remix(ers)_revealed: swissarmyknife

(see more of sara's fun, girlish, vintage-influenced style in her 'wardrobe remix' flickr photoset.)

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THE WARDROBE_REMIX(ER) BEING REVEALED:
name: Sara Lucas flickr handle: swissarmyknife age: 29 going on 30 location: Lisbon, Portugal website: swissarmyknife.livejournal.com
DEEP(ER) QUESTIONS:
what do you do for a living?
I work as a colourist for comic books, for American publishers and also for storyboards for Portuguese advertising companies.
what are your passions/obsessions/hobbies/aspirations?
My obsessions are kitties and shoes. I have two cats, and they're the sunshine of my life (after the boyfriend). As for the latter, I never seem to have enough of them.
what inspires you?
Life does, I guess.
how do you define "style"?
It's all about fun.
how would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic and sometimes a bit schizophrenic, it depends so much on the mood.
how does your background (personal history, passions, culture, nationality, etc.) come through in the clothes you like and wear, if at all?
I think that the fact that I always liked unusual clothes must come from the fact that I have always been connected to art. I feel that elaborating one's outfit for the day is an interesting creative process, and also a way of incorporating your creativity into daily life, as a reflection of personality. Here in Lisbon almost everyone is a bit conservative when it comes to clothes(fortunately that is changing a bit), and I have always been stared at on the street, and that has stopped me a few times from being bolder when I was younger. Now I'm a lot more confident and don't really care about all the stares, I end up waving back sometimes, hehe.
choose one item in your closet that you feel completely expresses your personal style and/or aesthetic. describe it. what is it and why is it "you"?
That is a hard question, but I'd say it is a silk and knit dress I got from Cacharel: the shape looks antique sort of a flapper thing more or less, but then it has this cute animal print: the mix between classic, feminine, and playful.
do you collect anything? if so, what?
I am a packrat. I have been trying to get rid of a lot of things lately, as I have no more space left, as I tend to collect a lot of different things. But now I am learning and I have been trying to just get specific things: cat related things, deer related, swiss minature cuckoo clocks, books and of course, shoes.
what are some of your favorite places to shop when you want to add to your wardrobe? online? locally? anywhere in the world? why are these places favorites of yours?
The high street shops where I shop are mostly H&M and Zara. I also like to visit the local outlets, where one can get things from past collections at a very nice price, and also from the flea market, to feed my vintage cravings. I have made a decision lately, that is to never pay full price for anything. Of course a few exceptions can be made if it's something one really really fancies, but so far it has been working and I've been able to get almost everything I had my eye on when it goes on sale. I end up not saving money, but I do get double the amount of things, hehe.
does your location (where you live) affect your style? if so, in what ways? describe what your city is like in regard to fashion.
[My location] does affect my style especially when it comes to footwear. The streets of Lisbon are paved with cobblestones and they're terrible for high heels. The heels either get stuck between the stones or totally ruined after one day of being worn, not to mention that there are a lot of hills as well. (I get really mad when something bad happens to the more expensive pairs I own). Because of that I have been refraining from buying more high heels, as I can only wear them for special occasions, like going to a party by car or something, because for daily life, it's a nightmare.
what do you think is next in terms of fashion? perhaps something that is currently flying under the radar, but could be really cool an popular later, or perhaps something amazing you'd like to see more of that needs to come back or be the new thing?
I have no idea. Honestly. I started picking up on the vintage trend before it was fashionable like it is today, so I guess that was the only time I was ahead of time (hehehe), as it's too much part of my personal tastes and style. I used to like a lot of punk rocky stuff but with age I came to appreciate more and more feminine styles and clothes from the first 6 decades of the 20th century have got to be favourites for me. It seems that a lot of people are picking up on that as well lately, and I suppose that will still go on for a long time.
One thing that I think is still going to be around for some time (at least magazines are totally pushing it forward) is the sports chic. I absolutely hate it. Oh and don't forget that the 90's revival is still yet to be!
you are super creative with your clothes! share a creative tip or idea about a way people can remix/style their clothing in a fun or innovative way.
Read magazines just for fun, not as bibles. Following trends too much is a recipe for looking like you 'fit [in]', but it also makes you like you have a lack of personality too.
style icons: do you have any?
I like Dita Von Teese. Compared to other celebrities I see on the red carpet she's the one who I never have anything to say about what she is wearing. (At least what I've seen so far.)
how did you come across wardrobe_remix? why do you post there? What do you like about it? has anything positive come about for you as a result of posting to the community?
Someone on my friends list on livejournal was participating in it and I thought it was funny and decided I should do it too. The main reason, and I am not too ashamed of admitting it is of course, vanity, hehe (I guess that everyone that posts there has to be proud of what they like to wear and really wants to show it off). I really like dressing up and as much as I like to see other people with fun clothes, I like to show off mine as well. Plus it is sort of fun to keep a log of how one's style keeps evolving through time. I've been doing it for more than a year and it's fun to look back. Some combinations i'd never do now LOL. The most positive thing about posting there has to be of course the oportunity to also see other people. It's always so inspiring!
other favorite wardrobe_remix(ers)? who, and why?
I have a few of them: persephassa, because she has wonderful taste and great garments too, vasiliisa because she always has the cutest prints, lebonbonmulticolore - she always looks cute, marquise, lilyofthevalley and only-sleeping because of their great collection of vintage items, marcine because she has this really cute girlie style. Oh well there are a few more, but I forget the usernames (sorry guys).
anything else you'd like to say?
The only thing I can say as a finishing note is: Have fun!

