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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Closet Schizophrenia

I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about the "outer" and "inner" personalities we all have. You know, the outer you, the you who wants to be liked and be perceived as an open, happy, dependable person, who you want your boss and coworkers to think you are, and the inner you, who you really are inside and what you're really thinking with deep, dark mysterious dreams that could only be shared within the pages of a black leather journal. Yeah, manic, I know, sort of "Catcher In The Rye."



What does all this have to do with my closet?
At one time I would have said that I don't have a specific or defined style point of view, (weirdly enough, this topic came up again on Friday night while I was out with some fellow bloggers,) when in reality it maybe closer to the truth to say that my closet has multiple personas. Looking back at some recent past posts, I have, with a few exceptions, mainly focused more on what the inner me chooses to wear, darker muted colors, very little pattern...( Inner me thinking, hmm, ever since I went back to work...)

So, let me focus on the outward side... First let me say, I deal with the general public and to be perceived as my above definition of the outer personality is important to success in my line of work. And I'm not always deep and dark (which can be easily construed as moody.) So these are items that I'd wear to work because they're practical for the job I'm doing, a uniform of friendliness to the outside world, because along with a smile, (right now the inner me is sort of gagging,) it's what I should be wearing...


Bright friendly colors and prints, making whatever task at hand seem that much more fun. When it comes to dressing like this, I almost feel like more is better, pick out the most over the top patterns and colors, just go all the way with it! (Although I do have a few pieces that can cross over into either side.) To be honest, a look like this makes me feel more out going and vibrant, versus the inner me who would prefer to seem mysterious and untouchable. (The red pants also make me feel very brave!)

(Close up of details, what I'm wearing, BCBG thrifted red pants, vintage bracelet, Anthropologie top, Elie Tahari shoes.)

I guess, for the most part, I prefer the inner personality of my closet. To me it's much more clean and modern yet insightful. But it's sometimes nice to step out of my usual box and on days when I need a bit of a pick me up, I know exactly which items I'll be pulling on.

So to say that I don't have a stylistic point of view is wrong, I actually have many (or at least two,) that depend on where I'm going, and what I'll be doing.

So what about you? What moods does your closet convey about your inner and outer personalities?

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I think it's something that I call 'the Carrie Bradshaw thing' - even though it sounds just impossibly inapropriate. haha. But what I mean is - it was watching this TV show that I realized that it's more than okay not to have one style and strictly follow it. I loved how, in the TV series (more than in the movies) she was wearing stuff according to her mood, feelings and so on. I dress completely different kind of things when I'm relatively happy and when I'm pissed off :) Although I don't go to the extremes, like Carrie. :)

melindaaa said...

thats interesting about the 'outer' and 'inner' self and how it relates to your dressing, thats definitely something that im going to consider now. thank you!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I go walk the line between edgy and preppy!

www.janetteria.com said...

What a lovely cut out oxford, my dear!

Pearl Westwood said...

Very deep post J! Its funny because my boss pointed this out to me, when I wear my metal toe boots, tons of rings and all black, he says who are you hunting for today LOL. I guess I do use my wardrobe to reflect my mood! I do feel restricted sometimes at work to wear something 'appropriate' rather than what I would have otherwise chosen. I still haven't read that book, I must be the only person in the world who hasnt!

Jade Purple Brown said...

that top is really intresing!

jadepurplebrown.blogspot.com

Cafe Fashionista said...

Gah! I love this post - I only wish my Psych classes had given us assignments like these!

I believe that my closet is very disordered in showcasing my inner and outer personalities. Sometimes it's bubbly and bright; others it's dark and mysterious. I kind of like the mix of the two!! :)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous. Now that you mention it, I really need to re-read Catcher in the Rye...

Melanie@UnravelledThreads

bravegrrl said...

yeah, i think that most of us (women) probably have a couple different styles or looks that we tend to lean towards... and some of us change all the time...

i like soooo much... it's all what kind of mood i'm in... although i do know... i love vintage, eccentric, my more prominent would be an earthy bohemian vibe... secondly would be my dark witchy rock n roll side which is also a bit bohemian...

i love this bright look on you! i think both suit you well... just different sides :) LOVE the pop of red!

xo

jemina said...

LOVE your top!!!! Ah - Maaaaaa- Ziiing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO

Anonymous said...

great post! i'm just like you, my inner self is darker and more mysterious, and the outer me is more of an extrovert stylewise! other than that, my closet has multiple personalities, and my style depends on my mood, and whether i have a 'fat-day' or a 'skinny-day' and so on...

Anonymous said...

oh, and i love your outfit, the red pants are amazing! totally something my outer self would wear...

Audrey Allure said...

I have a little bit of everything in my closet, haha - for my lazy days & my dressy days, and something for all my moods.

Fé... said...

Hmmm.... new template darling. It looks more mysterious now, that it's black-dominated :p Hahahaha. Nice red pants. Red's my favorite color!

Vinda Sonata said...

that's so fun reading things about you. you're a very interesting personality with great taste in art.
i see you like reading books, too, can you recommend me a great book by your favorite writer? :)

Fashion Tidbits said...

ooooooooh i like your blog revamp!

Zabrinah said...

Love Catcher In The Rye and outer/inner discussions!! My life is about analyze the dual reality of who I am.

I love everything about hw you look! You look like you're from a magazine or a catalog!

Best wishes from one blogger to another,

~Zabrinah

Eloisa said...

I have to said that my closet is very bipolar! one day I can be very girly and the other very boyish, everything depens on my mood.
Love your top (:
xo,
e.

http://touchingtheskyy.blogspot.com

T said...

My closet is all over the place ... so what does that say about me!? Haha

http://www.fashion-butter.com/

Erin Kim said...

That shirt is so cool! I love the clash of patterns; they look sweet together! :)

I hope you're having a great summer!
Erin :)

Claire said...

hello! love that top. so cool!

xoxo & thanks for visiting
~caelidiaries.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I'm loving you in those red pants bella! xo Mish

Agnieszka Szykor said...

if my closet had a brain of itself it should go to a psychiatrist. Every day means another look and another mood, so does every skirt, dress, or blouse.. every piece is different.. :).

I love colour of these pants.. I never was brave enough to wear trousers like these :).

livin wide said...

heck yeah! told you those red pants were a good idea. 1.99 baby!

p.s. miss you too! let's remedy soon.

michelle_ said...

i love your top very much there !

vint junky said...

Yes yes yes, i can so relate to this post!
I definitely have to distinct styles one kinda cute and quirky and the other dark and quite gothy...i tey to marry the two but it doesn't always work!!


xxx

La Société de Mode | The Fashion Society said...

oh..the catcher in the rye!
The six degrees of separation pokes fun at that book.
It's a great read, if you're interested.

xoxo
TheFashSociety.com

Chicago Chic said...

I love your blog and your style! I'm following you!

xoxo
Rachel

Ashley said...

Great post Joyce! My closet definitely shows multiple personalities...

Preppy East-Coast Wannabe- I love my nautical stripes, Ralph Lauren button-ups, and Coach flats!

Bohemian Artist- Bring on my vintage dashiki, paisley maxi dress, and embroidered JW tees.

Grecian Goddess- If it's cotton jersey and drapey, I probably own it.

Texas Cowgirl- From my beat up cowboy boots to my cotton woven sundresses, my fashion roots are definitely Texan.

I'm pretty sure there are other sides to my style personality, but this gives you a glimpse into my closet...