I have recently discovered a blog that I find to be absolutely fascinating. At http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/ she shares her fashion ideas and make up tips, and are the kind of ideas I had been discovering myself.
Many years ago, I was very much into the dark and mysterious. I got into making my own outfits because I could not afford the beautiful clothing in the boutiques. Working a part time job while in high school, I was still not able to afford the luxurious fabrics the store versions were made from, and my sewing skills were lacking in experience, so I ended up with flimsy costume looking articles. That was fine for a kid, and at the time, I was so proud to have a collection of gothy outfits to wear.
I carried on, to a lesser degree, through college. My after school jobs prompted me to buy more "mainstream" clothing, and I started to feel like it was time to "grow up". Efforts to conform in the professional world took me further and further from my previous looks, and I began to look more like the girls who picked on me in grade school. But part of me never stopped loving my dark and romantic clothing.
In recent years, I started to feel like I was less myself, and wearing a "costume" to blend in with everyone else. I began to cultivate my own personal style again, this time focusing on a few higher end pieces... adding a well tailored blazer, or a jewel toned scarf. I tried different hair styles, but the salon artists didn't seem to grasp that I wanted something a little more dramatic than they did. I think they were afraid that I would regret having something so different, and went the safe route. I am now growing my hair out so I can style it simple or funky, whatever I feel that day.
This bring me back to the blog I found. Victorian Kitty has found a balance between her personal sense of style and work appropriate clothing. I think the basic message is that you don't have to leave your personality at the door, but use your head and observe what might be acceptable or overdone. Bustle skirts and corsets may best be saved for weekends, but a black skirt and blazer with a colourful blouse works well in an office setting. I am finding that her style is very similar to my own. I don't want to be a copy of her, as personal style is just that... personal (I hate wearing tights, but she seems to love them!) It is an expression of your own tastes. I love that she has found a way to bring her own flair to the workplace, and that is where I find her to be inspirational.
I have been sorting through my own wardrobe in search of items that are highly work appropriate, yet a perfect expression of who I am. One of my favourites is a black shirt with red flower print, perfect for under a cardigan or blazer. I can layer in the air conditioned office, and just do the shirt for a summer evening. I still love my pink summer dress, and I am not going to stop wearing it because it lacks the "dark mystery" that I enjoy. I just tend to pair it with black high heal sandals, instead of white flip flops!
Perhaps, once I am finished with my Victorian outfit, I will work on some pieces that I can wear for work, but with my own personal twist!!
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