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thanks sara!

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if you have any intelligent questions you'd like to hear wardrobe_remix(ers) expound upon or wardrobe_remix(ers) who you'd like to see revealed, feel free to send those suggestions my way! thanks!

less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: the sorting process! (part 2)

so, you've prepared your mind, body, and your workspace...now what?
steel yourself, smile, turn up the music, and dive in! it's time to sort through your duds and make the hard but necessary decisions about what you'll keep, and what you'll toss! keep your eyes on the prize: an awesomely clean closet!!
some tips to help you get through the sorting and the purging:

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-keep your mood board handy, if you think you need the visual reminder. set it up on top of your dresser or somewhere else where it can be in sight while you work.
-if you have time, try on EVERYTHING in your closet. it's important to evaluate absolutely everything in your closet. if you work or go to school, this might be best done on a day off on which you have no other obligations, perhaps on a sunday afternoon, if you have weekends off, for example. otherwise, you can break the task up over a couple days, if need be, but make sure the days are successive and in the same week so you stay motivated. sorting through your things can be intense and sometimes difficult, but trust me, when it's all over and you've dumped the things you don't LOVE or need, you'll feel terrific!

be as objective and honest as you possibly can about the objects you are evaluating. look at yourself in the mirror, and ask yourself the following questions:
-is this piece truly my style? does it suit the aesthetic i want to express to the world at large? again, refer back to your mood/inspiration board if you need to. i may be harping on these boards, but seriously, THEY HELP. they are used by artists and designers when they need to focus their ideas...but they can just as easily help you, especially with a task like finding yourself and finding the clothes and other accouterments that suit YOU.
-do i absolutely, unabashedly LOVE this piece? if you don't completely adore something, it is best to let it go. follow your gut feeling about something, it never lies. if a piece holds a negative memory for you, you'll feel even better for letting it go! TRUST ME.
-is this piece truly flattering for my body? again, be honest with yourself here. trust your eyes and your gut...you will KNOW when it works. don't force anything. you might in theory love an item and the way it looks on the hanger or in the stack, but if it's an off-color for you, ill-fitting or has the wrong proportion for your figure, it may not flatter you. it's important to wear what suits your body AND your style, so that you are left with what makes you feel and look like a million bucks. remember: just owning something, though you might love it, does not mean it will or does flatter you. for years i used to buy things just *because*, fantasizing that they would look good on my figure, and you know, they just *DID NOT* look good, and the pieces just sat there in my closet, taunting me! what's the point of having something that doesn't fit or flatter? THERE IS NO POINT! it's a waste of money and a delusion. get rid of what doesn't flatter you...and strongly resolve to get what does when the time to shop comes again. (p.s. more on smart shopping and clean closet maintenance in the next installment!)
-try not to think about trends at all as you sort through it all...what you love and what suits your person and personality are FAR more important than the latest trend-du-jour. what you love will and should outlast whatever magazines or stores are currently shilling. think about yourself...you are trying to get rid of the bad and fill your closet (and life, by extension, really!) with the good.
-what state is this particular piece of clothing in? is the piece plagued with pills, tears or stains? does it need mending or restyling? will you actually do this mending or restyling? will you actually, honestly take those shoes or that dress to the shoe repair or alterations place? being honest about what you will ACTUALLY do can help you decide whether to keep or discard an item. if something is in really bad shape, though, think about tossing it. just let go... keep what works. toss what doesn't.
-what is the quality of the piece? if something flatters and fits, keep it. even better if it's made of materials that will last.

