Everyone’s heard the saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” I for one, have played that over and over again in my head ever since I was a young girl first exploring my sense of style – wondering how guilty I should feel going and buying that shirt or shoes that I spotted on a (seemingly much cooler) girl at school.
Fast forward 20 years, and I still do it today. The difference is, with the widespread popularity of style bloggers and fashion-centric social media sites (I’m looking at you, Pinterest), it’s far more socially acceptable. In fact, it’s customary and down-right necessary to turn to those whose style you admire as a way to even make it out of your closet in the morning. So alas my friends, I have learned to embrace the notion of imitation as a form of flattery, and I am here to tell you – it’s ok, don’t beat yourself up. We all do it.
What I can help with, though, is how to put your own slant on a look you like. I’ve been using Pinterest for years now to hoard looks I love on celebrities, fellow bloggers, and designers. One such designer, who inspired my first “form of flattery” post, is Anine Bing, seen here wearing her signature black and white t-shirt/leather jacket combo.
To recreate the look in my own way – instead of just a plain white tee, I prefer to pair a graphic or fun print one with a killer leather biker jacket, straight leg black denim, and classic suede point-toe pumps.
Every one of these pieces I was able to find in my (still overly crowded) closet. So I always recommend turning to what you already have, to revive an old t-shirt or pair of pants you never thought to pair with a leather jacket. Truth be told, I’d pretty much wear a leather jacket with pajamas if I thought it would fly at work. Then, if you’ve sifted through everything you own and you still can’t seem to nail the look, start with shopping for one or two staple pieces that you know you’ll get life out of for years to come. In this case, a leather jacket or the point-toe pumps are wardrobe-musts.
Still the thought of all this too daunting? Remember, I can be bought and I’m happy to share my styling services with you – just be prepared to do some fun “homework”. I promise it will only hurt a little…
Madewell, palm tree printed tee (similar here and here)
All Saints, leather moto jacket (similar here and here)
William B + friends, straight leg jeans (similar here and here)
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