29.5.09

Simplicity

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

I don't know what it is, but lately I've been feeling like it's time for a change.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

A lot of the clothing I own is a little on the fussy/kooky side. I will never, ever loose my love for the wacky/tacky side of the '70s, the ruffles and patchwork prints, you know, shag-carpet chic.

But at the same time, I feel like a lot of these things were purchased with a desire to over-compensate for something I felt I lacked. Growing up, I was pretty uncomfortable with the way I looked, and like a lot of girls, I discovered early on that clothes could be a great way to distract both yourself and others from whatever it was you felt unhappy with.


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

But more and more, I'm longing for the sort of wardrobe simplicity that I've never felt able to master. Clothes that don't scream for attention, but instead leave you to do all the talking.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

And that's a scary thing, for me anyways. Of course, this doesn't mean I'm scrapping the whole mess and starting from scratch (that would leave me nigh on pretty darn naked, though I have been making some tough decisions, the benefits of which you will no doubt be able to reap on my etsy...)

I guess what it comes down to is, it'll be my birthday in less than a month, and maybe I just feel like it's time my wardrobe grew up a little too...ya know?

27 comments:

jess@noelmarie said...

I adore this look. That blouse is calling my name.

Cassaundra said...

hm .. i get where you're coming from,
and i think i'm undergoing a similar change in my life, as well.

i love those boots you're wearing.
seriously dope.
vintage?

Ringo, have a banana! said...

Yep, they're vintage Dingo. I couldn't believe my luck when I scored them at Buffalo Exchange a few days ago! They're about a half size too small, but dammit, I'm gonna MAKE them work, no matter how many bandaids it takes me...

Suzy said...

oh i totally know what you mean, i worry about it all the time, but i'm of the frame of mind that i'll dress much more simple when i'm a mom. and fucking rock it. i am quite contented with being a mess for now.

and how old are you turning my dear?

Ringo, have a banana! said...

Ugh...do I have to say? Ok ok, 24, I'll be 24! Never felt less my age in my life...but then, I say that every year.

Anonymous said...

wow amazing jeans and the boots are hot!

Suzy said...

Well 24 was my guess anyway so I'd say you're right on target! And you look stunning here, by the way. I'm now convinced part of the reason I haven't grown up appearance-wise is that I'm afraid I won't pull it off just yet. I got a couple years of 'ragdoll' left in me i suppose.

Sarah/Sherbet Tone said...

This is exactly how I have been feeling since I turned ( gulp) 26 three months ago. I revamped my wardrobe heavily in the time since then. Though, there is still a lot of vintage - just calmer, more timeless pieces. It was hard to explain exactly, but I just felt too old to be wearing the things I did only one year ago. Still, there are times I feel like I look "boring" now. I've been trying to strike a balance while staying comfortable in my own skin. Anyway, I've always thought you look incredible in anything and everything you wear. Especially those killer jeans!

Suzy said...

oh and what kind of freaking jeans are those?

Anonymous said...

gorgeous outfit. love the boots & shirt. i know how you feel & i feel the same sometimes...over the past few years, as i have aged (eek! i'm 26 now lol) my wardrobe has changed dramatically from how it used to be...its a bit more girlie & trainers are banned!

looking foward to seeing how your wardrobe evolves!! :)

pajarita said...

hmm. i'm twenty four too.

i know. i totally know.

un abrazo.

(and you are lovely)

dw said...

yes yes yes. agree agree agree. go figure.

and on another note, by my calculations, if your feet are 7.5 (which i think you may have said a few times) and those shoes are a half size too small, that would make them a 7, which would make them my size, which means I am now secretly wishing that you cannot take the pain. or run out of band aids.

i kid. a little.

anyway, i can only hope to look as lovely as you do at 24...though i still have a year to go, and i'm milking it for all its worth!

Cindy said...

this outfit is amazing on you. i love higher waisted jeans and a button down, so classic and still sexy. great boots too. i get the whole need for a clear out. i feel that way too but i'm always afraid i'll want to wear something i throw out so i hoard way too much. hopefully if i ever get a ebay/etsy store going i'll be able to part with more.

