Monday, 10 November 2014

Style - the whole package

I enjoyed taking part in the different challenges during Imogen's Evolve Your Style 31 day style challenge and in particular I enjoyed being a member of the closed group on facebook. I was inspired by the other participants, many of whom were incredibly stylish and creative, and I appreciated their positive feedback on some of my more successful outfits! It was interesting to find out which of my outfits worked, which needed a bit more working on and which were destined for the recycling bins.

I then took the big decision to enrol on another of Imogen's programmes: 7 Steps to Style. For any of you who have always wanted a colour and style consultation but don't have any image consultants living near you, this is a very good alternative. If your budget won't stretch that far (and I do think it's incredibly good value for the amount of advice Imogen gives you) then I would suggest going through the different categories on her blog: Inside Out StyleShe helps you to identify your face shape, body shape, colouring, personality and the many other aspects of developing your overall style personality. Imogen also gives lots of good examples of clothes and colours to suit your body shape, colouring etc.

As I've mentioned before, there are inevitably a few limitations to how you can express your style personality. If you are rebellious but happen to work in a very traditional working environment, you may have to rein in your rebellious streak until you get home. I'm short, so I know that dramatic clothes will tend to overwhelm me, but I also know that I can add a few dramatic touches via my accessories. 

I'm still working through the 7 steps to style and at the moment I'm stuck on colour. What's interesting is that when I did my colour analysis last year I was definitely cool rather than warm i.e. a jewel winter.  However at the moment there seems to be uncertainty within the group about whether my colouring is cool or warm so Imogen is sending me a set of colour cards that we're hoping will make it clear. Watch this space!

One of the exercises is to define your style personality and I discovered that I was a mixture of several styles, though my main personality traits are relaxed. I do like many elements from the other styles, such as dramatic colours, creative jewellery and elegant chic textures. The style statement that I eventually decided upon, with the help of others in the group (especially Juhli!), is: Casual Chic with a dash of Colour and Drama.


Does this outfit tie in with my style statement?
The outfit shown above is definitely casual and I'd like to think it is chic as well. The bright pink colour adds a touch of drama as well as colour to my outfit. Although they're not very clear in the photo, my toe nails are dark blue to match my necklace and bag.  The length of the top and trousers aren't ideal as they split my figure in half, however the white sandals help to compensate for that as they draw the eyes down. This may not be a particularly stylish outfit in the eyes of the fashion world, but this is me wearing clothes that I feel comfortable in and that I feel express my personality.

When I went for a style consultation earlier in the year, Fiona and I agreed that I was a Natural Gamine. I have created a board on Pinterest reflecting this, however I now feel that there are other elements to add in as a result of embarking on the 7 Steps to Style. So far as my personal style is concerned, I believe that I now have the whole package. Once I have finished this new journey in style, I will post an update on here.




15 comments:

  1. Sigh. The whole package. That's the magical place I can't seem to reach. I can get a few elements but then I can't get a whole look. I don't know if it's me, the lack of clothing options for a fluffy petite, or what. I love watching you make the magic happen for you, though. When I get a chance, I think I will do Imogen's challenge.

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  2. Thanks, Argie. You should definitely do Imogen's challenge, as the other participants in the closed facebook group are so good at suggesting small changes to improve your look. Plus of course Imogen herself. Hopefully they will help you to get your whole look!

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  3. I'm enjoying reading about your adventures in finding your style. Perhaps you are more neutral in your coloring. I was told I am very neutral but with a bit more warmth and because I'm so neutral I can wear some slightly cooler colors.

    It's always an adventure though. Especially for those of us who don't fit into a definite warm or cool coloring. I'm always second guessing myself and never know if I look good in certain colors or not!

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    1. Thank you for your comment. It looks like I'm an Enigmatic, which is warm but on the cool side of warm apparently, so maybe we have similar colouring. Once I receive my colour swatch I will write a post about it. In the meantime, I'm also planning a post on contrast, so watch this space!

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  4. You're famous! I saw your profile on InsideOutStyle Blog. Were you surprised by her analysis? I have to admit, I still can't quite sort out my contrast situation.

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    1. I know! It was very exciting to see that Imogen had included me, but I'm still not totally convinced with the outfit she selected for me as I don't think that pale pink is my best colour. I might try out monochromatic outfits in blues or reds though.

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  5. I think the light pink shirt by itself is what is putting you off. Under the jacket, you might like it. Worth a try.

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  6. Thanks, Robin. I may very well do that!

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  7. You are looking nice in the picture... I'm enjoying reading your stories about styling.

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  8. Great article!
    I like your way of styling

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