IDEALIST STYLE'S GOLDEN WARDROBE RULES The "Golden Wardrobe rules" guides you in how to get a clothing collection you can be proud of, that is both functional, fashionable, and can stand the test of time". My personal wardrobe is a collection of vintage finds, inherited items from family and friends, home made pieces of my own design, redesigned and altered pieces, a dress my mom made, stuff I've had since I was 16 that still works for me, regular basics and so on. I hardly ever feel like I need any thing new, but if I do, I'm very selective about what I buy, and plan really well ahead. My shopping motto is: If you don't miss it when you're getting dressed, then you don't need it. THE GOLDEN WARDROBE RULES The trick is to think of your closet as a collection, and only shop for what's missing. Never just buy something because it's pretty or cool. Take notice of what you really need when roaming through your clothes getting ready, and make a list. This is a good way of preventing that impulse shopping, based on your feelings for that random shiny dress you just got a fleeting crush on (that you'll never get to wear). The key is to build a wardrobe where you can find an outfit for any occasion, without having to go shopping. Even if it's for work, a birthday party, camping, or a wedding. Too many of us have the "I have a hundred party tops, and yet I have nothing to wear" kind of closets. Or, the "I only have work clothes, and nothing fancy". It's all about finding that right balance. Instead, spare the environment the pollution, and save money on buying long lasting quality items. This way, you can rather spend your money on replacing basics (Also, more left for the occasional splurge on fashion fabs). HOW TO MASTER YOUR WARDROBE? Step 1. Figure out who you are, and what styles you like. Step 2. What is your life really like? Do you need to be fancy for work, or wear sensible shoes? Step 3. What flatters your face shape, body shape, type of looks, and colors? Step 4. Make step 1, 2 and 3 work together and for you. It's all about figuring out who you are, what you like, and edit until you find a way to make that style look good on you. Step 5. Get rid of the items that doesn't do you justice. When going through your closet, imagine you're shopping and remove anything that you wouldn't buy now. Then consider if you'll ever feel like wearing that again, before you either store it or give it to someone else. If it clashes with either step 1 or 3, you will never need it, so get rid of it. Well, unless you can alter it to suit you. If it's only a matter being in conflict with step 2, I might come in handy at some point and you can store it for later. Step 6. Yes, after you clean out the unfitting and unflattering items from your closet, you'll probably have to be a consumer and buy new stuff. But, this time be very selective, and think long term. When you're in the shop trying on clothes, imagine that you're at home getting dressed. Would you actually feel like wearing this piece of clothing in real life? Do you already have something that covers this need in your closet? Also, remember that fashion goes in cycles. In five to ten years those last years jeans could be the hottest thing again, so buy quality items and aim to reuse them. There are really only three good reasons to get rid of clothes. 1. It's not your shape or color, or your style at all (you will never wear that, so shop smarter next time). 2. They're so worn out there is no hope for a salvage. 3. Give those previously mentioned things away to charity or someone else who will have a greater use for it (recycle). Everything else can be reused, altered, repaired, or stored for a later time. This philosophy is what keeps my closet fully stocked, and the reason why I haven't had to stress-buy anything new for an upcoming event (not even for Halloween) for the last three years. I actually, hardly ever buy new things other than replacing worn-out basics and favorites, and the occasional fashion find that has been on my closet's "missing list "for at least 6 months. If you can't forget about it, it's probably worth owning. If you do forget about it, you never needed it in the first place. Also, don't forget that you can borrow clothes from friends, and vise versa. It's a good way to get a trend or an outfit out of your system, without having to buy unnecessary things. "If you invest in the right item you need less stuff. If you buy the almost right item, you will easily find yourself wanting more. Think quality over quantity. -Idealist Style
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE PERFECT BODY I just love this infographic about beauty ideal over the centuries, "The Evolution Of The Perfect Body", and love what katoni.dk has to say about the modern beauty ideal and how it affects us all. This post is written and created by Frederik Drost at katoni.dk, and here is a link to a similar post on their page. Check it out: https://www.katoni.dk/blog/diverse/the-evolution-of-the-perfect-body/ “The grass is always greener on the other side” is a great expression, but it doesn’t mean that everyone is better than you. It is a reminder of our human need for wanting what we don’t have, or can’t get. This behavior is the source of many great things, and motivates us to build, create, and discover, but it can also be the root of more obscure scenarios like war, jealousy, and hate. In today’s world, where we are bombarded with images of perfection like sleek women in bikinis and ripped underwear models, it is hard not to desire such physical flawlessness. But what is physical perfection, and how did we come to decide on those standards? It seems that although our subconscious is still playing a vital role in defining beauty, concepts like idolization, mainstream media, and advertising are largely to blame for our negative self-perception. And though we consciously refuse to live up to the impossible standards that advertisement and Hollywood are defining, our subconscious can still absorb this information and influence our body image. Actually, only 2% of women today are satisfied with their body, and more and more men are experiencing the same pressure as well. So how do we change the way we see ourselves? Well, studies show that just knowing that 98% of the people in the bus are unsatisfied with their bodies can help you feel better about yourself. But that is far from enough. I think the best way is to bring perspective on the concept of beauty and physical perfection. Showing the young generation how much advertisement, Hollywood and other factors have influenced our view of perfection is key to growing up with a healthy body image. Actually, body ideals have changed so much and so quickly that it seems ridiculous to worry about not looking like the bikini model on the billboard next to your work, because next year it could be you up there! So here is a summary of Western body ideals, and how they have changed through recent times. Hopefully, this will show you how our common view of beauty is highly prone to change, and how much external factors influence us. And remember: Comparison is the thief of joy! (Text and infographic by: Frederik Drost, at www.katoni.dk) |
ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.» Archives
January 2020
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