One-Dollar Wonders

Outfit Roundup - Inspired by Ornella, Krista, & Suz (pic heavy again)

March 15, 2013

Ornella suggested in a recent post that I should do a roundup of my recent outfits to examine how my style has developed. I kept meaning to do it, and now that Krista and Suz have done their 100-outfit retrospectives, I thought it was time to give it a go.

I didn't know how far back I should start, so the first photo is one of the last ones I took before I left The Rack. In fact, I lost one of the gloves I'm wearing in that pic to the crime scene. :T As I look through these and see them all together, I'm noticing I prefer much less going on in my outfits. More neutrals, more classics/basics, more simple cuts like crewnecks. Maybe the stress has aged me, lol. More seriously, I think being away from the uniform shirt was a good thing. No pressure to pile on personality, if that makes sense. #15 looks good to my eye, but it felt to ALGO for my strained senses.

The other major factor is definitely the super short hair that starts in pic 16. I definitely feel more of a need to have feminine touches in my outfits (hello ladylike white bag). I'm even favoring skinny pants a little more than BFs, weird as that is! I also suddenly cannot leave the house without at least blush, mascara, and lip color. Thank heaven I took a chance on that mascara with a cat shaped lid, or my eyes would be irritated all the time!

Things that have NOT changed are my signature colors and core identifiers. Even though I am looking for less complicated combos, I still love my tropical colors, dirty UWP colors, and steampunk boots.

It's been a difficult and angst-ridden transition, so thank you for putting up with my railing, complaining, analysis, binging, purging, and duh moments. I am definitely still adjusting to my new job - and I'm sure there will be more fashion uncertainties - but I have calmed down a little. For now. :)

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

13 Comments

  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago

    So enjoyed reading this assessment of your style evolution. One thing remains constant, you look gorgeous everyday! I'm excited to see your continued progression as you explore all the facets of your style.

  • Krista replied 11 years ago

    Rae,
    Once you put all of the photos together (which I enjoyed looking at immensely, thank you!), I see a definite change in style from beginning to end, just as you have mentioned. I think you're right that your core identifiers are still there, but that there is a little more of a minimalist approach to your overall outfits that allows for other details to pop. For example, I notice your accessories even MORE in pics 16-25 than I do in 1-15. I'm not sure why - it's a very subtle shift!
    Also, did you notice that you take a lot of your photos in front of a wall that is painted in one of your signature colors (#1,3, 11, 14)? :)

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    I love seeing how beautifully your style is evolving. #16, 22, and 23 are my favs, as is your shorter haircut.

  • Mona replied 11 years ago

    Wonderful style journey, Rae! I really like pics 16-22. The colour combinations are so pretty and I just can't get over that white bag. I hear you on using more makeup after the haircut. it totally makes sense to add more feminie touches after such a big change in your hair.

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    Well, as I trail along behind you kicking rocks and complaining, I find this transition inspiring, reassuring and soothing - it shows me that the rocky road leads to something new and better! I see simpler and more "basic" too, and a little more polish. Maybe now that you don't have a job that requires polish, the need to rebel against it is no longer as strong?

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    Wow. I can see how helpful this process is rae. You look amazing in all the photos, but I can see the development of your style through seeing them side by side. If I had to pick one that sums up your style (to me) it would be # 16 - great colours, simple pieces & fab footwear.

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    You look wonderful in every single photo, but I must say that I SO love your super-short hair. For me, it is paradoxically MORE feminine! But I have strange views on this, so maybe you don't want to listen to me. Like Krista, I notice the pop of your accessories more since the haircut, and I also see the intention in your outfits in a different way -- or I mean I would see if more if I didn't already "know" you, I think -- there's increasing clarity.

    What a great exercise and worthwhile to see how you've grown since that traumatic experience. What a year it has been for you so far!

  • Ornella replied 11 years ago

    Rae, I hope to have some time later to give this post the attention it deserves. What a great style journey you've showed here. It's been so great following you, especially lately. The difficulties of any sort that you mention do not show at all.

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    You look rae-mazing! I especially love 19 and 21, and oh my heavenly goodness, #25 just sets me swooning every single time I see it. You. are. gorgeous.

  • Gaylene replied 11 years ago

    Wow, what an interesting set of pictures.

    To me, what stands out is how much more sophisticated your outfits look in #16-24. If I was walking into Nordstorm's, I'd definitely be admiring the easy elegance of your current style. Your casual, steampunk, UWP style seems to be morphing into something that looks less predictable and much more interesting. I'm definitely staying tuned for further installments; it will be interesting to see where your new direction takes you in the coming months.

  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago

    Interesting exercise. I don't have any great advice for you, but I enjoyed seeing all your photos together and how your style is evolving. Good luck!

  • Aida replied 11 years ago

    Workwear needs changing definitely plays a big part in this, I think! Weekend Rae still feels SGT Rae to me, just with a little more of the G thrown in (short hair being the catalyst). Work Rae feels like you're finding ways to get more of YOU into the outfits, it feels like you are needing to stretch much less than some of the bankwear did (and also the uniform wear for that matter). I really really like the more streamlined work outfits you've been wearing, do they feel less cluttered to wear? Sometimes when I need less brain clutter I go for streamlined, and sometimes I pile on the boho layers to cuddle with; you don't really have that side though. A good strong simple outfit can work wonders eh?

    (I feel you on the makeup; I also feel best with mascara and lip color with my hair short, when it was long it didn't really matter!)

  • pil replied 11 years ago

    You always look terrific to me, Rae. Maybe the streamlined style and short hair are your way of unloading baggage from your challenging year.

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I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)