I have been home for three days and during that time I have been walking and thinking. The city has been deserted because of the holiday weekend and it is precisely because of this we chose to remain in the city. Walking without crowds is a treat and a luxury and becomes more like a meditation on my beloved urban landscape than getting from point A to B. Being somewhat jet lagged I choose pajama dressing for this day. It is a pleasure to wake up each morning and know that aside from a few tasks the day is yours to do with it what you wish.
As I travel and have conversations with many people about fashion today, it seems to me that right now fashion is like a day when you wake up and anything is possible. The previous day is clearly over, though a remnant like an empty cup with drops of yesterday’s tea may remain. It is a time in fashion when if you want to challenge something or suggest a different approach in ways that are innovative and not only in opposition to the past, there seems to be more power to do so. For me then the important question becomes whether fashion can embrace the challenges we face in modern society with discourses of creativity, originality, modernism and innovation. I say this because as I learn more about the fashion system, one that in most quarters now has accepted me in as a guest, I see there is a tension between those who want to keep using stories from the past in their representations and those who want to create new stories without knowing yet what they could possibly be. I realize that I have stepped into that undefined space and have started somehow to tell a story about fashion that crosses categories and boundaries and has engaged the imagination of others. I find this deliriously exciting and motivating. Of course through our DNA and lived experience our past remains within us but the question for me is, where do I live now, where will be I be living and what do(will) my clothes have to say about those questions?
Just like the fashion system my challenge will be to engage with the questions of our time with creative evolution and innovative problem-solving. I am inspired by the potential of fashion and technology, not just to create functionality and beauty but to solve some problems as well. As I travel to new places, hear different voices and sounds and engage with those I meet I feel myself in motion and can’t wait to see the reflection in the clothing I choose to wear.
Where are you living now and how do your clothes tell that story? If not how could they?
I am 70 and I enjoy my life and my clothing choices. I wear black, white, grey(matches my curly hair) and sometimes toss in red. I am into to tees that say interesting things…like Old is the new black or classy, sassy and smart assy. My life,, my clothes and my opinions are mine alone. I love you looks and choices.
That is the essence to true style: about you and who you are.
I am 70 and I enjoy my life and my clothing choices. I wear black, white, grey(matches my curly hair) and sometimes toss in red. I am into to tees that say interesting things…like Old is the new black or classy, sassy and smart assy. My life,, my clothes and my opinions are mine alone. I love you looks and choices.
That is the essence to true style: about you and who you are.
I found accidentalicon.com today and have thoroughly been enjoying reading through your site. The two questions at the end of today’s blog will be my challenge of the day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your style is inspiring.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
I found accidentalicon.com today and have thoroughly been enjoying reading through your site. The two questions at the end of today’s blog will be my challenge of the day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your style is inspiring.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Just got back from a long weekend in Brighton (UK) singing with the women’s choir to which I belong. Spent the weekend in blue and white stripes, the choir’s summer attire. The women’s ages range from 20s to 60s and beyond. A group of sassy ladies in summer stripes.
Sounds delightful!
Just got back from a long weekend in Brighton (UK) singing with the women’s choir to which I belong. Spent the weekend in blue and white stripes, the choir’s summer attire. The women’s ages range from 20s to 60s and beyond. A group of sassy ladies in summer stripes.
Sounds delightful!
Agreed. Now I do not have a full-time job as a teacher, and work from home, I can wear what I like every single day of the week without any restrictions. I return to the same, simple things every time – jeans, simple shirts, sandals as it is now summer. I have just made myself a silk tunic which will be useful in the coming months and am about to make it again in chambray. And now I am making my own silver jewellery which takes time but is really worth it. In short: I don’t have to care what anybody else thinks. True luxury.
Indeed it is!
Agreed. Now I do not have a full-time job as a teacher, and work from home, I can wear what I like every single day of the week without any restrictions. I return to the same, simple things every time – jeans, simple shirts, sandals as it is now summer. I have just made myself a silk tunic which will be useful in the coming months and am about to make it again in chambray. And now I am making my own silver jewellery which takes time but is really worth it. In short: I don’t have to care what anybody else thinks. True luxury.
Indeed it is!
I’m a nurse in my 50’s from a small city in Nova Scotia, Canada . Fashion, even here, has its place and it is expressed very well . We are somewhat limited in choices of shopping venues but I do not think that is what makes you fashionable. Making the best with what you have in your midst to develop personal style with fashion items can make you very stylish, if that is where your heart beats. Online shopping has defiantly closed gaps on coven ting for objects of such wanting. Thrifting has brought me designer or interesting pieces I’d never have been able to afford . I’ve taught my son quality over quantity when it comes to purchases (ie) reading the ingredients in clothing items and where clothing items are made. Putting thought into an outfit is like therapy for my soul…no matter how simple the outfit…I’m always amazed with the eye of others who appreciate and express their own personal style and with social media I love seeing women and men in places all over the world dressed so well ! I found you , for example, by accident on IG and thought your style so very interesting . Fashion, as a whole , is my passion , while nursing was my calling . I need both to make me whole .
