'Inspiration' sounds a bit lofty really - what I really mean is ideas. Don't get me wrong, I love pouring over InStyle and Elle every month - and these magazines do give me inspiration, but I don't want to see next seasons looks on models who are dressed head to toe in atzec prints or wearing 5 inch heels (which I have never owned, and never will!) or sporting shocking pink dip dyed hair (which as much as I'd like to, I wouldn't be able to convince work that this was 'business casual') - rightly or wrongly, my style Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 is partially defined by my job, but I suppose that's another topic for another day.
See it...
So, where do I get my inspiration? Well, it's not that deep really. I don't channel Coco Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent...I look to normal people. Some of them may be normal people with fabulous wardrobes, but they are still wearing these outfits everyday in the real world and looking fantastic. They are people on the street; my friends; personal style blogs (see the 'What I'm reading' section); the women in my family - my sisters, mum, grandmother, aunts, cousins - they all have their unique style and sometimes I'll look at them and think, Wow!
Note it...
If I see something I like, I'll note it down - the notes function on my iPhone is full of outfit ideas, and items that I want to hunt for on my next trawl around a vintage fair or eBay. However, if at all possible, I'd rather have a picture of something. I'm a much more visual person when it comes to planning outfits and considering purchases. If I see something I like in a shop, I have to visualise what it would go with in my wardrobe (and therefore, whether I can justify the purchase!). I'm a bit late to the party, but I've started using
Polyvore to create outfits and play around with pieces I might always have (without having to raid my wardrobe). The beauty of technology!
Do it...
Interpreting a look for myself can be difficult, especially if I see something that I think looks amazing on someone else but I don't have the guts to carry off myself. For example, most of my wardrobe is neutral, it's black, white, cream, grey. I want to add splashes of colour but for me I need to start small, so I might go for a shoe or bag to start with and then get braver. I recently purchased a pair of
bright blue trousers from ASOS - I loved them but sent them back almost immediately because I didn't think I could see myself wearing them. Basically, I was being too sensible. I didn't know there was such a thing as Returners Regret, but after thinking about potential outfits for a few days (and some gentle encouragement from my husband) I've decided to re-buy them. I love the colour and I think they'll look great on nights out in the autumn. Go me!
I know my limits though. My body shape just isn't right for those body con dresses so I stick to what's flattering for me.
Where do you get your inspiration?
