The things I Love...
Dissecting my Personal Style
Understanding what truly reflects 'me' and what doesn't has been a journey. I absolutely love combining contrasting elements in my outfits. I find nothing more satisfying than a stylistic mix-and-match where opposite genres are juxtaposed. The resulting outfits often feel unique, intentional and modern.
And with a core wardrobe composed of sleek menswear, utilitarian-inspired and athletic pieces it took some time at the drawing board to find the perfect feminine garments to pair. But let me clarify: not girly. If it's too girly (floral, ruffles, ornate jewelry, cute prints, ballet flats..), it's simply not me. Not a vamp either, also not a prairie girl... So, what type of woman am I...is that what it all boils down to?
It's fun to look into the inspiration pictures I've saved on my phone over time, analyzing the commonalities. And you know what I found? It's all about the shine. Metallics, silk charmeuse, velvet, brocade and the bling — sparkly jewelry is my thing. (Sequins haven't made the cut for my current lifestyle, but who knows, maybe they'll find their place in my wardrobe in the future?)
But it doesn't stop there. Another feminine element that I enjoy is the sensual, embracing drape. A woman wrapped in bedsheets? A sense of comfort and intimacy, an embodiment of effortless beauty and raw vulnerability? Or could it be that on the contrary the drape represents feminine heroic power? 🗽 Most likely the answer is both!
So, here's to understanding the very essence of a personal style. In my case, where menswear meets utilitarian workwear, and where shine and sensuality intertwine. The next step involves breaking down these concepts into style elements and figuring out how they translate in a real life closet. More things to consider though: an existing wardrobe, the climate, a lifestyle and individual comfort constraints, a specific body figure, some favorite colors, and more. Bringing a whole aesthetic to life can be a challenging puzzle to solve, but guess what? That happens to be one of my favorite things to do!
everyday flats with a sparkle
acid wash jeans with a flowy layer
drape and sparkle come in many ways
Would you like to master the art of polished, effortless style?
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Your Wardrobe Nerd
Helene Cardon moved to the US from France over 10 years ago and lives near Boulder, Colorado. She is a body positive personal stylist & wardrobe consultant with a passion for slow fashion. Read about her style journey
She offers Wardrobe Edit Sessions and Sustainable Shopping Sessions to the women of the Boulder Area who want to refine their fashion sense, find new ways to pair their existing clothes, and shop intentionally - with a plan.