5 elements of a an eclectic outfit
The word eclectic. It's a showcase of a word, isn't it? It reminds me of stair steps or maybe even a teeter-toter on a playground. The ups and downs each have a precise place in this eight letter progression. And maybe that's why little kiddos just get this when it comes to fashion. They need no formula. No five step process that evokes a feeling of a diverse range of interests. They are everything diverse and on their person and now. There are no preconceived notions of coordination or that nasty, conforming word. What is it again? Ah, yes. Conformity.
Kids just love. And create. And celebrate. With an absoluteness for the world they inhabit. That's why pink cowboy boots with striped leggings and a baseball cap with a feather boa topped with a pretend stethoscope absolutely works on their tiny person. Not only does it work, but it rocks and brings joy to each outsider that notices their eclectic-in-action.
And there's something to that. No, I'm not saying that a boa with a plastic stethoscope is really what you need to be wearing to the work place. This pairing could quite possibly send your employer into a tail spin of just what it is you exactly DO after hours. Ahem.
I am hitting you today with 5 simple elements to bring you back to the beauty of being you in clothing. It is my hope that I catch you in the grocery with perhaps a pair of striped leggings or, better yet, a pair of pink cowboy boots. Conforming will always be an ugly, nasty word to me. Here's to eclectic and to joy. Inside & quite literally on your out.
1. print
The first element to consider when creating an eclectic look is print. Find a pattern that works for you. Stripes are a wonderful choice. Florals are huge right now. They're so romantical and dreamy, too. The geometric shapes are screaming "I love you early nineties! Come back!" And if that's your bag, totally hold it. I'm still wearing leg warmers holding onto my ever-lovin' 1984 so, by all means, do yo thang.
2. light
The second component to an eclectic ensemble is light. Bring something that reflects to your outfit. It doesn't have to be white per se, but it needs to enhance the palette you are trying to bring together. This light addition usually rocks on the portion of your body you enjoy most. If you love your neckline, rock a lighter scarf or some cooler tone beads. For me, I have Geoffrey the giraffe legs from Toys R' Us. So I chew my tree tops like all the other spotted long necks in the fashion world.
3. metal
The third element in creating an eclectic look is metal. Metal is simply way of vibing out, "Hey, I'm gritty. I've got baggage and I'm working on life, okay?" It's like the ultimate way of saying, "I'm not perfect" but in beads or baubles or great big shiny rocks on your shirt instead of flashing your anti-anxiety prescription bottle in everyone's face.
4. strength
Coming in at number four is strength. It's probably the most important element of all. Strength simply means that you find it and then wear it. It can come in a color that looks great on you or a physical feature that you enjoy most about your person. It can even be an element of an outfit you love best. For me in this example, I chose all three. I love red/coral. I gravitate toward it. I love accessories. And I have a neck that might quite possibly be half the length of my legs. And, well, I just can't let that space go to waste, y'all.
Owning your positive is critical when it comes not only to life, but to fashion just the same. If you can't enjoy the beauty found in yourself how will anyone else?
5. opposite
Lastly, the wonderful installment of the opposing element will work beautifully to finish out your eclectic look. Choose a color offset from the key color you have expressed in your ensemble. For me, I opted to juxtapose the red/coral in my neckline and clutch handbag. The mustard yellow provides an fresh place to fall for an onlooker. It radiates that underlying current of self-expression and spontaneity. Plus, good gravy, mustard is so much happier than brown or black on your feet.
Outfit Details:
white skinny jeans: Old Navy clearance $6.97
J. Crew mustard flats: $4.99 Goodwill
metal vest: $2.50 Goodwill
striped tank: $1.00 Goodwill
coral clutch handbag: $.25 Goodwill
Total Outfit Investment: $15.71
meg-is-the-end
During the Our Best Five series, I've been coming in with a "meg-at-the-end" segment that's shared the goodness and strength of each staff member. With this Cheap Thrills Thursday post being the last in this April series, I wanted to be sure to share my Jelly Belly juicy pear addiction as well as a few details about me that I bring to this online team. My favorite part of this staff is, in fact, our eclectic blend when joined together. The bag o'writers in the shop is just a simple reminder that different can inspire flavor in life.
more our 5 best articles
Mother's Day is in just a little over a week. Head on over to the shop to take care of the Mom you love with some wonderful original artwork, leather jewelry or hand poured candles.
Next month the writing staff and I will be wooing your taste buds and tempting you with our tales as we celebrate the recipes that make each of us hearty & good. We look forward to serving you!
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I am hitting you today with 5 simple elements to bring you back to the beauty of being you in clothing. It is my hope that I catch you in the grocery with a perhaps a pair of striped leggings or, better yet, a pair of pink cowboy boots. Conforming will always be an ugly, nasty word to me. Here's to eclectic and to joy. Inside & quite literally on your out.