Josephine Frances said...

What an awesome outfit! I get the impression you would look good in anything! I totally know what you mean though. Sometimes I just get so frustrated with my clothes, and want to throw them all out and start again!

Josephine Frances said...

By the way, I keep meaning to mention, I'm sure you already know but I noticed the Pains of Being Pure at Heart got a mention in the latest Frankie :)

melly said...

I'm reading every word of yours and going why yes yes yes you're spitting out how i've been feeling for the past few months now. Ah bless you for being so eloquent. I can hardly phrase what i think/feel into words.

On one hand, i really don't want to do without my colours, polka dots, floral prints and tops that only go with that bottom or that skirt. On the other, i do want to look more grownup. Right now i strongly feel i'll be compromising myself.

Anyhow perhaps if we started growing our wardrobes with key pieces first and once it's all set, we can go back to adding fancy stuff.

Nicole Marie said...

this outfit is perfect! when i see a really simple, nice outfit i get wayyy more excited than if the person was wearing something really detailed. it's been that way since i was little(i was obsessed with helen hunt's wife beater and jeans in the movie "twister" and wore it most of 6th grade)

Unknown said...

I'm also 24. In high school, I was all about vintage and headscarves and big old messes, but it now I think it's much more attractive if someone can pull off clean, timeless things. Lovely outfit. I read this blog constantly and it is the only fashion blog that actually cheers me up. Feel like you write my thoughts and make them funny.

Terry said...

I know exactly what you mean,I'm feeling a bit like that too right now. Simplicity seems to speak far more sometimes... But this outfit is well on your way to achieving your goal of change, I think. :)

Sara said...

You look amazing!

What kind of jeans are those?

Ringo, have a banana! said...

Oh man, you guuuuys! Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments! And the hugs (gracias, pajarita!)

I feel like trying to make a major change in one's wardrobe can be very intimidating. You wonder how the people who have grown to know you as one sort of (sartorial) person will react to the "new" you, and you get scared that they'll dismiss your new look/laugh at your attempts to change.

I mean of course, clothing shouldn't be the primary thing that defines you...but at the same time, I think most of us, especially us "fashion bloggers" would agree that it can say quite a lot. Your head gets so wrapped up in what you're wearing that you can lose sight of the fact that you really have absolute freedom...I don't know if I'm articulating all this very well, but my point is, somehow it ain't nearly as easy as it should be! But then, what the hell is??

The jeans: these are my one, yes, one and only pair of jeans. I have the most HORRIBLE time finding jeans that I feel comfortable in and that fit me how I want (high waisted, ankle length, tight as all hell), so I bought these second hand boot cut Banana Republic jeans at Beacon's Closet and proceeded to self-tailor them to my liking. It's a pretty simple process, although it does involve getting stabbed by pins (unavoidable I'm afraid), and I keep promising that I'll do a tutorial, but my sewing machine is broken and I'm afraid it needs to be taken to a shop, which I can't afford right now. The second I'm able, I'll let you all in on just how easy it is to make pretty much any pair of jeans as skinny as you like! Scout's honor!

Unknown said...

i am still a teenager so thankfully a have several more years of 'ragdoll' (excellent, suzy!) in me. hooray for ragdoll dressing!

ELM said...

I love this look... kinda Patti Smith. I can't believe you tailored those jeans yourself! They really ar perfect... and you have awesome legs for them to go on!

WeAreWere said...

Ever since I saw "Les amants réguliers" back in 2006 I became obsessed with finding a perfect white button-up to wear with jeans like Clotilde Hesme's character in the movie. Her look was relaxed yet stylish somehow, very French and effortless. Anyway, I'm still hunting...

Isabel said...

Those boots are killer - you look amazing, Siri.

Scaredypants said...

I often fear becoming an Indie douche bag...

Meg said...

those pants look amazing on you and those boots! ugh. amazing