Sunday, June 30, 2013

Thoughts on Personal Style


Sometimes, you just want to simply exist in another era. Whether in photos, in spirit, in reality (for those of us with time machines or a Tardis) the allure of channeling a previous moment in time is purely beguiling. I strive to never look modern. I used to want to dress modernly, when I was in college or high school perhaps. I wanted to look like all of the chic/modern individuals who were somehow slapped with the title of being 'best dressed' even though they just wore basically polos and well fitting jeans every day (not that there's anything wrong with that!). But I always wanted more. I didn't want to just look cute. I didn't want to blend into the sea of people with namebrand clothing manufactured in India, or who knows where else in a sweatshop. I didn't want to be well dressed, I wanted to have personal style. There is such a difference between those two terms and I don't think many people realize that. Personal style is wearing clothes that show your spirit and personality. It is evoking a sense of who you want to become as a continually growing and changing person through the way you dress.
It's funny that something considered superficial is actually indicative of one's character and personality in so many ways. It suggests to others your feelings, morals, and mood without having to utter a word. I want my style to say that I am an old soul who believes in modesty. I want others to hear that one can be stylish and alluring without having to put their bodies on display. I want others to hear that I love color and vibrancy because it can lift one's spirits and put smiles on faces. I don't value trends, I value people-which is why I shop primarily at thrift stores and places that donate to charity. I'm not saying that's for everyone, but it's something which I enjoy doing. I desperately want to find a way to use my love of fashion to benefit others, but I guess I'm still working on that part and waiting on God to guide my path.
My personal style is still evolving, but I feel as though I'm getting closer and closer to where I want to be, and that's a pretty exciting feeling. :)


How do you define personal style?

God Bless!
KJA

Zechariah 14:9
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. 


Wearing:
Dress, Shoes- Kohl's
Jacket, Bag, Earrings- Vintage, thrifted

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I think it's an amazing thing to be able to express the unique things that make you who you are through what you wear. It's great that you know so much about yourself, and that clothing is such a big part of it!

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Retro style is modest by our standards now, but fashion back then was plenty outrageous. The mini skirt of the 1960s was a revolt against conservative, oppressive values of the 1950s. The loose look of the 1920s was a revolt against corsets. I get where you are coming from, and respect your version of what you want your personal style to say about your character, but I wouldn't agree retro style is better because it represents a time when people had better values.

Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

I love the little black collar on the dress. And I couldn't agree with you more about the clothes being superficial yet saying so much about our character.

Wardrobe Quarry

Ali Hval said...

Yes girl, preach!! I love that you're so cute and modest in your style. You're just always classy and elegant, but not in a prudish sort of way. :D I also find it funny how when I stumble across certain things in stores, sometimes I automatically think, "Hmm, I bet Katie would wear this!" or someone else I know on the blog world. :D Associating things like that in your mind is pretty neat--and I guess that's one way you know that your style is really distinct!

I don't think I could have survived High School in a polo shirt and jeans (shudders). I was always wearing bright tights and big necklaces!

Oh! And your outfit! I rambled, hahaha. I really adore how your heels match your lipstick, and the collar on that dress is super precious!

The Dragonfruit said...

I agree, I love your thoughts on personal style. It says so much about us without us even opening our mouths! I always think of you as a classy lady with an old soul. :)

Trendy Teal

Sabrina said...

Gorgeous photos, and even more gorgeous words. I find that I switch up my style often, which is pretty close to my typical indecisive attitude where I change my mind about my directions in life a lot, but I like it that way!

Sincerely,
Sabrina


P.S. I've got a giveaway on my blog!

Elliementary, My Dear said...

This is such a great post :) I think having a personal style definitely helps people to have confidence and feel like a unique individual. You look very classy and have wonderful style. Also, your hair always looks amazing.

Allie said...

I love love love your lipstick, I may have to go out and buy that color. And I definitely think you're right about your style. That's why I love this blog. Even though your style is totally not my style, that's okay because your style shows you! xx

Allie @ callmesassafras.wordpress.com

Caitlin M. Peterson of the (ef)Face said...

I have those shoes! :)

xoxox
theefface.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Nice outfit! I love your heels!

www.timolove.com

Unknown said...

You are so gorgeous - inside and out! This dress is just a dream and I love the belt that you paired with it! I feel the same way about a personal style and that is something that I really didn't start developing until I started college and developed my love for thrifting even more! Thanks for this reminder on why I do what I do, hon! :)

xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

JB said...

Personal style is so important--it portrays so much about you! Sometimes I think, "Maybe I shouldn't be so obsessed with something that's so materialistic. Maybe I just shouldn't even care." But it IS important to care because it helps you to care about yourself. I'm not saying I look great every time I go out in public (I totally ran to the store for eggs yesterday in my paint clothes), but I usually try to put at least a little effort into my outfit. People DO judge by appearance (it's unfortunate, but I'm guilty, too), and I always want to put my best foot forward and wear something that's as "me" as can be. Wearing something that no one else will wear is a brave thing to do, and that totally says something awesome about you.

Sorry I've been rambling, but I just wanted to throw in my two cents about your post!

Kristian said...

I like this a lot, Katie. The interesting thing is- Best dressed is others' judgements on you. Personal Style is focussed on you and your communications to others. It seems more positive anyway.

Also- the collar on this is lovely.

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

had to click over here from your recap. i think you're on a great start, sharing your ideas on things like this, and i esp think it's important to speak out against sweat shops and for thrift store shopping at places that support causes (but of course that's obvious from my blog). i also never understood why wearing a huge brand across your chest was somehow well dressed, but oh well. and in my personal style, i'm pretty neutral on shorts/skirt length and tanks, but always steer clear of low cut tops out of personal preference and save that view for my lucky guy haha. i think i differ in one big area that most though, im pretty anti heel because they're of course awful for your ankles, knees, etc, but i also find them sexist since they're so awful for the body and just push up our legs/butts.