STYLE TALK
chimichanga
POSTED: Thu, 06/04/2009 - 12:22pm
Finding your style
Hello folks. I started reading these books a few years ago while I was pregnant, so my clothes buying has been very challenged. During pregnancy, I bought cheap disposable clothing since we only plan on having that one pregnancy. Then post partum I bought cheap disposable (but fitted) clothing because I was going to fluctuate size and didn't want to fall into the sweatpants/t-shirt-new-mom trap. Anyway, I've been reading lots of style books and sites trying to figure out how to figure out what's "me" and I'm having a hard time. I've never had good style, I bought what I liked on the rack and never looked at myself in the mirror. At the time I thought they went together, but ick. I've recently purcahsed a few seasonless wool pants in black, charcoal and grey. A white button down, a blue button down, (the nice one from Brooks brothers) and a few cashmere/cotton solid v-neck sweaters as basics. I'm just trying to figure out how to snazz up my look without breaking the bank since my body is still changing. For instance, I'm going for a classic look, but I have enough neutral pieces now. Where do I introduce color besides a scarf? What about finding a style role model, any tips on picture books or something along those lines? My most recent dilemma is trying to figure out how to wear linen and still look classy and put together.MIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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jas
POSTED: Tue, 03/12/2013 - 1:31pm
heels
reconnecting with my love of heels...in a practical sort of way. I love heels, just love them, I love the way I feel in them, look in them...But they don't feel good on my feet or back. So this winter I was researching and came back to Dansko. They have some really nice heels, they aren't high, but they are a casual sexy. I got some, and love them...I feel like more of a woman in heels. JasJSB
POSTED: Tue, 03/12/2013 - 9:24pm
Heels
Jasmine I'll have a look at Dansko heels.Thanks.oxobren67
POSTED: Sat, 09/08/2012 - 3:22pm
Reinventing myself....
I am discovering what style and colors and shapes look best on me right now...today i bought a new scarf and new earrings,there in fall colors,and i do look good in them,i also seen some beautiful simple tee,s in fall colors that i want later this month..i seem to look so good in simple tee,s,and jeans,and a nice scarf with earrings and good shoes and handbag...colors,seems i look good in a soft summer/soft autumn colors... BrenMarilyn
POSTED: Sun, 09/09/2012 - 4:46am
Bren
For me simple is best as well. Simple tunic tops with my jeans that are long enough to wear with opaque tights and knee-length boots without looking 'mutton dressed as lamb', and as you say a nice scarf, shoes and bag. I look best in real colours, black, white, grey, red, blue I cannot wear the Autumn colours at all although I love them on other people. Gone are the 'booted and suited' days of professional life, hello the more relaxed days of retirement. I still like chic clothes but buy less and wear them more!!!!Kat_G
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 6:38am
Making style work despite uniforms?
I've been trying to deal with this issue too lately. Weekends are great for me: I can go for my 'classic' look: jeans and nicely fitted collared shirts paired with ballet flats. But five days a week, I'm in an all-white uniform. The best I can do is tinker with my accessories, in particular with what I put in my hair and the sorts of earrings I wear. The earrings part is an interesting challenge since I can only wear clip-ons.annamey
POSTED: Sat, 09/29/2012 - 10:51pm
Clip on earrings
Kat, I totally understand the challenges of finding nice clip-on earrings. Twenty years ago, there were a lot more out there. Nowadays, everything is either too heavy or too tight.Kat_G
POSTED: Sat, 09/29/2012 - 11:22pm
Or put on a stud fastening. I
Or put on a stud fastening. I do have a nice pair of gold hoop clip ons, but they are not a good idea to wear where I go to school. So I have these cute flat pad clip ons in various colors that I wear everyday, but they are more 'edgy' and not as classy as I'd like.jas
POSTED: Wed, 08/08/2012 - 7:31pm
favorite fall look
Does anyone have and websites or pictures of your favorite fall look?Miss Ryna
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 9:09am
To re-think a concept of a uniform
Also, you need to re-think the whole concept of a uniform as a boring outfit, because you are " stuck " with it for a very long time in your life. Therefore, you need to change your state of mind towards it ( I am too philosophical tonight, probably it's time to go back to work). I think that very fresh, very clean and very well fitted white uniform can have the same effect as the female monk's dress. Have you heard about the " un- attainable " effect of the monks' dresses? It's considered to be very sexy/ desirable due to its eternal un- attain ability ( if there is such word). The famous French writer Guy De Mopassan ( am not sure about English spelling of his name) had mentioned this effect in his books. So, think about your white uniform as a symbol of purity- therefore innocence- therefore Youth... And a nice underwire under it, and fresh luminous skin of neck in the collar slip... Who can resist such vision? A very light touch of perfume behind your pretty pink ears ... Everything else will be too much for your patients!Kat_G
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 9:22am
Hmmm
I never thought of it that way. The uniform is just supposed to make us look distinctive from the nurses and PT students. But yeah, it does inspire some sort of awe. My issue with the uniform is that it's not very flattering on me, and we just really look the same. I swear, if I didn't know people's features/quirks/belongings so well, I'd get lost in a hallway of people. Maybe I'm just missing my undergrad "no uniform" days.Sheri
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 12:15pm
Hair variations?
