Stephanie of the blog Le Blog de Big Beauty used pops of bright orange in her accessories to brighten up a sophisticated mix of neutrals. Also love her artful layers. Check her original post for details about this inspired outfit!
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It’s Saturday night! Why not groove your body to “Hero” by Family of the Year?
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Quick reminder about this feature: I post links to thought-provoking and interesting articles I’ve found (or been sent) over the course of the week. Many of them clash with things I’ve said myself or linked to in the past because I am constantly mulling and reevaluating what I think and feel about these important topics, and because I want a variety of viewpoints to be considered and discussed in this space. This blog is about the intersection of body image and style. Some posts will lean more in one direction than the other, obviously, but my overall interest is to show where the two overlap. Some aspects of personal style aren’t 100% harmonious with the quest to cultivate positive body image, and vice versa. I think that’s just fine. It’s not my intention to be eternally consistent or singularly focused. It’s my intention facilitate the exploration of two topics that have some fascinating and beneficial common ground. I do that here through my own posts, through contributor posts, through guest posts, and through this weekly collection of links to writings by others who have relevant insights or opinions to share.
Now, on with the linkage!
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Little did I know that my lovely friend Miller has a blog! Recently, she shared some thoughts on self-image and aging, saying, “For this show I not only had to stare at my face in the mirror on a well lit stage, I had to do so during a 10 minute freeze. No acting to distract me–my only job was to keep still. My eyes were free to roam critically over the caked-on foundation and blush, noting the way it magnified my pores and seeped into the cracks and crevices in my skin.”
There is no one right way to be beautiful.
Could anything be more classic than a trench coat worn with a sheath dress?
In this poignant post, Anna shares what her grandmother has taught her about body love.
After thrifting a size 15/16 dress and a size 4 bustier, Jentine reminds us that size numbers are completely arbitrary.
“Throughout history, there are always small groups of fashion extremists and individual eccentrics who take fashion well into the moral panic zone, occasionally even risking their lives for it. We consume a lot of breathless media outrage about these outsiders, even as we forget that the vast majority of ordinary people just aren’t fashion nuts and just don’t find freakish fashion victimhood appealing enough to be corrupted by it.”
This asymmetric tuxedo jacket is beyond cool.
Expert thrifter Futurelint has publicly committed to buying only used items from here onward. Amazing.
“If you’ve got ‘curves in all the right places’ and you’re fat, you may get snippets of thin privilege that would be denied to a fat person of relatively the same size but with a different shape.
Something about this super simple blazer-and-jeans ensemble is unspeakably chic.
Caitlin is a proud feminist who just took a pole dancing class and loved it.
Over at The Huffington Post, I wrote about why handbags and sunglasses represent style opportunities.
If ruffles intimidate you, this post on how to make the trend work might help. (Even if the pictured garments seem over-the-top, the styling suggestions are fairly reasonable.)
What would you say if you were to write a love letter to yourself?
“To bemoan the pressure young people must increasingly feel to be ‘camera-ready’ for social media risks falling in the category of ‘good ol’ days’ nostalgia. And as an adult with a personal blog as well as my own array of social media accounts (and a compulsion to document life), it also risks condescension. In other words, feeling self-conscious and controlling one’s public image is not a new phenomenon. And getting over that feeling or letting go of control are not challenges reserved for the young.” (Via Yes and Yes.)
Loving the style of St. Paul artist and new style blogger Ann at Blue Hue Wonderland. (Via this interview at 40+ Style.)
Here’s one marvelous response to a question I am asked often and feel powerless to answer: What do we tell our girls to help them feel confident and strong about themselves?
Related: Rosie offers tips for navigating weight talk in front of your daughter.
Formerly an online-only operation, Lily + Violet has just opened a boutique in Linden Hills! Twin Cities folks, it is well worth a stop. Adorable dresses, sparkly baubles, and charming home decor.
Megan shows us a goth-inspired look that’s work-friendly.
Just when I thought I couldn’t love Beth Ditto any harder, she makes this video for Rookie. In which she tells us, “Self-love isn’t selfish.” YES.
Citing links between modern perceptions and ideas about purity and decency, this author explains why the concept of modesty disgusts her.