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place the items you're evaluating into three separate piles!
-pile one consists of items you unequivocally love and want to keep. these items are YOU. they are things you will wear, things that express your personal style perfectly.
-pile two is things you are unsure about...things that need more thought and evaluation. set them aside.
-pile three is things you are absolutely sure you'd like to get rid of. no regrets.

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once you've got your clothes and other sundries in said piles, you can tend to them as follows:
-items in pile one can be placed back into your closet or drawers. i'll give you ways to organize them in the next installment! :)
-as for the items in pile two, give them a little more intense and honest scrutiny. be as realistic as possible with yourself, taking into account your lifestyle, and your skill level. how can you work the items in pile two into your closet? do they work with other pieces you have? what shape are they in? do they flatter you or support your personal style? can they perhaps be restyled in some way? will you actually do that restyling, or are you committed to having it done by an outside contractor? or really, are you better off without them? once you've thought carefully about each item in pile two, place them in the appropriate remaining pile: either one or three, and place them back into your closet or drawers, sewing pile, or into the donation bags as necessary.
-of course, items in pile three can go straight into the bags you have gathered, without guilt. don't even look at them again!

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do you need further motivation while you sort? is the mere thought banishing clutter and having a kick-ass closet full of clothes you actually love not enough? :)
keep these generous, earth-friendly thoughts in mind while you do your sorting:
-one person's trash is often another person's treasure: what you don't love could be completely delightful or just perfect for another person. used clothing that's stylish and in good condition is absolutely not trash! it often has a lot of useful life left in it that can be realized if it's given a chance to be purchased and loved by another person.
-others can truly benefit from your discards! if you give your gently used clothing or other wearables to a thrift store or charity, the proceeds of such can help people in need.
-give your used clothes to a relative or friend. perhaps the items will suit them better, or give them a lot of delight! you can enjoy them through their eyes, knowing they are getting used and perhaps loved by someone you know.
-have a naked lady party! have friends bring their wardrobe discards to a party at a set location (your home, or a friend's), along with some munchies and other refreshments to share. drink, eat, and merrily sort through the pile together! find a new-to-you item that works for you, or help your friends do the same! when the festivities have commenced, you can take the unclaimed leftovers to the local charity or thrift shop.

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-if you are really motivated and think you'll actually do it, and want to recoup some of what you spent on these items, you could do the ebay thing, or perhaps take them to a secondhand retailer in your area that pays or gives store credit for used clothing. you may not get back every cent of what you invested, but you never know! that cash or credit can be re-spent on something that you really love.

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when you're done, when the task is all over: TAKE THAT DISCARDED STUFF AWAY, PRONTO. DO NOT let it sit around for days, taunting you to take a look at it again!
jam your discards into your car, or load up your bike, or fill your arms with the bags, and pedal or walk to the nearest dumping off point, and GET RID OF THAT STUFF.
take a deep breath.
YOU ARE NOW FREE OF YOUR STUFF! stuff you didn't love or need anyway!
feels good, right? it's refreshing! it's liberating!
YES! woot!
...but, crap, what now? you might be asking yourself, "how do i maintain this marvelously clean and workable closet without succumbing to the clutter monster again??"
"how do i buy only what i NEED, and LOVE...how??"
"HALP me, tricia!!!"

