I got an email from virtual stylist Nicole Longstreath of The Wardrobe Code. She asked if she could share some of her fashion knowledge with you guys. Take it away, Nicole!
Much ado is made about the differences between extroverts and introverts. The broad brush of misconception paints the two as either outgoing or shy, or won’t shut up or won’t open up. But I believe that – when it comes to an outward image – there is actually much the two have in common.
Within the busy mind of the inward-facing creative is usually someone who craves self-expression. This, I believe, is neither exclusive to the introvert nor extrovert – but instead human nature. We are, as a species, inherently expressive.
But when it comes to self-expression through an outward image – specifically, fashion – we run into a snag. Mainly, that fashion has been claimed by the marketers.
They peddle errant myths that, to be truly fashionable, one must befully-immersed in fashion. Or that you must have a healthy appetite for attention. That your physical make up should be just so.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Yet, for many of us who have not yet developed that self-expression muscle, styling ourselves can be frustrating enough to force a total abandonment of the self-expression cause.
However, there’s good news. Once the inwardly-creative mind has the tools for crafting a visual identity, they excel at their own brand of “reserved exhibitionism.” The truth is that building an image with clothing can be just as easy as building a graphic brand with Photoshop or Illustrator.
They both rely on the same elements and principles of design.
So, if you’re an inward facing creative, and you want to develop your outward image, where do you begin? What are the tools you can use?
1. Pinterest
Visualizing what your outward image should look like is much easier when you have a style muse or two. Think about who has influenced you (anyone from current celebrities to literary characters you read about when you were 12-years-old) and make a digital shrine on Pinterest.
The muse board is not intended to be an immediate fix. Let the question of “who influences you” marinate and add/deduct as your muse board develops.
2. A good workspace
Just like the desk in your creative workspace, your closet is where you create a great image. And, we all know how difficult it is to create something good when our workspace is cluttered or disorganized. While it isn’t necessary to splurge on a custom closet, it is wise to keep your clothes organized in your closet by garment type.
Get everything you might wear in your wardrobe rotation out of any dressers or drawers and into the closet. Either hang it, or fold and stack it.
3. Polyvore
Once you have your inspiration muse and an organized closet, it’s time to develop that wardrobe. If you like to shop online, visiting individual retailers can be really inefficient when you’re looking for something specific. Thankfully, Polyvore isn’t just for creating pretty collages. Instead, think of it like a fashion aggregator; just plug in a search term for what you’re looking for, and – VOILA!
Note, Polyvore does pull a lot of items from Europe, but I see that as a plus. You may pay a little extra for shipping, but you get something truly unique.
Nicole Longstreath wishes for every woman to be authentically expressed through fashion. She is a virtual wardrobe stylist who helps clients all over the world build wardrobes they love on any budget.