The Browse No. 9: Everything But Clothes
Tulips, lace tablecloths and other abstract things that inspire my personal style (Part 1).
Welcome to The Browse — a series where I sift through my recent fashion ands style fixations. If this post is too long for your email, read it here.
A while ago I opened my notes app and typed: “please remember that you can show your style without clothes.” I’m not sure who that note was directed towards but I would imagine it spilled out of me after feeling overstimulated by not only trends and new clothing drops but also the endless upon endless rules and guidelines that are given to use on how to find our style.
Many of these guides come with a list of “basics” — the clothes everyone needs. Which many of us have already learned that are never a one size fits all. But the other part of the guidelines are how we interact with inspiration. The best, most rational advice is always the same: don’t copy and paste.
But this can be hard — which is wht I touched on in my last essay on inspiration — because today we are drowned by inspiration around us. So I feel like it’s important to zoom out and reframe it. I need to look at things in a more abstract way. And I need to get back to my roots of what I like and why I like it.
So, I did. And here’s the list I came up with — some natural, some man-made — but none of them are sources from designers, Pinterest outfits or specific fashion drops. Just the world around me, as it always has been.
It can be hard to pinpoint these non-clothes things that influence our style because a lot of this is unconscious. You really have to unlock your hidden obsessions. Many of them trace back to our childhoods — back when we didn’t filter everything with social constraints and learned expectations.
Here’s one way to figure it out and get out of your head. First, go on a walk. What are the things you’re drawn to around you? Write them down. Take a photo. What are the things that stop you in your tracks? Outside of your phone, outside of your browser; what are the things you see in the world that you think are asking to be worn?
So just in time for spring, I put together a bouquet of style inspirations pulled from the world around me. And just because I love ya, I also pulled some pieces from my wishlist that I think match the “vibe” perfectly. All lin all, this practice reminded me how much abundance I have in terms of what I like, what I wear and what I’m itching to try out!
I encourage you to make a similar list if you’re also feeling overwhelmed by online inspiration lately. I find this to be a much more spiritual approach, rather than formulaic — and I think both can coexist if you desire them to!
💐💋 Happy browsing!
Tulips and roses
Florals!!! Groundbreaking, I know. But I think florals can inspire our style in more ways than just the traditional floral print. Tulips and roses are up there for me and always have been. I feel like the shape, texture, colors and overall ENERGY of these flowers have influenced my personal style in many ways.
But like different flowers, I think we can all lean into different characters within our closets. So when I think of tulips vs. roses, each one gives me inspiration for another version of my style. So with tulips, I feel feminine, soft and a little understated. Tulips are the most beautiful (to me) when they’re completely closed and make a perfect teardrop shape…and that for me speaks to humbleness, gentleness and subtlety.
On the other hand, roses make me feel less cute and more vibrant, passionate and dare I say, WOMANLY! There’s a certain tendrness engulfed in the shape and texture of a rose and it’s often what I pull from for inspiration when I want to look more dressed up and make a statement.
Not saying that this flower can’t be an everyday floral of course, but for me it’s one of those elements that I save for special occassions — a rosette choker, a saucy red, etc — it makes it more special that way.
👛 From my wishlist:
This Emilia full skirt from Free People that reminds me of a perfect tulip shape. A more affordable option is this unbranded purple organza skirt with multiple layers from Ebay.
There’s so many wonderful tulip-covered items from the designer Keelly, but these tulip shorts remain to be on of my main objects of affection.
A perfectly pink rosette brooch from Par Moi.
Fashion Brand Company recently released a ton of pieces featuring a very 90s-inspired rosette trim, including this fantastic black mini dress.
This rosette scrunchie from RoomShop.
The Etsy shop Baroque and Roll also has a ton of rosette chocker options.
So many Good Squish scrunchies resemble fluttering petals but this one in particular makes it look like a summer garden rose is hugging your messy bun.
Curtains
Along with flowers, another thing that I will always stop in my tracks ot take a photo of is curtains. My love for any kind of draping is unending. I just love the way fabrics can be manipulated and sculpted — whether it be for something as simple as a window treatment or an extravagant photo backdrop.
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