visual style...let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others." I didn't actually set out to make my style identifiable for others, but apparently I've managed to do just that. Style really is what you make it. 

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4 comments:

  1. I love your style!!!!!! You always look elegant and well put together. You make every one of your outfits classy and sophisticated!!! I would love to have your wardrobe!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Kish! You make may day :)

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