Styling



Be Inspired !
How to tell which clothes to buy?

There are tons of fashion ideas out there. Use these three rules when adding new items to your wardrobe:

  1. Distinguish between loving one apparel item, and being fascinated by the whole look.

Why is this important? Because when you like an item, say the olive green jacket you saw in a store, you just need to follow rules #2 and #3 to determine if this would be a good purchase. But when you like the way a model looks in a magazine picture, you actually like more than just one item she's wearing – you like the style (even though you don’t necessarily need to like all items she’s wearing).

The style sends out a powerful message about who you are. This message affects people’s perception of you. So style is a very effective tool that you can use to communicate information about you to the world.

When you flip through the pages of a fashion magazine and are drawn to a certain photo, it is usually because you like the mood captured in that photo. You have perceived the message hidden in that page, and you identify with that message. It could be a feeling of freedom that captures you (loose clothes, natural background), or a feeling of sophistication (an accessorized look, city background), or a businessy feel (the model wearing a suit and the photo shot in a bank).

Be inspired by the total look, because it alludes to your personality: what you like, what speaks to you, and who you would like to be. Clothes describe us, so learn how to use them to express your personality!


Here is an example of mood created through clothes and props (the single chair against the dark wall). The model's face exudes aloofness, confidence (maybe even arrogance). The clothes suggest sophistication, coolness, uniqueness. 

What is your reaction to this picture? Try to figure out why you like it or not. 

I, for example, don't particularly like any of the items the model is wearing, but I love the total look. I like the uniqueness and confidence projected through this photo.






In this picture you may perceive the mood again: the model leaning on the wall, a bit withdrawn from everything else; perhaps even sad or upset. 

The total look is of elegance, and clean lines (despite the busyness of the skirt).

You may like the top, skirt, or belt separately but most likely if you like this picture, it is the total look you appreciate - the whole outfit creating a slim elegant silhouette.
 

Above and right pics - fashion created by Tali Rokni






In this picture (Elle Canada for Spring 2014), you may like the total look, or some or all clothing articles.

If you like the total look, it is probably because you either wear this style or wish to adopt it (but maybe haven't yet). 

You may also like the pants for their color and style, the cropped blouse, or the leather jacket.

Rules #2 and #3 below will help you determine whether this style is for you, and whether the pieces are "must buy" items or not. 





  1. If it’s one specific apparel item that you’re taken by, ask yourself more practical questions to determine if it’s a good purchase: is the color right for you? Would the style suit you? (It’s not enough that it looks great on the mannequin). If you liked an item because of its details (such as the white seams on the black fabric), be sure to look at other factors to decide if you should get this item.

If it’s the style that captured you, ask yourself what it symbolizes for you. Are you seeking to be perceived: wealthy, sophisticated, comfy, fashionable, unique, natural etc.? You may arrive at some more insights about yourself, that you would want to routinely incorporate into your dressing style.  


  1. Make sure the item you fell in love with will make a great addition to your wardrobe. This often is the biggest mistake people make when buying clothes. They can’t match them well to other articles in their closet. The most beautiful shirt will lose its appeal if combined with the wrong jacket, bottom, or accessories.

Here is how to tell: 


a.      The color is from your flattering colors palette (ideally from your "wow" colors)


There are so many colors, hues, shades and tints you could choose from. But you want to go with those colors that compliment you; those colors that make you stand out because they harmonize with your features. It is so easy to fall into the trap of buying that gorgeous red blouse but is this the right red for you? If you bought a tomato red garment and are defined as “summer”, you have not chosen wisely!


b.      The design and pattern complement your body shape


While it’s often tempting to dress like the model in that picture, check honestly if this piece will portray you favourably. It is much more important to develop your style, that’s based on realistic features, than to adopt every new fashion out there. You may have heard this before: Fashion passes; Style remains (Coco Chanel).

Similarly, not every pattern and print will suit everyone. If you are a romantic, your choice of black big triangles on a white fabric may be too dramatic for you.

Once you identify your features and personality style, it will be easy for you to choose the right pattern.


c.      You are going to wear it


If it’s an unconventional item, you may secretly aspire to be what it represents for you, but will you really wear it? It is great to let our free spirit guide us on how to dress, but perhaps make it a gradual process. There may already be several similar items in your closet that you haven’t worn for a long time…

Be aware of your personality when you shop for clothes. If you know what suits you, you will make the right decisions on what to buy, and what to leave in the store for other shoppers. If you know what suits you, you will not be tempted to buy articles on sale without properly evaluating if they would be useful for you. When you know what suits you you’ll be saving a lot of money, because in order to look good you don’t need many items in your closet – you just need the right ones!



***
 Check these new fall/winter ideas for 2013-2014, from Vogue

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10 Best Coats to buy this Fall 2014



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