Once or twice a year, I like to check out the runway collections to update the inspo boards for my style avatars. The idea is to get inspiration for new colour combinations, new silhouettes, new ways to put together outfits that fit the parameters of my avatars. I didn’t do this last fall, when the Spring 2022 collections came out, because I was in the midst of a busy work/life season. Recently, some brands released pre-Fall 2022 collections, so I decided to check them out.

I don’t have a real sense of what pre-Fall is supposed to be, and I have to say that judging from the 2022 collections, I’m not a huge fan of whatever it is. Maybe it’s just this year, and these collections; there were very few “wow” moments for me, and even fewer things that I felt were relevant for my avatars. I saved only a few images for future reference, so let’s dissect them here.

[All images via Vogue.com]

Christopher John Rogers’ collection, overall, was interesting. I didn’t love it as much as some of his previous ones, but there were (as always) visually arresting moments that I really enjoyed. I saved this particular outfit because it reminds me a bit of my polka dot dress, and I was intrigued by the addition of the colourful stripe pattern (hard to see, a bit on the sides). I want to try to do something similar with my dress … perhaps add a rainbow geometric pattern as a layer.

This Alberta Ferretti look is probably my fave. Such a great inspo for my Diana Bishop avatar, but with a High Priestess crossover. I adore the silhouette and, strangely, the colour palette. Not my usual, but so inspiring.

This Giambattista Valli outfit immediately caught my eye because I *just* thrifted a pair of silver lame palazzo pants. This gave me a lot of idea for styling this pants (albeit I think the Valli outfit has sequin pants, but same difference).

The Tory Burch collection had a few outfits I liked, though nothing especially mind-blowing. The one thing that I did find innovative was the styling trick used here — gathering the (knit, I think) top layer with a brooch (I think) to reveal a contrast layer underneath. Very clever. Here’s another look at the same trick on a different outfit:

I am definitely going to try this at home.

As for my inspo boards, it’s back to the … well, drawing board. I think I am going to go back to the Spring 2022 collections (shown last fall) and see if I have more luck. Or wait till spring, when the Fall 2022 collections come out. Honestly, the fashion calendar is too confusing … and this is why I could never hack it as a proper fashion blogger, haha!

Here we are: the final “best of” post for the year. I promise. These posts may not be what y’all are dying to see, but they’re probably better than another gift guide you don’t need, so let’s look on the bright side. Plus, collages are fun, aren’t they? Let’s look at some:

I can’t tell you how pleased I am with how this one turned out; there is nice cohesion amidst all the chaos of colour and patterns.

This is slightly less cohesive, but I loved these outfits too and had to make sure they got featured.

Let’s have a closer look now.

Long hemlines, interesting patterns, texture galore.

Long column skirts, again. A trend you will see over and over. Despite all of the upheavals in my life this year, my closet was strangely not a battleground. There were no sartorial identity crises. I bought and wore things that brought me joy without overthinking any of it too much; it’s funny how consistent my tastes proved to be. Which, in retrospect, was probably not a coincidence. Through everything that happened this year, I have never felt more confident in knowing who I am.

This length of skirts is also, clearly, acceptable.

Layered looks, especially with pants, were also my jam.

More maxi skirts and dresses. Hey, look, my favourite belt!

2021 was the year of colour. My brain craved colour. I still do. In my art and in my clothes, colour makes me happy.

Which is not to say that I don’t enjoy a monochromatic look; though, in 2021, that meant black and white, rather than pure black. I especially like mixing patterns and textures in a B&W palette. Very contrast-y and fun.

But I also had some softer neutral outfits that I quite enjoyed.

Big fan of plaids of all stripes (no pun intended).

Aqua blue, in its various shades, was a big closet trend for me this year.

I had some good “casual” outfits too. Didn’t wear jeans a lot this year (pants, in general, are not my go-to) but I did enjoy culottes of varying descriptions.

These are a bit more of a mish-mash of outfits, but on the whole, pretty reflective of my style this year. Prints and colours ruled supreme.

Last but not least, tulle. Tulle is a great cheerer-upper (not a word, don’t care).

I haven’t tried to analyze my outfits too much in relation to my style avatars, but I think that if I were to do that, they would align quite well. On the whole, because I feel like I have a very good handle on my style, I don’t think about my avatars as often as I used to; I do find it helpful to revisit them once or twice a year, while looking at the seasonal runway collections, in order to get new ideas for colour, silhouette, and pattern combinations. Otherwise, they’re at the back of my mind, but not front and centre if you know what I mean.

I do find that, as the year closes, my closet is in need of some editing. There has been a lot of accumulation lately, and I’m running out of room. The problem is … I like everything. Deciding what to keep and what to let go is harder than in the past. But … that’s a 2022 problem 😉

Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

It’s been a while since I’ve done any kind of wardrobe review or planning, but in fairness, there has been a lot of sh*t happening in my personal life lately. That being said, I feel like it’s time to do a serious closet edit — one, because my closet is getting dangerously stuffed and two, because I’m at a bit of a crossroads, lifestyle-wise. For the foreseeable future, I will continue to work from home; perhaps indefinitely. I’ve had 18 months to assess my clothing needs for a WFH lifestyle, and it’s clear that those needs are different than those of my previous office life.

Knowing what I need to do and executing said plan are two different things.

My brain is forever in “but what if” mode. But what if things change? But what if I change my mind? And what it really boils down to is AM I REALLY READY TO PART WITH MY BLAZERS FOREVER???

Ahem, sorry for shouting.

For the most part, my dilemma is about how much of my office-only wardrobe I need or should keep. It’s not a simple question of casual versus business. I am happily keeping things that are not casual at all because I still enjoy dressing up, even when working from home. Especially when working from home. I can take more risks than I normally would. But the way I dress up is different. I don’t find myself reaching for blazers, ever. For layering, my 3rd piece is usually some unstructured topper like a cardigan or robe-like duster. Similarly, I tend to wear pants infrequently and it’s usually jeans when I do (on weekends or when I’m running out of the house). I don’t have a large collection of dress pants, but do I need even that?

There are also some one-of pieces in other categories that pose a similar dilemma. I have a plain black wrap dress that is eminently practical for all kinds of more formal occasions (work and otherwise) but I never reach for it in my day-to-day life because, well, it’s too serious and plain.

At the same time, these are all nice, quality pieces I like a lot. At this point, I don’t own much of anything else because I’ve been editing and upgrading my wardrobe for years. I’ve never been in this position before and I have to say that I feel rather at a loss.

Not to get all philosophical, but I think part of my internal struggle is that this isn’t about clothes, after all. Of course not. It’s about accepting change and moving on to a new chapter of my life. The way each of us do that is different, of course, but I would love to hear your stories if you are willing to share. I’m hoping reading them will help me on my journey too.

The other thing I feel I need to do is sit down and revisit my style avatars. In particular, I need to think about whether they still represent the “me” of now and, if not, who or what does. I still feel a strong affinity for some of my old avatars (the Bohemian, in particular) but I think that the changes that have been happening elsewhere in my life mean that some of them will need to shift or perhaps transform altogether. For example, one archetype/theme that has been really resonating with me lately is The Crone. Anyway, I am still thinking through all of it, but consider this a Note to Self: Do Some Homework. More to come, I’m sure.