Being stylish, comfortable and authentic under any conditions is what true style is about in my book and sure sounds like you have it!
You convey the way I feel about my profession and fashion and how they go together. You also are giving some excellent suggestions about being stylish and accessibility
I’m a nurse in my 50’s from a small city in Nova Scotia, Canada . Fashion, even here, has its place and it is expressed very well . We are somewhat limited in choices of shopping venues but I do not think that is what makes you fashionable. Making the best with what you have in your midst to develop personal style with fashion items can make you very stylish, if that is where your heart beats. Online shopping has defiantly closed gaps on coven ting for objects of such wanting. Thrifting has brought me designer or interesting pieces I’d never have been able to afford . I’ve taught my son quality over quantity when it comes to purchases (ie) reading the ingredients in clothing items and where clothing items are made. Putting thought into an outfit is like therapy for my soul…no matter how simple the outfit…I’m always amazed with the eye of others who appreciate and express their own personal style and with social media I love seeing women and men in places all over the world dressed so well ! I found you , for example, by accident on IG and thought your style so very interesting . Fashion, as a whole , is my passion , while nursing was my calling . I need both to make me whole .
You convey the way I feel about my profession and fashion and how they go together. You also are giving some excellent suggestions about being stylish and accessibility
Living in a small village in France, breeding horses and working as a riding instructor, I need comfortable and warm clothes in winter, and comfortable and antiperspirant clothes in hot summer. But this does’nt mean I am not aware of fashion. My way is choosing brands that produce both beautifull, flattering and very technical clothes. It’s not because I carry horse manure, straw and hay all day long, and drive a big tractor, that I don’t appreciate fashion 😉
Being stylish, comfortable and authentic under any conditions is what true style is about in my book and sure sounds like you have it!
I live in Texas (DFW) and, although I don’t wear them, jailhouse stripes are the clothes that most accurately describe how I feel in this environment. Get me outta here!!!
Thank you for proving that I don’t have to dress my chronological age: I can dress to reflect my attitude and personality. After years of doing what I "should" and being miserable, I’m preparing for a jailbreak. See you on the other side.
Girl that is the kind of attitude I love!
I live in Texas (DFW) and, although I don’t wear them, jailhouse stripes are the clothes that most accurately describe how I feel in this environment. Get me outta here!!!
Thank you for proving that I don’t have to dress my chronological age: I can dress to reflect my attitude and personality. After years of doing what I "should" and being miserable, I’m preparing for a jailbreak. See you on the other side.
Girl that is the kind of attitude I love!
Amazing coat , beautiful composition white and black.( Love this inspirations for me) Best regards.
Thanks for letting me know. That is the goal to inspire not proscribe!
Amazing coat , beautiful composition white and black.( Love this inspirations for me) Best regards.
Thanks for letting me know. That is the goal to inspire not proscribe!
Since I have discovered you ,"the accidental icon", my whole vision of fashion and dressing has changed. I leveled up and eliminated. You are such an inspiration. I am now hunting for big earrings !!!!
Ah glad to hear that I am thinking of starting a line of earrings!
Since I have discovered you ,"the accidental icon", my whole vision of fashion and dressing has changed. I leveled up and eliminated. You are such an inspiration. I am now hunting for big earrings !!!!
Ah glad to hear that I am thinking of starting a line of earrings!
I live in Victoria BC Canada which is much like UK weatherwise – rainy winters, dry summers and overall a moderate climate (compared to the rest of Canada VERY moderate). My community has a reputation for being a rather posh and exclusive retirement place. I’m a Tarot reader (educated, intellectual 62 year old feminist) so my options are WIDE OPEN 🙂 I can dress as I please and frankly nothing would be regarded as off the wall but despite that I think my style is modern/modest/classic but I think I could use a make-over to be honest and I have a call in now to have a meeting with an image consultant over hair, make-up and colours. I think at 62 I’m shifting. Certainly not into becoming "old womanish" whatever that means really – but my colouring is changing and how I see/feel about myself is shifting along with it. It’s subtle – almost ethereal or perhaps energetic would describe it more accurately. You’re holding out a light in the darkness and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that 🙂
Sounds like you are ready to embark on a grand adventure!
I live in Victoria BC Canada which is much like UK weatherwise – rainy winters, dry summers and overall a moderate climate (compared to the rest of Canada VERY moderate). My community has a reputation for being a rather posh and exclusive retirement place. I’m a Tarot reader (educated, intellectual 62 year old feminist) so my options are WIDE OPEN 🙂 I can dress as I please and frankly nothing would be regarded as off the wall but despite that I think my style is modern/modest/classic but I think I could use a make-over to be honest and I have a call in now to have a meeting with an image consultant over hair, make-up and colours. I think at 62 I’m shifting. Certainly not into becoming "old womanish" whatever that means really – but my colouring is changing and how I see/feel about myself is shifting along with it. It’s subtle – almost ethereal or perhaps energetic would describe it more accurately. You’re holding out a light in the darkness and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that 🙂
Sounds like you are ready to embark on a grand adventure!