And on the flip side of that coin, Hourglassy explores the challenges of dressing a prominent bust and how modesty is important to her for privacy reasons.
AAANNND a bit of a mixture between those two, Criss talks about her experience cycling through shame, pride, shame, and anger as she struggled to understand why her dressing choices as they relate to her bust size provoke such strong reactions from others.
Check out this gorgeous ice cream-inspired ensemble of lovely pastels.
Did you avoid getting a lower back tattoo because you knew they were called “tramp stamps”? Don’t worry. Now, you can also avoid getting anything inked onto your ribcage because someone decided THAT is a “skank flank.” (That sound you hear is me slamming my head against a wall.)
In this week’s Star Tribune, I wrote about making neon work now without feeling like an 80s throwback.
Adding yellow accents to a mix of jewel tones adds such energy and brightness to an otherwise subdued palette.
My book is currently on sale over at Amazon for $17.20! (They did this entirely on their own, so I have no idea when the sale will end … mysterious.)
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I got a lovely e-mail from reader Corinne, who said:
Your book also made me realize that maybe the key to clarifying and strengthening my personal style was in my “orphans.” Practically everything else I’ve read says to get rid of them because they’re outliers. However, reading your book it occurred to me that perhaps it’s the rest of the closet is what should go quietly into the background.
Which, of course, made me unspeakably happy. And made me realize that closet orphans are basically teaching moments waiting to happen. I mean, we loved them, we bought them, we longed to wear them … and yet we didn’t wear them. If we don’t examine what prompted those purchases and what prevented those wearings, are we not doomed to make those same mistakes again?
Take the leopard print tunic shown above. I LOVE leopard print, and have the mindset that anything featuring this print is automatically classic. But this tunic is made from an extremely drapey and clingy material. It has an asymmetric neckline, which is very cool but a little limiting. It has wide sleeves and a boxy shape, which means it doesn’t layer well. And when I put it on with anything besides skinny jeans I feel a little bit too much like Peg Bundy. (Who is fabulous, but not one of my personal style icons.) Thus, this tunic has been worn once in the past year. As shown above. I’m not ready to give up on it just yet because I haven’t truly tried to style it in a variety of ways, but it has taught me the following lessons:
- All things leopard print are not created equal
- Wide sleeves SUCK when you’re a layering fan. Which I am.
- Detailed necklines are also very limiting in the layering department.
- Fibers that don’t wrinkle are convenient, but some of them cling. To everything.
I can honestly say that I’ve kept these things in mind as I’ve shopped in recent months.
I understand why style experts recommend jettisoning items that haven’t been worn in ages. They’re thinking, “If you haven’t worn it in two years, you probably aren’t gonna, so donate and move on.” And that’s certainly one way to operate. Stick to what you love and stick to what you know works well for you. But if you don’t pause to examine what motivated those dud purchases and ask yourself WHY those items are going unworn, you miss the chance to learn from your errors. Additionally, some items are more challenging to style but that doesn’t make them useless. Putting in the effort to build two or three outfits around your closet orphans can open up new worlds of creative dressing.
When you purge your closet, do you stop to ponder why your closet orphans have gone unworn? Have you saved any from donation that have gone into steady rotation?
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*In this late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*
Charlene requested a few picks for petite printed maxi dresses, so here we go:
Wallis Floral Print Petite Maxi Dress – was $78, now $63
This is a fabulously versatile print, in my opinion. The black and red mean it will transition into fall, but white, yellow, and green are also present in the print and can be pulled out to create spring-y and summery outfits. Plus I love those wide straps! Available in petite sizes 4 – 14.
Apt. 9 Petite Geometric Empire Maxi Dress – was $50, now $30
Or hop on the black-and-white pattern trend train with this surplice dress. Stick to black accessories for a classic look, or add red, turquoise, or pink accents to bring color into the mix. Available in petite sizes XS – XL.
Ann Taylor Petite Painted Herringbone Maxi Dress – was $138, now $71.99
With extra 40% off sale dresses (no code needed)
The simple, black belt and halter neckline on this printed maxi give it a polished feel. Add a white cardigan for a beach-y look, or dark blazer for a Casual Friday office outfit. Available in petite sizes 0 -12. (Sold out in size 2.)
