It’s time for another edition of my occasional series where I talk about has been inspiring me lately and hopefully, you’ll be inspired too. I always love putting these posts together because of how it gets my creativity going and I always enjoy a good browse on Pinterest for style ideas. So why don’t I cut to the chase and show you 5 things inspiring me now part 7:
ONE: Style And Body Typing
Since writing last weeks blog post where I spoke of how I felt wrong in the style of skirt I’d made, I wanted to delve more deeply and analyse why I felt ‘off’.
I ended up going down a huge internet ‘rabbit hole’ (which was great fun actually!) and I spent hours on Youtube. I became fascinated by the idea of body typing and more specifically the Kibbe Method.
I don’t know if you’re familiar with it already, but back in the late ‘80s, David Kibbe wrote a book called Metamorphosis which was about a body typing system based on the Yin and Yang (feminine and masculine) characteristics of the structure of our bodies. It follows the idea of working with our own unique bodies, complimenting our personal shapes and lines. In that respect, it’s actually a very body-positive way of working with what we’ve got and not trying to change and manipulate ourselves into an idealised image. This blog post on The Concept Wardrobe explains it really well
So there are 13 body types in all and there is a comprehensive test that you can go through to determine the one that is most representative of your own body type. The test is not easy and to be honest you may need some help with a relative or friend to give their input. I found it tricky to be objective about myself and I actually ended up taking the test 3 or 4 times! I mostly got the same answers each time but I had to go over just a few questions again and again until I was sure I was giving the right answer about myself. There is a post on The Concept Wardrobe with the test. And also this video by Aly Art on Youtube
Once you determine what type you are it explains how you can harmonise your clothing with your natural body lines. The whole idea is that you don’t have suddenly start dressing differently, on the contrary…if you like to wear Goth clothes, then carry on wearing them, but you can choose to work within that Kibbe style framework.
By wearing the lines, shapes and overall silhouettes of clothes that work with and not against your body shape. It then makes for a cohesive personal style.
So you’re dying to know what my result was, aren’t you? Basically, many of my answers came out as Classic, in other words, a blend of Yin and Yang. I had a few more answers that pointed towards some Yang characteristics…namely, my prominent nose, smallish lips, square and rather bony shoulders, and a straight, not very defined waist. Basically, that means my final result is Dramatic Classic (Classic with a side of Yang 🙂 ).
It’s funny but when I read about the lines and shapes that harmonise with a Dramatic Classic body type it all seemed very familiar and somehow ‘right’, especially the bit about clean lines, sharp shoulder lines, subtle waist definition, tailoring, working with long vertical lines, a little asymmetry and….keeping the width narrow at my hemline…no wonder I always feel ‘off’ in wide skirts!
Funnily enough, many of my clothes already align with the guidelines for Dramatic Classic, but for those items in my wardrobe that never felt quite right, I now understand a bit more about why that might be. I find it really fascinating and I’ll carry on honing my style as I add more memade pieces.
Meanwhile here are a few inspiration images that I’ve been adding to a personal Pinterest board
TWO: Long Coats
I’m really inspired by the idea of a long straight or slim-fitting coat. Again, moving on from last weeks post and after chatting in the comments of that post I came to the conclusion that I could really do with a long coat to wear over skirts in Winter, as I find shorter coat proportions tricky with skirts. And funnily enough, it turns out that a long slim coat is probably something a Dramatic Classic might wear, plus they’re actually really on-trend right now so finding Pinterest inspirations was easy. I adore thesetwo green coats!
(PS, Olivia Palermo in the first photo is a Dramatic Classic)
I’ve trawled pattern websites and found some contenders. This one by Grasser (it would need to be longer), this one by Laforme and this one by Vikisews (I would make the waistline a bit less defined). I’m after the perfect shade of Olive for mine and hope to get everything together to make one in the new year.
THREE: Split hem skirts
Talking of skirts…again! I have a length of chocolate brown faux leather and some burgundy stretch faux leather too and after seeing this image by A.L.C
I’m kind of wandering about trying the style out…I find myself drawn to the idea of it. I’ll ponder on it for a while, but the silhouette does align with my body type. I’m also loving the idea of asymmetrically split hems and button-through styles. These two patterns by BurdaStyle caught my eye. I especially love the buttoned style.
FOUR: Tailoring
After seeing lots of posts by @juliabobbin on Instagram as she tailored a blazer I wanted to delve much more deeply into the subject and processes involved. The idea of shaping and moulding beautiful wool fabrics into a gorgeous jacket really appealed. I started to read up online about it and after a few messages with Julia, and on her recommendation, I bought a book and some DVDs. The book called “Classic Tailoring Techniques For Menswear.” goes deep into the origins of men’s tailoring and various jacket styles, how to work with fabrics with the iron, pressing techniques, basting and interfacing techniques and even drafting. It’s fascinating stuff. I also got hold of the complete tailoring series of DVDs called Smart Tailoring by Kenneth D King (I snagged a second-hand bargain off eBay).