Another option I've seen with uniforms is variations of hairstyles...one day braided, one day loose bun, one day french twist (that is of course when you don't have exams, in which ponytail-ing unwashed hair is probably the norm)Kat_G
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 4:50pm
Yep, hair is a way to go
I'm hoping to grow my hair out a little longer so I could braid it (at present it's at shoulder-length). Interestingly enough, ponytailing un-washed hair is the exception where I am. In the Philippines, most people make it a point to get a good wash in if they are planning to even be seen in public.Sheri
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 5:59pm
Med school differences
Wow. For several years I worked with the med students at Vanderbilt U. By third year the young women were so tired that a quick shower was sometimes all they had time/energy for. Definitely a bit of difference. As long as you are doing it because it puts into your tank emotionally and builds your confidence, (vs a pressure from external expectations) then it sounds like a good thing.Kat_G
POSTED: Fri, 07/20/2012 - 5:03am
It's more because of climate
Here in the Philippines, it's so hot that washing is a basic necessity. I've met people who'd rather be late for an appointment or class than show up without washing. I'm trying to instill it in me that being in a stressful situation five days a week is no excuse to look like a slob.Sheri
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 8:21am
Bright scarves
Bright scarves tied around a ponytail? Neck scarf, if your uniform allows it. Red scarf and red heels? Black scarf, black heels and pearl earrings/necklace?Kat_G
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 8:49am
Definitely like the scarf idea
I should try the scarves with the ponytail thing. Neck scarves aren't really allowed in the med school, and I *wish* I could wear the red heels. I'd love to try the pearls idea too, if only thieves and muggers weren't so rampant in the area. I have tried experimenting with various kinds of hairbands (woven ethnic style, scarves, a cute pink one I picked up days ago). Not sure if it makes me look 'cute' or if it comes off as juvenile.Sheri
POSTED: Thu, 07/19/2012 - 12:12pm
Fake pearls...
Most fake pearls look real, so if they get stolen, you're not out much money. However, if it would cause a mugging because they look real - skip it. Ask a couple of friends you trust about the pink, perhaps tied onto a classy bookbag or purse it would look chic.Miss Ryna
POSTED: Sat, 06/30/2012 - 9:31am
Find a real you , and your style will follow
I never had troubles with finding my style, but sometimes, like every 7-8 years, I have some reflecting time on myself, on my perception of who am I at this particular moment in my life. Usually, during these reflective pauses, I dont buy anything for a while, nothing is " speaking" to me. I wait till the new vision of myself comes to my mind, and after than the new definition of my style appears clearly. I remember, when my daughter turned 16, I couldn't choose anything for myself for a few months. Soon I realized, I was getting used to the idea of having a grown up daughter. I couldn't wear teen's style anymore, so I had to re- define myself to myself. Now I reached the long- awaited stage of elegance. In Australia, elegance is not a messes sixty but a luxury. So I treat my style as a simplistic luxury, with the elements of humorous chic. Intesting enough, as soon as I realized who I am in each new period of my life, the new elements of my wardrobe appear easily, and on sale! I take it as a sign that I understood new me correctlykit
POSTED: Mon, 07/02/2012 - 11:16pm
Welcome!