Other not-currently-on-sale resources for petite printed maxi dresses:
- Wallis – This site has an entire section of petite maxi dresses! And most are printed!
- Macy’s – The longer I work on this feature, the more I’m convinced that Macy’s has lots of petite options. Including 70 maxi dresses.
- Piperlime – Although several of these aren’t sized as petites, they feature shorter hemlines and might work on some petite frames.
- QVC.com
– Loads of solids, but cute prints, too, like this watercolor print.
**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.
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I like to believe that I have an open-minded approach to style and fashion. It takes all kinds – an adage that seems fitting both for people and the clothes they wear. But as much as I’d like to tout the virtues of my sartorial acceptance, every once in awhile a style trend comes along the provokes my irrational prejudice. I become peevish and cranky, prone to vitriolic rants about pointy-toed shoes or the needless resurrection of Hammer-pants.
I was so angry when rompers came back in fashion a few years ago. “What are we? FIVE?” I’d snark everytime I saw magazine pics of grown women in one-piece suits. Sure I used to wear rompers all the time…but that was back in the seventies when I was super-wee kid!
But the truth is, my resistance was borne of fear. I loved rompers when I was super wee kid. They were easy, comfortable and cute. Those are qualities I still look for in the clothing I purchase today. And I began to consider, that maybe I didn’t hate rompers, so much as I was intimidated by the challenge of wearing one without looking like an overgrown kindergartener.
Sometimes the only way to conquer a fear, is to face it head on. Last summer, I was shopping for some summer duds, when a super-cute romper caught my eye and I thought, what the heck? Might as well give it a whirl. I was shocked to discover that I loved the look of that simple one-piece shorts suit.It was comfy, cute and when I paired it with some funky accessories, it felt anything but juvenile.
Romper – Jessica Simpson
Sandals – Nine West – similar
And just like that I became a zealous romper convert. They’ve been a lifesaver these past couple of weeks when the temperature in Ottawa has risen sharply from just below the freezing mark to a sweltering 29 degrees Celcius. (That’s 85 for those of you that think in Farenheit).
Romper – Old Navy
Jacket – Old Navy – similar
Hat – gift
Sandals – Rieker
Romper – Gap – similar
Scarf – Thrifted
Shoes – Chinese Laundry – similar
What about you? Is there a style trend that you initially rejected and then embraced? I’m currently nursing a grudge against peplums. If any of you are betting people, put money on me wearing a Judy Jetson style frock by Fall 2014.
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Already Pretty contributor Nadine Thornhill is a sex educator and blogger at Adorkable Undies. She is also a burlesque performer, poet and playwright, living in Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s national capital. Her writing tends toward subjects such as clitorises, feminism, vibrators, body image, gender politics and non-monogamy. She is a passionately committed Scrabble player and lifelong klutz, having sustained 16 concussions to date
**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for adorkableundies.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.
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Brenda popped this one into the suggestion box:
I’d like some thoughts on day versus going out to dinner clothes. I wear dresses and jackets/blazers to work, and they seem dressy enough to wear out to dinner. I’d like to pick up some ideas for adding a little “wow” so that my dinner outfits still feel like me, but they also feel a little special. P.S. In the Portland, Oregon area, so many people wear jeans to everything and tank tops are common in the summer, even at fancier places. I need to blend in a little!
Here in Minneapolis, things skew pretty casual, too. But that doesn’t stop me from putting on the glitz when I’m feeling the urge! Since Brenda is working with a base of outfits that feel dressy enough for dinner and evening events, but hoping to perk up her looks a bit so they feel more special, let’s start there:
Try statement jewelry
Seriously, friends, what did we do before giant, flashy, fun pieces of jewelry became the norm? In my opinion, the quickest and easiest way to take an office-friendly outfit and make it seem more fun and evening-ready is to add some sparkly jewels. A big, eye-catching necklace would be my weapon of choice, but a stack of bracelets or gorgeous chandelier earrings would work, too. Slapping such items onto an actual suit might seem odd, but sweaters with slacks/skirts, or jackets with dresses? Ideal. And statement jewelry works beautifully with jeans, too.