I’ve already watched most of the first one and I love how he shows both ‘Old School’ and ‘New School’ techniques for each stage. As a result of my interest, I’ve bought all the supplies I need to properly tailor a blazer plus a gorgeous pattern by DP Studio…The Le 100 Jacket. I’m hoping to make it early next Spring.
Meanwhile how about drooling over some inspiration pics:
FIVE: Burgundy And Pink Colour Combinations
Last on my list is a lovely inspiring colour combination of Burgundy or maroon and pink. I got the idea from a video by Audrey Coyne and thought how gorgeous the combo was. I definitely want to try it sometime.
There are many, many tones of burgundy and maroon. Burgundy is actually a cool-toned shade and Maroon is a warm-toned shade…but of course, there’s a whole continuum of scale for both colours.
With my slightly warmer-toned complexion, I would go for more of the maroon tones paired with blush pink.
I found some gorgeous inspiration photos on Pinterest to whet your appetite:
And that’s it. I hope you enjoyed my post and feel inspired and keen to get creating.
Thank you so much for stopping by and don’t forget to share you favourites in comments or tell me some other things that have inspired you lately.
See you soon!
Pin For Later
The “not quite right on me” self made clothing is familiar to me, too.
There is another style analysis system which helped me figure out why my Kibbe type (Natural) wasn’t quite right. Truth is Beauty. https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/blog
I am not affiliated with her or her business but have been really helped by her blog and by her products, especially Style ID calculator.
Author
Thanks, Susan. Ooh. I’ll be sure to check that out too. I love learning about style and it’s always nice to try out various methods, though unlike yourself, I do feel quite ‘at home’ with Dramatic Classic.
Great post thanks.
Author
And thank you, Vicki! Glad you enjoyed it x
So long coats rock! 🙂 I was smiling all along while reading this post, and mainly because this entire week I myself was actively contemplating long straight coat idea for my next coat project. What is more, just two days ago I was close to buying the very same pattern by Grasser that you have the drawing of higher up in this post! I ended up not buying it yet only because my friend is currently sewing another Grasser coat and I want to see how it will turn out first.
All the five points you’ve described are great! I LOVE burgundy and pink idea. I just have to use it! Will now be contemplating that one 🙂
Oh, I am so happy that I found your blog, Diane! I read many older posts in addition to all fresh ones. Interestingly enough, I found your posts on few projects that I am planning myself. Namely – boyfriend jacket by Kwiksew and unlined Butterick coat by Lisette. I will certainly refer to your reviews of those patterns.
(I would like to kindly invite you to maybe visit my blog some time. I have just recently started sewing and blogging, so I am sincerely humble about my modest start).
Author
Aww, thank you Giedre! I always love reading your comments. Wow…it sounds like we have similar style tastes. You will look fabulous in a long coat! I’m thinking of going for the Vikisews design because I adore all of the seam lines so I can adjust for my bustline and forward-rolling shoulders. You must let me know what pattern you decide on. Thanks for the kind words about my blog too xxxx
Oh that would be extremely curious to see how Vikisews design would turn out, if you end up choosing it! I looked though all Vikisews coats patterns too, however this one seemed too difficult for me, yet 😊 I will be very much looking forward for your project of the long coat! And will choose one for one of my coating fabrics too! 😊
Author
You know, I’ve seen your sewing and it’s wonderful, I bet you could tackle the Vikisews one (yes, I’m enabling, hehe 🙂 ). By the way, I already ordered my fabric and the pattern.
Thanks for this really interesting post I will have a go at this my Kibbe type at some point. I look forwarded to watching your progress on both the coat and blazer, your notes are always so interesting.
Author
Thanks, Christine! I’m buying the coat fabric today 🙂 And I decided on the Vikisews pattern for the style lines, though I’ll make it a bit less fitted at the waist.
You might be interested in the Dr T Designs blog series on the kibble types. She goes through a lot of sewing patterns that fit the various types
Author
Ooh yes, I did see those posts! So much information in them.
I stumbled into the Kibbe (Aly Art YES!) body type a while ago and was really excited to finally by able to identify with a body type! I hadn’t found myself in any of the fruit (pear, apple etc) but Soft Dramatic exactly described my shape and I was off and running 🙂 Alyssa on youtube has some great videos on Kibbe as well that I’ve enjoyed. She’s lovely to listen too. Once I had landed on Soft Dramatic it became so much easier to imagine appropriate outfits. I hadn’t been hugely off kilter ( I am 66 after all 🙂 ) but there were a couple of silhouettes I never would have considered such as the bolero and duster. I dashed off to try one in a local shop and loved how they looked! I never would have before. I couldn’t recommend Kibbe more highly to anyone who hasn’t identified with the fruit method. I always love to see your inspiration posts! That Artizia sweater is gorgeous! Thanks again Diane for another great post 🙂
Author
Thank you, Kathleen! Ooh, glad to hear that you’ve had a positive outcome from the Kibbe method too. I’ve suddenly started seeing silhouettes in a different way as well and I feel so inspired!Thanks for letting me know about Alyssa on Youtube, I hadn’t heard of her so I’ll be binge-watching today 🙂
Glad you enjoyed my post x
Hi Diane. I fell down the kibbe rabbit hole about a year ago and am also a dramatic classic so delighted to see your post. If you check out doctor t designs blog she has done a lot of work matching patterns to the various kibbe types. Love your posts as always.
