All right friends I am going to let you in on a couple of my pet peeves…
I really get tired of these 2 questions.
1. Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
2. How you describe your style?
I understand these are both completely fair questions, but to me (and possibly you understand if you are as right brained as me). I just find these 2 things really difficult to explain in words. re really incredibly difficult to describe.
I get my inspiration from anything and everything! It could be the weird napkin at lunch the completely broken down and moldy sign on the street, or yes the garment someone I passed in the airport was wearing.
The other question, explain your style, eludes me! I can’t explain my style because I don’t really understand it myself. I put stuff on and somehow it feels right. I love mixing prints and tend to gravitate towards girly over the top things, but I prefer to look like I just rolled out of bed.
Which brings me to the point of this little post – the closest I can describe my style to is french style.
Maybe it is just my hope, but the way French women look like they always just “threw something on,” their love of all things natural and statement and high quality. These are all things I want in my own style. This is my style.
So I’m claiming it.
The other things about French style - it is quiet possibly the most sustainable way to dress. Here is why.
- There is an emphasis on high quality pieces. It is a smaller capsule wardrobe made up of really good, high quality pieces that you can mix and match. The cashmere camel sweater, the perfectly faded straight legged denim, white v-neck t, a navy blazer, the little black dress. Buying high quality pieces that stay in style for years is the most sustainable way to shop!
- In French style, there is this kind of disregard towards trends. Americans tend to flock to the latest trends and buy a cheap pieces on trend. Lou Doillon a French model stated in Vogue, “French style has got to do with a certain form of arrogance, which I love. French girls have a tremendous respect for themselves in a way, and so they have what they want to wear, and what they won’t wear – even if every magazine cover is saying, ‘This is what you should be wearing.’ French girls are funny like that. They have their own thing going.”
- There is a sense of mixing casual and professional wear in an outfit. This lends itself again to more sustainability when shopping. You do not have going out looks, work looks, and casual wear – you have more pieces that mix and match well together.
How to achieve the Frenchy girl look.
- It is all about the contrast professional with casual. Fancy with basic. Mix and match pieces you wouldn't usually put together and don't 'fit' in the same context.
- Well fitting pieces. Invest a little more (or have garments altered) to achieve the perfect fit. It matters.
- I've said this above, but buy higher quality pieces that will last years.
- Again the contrast. Want to wear a mini skirt? Perfect, pair it with an over-sized baggy sweater. Super tight leather leggings? Pair those with a turtleneck and blazer. Low-cut cowl neckline sweater? Add super wide legged pants. Contrasts!
- Texture! Texture in fabrics. Higher quality fabrics tend to have some texture. Handwoven cotton or high quality mohair have so much texture and just feel richer.
And now, here are a few outfit ideas inspired by the French style…
- Straight legged denim with small healed mules (French women rarely wear super tall heals AND rarely wear jeans and casual shoes - it's all about the contrast of casual and fancy)
- Bordeaux top or silk tank under a blazer paired with some linen high waist pants.
- Midi skirt with cropped buttoned cashmere cardigan and some casual sneakers or oxfords.
- Button down oxford, or linen shirt, or striped jersey T paired with some straight legged pants or trousers.
- Trench coat paired with your favorite dress and casual flats.