Want more help with jewelry?
Necklaces and Necklines
Necklaces and Necklines Revisited
Finding Quality Accessories
Jewelry Resource Roundup
Balancing Earrings with Hairstyles
Swap your accessories
If you’ve been wearing solid opaque tights at work during the day, switch in a pretty patterned pair. Add a bright patent belt to your dress, or throw on a printed scarf. Do a stack of bright, funky bangles. Items that might feel cumbersome or annoying during the work day may be easier to tolerate during the evening hours, so consider adding new touches or switching out a few key accessories before heading out for the night.
Want more help with accessorization?
Accessorization and Figure Flattery 101
Successfully Deploying Your Tights
Finding Quality Accessories
Building Accessory Collections
Working Those Colorful Tights
What Belting Can Do for You
What to Do with Brooches
Flattering Hats for Every Head
Accessory Balance
Befriending the Scarf
Belted!
Other Already Pretty posts on accessories
Slip on amazing shoes
Most shoes that work for work are at least slightly practical and comfortable. More spectacular and less pragmatic footwear can be saved for nights perched at a flashy bar or chatting with friends over cocktails. Shoes can truly transform the feel of an outfit, so just swapping in a more glamourous pair can change how you look and feel.
Want more help with shoes?
Incorporating Colorful Shoes
Casual Shoe Basics
Shoe Basics
In terms of general guidelines for day versus evening clothes, that is SO subjective. Especially in environments where super casual dress is the norm. My thought is that – in most non-dress-code-contingent cases – evening dress is down to personal choice and preference. Picking items and embellishments that make YOU feel special and dressed up will help you create evening-appropriate looks. Because, naturally, you can wear statement jewelry, patterned tights, and great shoes to work or at home or just about anywhere. They are not the sole domain of nighttime gallavantery! But if you deploy them with the idea of feeling and looking fancy in mind, you’ll feel and look fancy. In fact, just dressing differently might be the key. If you do glitter and bright colors for day, try a sleek, minimalist look for evening. If you wear your fanciest shoes wherever you go, focus on a different part of your outfit or look for dinner: An intricate updo, patterned blouse, or artful set of layers.
What else would you suggest to Brenda for going out and dinner ensembles?
Image courtesy Dana LeBlanc.
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*In this late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*
Stephanie requested a few picks for medium-sized crossbody bags, so here we go:
Baggallini Dublin – was $89.95, now $67.46
This casual bag is constructed from lightweight, water-resistant nylon which makes it ideal for travel or for anyone with an active, messy lifestyle. It’s on the larger end of medium at 9.25″ x 3.5″ x 11″, but still very compact. Can be worn crossbody or same shoulder. Available in red, black, charcoal, brown, and apple green. Each color has a bright, fun contrast lining, too!
IIIBeCa By Joy Gryson Duane Crossbody Bag – was $158, now $105.86
This minimalist leather crossbody will endure beyond the crossbody trend. Smaller and a bit boxier at 10″ x 9″ x 4″. Available in coral, tan with neon yellow edging, and brown with pink edging. (This orange isn’t available any longer, but wanted to include the image so you could see scale of the bag.) Bonus: Three percent of wholesale proceeds from this line are donated to a trio of NYC nonprofits.
Fossil Maddox Twist-lock Flap – was $188, now $130.99
A softer shape that contours to the body, this bright bag is 11.5″ x 4″ x 11″. That chunky turn-lock keeps it secure, but also allows for quick access. Available in this yellow for listed price, black for $150.99, and pink for full price.
Other not-currently-on-sale resources for medium-sized crossbody bags:
- Fossil – In addition to the Maddox highlighted above, this brand has been churning out stylish crossbody bags for years. This one is such fun and comes in gorgeous colors. More options on Zappos, too.
- Nordstrom – A variety of styles, sizes, and prices. This minimalist leather one is adorable.
- Michael Kors – Spendy but lovely options.
- eBags – Always check this site when you’re bag shopping! They’ve got 1,266 crossbodies of various sizes, shapes, materials, and prices.
**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.
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