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well, lovlies, help is on the way, in the guise of...
PART 3! aka:
maintaining the less is more: tactics for controlling clothing clutter/buying what you love/need!
stay tuned!

less is more: downsizing and decluttering your wardrobe: getting ready! (part 1)

last week i went out for a lovely lunch with my friend m.
we had a nice, intelligent chat over falafels and lemonade that touched on a little bit of everything: religion, psychology, love, craft...and eventually, we landed on the subject of decluttering.
m. admitted she's been feeling overwhelmed by her *stuff* of late, and was having a hard time sorting though all the stuff she had collected over the years. it had reached a critical point for her...she HAD to get rid of stuff, but was completely flummoxed and unsure of where to begin.
m. was plagued by her thoughts, and by guilt:
"what if i could use this later for something?"
or...
"this was expensive...i feel bad having spent money on it or that others spent money on it, and thus i'm remiss to let it go."
m. confessed that almost everything she owned seemed to hold some importance, or it evoked a memory; some negative memories, some positive memories. she felt incredibly attached to EVERYTHING, in a way that she could hardly explain.
m. didn't use or really even LOVE many of these items, and they were getting in the way of the things she DID love. and while some items were inherently lovely, she felt they didn't represent who she truly is...they just were not her style.
m.'s STUFF was threatening to take over her life.
it was time to sort through it all, but how? where could she begin? how could she even approach such a seemingly daunting task?

i know a lot of people (including myself) are in the same clutter-filled and nearly sinking boat. we are deeply entrenched in the consumerist culture in which we live. we go out and collect things we need and want, and sometimes, those collections get out of control.
but how much of this stuff do we truly use, need, or love? how much of it is just stuff that we may never get use of, regardless of any good intentions we might have for said objects? i'd venture to guess that much of it, while perfectly useable, is just STUFF that you or i don't really need, and would be better off without.
things are nice, but realistically and honestly, LESS IS MORE.
when you have what you actually NEED and LOVE, pawing through your closet can be easy, and relatively stress-free. you can see what you have readily, and can be more assured that what you have suits your lifestyle, personality, and body. no more needing to comb through the so-so stuff to get to the stuff you actually adore and use.
doesn't the idea of that sound NICE?
but again, how would one go about it?
well, as i've been through this myself numerous times, i've got some tips to share, and i'll do so over the course of three installments!

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PREPARE FOR THE DECLUTTERING PROCESS! you can prep yourself in these ways:
it's super important to get your mind space and physical space souped up before you scrutinize your stuff!
-first and foremost, make a concerted effort to keep a positive attitude about the decluttering your wardrobe. think of the process of delcluttering as an amazingly good thing: it's a fresh start! you're going to a.) eliminate stress in yourself and those who live with you! b.) end up with what you NEED and LOVE. and c.) put the kibosh on clutter.
-make sure you have a full length mirror at the ready. you want to be able to see yourself from head to toe. none of this half-body bathroom mirror business.
-open up all the curtains and windows in the room, or turn on all the available lights in the room where you'll be doing all your sorting. you want to be able to see yourself and the clothes and accessories which you will be evaluating in the best possible light. good lighting allows you to see the true colors and textures of your clothing and accessories and how they honestly work with your skin tone and figure.
-before you begin, eat a good healthy meal and set aside a glass of water that you can sip on while you work. dehydration and low blood sugar are bad bedfellows for your brain and the task at hand...you want to be at your best when you're trying to determine if you TRULY love and look good in that denim skort, lace-up bustier or argyle socks!
-to set the mood, put on some great music! choose some tunes that you know will motivate but not distract you. i think something that gets your blood pumping is just perfect for this sort of task! i love to put on a breaks or hip-hop dj set while i am working through my closet and trying things on. when i need a break from the intensity of sorting and deciding i can dance around the house a little!
-shower, put on makeup, and do your hair! this tactic helps me, big time! i can evaluate the clothes i am sorting through as if i was getting dressed to go out in the usual way, without being distracted by the possibly scary state of my makeupless face or wild bedhead!
-if you're a little unclear about your personal style and are feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out who you are and what you love, make a mood board/inspiration board first. if ye know thyself, the process of decluttering your stuff will be much simpler and less stress-making.
-gather up those trashbags or get out those empty shopping bags you been saving! these will be the eventual receptacles for your discards.

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PART 2 is to come:
the sorting process!
stay tuned!