Viewing entries in the Style Inspiration category
Look in the mirror and say ‘Wow’
images: i-D Magazine Winter 2011
It’s my birthday today, but it doesn’t really feel like it as I’ve been so preoccupied with getting ready to go back to study.
In line with my ‘anti-accumulation of meaningless stuff’ resolution I’ve asked most of my friends and family not to get me any gifts, but if any of the pieces in this incredible editorial materialised in front of me I’m sure I’d be able to handle it.
Black Blooms
I kind of feel like this picture has slutted it’s away around the internet already thanks to how easy it is to connect all my favourite social media platforms, but it would be rude to assume that everyone who visits Sea Of Ghosts actually follows my twitter, instagram and/or likes the SOG Facebook page; and my ethereal new Limedrop headpiece needs as much love as possible. They have many gorgeous and colourful styles to choose from; naturally I had to have black.
I am so dirty on the inside
A thousand lips a thousand tongues
A thousand throats a thousand lungs
A thousand ways to make it true
I want to do terrible things to you
A selection of recent posts over on my tumblr…
Back To School
What started out as a fleeting thought has transpired in my return to full time study. For the next two years I’ll be completing an Advanced Diploma in Engineering Technology specialising in Jewellery – that’s right I’m going to be a qualified metal engineer.
I’m bristling with excitement at the the thought of being surrounded by people actively involved in the local fine jewellery scene on a daily basis, and am galvanised by the myriad of ways this move may transform (or solidify) my aesthetic direction.
Although I battled internally for a couple of weeks about whether returning to study was the right move for me, the process of enquiring, interviewing, and enrolling in the course all took place over just 7 days; and I have orientation on Monday. Naturally this seemingly sudden, compressed agenda has my head reeling a little.
Now that the whirlwind of administration has settled I’ve begun thinking (panicking) about my back-to-school style. In the studio I wear whatever sloppy get-up is appropriate for the weather, most of which isn’t suitable for leaving the house in. I have to be as practically dressed as possible but I’d still like to represent my aesthetic identity convincingly.
An old acquaintance who has done the same course recommended I may like to get myself a little wheely luggage bag as I will find myself dragging heavy tools to and from campus. The rest of the items pictured above are some work-bench practical ensemble ideas straight from my wardrobe. Thanks to my culling efforts I’ve now got a pared-back wardrobe that may not allow for a full-time study schedule so it will be interesting to see how my rather small collection of clothes will cope being worn, remixed and repeated.
Letting Go
Once I got started culling items from my wardrobe I found it quite easy to be ruthless. But what about when it comes to letting go of items I love but need to replace?
I picked up my black a-line maxi skirt (pictured above) from Supre a few years ago on impulse after seeing it displayed on a mannequin in the window. It cost $35 and when you consider the golden cost-per-wear ratio many fashion consumers use to justify their purchases I’m pretty sure the skirt might as well have been free. I’ve worn it to death, quite literally – the material is pilling uncontrollably and because I like my maxi skirts floor-grazing, the hem is completely shredded. I know it’s time I replace it; it doesn’t owe me a damn thing.
It’s taken me months but I’ve finally found a suitable replacement. It’s under $100, has virtually the exact same cut, and can be delivered to me in under a week. It sold out and I was gutted, but now it’s been restocked. So why am I still hesitating to add to cart?
Somewhere in my subconscious I keep telling myself the Supre skirt has a little life left. The subtle decay of the garment is a testament to the sabi aesthetic I identify with. But they are excuses. “It’s sabi, not sloppy,” one article on the wabi sabi lifestyle urges.
Is it this kind of nonsensical nostalgic attachment for something with no real value that’s stopping me from completely embracing the minimalist lifestyle I seek? Upon reflection, it has been easy to cull so many things simply because I didn’t love them. But sometimes we need to let the things we love go, too. So why can’t I accept the transience of this object and commit to replacing it?
Have you found yourself inexplicably attached to something it was time to let go of?
