Signature Style
“A girl should be two things: Classy and fabulous.” – Coco Chanel
I’ve had a couple of readers ask me where the nickname Country Club Barbie. It actually started in a conversation via e-mail between me, D-Magic and Esquire (see: email titled “Good Mornting” sent October 11, 2007 at 8:57am). We were chatting about a random date invitation (from a guy who turned out to be The Stalker) and D-Magic called me Country Club Barbie because she assumed that my date invitation had everything to do with the clothes I was wearing and not with my sparkling personality (which, it probably did). As she typed the name (and Esquire requested it be spelled Kountry Klub Barbie – how about no?) I knew I found my soul mate! I was christened Country Club Barbie and the name has been with me ever sinc
e.
The name fits me so well because I’ve always identified with clothing that is country club chic. My style icons are women like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Di. My color palette consists of black, white, tan, and gold. I prefer pearls to diamonds (shut up Esquire!) and am almost always overdressed (in a good way) for the occasion. There is nothing that makes me feel better then strolling into the office wearing my belted Little Black Dress (LBD) and a cardigan tied around my shoulders with my hair pulled into a tight chignon (that’s a bun, in French, for the fashionably challenged) and pearls in my ears. It’s when I’m at my best. And, I know this about myself. So I embrace it. It’s my personality. Classic girly girl, a little bit of punch and sophistication with a splash of class thrown in. I’m not “big upping” myself (so please don’t think that) but in my head, it’s who I think I am. And it’s what I wear well.
So, my dear readers, I’m here to help you discover and embrace your signature style (if you haven’t already). Below are some steps to help you discover, or enhance, your signature style. And a few personal anecdote about my experience as well.
Determine what you are trying to accomplish with your signature style. Do you want to be memorable? Perpetually chic? Fashionably fun? I take this rule to the extreme. Every morning when I get up I decide who I “feel” like being. If I feel like being Smarty Pants Barbie, I pull out my smartest looking pair of glasses. Casually Chic Barbie means layered t-shirts with pants and a low-heeled boot. But even while playing a part I stay very true to my Country Club roots.- Study famous style icons to get ideas about looks that you like and want to mimic. It should come as no surprise that Jackie Kennedy is my ultimate style inspiration. My wardrobe is filled with oversized sunglasses, shift dresses, pearls of varying sizes and a key, tailored pieces.
I don’t wear this stuff every single day, but since they are staples in my wardrobe, it is easy for me to buy new pieces that fit into my overall style. You should do the same, whether your icon is Iman or David Bowie. Find what works for you and let creativity be your guide. - Use your signature style to camouflage flaws or highlight assets. I tend to wear a lot of clothing that is belted at my natural waist. Why? Because it makes me look like I have one! There is a reason that I like the chignon hairstyle – it lets me flaunt my best feature; my smile! What are you trying to hide or accentuate?
- Accessories are a good – and cheap – way to personalize your look. Country Club Barbie and Funky Barbie both start out with the same, black sweater dress. CCB adds and couple strands of long pearls, a chunky ring, some black round toe pumps and oversized sunglasses to complete her look. Funky Barbie throws on some black, patterned tights, red Mary-Jane flats, and funky chain metal belt, tons and tons of bangles and some large hoop earrings to complete her look. Two completely different looks – on the cheap!
- Once you’ve nailed your signature look – be sure to change the other clothes in your wardrobe often enough so that you don’t get stuck in a rut. How boring would it be to wear the same all black ensemble every, single day? BO-RING! So switch your look up every once in a while. The worst case scenario is that you try a new look and it doesn’t work. That’s the beauty of fashion you can always try again tomorrow.
So dear readers, what’s your signature style? Do you have a favorite tip for picking out signature pieces? Do you agree with my tips above? And – what’s your signature piece? You know CCB’s got some pearls around here somewhere.
Signed,
Signature Style Barbie
Disclaimer: I have to admit that I struggled with which direction today’s post was going to go. I’m about to do something tonight that is either going to be incredibly liberating or incredibly stupid. And, I thought that writing about it for catharsis could be a very good thing. But, it’s been a minute since you’ve heard from the fabulous fashionista that is CCB. Besides, it’ll make for a much better post Monday – after I can categorize said event as either liberating or stupid.
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