I didn't introduce polyvore.com.
So what is it? Polyvore is a fashion-lovers-playground. You can put together sets that look like you tore them out of a magazine. For me, I like playing with form and finding that balance between classics and trends that is my own.
And sometimes, like this one, they are just for fun. It's all the benefit of playing dress up without the urge to buy immediately!!! I have found it helpful in narrowing my style down.
When I was younger I thought my style was all over the place. I thought I loved patterns and various colors, etc. I couldn't say how I elected to express myself with clothes beyond "like" and "dislike."
What have I found? I'm an earth toned kinda girl. I like classically fitting forms, and am unswayed by severe trendiness. But I like integrating partiocular trends into a classic wardrobe and donning the whole thing in a way that looks...modern, without exuding "trendster fashionista!"
This one is a good example of what I'm talking about:
Trends:
One shoulder, tiered skirt, ruffles, and the strappy sandals, and wide belt.
Classic feel:
Cinched at waist to prevent the loose-fitted top from diminishing an hourglass form. Chunky necklace so the right shoulder is not left completely barren, so as to limit the top's lack of symmetry. Using the frills and the skirt to echo a sort of girlieness throughout the ensemble. The contrasting belt is complementary to the top, and is a declaration that the wearer is consciously manipulating form. (Making clothes work in a way that they *may* not have been intended) The shoes pick up the tones in the top, instantly lengthening legs given a boost from the wedge heel. The illusion is furthered by the two complimentary browns, much like that of the top and the belt. Gold jewelry adds a touch of pizzazz, brightening the top and hands, for the summer outfit.
Matching:
I <3 matching. Because color creates illusion. The play of color, matching or contrasting, is something I believe needs to be done very consciously. I think color needs to match personality, skin tone, and the message you want to create about yourself.
It is classic to match, but it is not currently popular. But from me, you will see consist matching or complimentary colors. As I said before: I'm short. I use color and heels to give myself a taller presence. I have a very young face. So I use form to enhance my appearance of womanliness. The classic form suites my needs. The cautious implementation of trends to fit my style fulfills my inner fashion-lover :P
I watch a couple of episodes of "What Not to Wear" the other day, and although they really helped the women in the show dress better, they didn't do a good job at giving viewers advices or suggestions. I love that I can go back to your entries and understand WHY the people in the shows succeeded in dressing better.