April 9, 2012

Inspiration- Standing Tall

Via JackandJil

One of the most delightful aspects of writing this blog is when lovely readers understand exactly what I’m attempting to say. Here’s to that sense of shared camaraderie that blogs inspire. Don’t we all just want to be heard and understood? When I wrote about this dress being one of my go-to smart dresses (for feeling instantly confident), the lovely, intelligent and talented Alice Olive commented “You walk taller in a dress like this, right?” That’s exactly it and I couldn’t have said it better. There are some garments that exude CONFIDENCE. I adore designers who design with this in mind. 

As soon as I read Alice Olive’s comment, I thought of this Tommy Ton photograph of Shala Monroque. This is the perfect example of wearing a garment with élan. Shala stands out in my mind for having an innate elegance, while remaining modern and insouciant. Perhaps it starts with a great smart dress, but here it’s really about poise, comportment- standing tall. Every woman deserves a dress that makes her look and feel this good. 

PS- I can’t begin to entertain the idea of wearing white shoes, much less the idea of white shoes in the Tuileries. I always wind up falling victim to the dust and debris. Yet, something about this is spot on. 

19 comments:

  1. Ah yes, I know exactly what you mean! It seems to me that carriage is about 80% of what makes a look work. Also I'm wary when it comes to white shoes as well, but I think a large part of it is just not caring. I have a pair of green suede shoes, which when I first purchased them seemed so very burdensome to keep clean. Then one day I decided to stop fretting and now when there's dust or what-have-you (within reason) I just let it go with a simple "it adds character." I guess what I'm coming around to (sorry for being so long winded!) is that whether it's nonchalance or élan, I've found that attitude and carriage are what make a look more so than the individual pieces (although I too have those special items in my closet that make me more confident and effusive than usual). Wonderful post!

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    1. CamisaBlanca- Don't apologize for being long winded. I loved reading your thoughts. Yes, carriage, attitude and confidence in oneself are true hallmarks of personal style to me.

      I love your green loafers. I love seeing items that are well worn as opposed to just languishing in a closet somewhere. I could never pull of white shoes- long, narrow feet be damned,
      but they look perfect here.

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  2. She looks lovely and statuesque. I feel confident in everything I own, but feel especially graceful in a sari. I always stand taller than usual when I wear one!

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    1. Ammu- She does look lovely! I would agree with you, I do feel confident in everything I own, which is a wonderful feeling. I wouldn't bring an item into my closet otherwise, so it's a pretty good test.

      The sari is pure grace to me- so pretty.

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  3. For me confidence is something you either have it or not, I don't believe in a thing that gives you confidence, it comes from within. There are people that can go away with anything (even white shoes!!) because the have the confidence that makes it right.

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  4. lunaday- Agreed. Confidence is something that comes from within. Although you can develop it, which I see with the kids I mentor. I wasn't suggesting that a thing in and of itself can give you confidence.

    Yes, there are people who can get away with anything. I really do find that confidence and a smile helps;)

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  5. lunaday- Agreed. Confidence is something that comes from within. Although you can develop it, which I see with the kids I mentor. I wasn't suggesting that a thing in and of itself can give you confidence.

    Yes, there are people who can get away with anything. I really do find that confidence and a smile helps;)

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  6. I'm glad you agreed!

    Ms. Monroque always carries herself well. She is definitely one I keep an eye on during the shows. She'll be wearing what's current but those clothes never 'wear' her, she's the one in control. I like that.

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    1. Alice Olive- Completely! You took the words right out of my mouth;)

      Yes- she carries herself really well and it's consistent. I agree her clothes are current, but her personal style really does shine through and there's always a very classic element to it that I love.

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  7. I can see why you like this image- she's so regal and graceful and it reminds me of your nature.

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    1. Anonymous- Yes! This is so within my comfort zone. Love it;)

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  8. This is one of my favorite images of Shala! She really does exude such an elegance and confidence, even if she wearing monkeys and/or fruit!

    xo, sam

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    1. Samantha- Me too!

      I never would have thought monkeys or fruit could look so sophisticated, but she does it well.

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  9. That is a stunning picture, and such a testimony to the importance of good posture - she looks like she could take on the world! If only all our clothes could make us want to stand this tall :)

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    1. Maja H- It is such a stunning picture. Every once in a while Tommy Ton shoots one that I can't tire of- no matter how many times I see it. Good posture really does make clothing hang better.

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  10. Oh, I know what you mean! Those special pieces that makes you taller, that makes your stride even more confident, your manners more graceful. There's nothing more beautiful. :)

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    1. Ginta- I agree- there really is nothing more beautiful.

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  11. I couldn't agree more with Alice's statement. When I've got a well tailored jacket on with my favorite jeans, I walk taller. I feel confident. Thinking back, I've been wearing this combination since my college days and it's what I feel most comfortable in.

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    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- It's so true. I love how you pair your jackets. I find that a jacket is the quickest and easiest way to pull together a look. Such a good essential piece.

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