dramatis personae » fashion musings

What Runway & Red Carpet Fashion Can Teach You About Your Style

Ashe — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:14 +0000

The awards shows have begun, and Fashion Week is just around the corner. This means we’ll soon be bombarded with images and posts of Best & Worst Dressed list and rundowns of the major collections. While I’ve never posted recaps from these fashionable weeks (and don’t plan on starting!), you can guarantee I’m peeking through the photo galleries as they come up.

Most of the time, the red carpet and fashion shows just give me a little taste of “Things I Want But Can’t Have.” Frankly, I don’t like spending my time going COVET COVET COVET when their unattainably and unbelievably out of reach. (Michael Kors watch? Attainable with some savings & sale shopping. Cartier vintage jewelry? Not even in my wildest dreams.)

When I’m not struck by a case of the covets, I use these sources as what they’re meant to be (for the average gal)–inspiration. For those of us who don’t always know what our style is, who are looking to incorporate fresh flavor into our wardrobes, or who need a sartorial pick-me-up, the runway and red carpet are a great place to look!

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Your Favorite Cuts & Fits

I’m gonna start with three VERY different outfits, but all three that I love– and feel are very me. Christian Dior here, fun, playful, and whimsical. Mila Kunis at the Golden Globes in a very classic, yet understated dress. And Alexander McQueen–who need I say more? Yet, at the heart of these outfits, we find similar structures: a fitted, structured bodice and, in the first two, fuller skirts. The McQueen outfit provides a more streamlined silhouette, but you do begin to find weight towards the bottom of the skirt.

Look at your favorite picks each season– and what common elements are you finding? Are you drawn to the avant garde? The loose and elegant? Fitted skirts and plunging necklines?

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Your Favorite Colors & Prints

Hey– did you know I’m an avid fan of your wardrobe having a color palette? Especially if, like me, you’re a color FIEND?

Sometimes a gal doesn’t know where to start though– where to narrow out colors, where to find the ones she truly wears. I’m attracted to, and feel best in, jewel tones and vibrants. I stay away from citrus-y oranges and yellows (though love to embrace a little chartreuse!) and pastels. Not a surprise? I’m not attracted to those colors on the red carpet or the runway, unless it’s SPECK-TACULAR. Same goes for prints. I’m mad crazy for leopard print, polka dots, and stripes. I don’t often buy florals or abstract prints.

Start hoarding those images in a folder, and figure out what colors you love– and which pretty prints!

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Textures, Details & Accents That Attract You

Great outfits come from great details.

Great details can also bring to life the most basic pieces– the perfect studding on a top, the peplum on a skirt. Details take the boring and ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine Rachel Evan Woods dress if it were just a basic silk– beautiful, but ordinary. Or Nicole Kidman’s without the intricate studding and channels. Betsey Johnson shows us we can mix textures and a bit of pattern to create a look that’s over the top.

Runways and red carpets are great for figuring out what details you’re attracted to–whether ruffles, studs, sequins or feathers (all of which I love). Then it’s a matter of integrating those in to YOUR personal closet.

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Help Find You… A Style Icon

Crazy, no? It’s hard to find a style icon if you’re not obsessively watching what celebs wear out on the street. And those fab fashion shoots? ARE ALL PUT TOGETHER BY A STYLIST. Soooo…sheeetttt. How DO you find a style icon?

This is why I love the red carpet– it’s like seeing the best version of a performer. While many have assistance by a stylist, the red carpet is often where you’re finding them representing themselves–best or worst dressed lists and all. I love the red carpet because you can find out who are risk-takers, who always play it safe with pastel strapless dresses, and who uses each event as an opportunity to be share another side (Rachel McAdams, Emma Stone– I’m looking at you!). If you search through each event as it happens, I’m sure you’re going to notice yourself attracted to the same performers over and over… and what do you know? You’ve got an icon.

I’m mad crazy about Emma Stone– and a quick look above probably shows why. She picks amazing colors and simple silhouettes with a unique twist. She realizes the details (the lace and shape in Tom Ford, her belt on the right, and the power of a hot pink lip against a black and white gown).

There’s no doubt in MAH MIND– if we were besties (which I think we could be), that I’d ALWAYS be going, OOOH GURL. WHERE’D YOU GET THAT?

Do you use the red carpet or Fashion Week season to give your style a boost of inspiration? What are your tips for beginning the process (lawd knows I find all the designers at NYFW overwhelming!)?

All images via Elle.com.

© dramatis personae. If you enjoyed What Runway & Red Carpet Fashion Can Teach You About Your Style, please subscribe at dramatis personae. Company links may be affiliate links; see a full list of affiliates here. Be assured that all products have received that Ashe seal of love, lust, & approval.

