Every year, I like to dream up a new style direction as a goal to work towards. Late 2010 and most of 2011 was dedicated to a direction I dubbed Parisian Cyborg and that was super fun. A few months after that post debuted, I did go to Paris and wore a nearly identical look (I was definitely overdressed and the sleek, understated Parisians probably thought I was nuts).
So, what exactly does Ladylike Urban Warrior mean? Even though I love to feel feminine and adore makeup, dresses and sequins, I’m still drawn to the extreme and avant garde when it comes to fashion. The dress I’m wearing above (recently found on sale at Asos) in particular sums up my new direction because it’s a fairly classic silhouette but the neoprene material, laser-cut details and built-in harness add a modern twist.
Images: 1. Vogue, 2. Jessica Stam, 3. Givenchy Fall 2009 Couture, 4. L’Officiel Ukraine, 5. Unknown, 6. Unknown, 7. Vogue.
I find the idea of dreaming up a style direction really motivating and as a way to push ourselves into new sartorial territory. For most of December and January, I was working 10 to 12 hours every single day on an ad campaign and out of exhaustion, defaulted to a uniform of black jeans and sweaters. Mentally, I was completely drained and just couldn’t think beyond the basics in my wardrobe. I’ve since set a few goals, namely to wear more color, to accessorize with jewelry more often and finally, to add in some more color to my makeup routine (a current favorite is the MAC Double Feature 1 palette). To me, clothing is the equivalent of wearable art. It’s one of the most accessible forms of self-expression and occasionally modifying your personal style can be hugely inspiring.
Readers: Have you made any modifications to your look this year? How would you sum up your personal style?
Vanessa Rae says: 
isidore 
