WIW 01/14/13 - Musings on Posh Eclectic Style

In recent discussions about style labels, and in particular discussions about artsy eclectic style, I've been surprised at the number of negative associations people have with "arty" dressing. For me, the term "art" is tied to the fine arts, not with arts and crafts. I got the impression that it's the exact opposite for many people.

Angie's description of the artsy eclectic style resonated with me, particularly in the attraction to retro styles and unique accessories.

Just out of curiosity, I consulted the Lucky Guide to Style and noted that it draws a distinction between Posh Eclectic and Arty Sleek. Posh Eclectic is “a certain madcap glamor; made up of equal parts country-estate frump and the black-sheep aristocrat’s disregard for what’s acceptable." A posh eclectic gal wouldn't think twice about wearing silk, tweed, lace, pearls and rubber boots. I identify with this.

Arty Sleek, on the other hand, is more of a combination of avant-garde with minimalism. Lots of black. Asymmetry. I like it, but it's not me.

So, for these considerations, I'm going to work with the "Posh Eclectic" label for the time-being. Today's outfit reflects that.

I'm wearing a gabardine jacket with gold buttons, silk pussy-bow blouse and wool micro check pants. My favorite element is the waistcoat I made out of my uncle's old silk ties.

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

41 Comments

  • Isis replied 11 years ago

    I love this! Did the description of Posh Eclectic inspire the outfit!

    I'd love to see the vest by itself some time; it sounds very cool!

    I missed the negative associations people have with arts and crafts.....isn't sewing and knitting an arty craft, with your vest a beautiful example? Where's the negative?

  • Mia replied 11 years ago

    I have that book and find it quite helpful. I think you have nailed it here. The ties are just the right element and the mixing of texture is perfect.

  • deb replied 11 years ago

    This is a wonderful look and look great in it.

  • replied 11 years ago

    Love this look, and love your descriptor!

  • replied 11 years ago

    You look great! And as a sewist myself I would love to see the vest on its own too. The glimpse that we get looks beautiful.

  • milehighstyle (Linda) replied 11 years ago

    Wow - you made that vest! I'm so impressed - this look is great on you.

  • Diana replied 11 years ago

    Oh, I love this, Amy! Filing this away for Martin trouser inspiration. The tie waistcoat is incredible. I've seen skirts made from ties but this is much, much cooler.

    I'm kind of over caring what people think about "arty style" or what being artsy means. I know what it means *to me* and that is what matters. Otherwise it's just semantics. I'm kind of tired of explaining myself so I just let my clothes do the talking these days. (Like, "oh you knit? How quaint!" GAG.) For that matter I think some people have a negative association with the "eclectic" part of "artistic eclectic" because it suggests a level of eccentricism that many are not comfortable with. But in my circles and my world, being a bit eccentric and odd is fine and maybe even something to be proud of!

    ETA: Posh Eclectic is actually a really good style descriptor for you. I was thinking your style would be something like "polished eclectic" but polished seemed a little too buttoned up for you. Posh is much better, since it suggests richness and luxuriousness (in terms of texture and color and fabric, not price).

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    It's funny terminology, Isis. I'd agree that sewing and knitting are crafts. No one said anything negative about them.

    I was referring to arts and crafts like things you'd make at summer camp with paints and glitter and noodles :)

    Arty can also conjure up images of extremely colorful, chaotic, textured outfits or drapery rich outfits with lots of bangles and jewels...close to bohemian, but less earthy.

  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago

    I love this outfit and your style description seems very apt. I have to admit that I'm having to redefine "arty" to myself. The word has negative connotations to me but I'm learning that my image of 'arty' is not the same as others. I'm learning to associate it with more avante-garde minimalism and not wild, crazy, boho outfits with excessive amounts of color and jewelry.

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    Amy, you lead the Team of Posh Eclectic :). Love that description and your dandy outfit!

    There were negative associations with arty style - really? I missed that. It's all fab in my book, if the wearer owns their look. Which you do. A waistcoat made of your uncle's silk ties - VERY arty and fab :)

  • RoseandJoan replied 11 years ago

    Posh Eclectic suits you perfectly Amy, there is a rebellion from what is considered the norm and a desire to express which really comes through with your style.

    I do not view arty or artistic to be a negative, when I first joined YLF I was definitely an artistic eclectic dresser and still identify with the moniker.

  • Mochi replied 11 years ago

    Bravissima, Amy! I wish I had more time to give this outfit, and your fantastic style, the praise it deserves. I am enchanted by that waistcoat, by the way. You are so creative!

  • missvee replied 11 years ago

    Lovely outfit on you - so polished and interesting. The vest is amazing!

  • Janet replied 11 years ago

    Love that descriptor for you! And your outfit is fab as well.

    I am guilty of resisting the "arty" label because it does bring up those "Santa Fe" floaty garment new-agey associations for me too. I know a LOT of women about 15-20 years older than me who dress that way (a heavy reliance on Chicos and Eileen Fisher and lots of big jewelry). Not that there's anything wrong with that -- it's just not me, and it's the first thing that pops into my mind when I hear/read the term "arty" or "artsy."

    The "Arty Sleek" you describe though sounds very much like me! I may have to try to retrain my brain with the arty association. :-)

  • AJ replied 11 years ago

    Luv how the posh eclectic description has inspired you! I like this menswear vibe on you too and that vest is fun and highlighted in this outfit nicely.

