When I first checked the Sunday Scribblings for the week, my first inclination was to "pass" because I have always considered myself to have no real style unless BORING can pass as style. But I started thinking about how I have "evolved" over the years, and I realized that I DO have certain standards and tastes that I gravitate towards. But, I also have a very "eclectic" group of friends and family members that have very unique Styles. Because their Style was so much more remarkable than my own, I always assumed I had no style. But that's not true. I DO have style--it may not be flashy, and it may be subtle, but the older I get, the more I notice that I adhere to certain "rules" when it comes to choosing clothes, jewelry, makeup, etc.
So I'm "listing" those things that I have discovered in my closet and my jewelry box that were deliberate purchases:
1) Narrow, "pencil skirts"--either just above the knee, or a few inches above the ankle.
2) Cardigan Sweater sets.
3) Proper string of pearls (would love to have some real ones, but will make do with fakes because I am a cheapskate). Pearls must be all the same size, or small, fresh-water pearls. Nothing big or "chunky" or "modern."
4) Sling-back pumps in black, navy, or taupe.
5) Pointy-toed shoes with narrow little heels.
6) 3/4 length sleeved shirts/sweaters (as a short person, I hate wearing long-sleeved anything--I always push up the sleeves, roll-up the cuffs, anything to push fabric back from my lower arms.)
7) Floral prints, particularly on dresses. Empire Waists a plus. I am a sucker for a "lovely" print. The prints that I like the most probably resemble Victorian Wallpaper. When it comes to dresses, I like them to be either very "classic" and "clean" or very feminine. I like soft fabrics that "drape" and "swirl" nicely in a dress.
8) Charm Bracelets.
9) Gold Hoop Earrings or Pearl Studs because they go with everything (hate diamonds, as a general rule.)
10) "Antique" looking jewelry. I like delicate, feminine, intricate. My favorite "Brand" of Department-Store jewelry? 1928. I am especially partial to Cameos and Crosses.
11) Washable fabrics (no time to hand-wash or dry clean--I am a BUSY woman!)
12) Skirts and/or Dresses. I hate wearing pants. I will wear "Capris" during the summer months, but, as a general rule, I usually don't own or purchase pants. I have been known to show up for a Campout and pitch a tent wearing a skirt.
13) Anything made out of velvet--especially "stretch" velvet.
As I look back on this list, I realize that everything on it was probably heavily-influenced by my mother and grandmother and their definitions of "good taste." But, that does not mean that it is not truly my own Style. Yes, I grew up with pretty stringent rules and standards of what constituted "good taste," but I have had plenty of opportunities to challenge their rules and standards, and, believe me, I DID.
But nowadays my goals are to be comfortable, look presentable and respectable, but still wear fabulous shoes.