Fashion, Fantasy & the Met Ball

Ashe — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:00:30 +0000

It’s not often I write about celebrity events, the red carpet, and who is wearing what. Most of the time I can’t be bothered to really care. With the rise of Joan Rivers, Best & Worst Dressed lists, you began to see an influx of the same at the Emmy’s, Grammy’s, and Golden Globes. Black cocktail gowns. Pastel colored strapless dresses. Safety and security in fashion.

The allure of celebrity is the unattainable. It creates fantasy for the average man and woman living out their lives, a fantasy that doesn’t include oil changes, cleaning up dog poop, paying bills, and finding time to balance life and work. This is a life that we can’t have (even when celebrities share similar day-to-day activities) and that they won’t have. I think that allure is particularly strong for women.

The Met Ball is another story though. The Met Ball represents a time when celebrities, on the red carpet, continue to carry out the fantasy that is their lives. It’s not another instance of I’m a celebrity; I’m pretty. It’s a time when they don’t fantasize about worst dress lists, but revel in the opportunity to costume themselves, revel in designer wares, and share their fantastical sides. Sure–they may still be in couture, and may still be perfectly and beautifully coiffed. But it’s still the rare opportunity for them to take a chance.

It’s a chance to see Christina Ricci looking like a beautiful spider woman or Beyonce looking like a glorious Rococo vase. It’s a chance to see an Olsen twin looking like 80s Barbie after the prom, or a Dynasty woman on the prowl. It’s a chance for young women like Dakota Fanning to show up looking as young and fresh as the flower bed she rolled out of while necking a wood nymph, Iman Chanel paying homage to a studio decades before her time, or Blake Lively wearing… well, nearly nothing. But we’re okay with that, because my god Blake Lively is a babe, and she’s a mermaid tangled in bouquets of seaweed.

And sweet Taylor Swift, it’s even a chance for her to channel her secret obsession with Helena Bonham Carter, all while looking pretty, poised and homecoming fresh!

With the staggering lines and attendance at the Alexander McQueen visit at the Met Museum of Art, people want fantasy in fashion. I want AND EXPECT celebrities to carry that out– and not just Daphne Guiness and Lady Gaga. When I see red carpets, I want to envision each actress has created her own character for the night, an alternate persona for herself, and she’s in the role she’s created for herself.

© dramatis personae. If you enjoyed Fashion, Fantasy & the Met Ball, please subscribe at dramatis personae. Company links may be affiliate links; see a full list of affiliates here. Be assured that all products have received that Ashe seal of love, lust, & approval.

If I Were Another Person

Ashe — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:00:42 +0000

I was really inspired by Sarah/Return to Sender’s recent post, If I Were Another Person. Sarah wrote

I’ve been feeling the need to, oh, I don’t know, be someone completely different. To live a different life. To have different challenges. Just to start over from scratch. So, of course, I thought of how I would dress if I was a different person. I’ve always admired other styles – and wanted to try them – but I always find things that just scream “OMG THAT IS SO ME!” and never really venture out of that box. So, I decided, today, that I am going to try some things that aren’t necessarily “me.” I am going to try styles I admire on other blogs or other people – it’s time for a change.

I immediately fell in love with this idea. In the past few years, as I’ve made my way through the awkward transitions of being a mid-20-something and losing a body I was happy with and proud of, I feel like I’ve lost my sense of self. I’ve lost my sense of pride and the ways I would express it– through my hair, my style, and the way I carry myself.

Maybe it’s time to shake things up? Break myself out of a style and life rut?

If I were another person, what would I wear?

(ASOS Curve: Leopard Fitted Waist Dress; Leopard 2-in-1 Dress; Block Print Playsuit)

Bold Prints & Patterns: I tend to play it safe with patterns, sticking to stripes and polka dots typically. While I’ve branched out with a few new patterns recently, I find that I’m still horribly particular about them. They’re typically found in my accessories, shoes and scarves, more than anything. Birdiee and I were recently talking about how animal print in clothing scares us…. perhaps it’s time to tackle that fear?

Layers: I tend not to layer. I’m not one of those artful bloggers who can re-purpose and re-style their clothes to the point of unrecognizability by layering. Layering is something I do in the winter to keep warm, not a means of expressing my style. But I so admire those ladies who layer and who do it so well!

Dresses: Because I tend not to layer well, I don’t really wear dresses. They’re just one big expanse of fabric, and I never really know how to wear them other than with tights or leggings. It’s slightly easier in the winter, because I naturally have to pile sweaters and shirts on top of them to scoop up that extra warmth. My unease with dresses goes so far that I’ve actually cut 3 dresses in to skirts so that I can wear them more.

(ASOS Curve: Military Cape & Asymmetrical Tulle Skirt; Missphit Zigzag Wrap)

Volume! Maybe I’ve been watching too much Gossip Girl lately, but I find myself suddenly inspired by Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe. Wanting full skirts, feminine pieces, more bits for my hair. But, as a plus-sized gal, I think that there’s a tendency to shy away from pieces that are full, because they add bulk and increase size even more. But maybe there’s a way to try it out so that it works in my body’s favor?

