Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Wardrobe Architect Challenge 2015 : January Week 1


So I had planned to get this post out before the end of January but that deadline blew right past me. So instead, you're getting my update now! 

I want to share January's #WAChallenge2015 assignments and my answers. I've also been working on putting a list together of Indie Patterns I'd love to try out, cost permitting of course, and also going through some of the patterns I have at home that will work for creating my capsule wardrobe. 

On to the assignments!

Worksheet 1

The entire series coveres Designing and Building Thoughtful Attire. The first weekly challenge discusses Making Style More Personal. The challenge is to look deeper into why we wear what we wear.

The first is History: How has your personal history informed the way you dress? When did you tastes crystallize? Have they changed over the years, and why?

My tastes have changed extensively over the years. I've tried just about every social "style" group. From Ropers and western wear, to punk, goth and athletic casual... if that is even a thing. I can't really pinpoint a time when my style or tastes formed into something concrete but it has certainly become more evident as I'm getting older and now have children of my own, that my style and taste have settled in the comfy classy section.

Philosophy: How does your philosophy, spirituality, or religion affect your aesthetics and buying habits? Or, what aspects of those things would you like to see reflected?

I don't believe that spirituality or religion affect my style at all as I am not particularly religious. I do feel however that my personal philosophy plays a huge role. Personally I feel that there is something to be said for modesty. I'm not saying that every inch of skin has to be covered at all times, but I certainly feel that some things are better kept to the imagination when in public. I feel there is more allure in the demure... if you know what I mean.

Culture: How has your cultural background shaped the way you look? How did the aesthetics and values you grew up with affect your tastes as you got older?

I grew up in the deep southern US and I think that has made a significant effect on how I dress and style myself. I lean more toward the classic lady (Miss Manners) stereotypes. I think that a woman should be classy when seen in public and I think that should be reflected in her wardrobe and the way she carries herself. You can dress up a pig in a fancy dress, but underneath it is still a pig. Manners and personal responsibility are very important. I was raised in a world of etiquette and decorum and my style reflects that.

Community: How are you influenced by the people around you, including friends, family, and other communities you're involved in?

I'm quite an oddball here in my community. I tend to dress in vintage styles and most people in this small town are more casual. I'm not from this area so my social circle is limited and I don't have any family here. I do however like to be different and stand out and my wardrobe style allows me to do that. I enjoy the attention I get when I'm dressed up.

Activities: How do your day to day activities influence your choices?

For the most part, I am in an office Monday through Friday. The dress code is business dress or business casual. This works very well for me as I like to wear dresses and skirts to work. I am also a mom to two and nursing a toddler so I have to take that into account as well for comfort and accessibility reasons.

Location: Does the place you live inform the way you dress? How does climate factor in?

Climate plays a huge factor for me in what I choose to wear. I live in Ohio and it is very cold here for several months of the year. I have to change my style accordingly. I have to have two separate or interchangeable wardrobes due to this. This is unlike anything that I am used to as growing up in the south we do not experience the drastic climate change and most things can be worn all year.

Body: In what ways does body image affect your choices in clothing? What clothes make you feel good about the body your live in? What clothes make you feel uncomfortable or alienated from your body?

I'm learning to love my post baby body. I'm learning to embrace it and be proud of it and of everything it has done. I wish is were a bit less rectangular but it's mine and I stuck with it. I'm not comfortable showing off too much of my midriff but I do not mind other bits of skin showing. I like clothes that are fitted and hug my curves. I do try to stay away from loose and billowy clothes as I feel that makes me look bigger or frumpier... as the case may be.

I'm going to try to get the rest of January's assignments posted this week so that I can move on to the next portion for February by this weekend.

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