Iconic Style: Posh Eclectic

This style scared me when I first sat down to think about it. I have always admired Helena Bonham Carter for her willingness to pair almost anything together, but it is a style I have been quite happy admiring from a far. I've noticed in a lot of magazine's lately that her kids are starting to take after their mother and are often dressed in layers of fabric which are always pale colors and big patterns. In a way, she often looks like a bag lady and yet somehow she always makes it look sophisticated. But how could I make Bag Lady work for the office? I decided to start with a fun shirt and work my way out.

I was almost excited when I saw this shirt. I got it when I was 14 and haven't worn it in years, but I just can't bare to part with a shirt that has my name in glitter so clearly displayed. I knew that by utilizing one of my tube tops as a bottom layer to the shirt it would become less noticeable just how short the shirt is. I also decided that a long sweater would be necessary. I wanted to play with the idea of proportions and layers. With the long striped sweater I was not only adding an extra element of pattern and color, but also a third layer, the key to pulling this look off. Normally I completely avoid belting at the waist. I know the look is a great way to emphasize shape and helps to bring in every one's waist, but the smallest part of my body is my upper torso, and by belting I end up making my hips look much wider than they actually are. Being so aware of the fact that this fashion look just doesn't work for me I decided to go against my instincts and try to make it work. I think in the end I was able to pull it off because of the items the belt was holding back. My shirt was already too short, and the belt helped to trick the eye into thinking it was longer by breaking it up and making it two pieces of interest instead of just the one. I also think the straight cut of the skirt with the length of the sweater helped to make the belt look as though it was holding everything in together, instead of separating it all.

Final Evaluation: This look was actual fun to put together. I tried on a few different pieces and paired some items together that I never would have otherwise. Even thought I really feel like I was able to make it work, I felt like a bag lady all day. My work was disheveled, my plans went array and I even got into a pretty major car accident on my way home from work. In this case, I didn't wear the clothes, they wore me and that is a pretty big no in any style book you'll read.