(Eshakti Two-Tone Pleat Dress; Missphit Striped Assymetrical Top; ASOS Curve Mesh One Shoulder Top)

Harder Lines & Softer Edges: While I went through a punk phase and consider myself to have a strong rock n’ roll streak in me, I’ve really stopped dressing to express that side. Studs and leather, soft nudes pinks contrasted against harsh blacks, fringed hair and dark eyes. It’s something that’s inherently me, but not inherent in the way I dress anymore.

More DIY: There are so many bloggers who manage to DIY and wear it with panache. Since I have a sewing machine, hot glue gun, needles and thread, why aren’t I doing it more myself?

What do you think? Perfect break through for style (and lifestyle) ruts? If you were another person, what would you wear? Does it inspire you to try it out in your real life?

© dramatis personae. If you enjoyed If I Were Another Person, please subscribe at dramatis personae. Company links may be affiliate links; see a full list of affiliates here. Be assured that all products have received that Ashe seal of love, lust, & approval.

Fashion Blogger vs. Fatshion Blogger

Ashe — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:00:34 +0000

Over the last few months, I’ve had the particular pleasure of discovering many great, super intelligent, beautiful, and stylish fatshion and plus-size bloggers on the web. I’ve loved the opportunities to get to know them through their incredible blogs, chat with them on Twitter, and more.

In reading these ladies blogs, I find inspiration because they’re a shopping & fashion resource I can relate to– I may not be able to shop at Forever21, but I can wear their Faith21 line. In a sea of blogs, it’s great to find those who you can relate to as well as those who can inspire you. I’ve had dozens of bloggers act as inspirations to me over the years, but it’s only recently that I’ve read bloggers whose bodies, shapes, and struggles I could relate to.

One thing has been riding on my mind though–if I’m plus-sized, does that automatically make me a plus-size or fatshion blogger?

Recently I was told by a lady I have much admiration for, that I should strive to be a bigger part of the plus-size fashion community. But I wasn’t sure– do I fit in the plus-size fashion community? Or the fatshion community?

I identify myself as a style & lifestyle blogger, and for me, being plus-sized is as relevant to dramatis personae as the color of my eyes or hair. It’s part of me, but not something I’ve built dramatis personae around. My preference is to feature and focus on fashion/style for everyone– which is why I love to share stuff that can be found in many sizes, show an alternative to a standard size, or focus on custom made pieces.

To be honest, I think that identifying my site as a fatshion or plus-sized blog would devalue and discredit the amazing fatshion and plus-size bloggers out there. Women who are highly articulate in fat acceptance, social criticism, plus-sized designers and companies. The self respect and acceptance these women show their bodies alone makes me feel that I’d be a fraud; my battles with my weight and body have long gone on and are far from over. My dissatisfaction with my body is daily. I take inspiration in ALL women who are confident, healthy, stylish, and of all sizes– and I strive for that in myself.

So whether I feel that I fit in that mold or not, I welcome the enthusiasm and kindness I’ve been greeted with by these ladies. I envy their trip for Viva Fat Vegas as much as I envied those who attended the IFB conference. They’ve opened up the blogosphere to me, and whether I’m part of that niche or not, I hope they find as much inspiration in my site as I find in theirs.

At the end of the day, does it matter? Or does it matter more that I’m finding (and women are finding me) as someone they can relate to in fashion? That we can find inspiration in? I think I know my answer.

© dramatis personae. If you enjoyed Fashion Blogger vs. Fatshion Blogger, please subscribe at dramatis personae. Company links may be affiliate links; see a full list of affiliates here. Be assured that all products have received that Ashe seal of love, lust, & approval.

Best of Dramatis Personae: 2007-2010

Ashe — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:39 +0000

Today is officially the 3 year blogiversary of Dramatis Personae. I had hoped to create a v-log for you, to say thank you. The community I’ve become a part of is so incredible, and without you, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have stuck to this so long. This blog started as a place for me to share my love of clothes and fashion outside of Livejournal. It’s grown to something much more than that, and that’s thanks to YOU.

3 years later, I’m still finding my place in this blog, still finding my voice, growing and changing the direction as I see fit. In the next year, I hope to make this a great place, to make it more personal, and to continue to share all that makes up la dolce vita.

I wanted to highlight my favorite posts from each year. For those who’ve been around since I started, a fun flashback to where the site started–for those who are new, a great chance to see old posts you may have missed & I hope will love. Of the hundreds of posts I write I each year, I tried to narrow it down to the most thoughtful, useful, and those I enjoyed writing most– I hope you enjoy them all and will be around for the next year!

2007

© dramatis personae. If you enjoyed Best of Dramatis Personae: 2007-2010, please subscribe at dramatis personae. Company links may be affiliate links; see a full list of affiliates here. Be assured that all products have received that Ashe seal of love, lust, & approval.