For background/context, please read this post.
The Bohemian (casual/fancy)
Key words: bold, assertive, idiosyncratic, DGAF
Vibe: boho, quirky, comfortable, dramatic
Style notes: sack dresses, chunky knits, bold colours/prints, bold accessories
Favourite colours: all of them
I struggled the most with the name of this avatar (more so than even the Artist), and I am still not entirely satisfied with my choice. Old Lady Who Doesn’t Give a F***k doesn’t quite trip off the tongue, though it captures the spirit better. The “old” is most certainly not a pejorative here, and it’s intentional. First, we have discussed at length my stereotypically grandma-ish hobbies and interests. Second, I find that age is a bestower of confidence, especially for women; it’s the trade-off for all those dewy perks of youth. And there is nothing more powerful than a woman with experience, who is not afraid to stand her ground.
The Bohemian is my inner badass. She doesn’t care what people think; she doesn’t cater to the male gaze. She will wear whatever she damn well pleases. She is a little bit ornery, maybe, but also has a great sense of humour. Experience has made her more generous – to herself and others. Everyone should feel happy in their own skin!
My icon? The legendary Iris Apfel of course.
And here is some of my inspo:
And some past outfits that kinda fit here (it’s a work in progress):
This concludes my series detailing my new perspective on personal style. I have been working within the parameters of my 4 characters for about a month now, and I am starting to see progress – in my closet, in how I feel in my clothes day-to-day, in my overall attitude. I feel like my wardrobe is much better aligned with my inner sense of my current self. I have re-discovered the joy of getting dressed, and feeling like I’m coming out of a rut I didn’t even know I was in.
What I like about this approach is that it avoids the pitfalls of trying to define your style within certain pre-determined aesthetics. Like “preppy chic” or “boho” or “classic” or whatever. What does that mean? Those categories are so generic and amorphous. Meanwhile, really specific aesthetics (“corporate witch going on a space journey”, or whatever) are too constrictive and one-dimensional, at least to me. Style is dynamic and reactive; my avatars are the embodiment of that. Some days, the Prince might be feeling a bit dark; other days, he might feel sassy – leopard print pumps, anyone? But the spirit, the inner core is consistent and it establishes guidelines that are clear yet flexible. I can ask myself: would the Prince (or the Artist, or the Adventurer, or the Bohemian) wear this? And I instantly know. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t because it means having to leave behind cute pieces. But I have also been having fewer purchase regrets.
If you have been following along, I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you considered what your style characters or avatars might be? Are you interested in this kind of experiment? And if you have tried it or are trying it, how did/is it coming along?
Quick programming note: a new Community Trading Post will be going up on the blog on Friday, so if there are things you are looking to buy or sell, this will be a chance to get your stuff out there.
