As mentioned in a previous post, I decided to have a closer look at the Spring 2022 runway collections to glean new inspiration for my style avatars. On the whole, I didn’t find a lot of designs that spoke loudly to my personal aesthetic. This is okay. Fashion and trends are not meant to be synonymous with personal style. My own goal is two-fold. On one hand, I want to remain open to change and new ideas in design/style (and all things, tbh) because it is how we grow and evolve, and to the extent that style is an extension of who we are, it should also evolve. On the other hand, I want to be able to maintain my own perspective on style, rather than merely wearing whatever trends are popular at a given time simply because they are popular. It’s a fine balancing act, but I find it gets easier with age. Yes, even the openness to change. I have never been more curious and excited to learn new things.

Anyway, here are some of the images that spoke to me in relation to my avatars.

In truth, these outfits fit an older iteration of the High Priestess/Crone avatar. I’m finding myself look towards a slightly modified aesthetic here — more Byzantine and ornate and colourful. But the silhouettes are fantastic.

The Artist is definitely all about soft, fluid lines, but with additional volume. Lots and lots of volume. And more colour than before, especially soft colours and pastels. And pink and green! My inspiration continues to be an amalgam of Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau art — long hair, fancy nap dresses.

There were slim pickings for the Historian/Luxe Academic/Diana Bishop avatar on the spring 2022 runways, but that’s okay. I have my own ideas and have been experimenting more with this avatar again. But I’m intrigued by the images above – those high waisted pants (drool!), the luxe menswear inspired suiting, the creative layering.

The Bohemian always garners lots of inspo, and this year was no exception. I am especially loving the patchwork/colourful knits moment that is happening right now.

What is inspiring your 2022 style journey?

Details: Revel tulle overlay, Hemant & Nandita jacket, upcycled necklace, Nine West shoes (all thrifted), BR jumpsuit (secondhand)

Thoughts: I wanted to play around with this tulle piece, which I haven’t worn as much as I might have a few years ago. I don’t reach for black very often anymore, but it does make for a good “backdrop” for statement jewelry like this necklace I re-fashioned from 3 pieces of thrifted jewelry (more on that another time). The jacket was a lucky thrift find – I was looking at it on Poshmark just before I found it (and, needless to say, for a fraction of the price). I can’t wait to wear this outfit outside soon. For convenience, I will probably tweak it a bit; either wear the tulle overlay with a black dress, or the jumpsuit without the overlay.

Details: Charlie & Robin cardigan, velvet vest, Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo pants, Lena Bernard necklace (all thrifted), Zara shoes (consignment)

Thoughts: This was a very random outfit I threw together on a whim but I ended up loving it. I like wearing cropped vests as a top with high waisted pants. A little bit sexy, but as long as the neckline isn’t too low, not unacceptable for work (they won’t see any accidental glimpses of my midriff on Zoom).

Details: Rag & Bone vest, Zara skirt (both thrifted), Equipment blouse (ebay)

Thoughts: Just call me Orange Crush 😉

Details: United Colours of Benetton sweater, Manolo Blahnik shoes, plastic bangles (all thrifted), Anthro pants (gift); Warren Steven Scott earrings (gift)

Thoughts: Just a simple, cozy outfit. I extended the colour palette from the sweater to the pants, which is like insta-outfit making.

Details: Twinset dress (Poshmark); Shirin Guild topper, Stuart Weitzman shoes (both thrifted), selfmade necklace

Thoughts: I love this dress so much because it’s basically a glorified nightgown as far as shape (and comfort) goes, but it has gorgeous little details that make me feel like a dainty princess. So, minimal effort, maximum style. That’s my 2022 vibe, TBH.

Details: My Little Pony tee, Vero Moda pants, Carolina Herrera belt, Stuart Weitzman shoes (all thrifted)

Thoughts: The tee and pants combo was a no-brainer, but I wasn’t sure at first which belt to use. Then I noticed the red accents in the tee, and decided to try a red belt. And you know what? Red is an unexpected choice, but it really pops. I shouldn’t be surprised though; the colour of the pants is a close cousin to aqua, which always looks smashing next to red.

One. Cacti gardens

I keep going back to this image from a recent Arch Digest magazine. I love cacti and have a few of them in my house, but I would love to have a whole back yard filled with (old) ones. Our one “senior” cactus recently had to have an amputation on an arm that became infected/sick, and I was devastated. I would love to get more cacti, but I don’t have enough room and light in my house to give them a thriving environment. So, instead, I dream of visiting the desert again.

Two. Favourite shelf

I have a lot of shelves in my house — the better to display all my treasures — and a lot of competition for the “favourite” title. But, yes, I think there is (currently) one clear winner. I recently added a Gauguin framed print, which proved to be the perfect “tie it all together” thing. It joins a miniature bust, glass vases from my favourite artist, and some of my own work.

Three. Cross-stitch

I’m working on a new series of beaded pieces based over cross-stitch style designs. So I have been looking up vintage floral cross-stitch for ideas. Pansies are some of my favourite flowers to incorporate into my art because they are so exuberantly colourful.

Four. Byzantine fashion

I’m exploring some new directions for my High Priestess avatar, and Byzantine and Baroque influences are top of my list. We’ll save the later for another post. Did you know that there have been a few runway collections inspired by Byzantine fashion, including one based around the Empress Theodora? They’re quite lovely. Obviously, a very literal translation isn’t very practical for my lifestyle, but I am looking at identifying small details (like jewelry, embroidery, rich coloured and/or textured fabrics) that would infuse my outfits with that flair. Also, fun fact: my daughter is named Teodora, in part inspired by the Empress who was a *fascinating* character.

Five. Midsommer Murders

I am SO late to the game on this, but have been recently binge-watching this series during my crafting sessions. It’s so, so good – up there with Poirot and Miss Marple as my favourite “comfort” shows. I love the rural/village setting, which gives the episodes a vibe reminiscent of Christie while still being contemporary mysteries. Not too much gore, but plenty of tea and scandal.