Word Lily's Look

When I initially filled out my profile here, I chose fashion personas of Artistic Eclectic and Bohemian Hippie. It's taken me years of evolution, but I do think of myself as an artist, and I think that's part of what drew me to that first persona. But I don't think I know it really means, in terms of style, still. 

I've emphasized the Bohemian side since I've been here, since I know what that means, and since it doesn't make me feel like a poser. 

Amiable asked me today if the hard edge, toughness, I seek could actually be arty-ness. And I think it's certainly possible. 

What do you think? What is arty / artistic eclectic? And does it fit me, or am I fooling myself?

This is probably rambling and might not make any sense. But ... deep breaths ... here goes.

How do you learn/know/discover that a new-to-you silhouette is a good fit? Does the process necessarily include missteps, including financial ones? Is there a way to learn these things without making mistakes? I’d like to think I’m not just looking for short cuts, but rather that a) I’m risk averse b) I dislike making mistakes c) I want to do things the right way. This seems especially difficult as slow-and-steady weight loss has me in a constantly changing body, so I’m not even all that familiar with its actuality.

I’m thinking a minimal capsule-esque wardrobe is the ideal (I don’t think I’ll ever want a large wardrobe), but at the same time, I keep wanting to branch into new things, silhouettes I haven’t ever worn, or ones that I’m not sure will be flattering on my current body. But multiple silhouettes in a as small as possible temporary wardrobe gets complicated, and I like simple.

Example: I’ve never worn skinny jeans. Or leggings. First, I’ve fully embrace boot cuts (and flares, when they’re around). I’ve always liked wide-legged trousers, too, although I don’t have any right now. I like how boot cuts and flares balance out my proportions, and I like the movement, too. But with all today's tops styles being so fluid and oversized (ack, '80s!), since I’m not terribly comfortable with volume over volume, I’m back to the possibility of skinnies. And then I see Jenn mentioning her new burgundy skinnies, which as she loses weight will transition to “girlfriend jeans,” and since I’m also losing weight, that relative longevity makes sense. Or do I continue to ignore/buck the trends (something I’m perfectly fine with) and continue highlighting my smallest point with more fitted shirts and stick to wider pants?

Example 2: Jersey skirts. It’s the fabric that makes the most sense for a less expensive skirt, particularly given my desire to ban all synthetics from my life. But will it be too clingy over my pear hips? And does the shape of the skirt make a difference, or is the material just a no-go?

I know trying on some pieces is a way to get more information, but will it be enough information to actually make a good decision? Time to go try on (and contemplate) is limited with a little one, as are choices, locally.

I do, however, admit that I’m impatient. I want to be there, already. ;) I think I’ve done a lot of the mental work, of figuring out where I want to go, but I’m having trouble either figuring out what should come next, or actually taking that step.

It’s hard to bring a wardrobe up to snuff while really not want to spend much money on pieces that (if everything continues as it has the past 6+ months) I won’t be able to wear more than one season, if that long. Is it even possible? Or should I just shove all these thoughts and feelings down again and focus on the rest of life — the weight loss, the family, etc. — until I’m in a more stable place, size wise?

I've been growing my hair out, and I'm still happy with that plan. 

But in the summer (which we have several months of) I can't stand having my hair heavy on my neck. I default to ponytails or messy pseudo-buns, because they're easy, quick and effective, but I don't like how I look with my hair pulled back so severely.

I recently started attempting some other up-dos, but so far I haven't found any that work with my hair length and/or moderately long layers.

I need a cut (it's been a number of months that I'm embarrassed to admit), but all the pictures I can find of hair roughly my current length or a bit longer that are either a) impossible for my hair b) would require tons of time making it happen every time or c) all look the same, assuming I don't spend hours applying heat and products in front of the mirror (which I don't).

My hair is coarse and very thick. Mostly straight with just a little unpredictable wave. I have TONS of it. Since late high school, when I discovered the magic of layers to help combat the weight of my hair (and Triangle Head), I've never been without. 

So. Are there up-dos that will work with layered hair? Will it be more feasible when my hair's a few inches longer? 

And are there medium-length cuts/styles that won't take me backwards in terms of growing it out, but that are still interesting? Also: No bangs.

#1: My hair now. (Oh yeah, I'm growing out color too, but I'm mostly fine with how that is at this point. Not eager to go chopping it off to get rid of the red; I'm enjoying the length too much.)
#2, #3, #4: My hair now (#4 is from March, so more in-between times).
#5: Right after my last cut. 
#6: The photo I took in for my last cut. Could I stick with this inspiration, just longer?
#6: Another one that looks basically like #5, just longer, and modeled with thinner hair. And I probably wouldn't part in the middle.

Here's my pinterest board of hair.