Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Mirror Mirror

Kudos to Charlize Theron, who was the most rockin' evil stepmother ever—complete with killer wardrobe. 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3buw48pG8F3tqz_dZv9HeRU7Iricje3an0QUOoPnW272nXDvKoeyEkfCwgHoswWCYfeBg9evpfBu2Umf_oaSCp0hmj2hYhX6G5VtRj0xqg8HbY6volhsg_RXLm82WHkMsRwwaroj9oA/s1600/snow-white-huntsman-charlize-theron2.jpg
There are many aspects to successful outfit assembly, but one item is desperately needed to be able to compute effectively. 

A full-length mirror.

When putting together a look, there is the idea of balance. For instance, if one is wearing a flary skirt, then the top has to be more structured and close-fitted. 

One cannot wear a boxy jacket with a full skirt. While the two items are chic in themselves, they have to be paired correctly. A mirror will help the wearer gauge that. 
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/products/mn/NM-1AML_mn.jpg
How pregnant does she look?
A box jacket is best worn by top-heavy individuals who gain up there but not down there, which means pencil skirts are the way for them to go.  
http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/bmz_cache/3/38dde22dfec4789b5fa90f7fa001725b.image.300x497.jpg
As I mentioned, I adore full skirts, but they do not return the favor. I simply look, well, gigantic. The above look would suit me, but not everyone. 

What should be worn with a full skirt? Tops that define the waist. A tucked-in blouse or sweater, perhaps with a belt on top. A structured jacket that follows one's figure, tapering in where needed. A blazer that is, of course, not too long.
http://data.whicdn.com/images/10176905/811897_a1_large.jpg
Via weheartit.com
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1cvzqP9Rm1qzm5dko1_400.jpg
Via sarahbee-in-the-stacks.tumblr.com

http://cloud7.lbox.me/images/b/201201/ts-ruffle-skirt-blouse-dress_iokw1326858429171.jpg
Via lightinthebox.com

And the fact of the matter is, for the pencil skirt wearer, while boxy and baggier tops are an option, there are more possibilities.  
http://vivasofia.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/black-lace-jacket-c2a3606-red-pencil-skirt-c2a3423-jexika.jpg
http://www.ruedechic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Emma-Stone-looks-elegant-in-a-Calvin-Klein-jacquard-pencil-skirt-and-long-sleeve-silk-blouse.jpg


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcvJm0LZX_6f0-iUearVVbe9mclBiDJCw7PpCnlNLmNfd_ZDOqNkaFZIks2tGld9z2Mi2_0ylIAX4LY1uHR_vRbwbpmhVviiU99XfXJjY3asL5rxKSpwbCqc_qLmrtMATG3Z97Y56aMtc/s700/CH3.jpg
Carolina Herrera
Purchase a long mirror to make sure your look balances. It's not enough to assemble; the pieces must be compatible.  
http://www.alhambraantiques.com/webphotos/17088.jpg
Very Grimm.

4 comments:

the gelt said...

dita von teese is an excellent sartorial inspiration - she wears pencil skirts and full skirts with aplomb. and, when she isn't engaged in her profession, she dresses with a surprising amount of modesty.

Garnel Ironheart said...

Yes, Charlize Theron could've been Darth Vader's mom in that picture. Yeah, yeah, I know, wholesome ol' Shmi but what did that get her? Dead.

Nechama said...

Apples and Pears... you should so link to that awesome post.

Princess Lea said...

TG: DVT (when she's being decent) is the epitome of 50s elegance. That era had fashion to die for.

GI: No, no, no mixing fantasies. Then it just gets messy. But most definitely, Shmi should have been a lot cooler.

Nechama: It all goes back to that same premise - knowing what you can wear. So while I love the flary 50s skirt - oh, how I love it - I can't wear it. Sob.