Caitriona
Author
Hi, Caitriona. Oh, how lovely that you’re a DC too. I find myself going back over all of the qualities of the different types to make sure, but I feel convinced now that I’m a classic with a bit of yang, so I’m running with it. I must take a look at those posts by Doctor T too.
Thanks for the kind words about my posts xx
Hi Diane,
Thank you for this interesting style post.
I love both the skirts that you are looking at (after the split one, which is nice, but perhaps I would put a different length split front & back?); I think the second of the two, while shown in a reptile print, would be gorgeous in a plain weave, and it captures some of the personality of your previous post’s skirt, yet in a straight silhouette. With button-front skirts, I have had the issue of them not hanging smoothly over the tummy when worn, but that might be dealt with through sufficient ease over the tummy and button placement/spacing.
I love the pink with burgundy/maroon look, and your various examples. I have a big hang-up with pink, as I don’t see myself as overtly feminine (from a completely non-traditional, unfeminine mom…). Must think about trying that combo somehow, as burgundy always seems appropriate for Wintertime, yet it doesn’t brighten enough for me to enjoy wearing it.
Not sure why, but I don’t have a desire to explore my style type more thoroughly; perhaps being 5’1″ / 155 cm, full-busted, short-waisted, and a little overweight, I feel my styles are fairly limited and straightforward! I DO need help avoiding fabrics that I LOVE, but don’t make the style statement that I intend: that is a pitfall I fall into regularly!
Author
Thanks, Joan. I always enjoy your comments. You’ve made some fab points about the skirts. Especially the slits…I might even be tempted to just do the front slit if I tried that style. With regards to the button-through style…I think I might not like the added bulk of the buttons etc. too, though I do like the look, so, hmmm, maybe a mock button front and invisible zip at the back? Loving the idea of an interesting weave for the third skirt!
For the burgundy/pink combo…Perhaps you could try just a very small amount of pink with some burgundy?
Such an interesting post. I’m off to investigate my style, I know what I like to wear, but feel that sometimes I fall down a rabbit hole of loose boxy indie sewing patterns. Maybe I need to look for more fitted interesting takes on classic pieces. I do like a lot of Burda Style patterns. Classic with a twist, love that pink and burgundy combo too.
Thanks for the inspiration and happy new year.
Author
Glad you enjoyed my musings, Julie. Yes, I have a few boxy styles in my wardrobe, but I never feel quite as authentically me as I do in a more fitted or body-skimming silhouette. Happy New Year!
I am so delighted to have found your blog! I am a fellow kibbe fan (dramatic), Audrey Coyne fan (literally just watched her pink video), and sewing enthusiast. For what it’s worth, when I saw your photo at the top corner of the page, my first thought was, “classic!” I look forward to exploring your blog.
Author
Hi Leigh Ann! Glad you found me :). Kibbe is intriguing, isn’t it? Having done the test a few times, I still keep getting that slight touch of Drama from the answers due to my square bony shoulders and prominent nose, so I’m guessing I’m mostly Classic with a smidge of Dramatic…It’s a flowing spectrum really, I think. I find I’m increasingly drawn to sleeker, narrow silhouettes lately.
Hi Diane, just wanted to let you know (in a much too long comment, sorry for that😌) you really triggered me with this blog. I went straight on to The Concept Wardrobe, read everything and did the test. It’s indeed not so simple to do this, took me quite a while and I am still in doubt between 100% Classic or maybe being a Dramatic or Soft Classic. Being tall, mostly balanced with having long arms and legs but also overweight and being bigger busted really keeps me shifting from one to the other. Also, no strong shoulder line. But I think I am at least 90% pure Classic and that already helped me understand why I love seeing all those boho styles, flowery and ruched clothes but feel awkward when trying to imagine these on myself. When buying rtw I usually see it right away and I have this rule: when in doubt don’t buy it. With sewing and buying fabrics this is much more tricky. I have made quite a few things since I started sewing for myself again that, finally finished, weren’t what I had imagined it to be. This led me to the search for more color and style info on the internet and lately to your blogs on color and style. Love this post, already learned so much. Thanks a lot!
Author
Hi, Wikky! No problem with a long comment, I love it! I’m glad this has fired your interest…it’s fascinating, isn’t it? But also a little frustrating too!
Like yourself, I’m about 90% classic but the pesky 10% is tricky. It took me about 4 goes of answering the questions and trying to be objective when doing the test. I still feel that I have a hint of the Dramatic Classic about me but I do like some softer elements in my style too, especially with fabrics that I love wearing in tops (love a sharp jacket though). Did you take a look at Aly Art on Youtube? She goes through the test and maybe a different way of explaining it might help clarify things for you? I think it’s lovely to have guidelines that might help but as always we have to go with our gut feelings and of course…once we have the rules they’re there to be broken 😉
Oh and I’m with you on making mistakes when sewing…it happens far more often than when I used to buy RTW clothes.