Really enjoying your perpectives on style and life! :)TinaMiss Ryna
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 6:50am
Thank you, Tina
Its very nice to meet women with no fear of discovering themselves again and again. I am just on the process of reading all the old entries in this Forum, but the more I read, the more at home I feel here. Cheers!kit
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 8:19am
Yes Miss Ryna,
You definitely have a home here with your "French" sisters:)Miss Ryna
POSTED: Wed, 07/04/2012 - 6:57am
Time diffence is an issue
Thank you, Tina. The only one my disappointment - the difference in time. so far, I managed to chat " alive" only with Naja, but reading all new messages from this club is my newly acquired morning pleasurejas
POSTED: Sun, 07/01/2012 - 8:03am
ummmmm how interesting
Really filling to read your words about style, Miss Ryna...Ok, here is my next question for you--the body. Feeling comfortable in your skin, your body...what is that like for you? Times you feel comfortable and times you don't? Of course I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this. JMiss Ryna
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 6:56am
To choose between a face and a bum
I agree with both Kit and Naja, that with the age, there should be a concern about not loosing too much weight in order not to get too many unwanted wrinkles. As one famous French actress had boldly said: it's time to choose between a face And a bum ( sorry for such boldness, but it's true). That's why I try not to control my weight so I will not need to loose too much at once, but at the same time accept a couple of extra kilos as a blessing - they make me look betterMarilyn
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 1:20pm
Oh so true
Take it from one who knows!!! This is exactly what my mother used to say and I learnt the lesson from her. I know I would prefer to carry a couple of lbs less on my bottom half but as soon as I do it shows in my face so I dress to suit my shape. I see too many ladies 'of a certain age' looking much older in the face from obsessive dieting. They look fine from the back but as soon as they turn round whoops!Naja
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 7:25am
Ryna, exactly!!!
We had an identical discussion a month ago in here! It was Catherine Deneuve who said so ("c'est le visage ou les fesses"); at least to my knowledge!kit
POSTED: Mon, 07/02/2012 - 11:09pm
Jas,
As women, it's almost second nature to be self-critical, especially as far as our bodies are concerned. Of course like many, I don't feel entirely comfortable in my skin as you said. An easy 5 pounds of stubborn tummy "bread dough" just won't go away. I once heard someone say, what would you eat if magically you had to stay as you are this minute, you couldn't lose or gain any weight. That's how I try to live. Taking care of what I have now, being neither over or underweight. I would like people to think, "she looks good for her age"!Miss Ryna
POSTED: Sun, 07/01/2012 - 8:19am
Jas, it's a very interesting
Jas, it's a very interesting question . Long time ago I have learned to ve comfortable with myself - tall, skinny, too long legs, too long hands, too sharp skulls...I decided to make a peace with myself to survive my youth...till I become old woman. And nobody cares about old woman, isn't it true? That was my thought when I was 16... A lot had changed since then, and I managed somehow to see myself as slim instead of skinny. And long legs became a bonus. But believe me , I had to learn to love and appreciate myself, it didn't come naturally. Now, almost 50, I am still more or less slim, but am not exactly happy with the body shape. What helps me- it's my old habit to make a peace with myself. I forgive myself a little bit of fat on the hips, knowing that I will try to do whatever I can to get rid of fat. I have a set of winter pants and skirts, which are not too clingy, because I know I always put on a couple of kilos in winter. So I don't make a big fuss, but try to work out as much as I can. Be gentle on yourself, and it will work much better than a constant self- critisizm, in a long run- that's my believe INaja
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 6:42am
Jas
As I said in a previous post under another thread (an irrelevant thread for that topic actually, but anyway), I have these thoughts lately about women growing old and looking very thin. It just doesn't suit them. I lost about 14 kgs last December and my face started looking older. I took back three of those lost kilos and now I feel just fine. The only concern is that I still have some cellulite to get rid of, but then again, I am not obsessed over it. I am now following a traditional mediterranean diet with "diet" being a way of eating and not a way of losing weight at last!!! Moderation, whenever one can find their own golden rule on it, is a bliss!!! I still have my occasional overeating moments, but they 're just that: moments. So they do no harm.The key for me was not feeding my emotional problems of the day with food, but with reconsideration and action on them.
Sometimes I think that building my own image/body-image is a never ending procedure. One I am learning enjoy all the way.
JSB
POSTED: Tue, 07/03/2012 - 4:36pm
Naja mou
Very well said.oxo