Viewing entries in the Style Inspiration category
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?
Currently Obsessed
Although I’m not particularly a big fan of provoking my readers to “stalk me”, the concept of Currently Obsessed is definitely something I can get behind. The project allows readers to follow their favourite bloggers as they browser-window shop, curating a list of all the things they’re currently obsessed with online.
I know there are a great deal more items I covet online than I find time to blog about, so if you and I share a similar aesthetic, you can join Currently Obsessed and “stalk me” around the internet as I sigh over all the lovely items I find.
Thinking Ahead
Rick Owens Classic Biker Jacket
With the intermittent storms here in Melbourne I’ve been thinking ahead to Autumn Winter 2012. Despite my obvious aesthetic leanings I actually have complete disdain for winter fashion, predominantly because I’ve always struggled finding jackets and coats I love. Trying to keep in line with my less is more ethos, I’ve narrowed down my winter jacket requirements to three key items I believe will see me through the season.
The first is and always will be the quintessential Rick Owens biker jacket (pictured above). I’ve tried my hand at inspired designs and know in my heart of hearts I won’t be happy until I have the real thing.
Helmut Lang Cropped Leather Jacket
I found a cropped leather jacket in the sales last year at Forever New of all stores; but the sleeves are only 3/4 length and won’t be appropriate for when the true winter hits. So a full-length sleeved cropped jacket (not necessarily in leather) is a must for me this winter. It is the best fitting and most versatile shape to have for the rest of my wardrobe since I have a tendency to cinch the waists on most of my ensembles. Unfortunately most “cropped” styles aren’t cropped enough for my short torso, so this is a difficult item to find.
Gestuz Leather Belted Coat
Lastly I’m after the perfect black classic wool coat with leather sleeves. It is a style that’s been produced by several brands, high-end and low; but none seem to be tailored enough at the back which is a uncompromisable requirement for my body shape. The one pictured is on sale for a steal but is sadly the wrong cut.
While all the winter sales are on overseas it seems like the perfect time to buy, if only I could find my perfect jackets. The hunt continues…
Key Wardrobe Item: Knit Sweater
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In my real wardrobe these items are:
Bonds T-shirt – American Apparel Fisherman Knit Sweater – Cheap Monday Jeans – Country Road Ballet Flats
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In my real wardrobe these items are:
American Apparel Fisherman Knit Sweater – ASOS Chrome Cuffs – Rick Owens Wedge Boots – Alexander Wang Satchel – Supre Skirt
Lately all my outfits are revolving around my American Apparel Fisherman Knit Sweaters. They’re classic and comfortable, and I can style them a million different ways. I never feel particularly dressy in them, though. I can’t work out if it’s because they’re too casual or because I wear them so frequently that I’ve lost perspective on where they sit on the style spectrum.
I couldn’t find flat-lay images of the American Apparel sweaters online so I’ve substituted them for these similar knits by Steven Alan. The Wang T-shirt, Repetto Flats, Margiela Cuffs and Topshop Skirt are also flay-lay digital stand-ins for actual wardrobe items I own which I’ve annotated above.
What’s your key wardrobe item of late? Do you feel that after you’ve worn it a lot it’s less special?