    I don't think negatively about arty style. When I picture arty, I think of Greenglove and Deborah.

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    Amy, I love this! It's so elegant and so YOU!

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    This is fabulous! I love the waistcoat as well as your description of this style. This is so refined and timeless, yet unexpected and shows off your individual take on these classics.

    Absolutely, most people don't think "artsy" and intellectualism go together or could be expressed in the same style. The "artsy" connotation does reek of poorly executed crochet and knitting projects ;-) As former fine arts major could not agree with you more.

  • replied 11 years ago

    I love this! Elegant and quirky at the same time! i can tell you feel happy about this one:)

  • pil replied 11 years ago

    What a perfect description for this outfit Amy, such an interesting combination. I've admired that jacket every time you post a picture with it.

  • Joy replied 11 years ago

    You nailed your look! I aspire more to the arty sleek you describe but not the black part.

  • Ginkgo replied 11 years ago

    Love this on you! I am ready to not worry about what connotations people associate with a particular style; it's often very different from my own thoughts. Let's just all "do our own thing".

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Amy, I adore this on you!! It's definitely posh eclectic and in the very best possible way. Perfectly you! LOVE the waistcoat and the jacket.

    This is sort of a Romantic dandy look, so you can come and sit at the Prince's table. ;-)

  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago

    That is just the perfect descriptor for you Amy! I think I have that book, I should go take a peek at it, has been a long while. Love that you made that waistcoat, what a treasure to have! You have styled it brilliantly as well, love this look an you.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Posh eclectic...LOVE IT!!! And this outfit is fantastic on you - rich colours, fabulous textures, beautiful shapes - it all works beautifully on you Amy!

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    Wow, thanks everyone!

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    I have those negative connotations when it comes to "arty" or "artistic." It's not the arts & crafts aspect - I definitely enjoy artisan work, not to mention the fine arts. But the thing is, as a professional writer/editor, I do not believe that everyone has a book in them worth reading. We do not all need to take creative writing. This is, in fact, why I am a technical writer. And I find it harrowing to go into a poetry reading and see all those people dressed in granny glasses and cloisonne earrings doing the Breathless Recitation...

    ....."sssstreets..... carsssss... aaaaaaangERRRRRyy..... IN... THE... niiiiiiIIIIIIIGHT... ooooooooooh... hoooooow... IIIIIIIIII... wooooonderrrrrrr...."

    And then you know how it is, you just see a cloisonne earring and you panic...

    Anywhoo! Thumbs up to your Posh Eclectic. I can identify with that too.

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    Rachylou, cracked me up.
    Love this look on you. The descriptor is perfect for you.

  • Niefern replied 11 years ago

    Wonderful outfit, I absolutely love it. And the vest is awesome!

  • Janet replied 11 years ago

    Rachylou, I have not been to a poetry reading in a long time (did a few when I was in graduate school), but oh my, did you bring back some memories! LOL

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    This would have to be one of my favourite looks on you. It does have a depth & richness that makes it work so well.

    Great musings too Amy -I found them very helpful because I really enjoy both of these styles. As I get older I identify more with the arty sleek (but like Joy not black) but I think I want to straddle both versions of this style, maybe an element of posh eclectic in my evening looks would do it?

  • cciele replied 11 years ago

    Amy -- definitely Posh Eclectic for you-such a great descriptor! Love how the vest works in the outfit.

    Rachylou - LOL!

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    It is in fact the Breathless Recitation that caused me to put all my cloisonne earrings in mothballs. And give up granny glasses.

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    Rachylou, hence my irrational fear of women who dress like Barbra Streisand in "Meet the Fockers!"

  • replied 11 years ago

    "Posh Eclectic" is perfect for you, Amy. Love!

    And Rachylou, I would read any book you write. I'll buy the hardback.

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    Amy, this is a great descriptor for you. I need to go reread my Lucky Guide! Not sure where I fit, but you have found your niche in that lexicon. You need to try Gwen Stefani's look as Mochi posted.

  • JulieJohn replied 11 years ago

    Amy, you look perfectly YOU! And that's stunning and lovely.

    MaryK, I kinda like what Babs is wearing. Don't fear me! I will try to nail down my style but for now I'm calling it ... well, I have a really naughty joke to put here, let's just say she is the Mother of the Fockers, and leave it at that.

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Excellent descriptor for you and you look smashing. Rachylou I think you have captured the problem with the term artsy perfectly!

  • Gaylene replied 11 years ago

    Definitely time to reclaim the "arty" adjective from the Focker/Barbra, Breathless Recitation, Made-With-Loving (but inept) Hands group. And your Posh Eclectic is a great beginning. More, pretty please...

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    I love them both - the description and the outfit. The suit you really well. I also prefer Posh to Polished, it has grandier Can we see a clearer picture of the vest - it sounds fantastic!

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    Gorgeous outfit and marvelous insights. I would love to know where you got the "pattern" for the vest --- such a wonderful idea.

    This is a great balance of tailoring to feminine elements on you. Can't wait to see what's next!

  • Jenava replied 11 years ago

    Love this, Amy. I think it suits you. (-:

    Racheylou, MaryK, JulieJohn, you are all makin' me giggle. (-: Yeah, I have that same "arty" association although for me, growing up on Whidbey Island, it's more like lots of shapeless linen and large carved mother of pearl buttons.

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