Une Femme - by imogenl on Polyvore.com
I absolutely love what Imogen has put together here, and she's even included my favorite... leopard print! (How did she know?) Imogen says,
As far as Deja's body shape goes, I've not drawn attention to her waist as it's on the shorter side, any belts will make her appear boxy.
As she's got a larger bust I've chosen some larger pendant necklaces and earrings to draw attention away from her bust and up to her face.
The skirts have some flare or frill to balance her hips, but work best in more drapey fabrics. Ideally they should sit just below the knee, and no longer.
High heels elongate her legs and give her a couple of extra inches in the height department. Colour blending shoes to trousers helps to do this too.
You can read the rest of the rationale behind her choices here.
I have some items similar to what she's selected, so here's my first Imogen Inspired ensemble:
(It's a bit tough to tell from this picture but the bag is dark green and the boots are brown. The earrings are dangly and I've added some green and orange bangles.)
I wish I could put Imogen herself in my pocket and take her shopping with me, but the Polyvore she's created is the next best thing, so I'm going to print it out in color and get it laminated, and carry in my bag when I'm on the retail beat.
Imogen, I can't thank you enough!~
My first thought is "Who wouldn't look good in these?" and that's resounding praise! All but the first outfit have v-type necklines. The clothes have softness withoug being limp or baggy, hip details and enough colour to lift the eye up. Those of us past 50 benefit from this.
ReplyDeleteImogen's collection could be titled "How to Look Current Yet Classic", an extension of Sherrie Mathieson's "Forever Cool".
Yes, she got your leopard jones- brilliant!
You look fabulous today! And I love the green and purple combination that Imogen put together.
ReplyDeletenice...i like the leopard print as an added pop both as a jacket and/or shoe item.
ReplyDeletei don't see any scarves incorporated into these...are they are no-no?
erin
Much of this works for me as well -- I love the way the colour and playful details are grounded in each outfit and the way all the outfits look comfortable and wearable yet are still tailored enough so as to avoid looking limp or baggy, as Duchesse says.
ReplyDeleteYour interpretation today really gets the spirit of this, and I bet you could do quite a few of these looks right from your wardrobe as is.
I'm curious about the scarves as well, echoing Good Life's question.
I would like to see a scarf with that leopard jacket as well, the neckline looks too plain.
ReplyDeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to steal this wardrobe as it is also perfect for me. I'm a little bit taller than you but our physiques are quite similar otherwise.
For a second I thought "I should get out of daytime black too," but then I realized I'm just too damn lazy.
ReplyDeleteTruly fabulous outfits, all.
ReplyDeleteNo reason not to include scarves - it's just that here in Melbourne Australia we're having a week of weather in the low to mid 40's (that's Celcius not Farenheit which would be 100s I'd guess), and scarves just didn't cross my mind (they feel too cloying to even dress a Polyvore in a scarf when we walk out the door and it feels like walking into an oven!
ReplyDeleteFor about the past year I have made a concious effort to avoid wearing or buying black. By buying two pairs of brown trousers last year, one slim and tapered leg and the other very wide fine knitted merino with a lowish crutch and ribbed waistband, I've found that life has been very colourful this winter as I can team any colour top and scarf easily with brown.
ReplyDeleteThe really good way to avoid black is to use a brown handbag, gloves and shoes. That way you just CAN'T wear black!
I like the colours Imogen has chosen for you but I notice that she suggests the leopard print with a bright turquoise, which I think is more unusual and effective than the green you wore. I've always liked leopard print with jewel like colours.
My concern regarding the colours is that they are all the same density. How about a really pale salmon pink or aquamarine silk shirt or the shades in that gorgeous Hermes scarf of yours, (Pays des Epices, I think)?
Anyway it sounds like you're having great fun with this!
You look amazing! Jaw-dropping amazing. Absolutely the best self-portrait yet. Also, you look about 6 feet tall in that outfit.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Imogen has also considered your coloring (hair and skin tone) with these outfits. My coloring is virtually the same as yours, and I have been wearing brown (and some navy blue) components for several years.
ReplyDeleteI recently read the book Color Me Confident and therein is a quote that notes that if a woman is wearing colors and shades that flatter her, then others notice the woman, but if she wears colors that do not flatter her, then others will notice only the clothes.
You look so nice. Isn't Imogen genius. Those outfits were great. I wish she would choose some for me!
ReplyDeleteSo inspirational.
ReplyDeleteDuchesse - I know, could this be any more perfect??
ReplyDeleteCouture Allure - thank you. Yes, that's a combination I'm itching to try.
Good Life - my thinking is that scarves are another element to draw the eye upward, so bien sur!
mater - I think my husband is going to like these too. And yes, I was looking for options that are soft but fitted. I think Imogen's selections fit that request exactly!
ReplyDeleteRita - I have a lovely deep turquoise scarf that I think will work perfectly with the the leopard sweater. I'm going to try that soon!
Nancy - steal away! I think these looks would flatter most of us.
Wendyb - I suspect I will still have some lazy black days.
Miss Janey - aren't they though? Imogen really nailed it.
ReplyDeleteImogen - yikes, that's HOT. I don't do well in that kind of heat.
gp - I've been wanting to replace my black trousers with dark brown, but no one seems to be offering that color for the last couple of years, at least not in my size and price point. I'm not giving up!
And yes, I agree the leopard sweater needs some teal, and I'm going to rectify that next time!
Jen - thank you!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn - that's an interesting point about noticing the woman vs. the clothing. I had my colors done back in the 80's, and have developed a pretty good sense of what works for me. Every color Imogen included is one of my "good" colors!
Julianne - thank you! Some of these are outside of my comfort zone *cough*skirts*cough* but I'm going to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteFrugal Scholar - color me inspired!
I cannot wait for Imogen to get here. I feel sure that with her help I might get out of my black rut too. She did a great job with you!! I heart Imogen!!
ReplyDeleteAwwww thanks everyone - and I HEART you too!
ReplyDeletePseu, That is so cute, good job of interpreting Imogen's idea.
ReplyDeleteAlso: Get yourself a tripod, Girl! A blogger as good as you deserves it, don't you think? This way, we will be able to see your adorable face!
I agree with Greying Pixie on the use of brighter color under the leopard. Or lighter. She might be right about the green not being bright enough.
Karen - I know, I know. It's on my list. I'll have to actually learn how to use the timing function on the camera, too.
ReplyDeleteI think you and gp are right about the leopard print. It needs a richer and more dynamic color to offset. Stay tuned...
Imogen - I was able to find that flounced hem skirt you included *deeply* discounted AND in my size on Bluefly!
Fantatic - hope it fits well! Look forward to the photo!
ReplyDelete