Sammy Faces
Coucou all and welcome back to SammyFaces!
Previously I wrote about my journey to achieve a streamlined and happier closet or in the words or Marie Kondo, one which "sparks joy". I believe the key focus is not only in what you already have but also, as you grow and mature, make the right choices to adapt your closet accordingly.
Hence I introduced 4 simple principles to support your shopping decision and achieve your ideal closet.
1) "Know Your Style" (Part I)
2) "Know Your Lifestyle" (Part II)
3) "Know Your Body"
4) "Know Your Budget"
Today's post is about the third principle: "Know Your Body". To tell you the truth I started writing this post earlier this year. Then I had to pause for a moment and acknowledge that talking about my body feels to some extent like opening up a very deep wound as I still struggle with the acceptance of my changing body and appearance year after year.
Turns out I have complained about my appearance since my teenage years - my big cheeks, having no hips, then being too wide at the bottom or at the top - only to wish years later I could go back to that very state I was unhappy about. So not only did I realize that accepting one's body may be a continuing work in progress, but it also takes a serious level of maturity to stop comparing yourself to mainstream beauty ideals and fully accept who you are at each stage of your life.
Without delving too much into self love and self acceptance (story for another day), I discovered the importance to gradually add into my wardrobe items that sublimates my body at any given time. So here are the key lessons learned when it comes to shopping for your body:
1. Know your body shape
First thing first lets talk body shape. Of course there are many guides out there (just ask google) but I found that the ones with drawings or pictures of celebs with similar body shapes are quite useful as all you have to do is to google them and see what looks you prefer on them. As for me, year after year I evolve between rectangle and inverted triangle and I am happy I found in Kate Middleton and recently Meghan Markle for that matter, lots of style stalking material ,-)
2. Identify your very own best features
For this, there is no better exercise than to try it all out and note down the reasons behind the items you like most in your current wardrobe or when you go out shopping or the ones you dislike. I used to be very self-conscious about my broad shoulders and small muscular arms when wearing sleeveless tops. Over time I found that round neck items accentuate them even more hence I gradually replaced them with V necks in my wardrobe. Having said that, thanks to Princess Meghan I also realized that I can still wear round /crew neck or sleeveless tops / dresses provided that I wear them with a high waist or belted feature to balance out my shape. Same goes for my curvy bottom and my "bow legs", I now prefer straight trousers as opposed to skinny jeans and if possible midi or knee length as opposed to short length.3. Know your colours (and what you feel comfortable wearing )
I believe how you dress is somehow reflective of your personality. Some people like bold colours, I prefer neutrals and stay away from anything yellow, orange or bright red. But that doesn't mean I stop exploring new things, it simply means I'd rather spend money on staple items in my wardrobe in neutral colours so they also suit my lifestyle - hello (slimming) black, white, grey, blue or camel. Then I would rather play around bolder colours for small accessories or inexpensive items. With this in mind I now stop listening to the sales associates telling me that a yellow short dress suits me only to stay untouched in my closet. Now instead I follow my rules and focus on what I feel comfortable wearing.
4. Size it up or down and if possible have it tailored!
Yes size does matter when it comes to clothes and fit and I have learned to be more flexible with the tag sizes. I now give a few different sizes a try in any given shop, especially as my body keeps changing to choose what fits best. For the longest time I wore ill fitted jackets (supposedly in my "size") but which didn't fit my broad shoulders, making me feel even more conscious about them. Same goes for those skinny low rise jeans which would hardly fit half of my bottom. Now I prefer to try to size it up or down and focus on a) fit and b)comfort. Nowadays you'll find items across all sizes in my wardrobe and if needed I'll have it tailored to fit me just as I like it.
5. Give away everything that no longer fits you
What's the point in keeping items which no longer fit? I learned it the hard way as holding onto my "past glories" would only raise frustration each time I glanced at them, fully aware they no longer fit me. So now I try to sell the most pricey items and/or give them away to other people I care about -family, friends or charity. Feel good guaranteed!
So here you have it. Coming up next (soonish) the last principle: "Know your Budget because we are all about smart purchases and that money saving life for the right investment.
Until then let's keep accepting our perfect imperfections and making the best with what we have, right now.
-S
