The English Maximalista

This past month has been a busy month in the fashion world. First there was New York Fashion Week, then London, Madrid, and finally Paris (my personal favourite). 

Did you notice that Colorado Springs was not on that list?! 

Sure, we might not be quite so venerable up here in the mountains, but nevertheless I think we are deserving of a little bit of sartorial fun! Which is why I decided to share my daily outfits on social media, having my own little Colorado Springs Fashion Week, culminating today with this here little blog.

Not that I am by any means a fashion aficionado. Figured I should disclaim that upfront. Like most folks, I know what I like. It’s just that what I like is pretty clothes, is all. Also shoes. Scarves. Bags. (You get the point!) 

Mainly, though, it’s that I enjoy feeling good about myself — wearing nice duds puts me in a good mood. And as Mr Maximalista wisely opines, “happy wife, happy life!”

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Fashion is an age-old way of expressing individuality, social status, creativity. Everyone has a unique approach to making themselves feel good about their appearance. It’s probably why People Watching holds such universal appeal, and is endlessly fascinating.

The first time I became aware of it was at the age of 7 or 8, when I began to notice how well my paternal grandmother dressed. As I reflect upon it, I now realize that at that time, she was probably about the age I currently am, which has really given me some pause for thought.

My grandmother lived abroad, so we didn’t see her terribly often. But most years, she would come and stay with us for a few weeks, then we would impose upon her hospitality in turn, over the summer holidays.

Our house smelled different when my grandmother was staying with us; her signature scent would waft through the air for days after she left. Miss Dior, and Opium. [The perfume, not the drug.] She smelled amazing.

A handsome woman, my grandmother stood up ram-rod straight, never slouching. She was immaculately coiffed and maquillaged, wore fine European clothes. Her trademark footwear was patent leather ballet shoes with a low square heel. Even when relaxing at home, she wore her pearls and a cashmere cardigan slung casually over her shoulders.

To my childish eyes, she was the most elegant creature I had ever beheld… and quite honestly, she remained that way for the rest of her life. She was my first ever paragon of style, and to this day sits at the tippety-top of my list of most stylish women.

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As for myself, well, as I have gotten older, my personal style has evolved accordingly. A natural course of events, of course, since I no longer aspire to look like Wendy James from Transvision Vamp, whom I adored during my teen years. She still looks great, by the way, it’s only that I don’t want to copy her style anymore. I have found my own.

Nevertheless, there were many floundering years in the interim. Namely during my twenties and thirties, when I was trying SO hard to fit in; I wore clothes that were somewhat fashionable at that time, but which were not flattering to my body shape. As is the case for many people, it was difficult to find one’s own stamp, let alone find outfits which accurately reflect one’s true personality.

It makes me sad when I look back at how awkward I used to be with my body. My self-confidence had been down the toilet my whole life, mainly because society and my peers deemed me to be too skinny and flat-chested to be considered attractive. I mean, I did the best with what I had, but I always felt like I was lacking. Clothes were a way to help disguise my insecurities.

Thank goodness things changed when I had my daughter. My focus shifted and became much healthier. It helped that I was happier than I had ever been, which in turn restored my self-confidence tremendously. This was probably the turning point at which I began figuring out how to dress for my body shape. 

It only took me about 35 years to get there — better late than never!

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My personal style doesn’t really fall into any category, in my opinion. I’m not sporty or casual. I’m not at all trendy. I don’t wear suits or slinky outfits. Maybe I’m dowdier than I’d like to think? Many items in my closet are things I’ve had for decades, which I blend with new items. While I absolutely adore French designers, I’m not a snob about mixing my good stuff with stuff frugally purchased from TJ Maxx or the thrift store.

The formula is old mixed with new, high with low. My secret, if it can be called that, is also a massive cliche: I wear what I love.

And I most certainly do not believe those old chestnuts about dressing for one’s age [“mutton dressed as lamb”], nor do I believe in making fun of other people’s style [“what ARE they wearing?!”]. Nobody cares about my opinion, and who am I to judge?!

Besides which, my Top Fashion Advice is always choose to be kind. Kindness is my favourite fashion accessory; it’s the best kind of beautiful.

Lots of love,

M xo

The English Maximalista’s Top Fashion Icons:

• My paternal grandmother
• Iris Apfel
• SJP
• Tilda Swinton
• Anna Wintour

Very Honourable Mentions:

• Amal Clooney (human rights attorney)
• Audrey Hepburn
• Blair Eadie (creator of Atlantic-Pacific)
• Miroslava Dumas (digital entrepreneur / writer)
• Queen Elizabeth II
• Queen Letizia of Spain
• Wendy James (singer in Transvision Vamp)

The English Maximalista’s Favourite Most Stylish Movies / TV Shows:

• A Single Man
• Blue Jasmine
• I Am Love
• Scandal (Olivia Pope, I love you!)
• SATC
• The Tourist