I have
always felt strongly about the way I dress and present myself. This does change over time and if you told me
while I was studying fashion design that one day I will move slightly from my
vintage inspiration and toward something more classic I would not have believed
you.
The phases
in your life change the way in which you perceive the world and in which you
want the world to perceive you. For me I started with a rock/ Nirvana inspired
look. Black combat trousers and tie dye tops, I can’t believe I am admitting to
this on a publicly viewed site.
After school
at University I channelled vintage, so much so that it took over my third year
collection in my fashion design degree. This was really my signature look and
was the inspiration for years and still is, but entering the working world
changed that somewhat. Working in an office you have to dress a certain way,
but still retaining your personal style. So I bought a few suits, not to stiff
suits and chiffon and lace tops to wear under that and the key item, the pencil
skirt.
Even thought
the office job did not last a year the blazers did as did the blouses. I moved
on to managing a fashion retail store and this new level of responsibility and
authority morphed the way I presented myself. I enjoyed power dressing, nothing
as extreme as a lawyer. Thankfully the position was in fashion so one does keep
an edge to the way you dress. There is nothing like feeling tired come Monday
and donning a red, knee length, body-con dress and black blazer to make you
feel in control of your world.
Something
that I have been looking for a more fitting name for is the ‘All Saint’s-
look’, you know the one; grey and other muddy colours with black leather
jackets. Now I will never denounce my precious colours but more and more I say
the words:’ that with a black leather jacket would look stunning’ or ‘just add
a black leather jacket’. I think it is a move to a more classic look but
combining that with the vintage and smart inspirations from before.