For this week's FBFF (Fashion Beauty Friend Friday) questions, the topic is how we go about choosing an outfit. So I'm illustrating it with a little photo shoot I did last Sunday with my old man, Mr. D. I feel this is a perfect example of not really getting it right. Last summer while on holiday with my friend Annie & her cool sons in the Dominican Republic, I got inspired by the colours during lunch at the beach in the rain. I wanted to wear forest green and luminescent shades of purple and navy, so I built this ensemble around that lunch. In my head.
But as Mr. D pointed out, somehow I ended up looking like someone's mad Gran. Still, since Tabio so kindly gifted me my choice of two pair of tights that really cover my whole wardrobe this winter - one in purple, the other in beige - the least I could do is post these shots here, if for no other reason than to show you what not to wear.
Jury's out: what do you think? Tell the truth: I can take it. And besides, soon as we took the shots, I ran inside and changed.
My FBFF questions:
1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
The process is similar to how I cook: I'm usually in the mood for something, and I kind of have this idea in my head.. then I see what ingredients I've got handy in the closet or refrigerator, and whip it together. Like with my cooking, it's not always successful. But I rarely starve, or walk out naked.
2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?
Oh, god, no. Absolutely not. Does anyone? If so, I'd like to meet her (or him) and shake their hand.
3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?
Haha, no, but I remember as a teenager, we all had these little diaries. I'd cram so much information into these tiny white square in a really fine point pen. The girl who could go the longest without repeating won, obviously (my rotation goal was about three weeks). But then again, I did grow up on Long Island, so that should explain a lot. I will often meet a friend a few weeks after I've seen then and realise I'm wearing the exact same 'outfit' I wore the last time I saw them. These days, I dress primarily for comfort and mainly wear the same pair of nude H&M riding pant style leggings.
4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
Like a musician, I start composing in my head: it's an 'organic process'. I usually don't try things on, just feel in the mood for something. Sometimes I can't find a key ingredient and have to take everything off but usually I'll just substitute something else. I hate that feeling of being out across town and being stuck all day in the wrong outfit, but there are worse things to happen in life.
I was fascinated recently during our recent a sleepless sleepover with Shini, Kit and Jen, to watch their getting dressed process: Kit in particular did that stylist thing of wrapping a belt, say, around a dress on a hanger, or holding something up together. I probably should to that, but I don't.
5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?
Well as I get dressed really fast (I'd make a great fireman), I don't know how to cut the time down. (And that still doesn't explain why I'm often late: probably because I'm not as good at time management online). I'd love in 2011 if we redid our home and I had a really really fabulous closet/wardrobe/storage system, because my closet is actually divided in two rooms and the thing under the bed, and sod's law, I have to look in all three til I find what I want. My organisation system is totally crap. But even with the most wonderful storage system, I still don't know if that would help me get out the door on time. I suppose giving away my laptop would help speed things up.
I am wearing: vintage fifties faux fur jacket, Claude Montana purple leather biker's jacket a British friend gave me in the 80s in NY in lieu of the $100 she owed me, thrift shop skirt I bought 10 years ago for £1 and haven't worn yet (should I? I can't decide), very very old v neck navy jumper, oversized navy AA sheer shirt (which has zero bulk factor), forest green leather backpack by Coach that I bought before I got married and got put on restricted spending, SNOOD which was the most thoughtful Christmas gift from Jennifer, by Jigsaw, necklaces I made myself, sunglasses by Fabris Lane, vintage shoes by Prada, and my warm luscious tights, thank you TABIO.
Thank you Katy Rose of Modly Chic for hosting FBFF. You spark off the most interesting conversations. Oh and if you want to read a hilarious and accurate depiction of the getting dressed process, run don't walk to today's post on the Style Crusader.
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