Is there such a thing as polished Urban Warrior Princess? I don't have a speck of RATE in my style--I'm quite polished and ladylike, but my shadow or aspirational style persona is UWP. I felt rather UWP in this outfit today because of the lack of color (black and more black), exposed zipper, spiked metallic cuff bracelet (defensive weapon?), apocalyptic dead tree branches on the skirt and earrings, and black boots. But I don't know whether the UWP brigade would consider this UWP enough to pass muster and join the warrior ranks, or whether I'm just a poser recruit? LOL!
I was also thinking about the concept of "statement basics" after I posted on Shannon's thread:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ubby-money
Like Una once said about herself, I hate shopping for basics and have a closet full of statement pieces. Even with my "basics" I like to have some sort of interesting twist or detail that makes the item a little unique. Like this black cowl neck top I just got from Target---it's otherwise pretty plain, but it has an asymmetrical zipper going up the side which makes it fun. I don't feel quite as fab when I just wear a bunch of plain solid neutral colored pieces, so I like to wear "statement basics"!
Another thing--I'm really into matchy matchy, if you can't already tell. I bought these tree branch earrings last year at Nordstrom but never had the occasion to wear them. But they're a perfect match for this Rachel Roy tree branch skirt so I couldn't resist! I was somewhat matchy matchy before YLF, but in a frumpish way (ie cardigan twinsets and buying outfit sets like an Ann Taylor printed bias cut skirt and matching twinset). But now I'm into "hypermatchy" (like this Kate Spade Japanese floral outfit http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....ypermatchy), which could either be ridiculous or fashion-forward, depending on your point of view ;) So this earring/skirt pair tickles my matchy matchy bone!
Finally, even though this outfit is very dark and drab compared to my usual colorful style, it still follows my rubric, so it felt very me:
Color or contrast--contrast with the black and white skirt (and do red lips count for color?)
Matchy matchy--tree branch skirt and earrings; grey bracelet and socks
Pattern--tree branches
Fitted--my clothes have definitely become more fitted and body-con since I'm still trying to wear non-maternity clothes, LOL!
Flair--the skirt and the bracelet
Target Converse One Star Larissa zip up top:
http://www.target.com/p/conver.....edium_1_39
Nordstrom Rack Rachel Roy Tree Skirt
http://www.rachelroy.com/Tree-.....lt,pd.html
Nordstrom tree branch earrings (sorry, forgot the designer)
Forever 21 spiked bars stretch bracelet
http://www.forever21.com/Produ.....VariantID=
Mia Nanette black lace-up ankle booties
Gap grey trouser socks
Le Sak black purse
Thanks for looking and commenting!
I'm a doctor and mom of three on the go go go who likes to have fun with fashion!