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Friday, September 26, 2014

Global Style

Global Style


















I love that more than any other time during the history of the world women are not as defined by what they wear. The countless number of styles available today is epic. It is, therefore, with pleasure that I decided to accept an invitation by Smartling, a translation service company, to blog about my style and how it has been influenced by other cultures.

There is no doubt that my mother and grandmother initially influenced my style but upon consideration it is equally apparent that they in turn wore fashions that largely originated from other cultures. Ladies and gentleman emigrated to the U.S. dressed in attire from their native homeland. The reverse also happened. Ladies and gentleman whom traveled abroad brought back garments and accessories they purchased during their global travels. It was rather predictable that individuals would adopt clothing that appealed to them from whichever parts of the globe they had visited. The same still holds true today. If you keep up with fashion news you are certainly aware that fashion designers get a lot of the inspiration for their collections from their travels.

My style easily fits into the eclectic style category. Some might say this is because I am indecisive about which style I like best. The true reason, however, is that I have a rebelliousness that responds to constant change. The concept of being able to change how people view me every day is extremely attractive. I am driven to balance the classic with the edgy because that is just who I am. I also have a love for 70s culture which is sometimes reflected in the pieces that I wear. I love fringe elements, crochet pieces, faux-fur vests, floppy hats and fedoras. 70s clothing does not define my style, however.  I would never create a head-to-toe 70s inspired look. I choose to take elements from different cultures and time frames in our global history and incorporate them into my outfit to create a look all my own.
 
Joan Smalls for Free People; Source
 
 
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I love pairing vintage accessories with contemporary clothing. I have quite a collection of vintage hats from the 1940s and 1950s that I adore pairing with modern pieces. One of my favorite outfits consists of pairing my black leather Max Studio dress with a 1950s American made hat from my collection. Just picture one of the hats below paired with the dress that follows. They perfectly represent my eclectic style.
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Alexander Wang mixed-media wrap dress; Source
 
There are multiple items on my list of fashion must-haves list like trench coats, leather garments, boots and booties, fringe embellished items that were created or adapted by cultures far from my own.
 
Herve Leger Fall 2014; Source
 

Over the years, I have come to recognize that I am drawn to clothing that originates from all over the world. I have, for instance, two treasured trench coats amongst my wardrobe that consists of a Michael Kors gold metallic trench coat and a Miss Sixty black trench coat. The Michael Kors trench coat is synonymous with All-American glamour, of course, while the Miss Sixty trench coat symbolizes the type of European chic that I find so appealing.
 
Burberry Prorsum Resort 2015; Source
 

Burberry; Source
 
I have a strong love for leather which accounts for my collection of leather jackets, dresses and skirts. Leather garments are historically affiliated with so many cultures and continue to be produced all over the globe from the United States to Italy to India which proves that leather has universal appeal. I am not nor ever was a member of subcultures like punks, heavy metal heads and goths but I think some of the garments and accessories they wore is dynamic. I love that by adding a leather jacket to any ensemble I can add an instant edge to my look.

Alexander McQueen leather dress (It looks like my leather dress!); Source
 

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My wardrobe also consists of several pairs of boots and booties. I love that they can be paired with a pair of skinny jeans one day and a skirt the next. This summer I acquired a white mesh and leather pair of Sesto Meuccia booties crafted in Spain that quickly became one of my favorite pair of booties. One of my favorite pair of boots is from American brand Anne Klein. They are a beautiful blend of black patent leather and fabric. The booties below perfectly represent the type of booties I like. Can you see a theme? If you guessed edgy you are right; however, I also have a bit of that 70s bohemian within me like one of my favorite style icons, Kate Moss.
 
Kate Moss for Topshop; Source

 
 
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Boots and booties were originally created and worn for the following reasons by members of cultures all over the world: to help protect the feet of nomads in the ancient Far East, to protect the feet and legs of European knights from being injured during medieval wars and to shelter the feet and lower legs of American cowboys during the Old West. Their purpose has moved far beyond just a type of functional footwear. They are undoubtedly one of the most popular types of footwear in the fashion industry.

Now that I have shared with you why I have an eclectic style that incorporates garments originally created and worn by a variety of cultures I hope you choose to share your style influences with me.

Additional information about Smartling can be found on their website at http://www.smartling.com/product.

           

54 comments:

  1. Es cierto que hoy en día tenemos influencias de todo tipo de estilos, por eso no tenemos unas modas tan marcadas como en épocas anteriores, los años 20, 30,40,50,60,70,80,90, sino que las temporadas se van inspirando en épocas anteriores y hay de todo en el mercado. Yo me identifico mucho con el punk de los 80, adaptado lógicamente... Como tu adoro el cuero!
    Me ha encantado leer tu post y saber algo más de tí!
    Feliz finde, besos

    http://www.diseneitorforever.blogspot.com.es

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    1. Thanks, Emilia. I could have shared so much on this topic. It was really difficult to limit this post to just a few cultural influences. When I started thinking about this topic I was actually amazed by how much we wear that actually originated from other cultures. I am so glad you enjoyed reading this post.

      Sharon

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  2. First let me begin by stating that the riveted black booties are stunning! Like you, I am greatly influenced by other cultures and decades. I absolutely love the ladylike appeal of the 50s and find that when I do vintage shopping, I often search for pieces from this era. I'm also influenced by the California culture (for which I was born and raised). I love the southwestern looks of Indian and Mexico. Though these fashions are currently on trend, for me they are a part of my lifestyle. And of course, I adopt many looks from boho, which is also a strong look for California.

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    1. Glenda:

      This topic was really challenging for me but so rewarding. Once I started the words really flowed and I found that I still could not touch on all of the cultural influences that have defined my style because this post really would have been extremely lengthy. I am so happy that you understand what I was trying to accomplish. My goal was to try to make my readers really think about how much culture has impacted style and fashion, in general. I so agree with you sometimes what we wear is based on where we are located geographically. Southwestern looks are fantastic and I really see southwestern culture's influence on a variety of prints. Boho culture has had an enduring influence on my style for sure. Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate your analysis. I always enjoy reading your comments. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

      Sharon

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  3. Hi Sharon!
    What a great blog! I really like your original approach how you put your posts together and that you write about interesting topics. You can see that you think about the content of your posts! I especially enjoyed your artikel about pointy shoes :), tips for a Vegas trip and your last post! I love the pictures you added, it's a great inspiration!

    I would describe my style as a combination of Eastern en Western Europe (I was born in Czech Republic and live my whole adult life in The Netherlands), so the feminine world meets the trendy world :). My style changes with me, as you can see on the pictures during my blogging time!

    xx, Marky
    www.mypinkboudoir.eu

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    1. Thank you, Marky. I enjoy your blog and look forward to continuing to follow your style journey. I really enjoy learning about what influences everyone's style. As I was writing this post I was hoping the entire time that I would get to learn more about my readers. It inspires me when I receive feedback about my posts and brings me much joy to get to know you better.

      Sharon

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    1. Thanks, Maggie. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

      Sharon

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  5. Hi dear and thank you for your visit!!! Hello Sharon. I like this post. Is really exhaustive and complete. Sorry for my bad English but I write with Translate. The fashions of the past years also influence me. I started following you on G+! Hope your follow back! What do you think to follow us also in Bloglovin? Kisses,
    Eni

    http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it/

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    1. Hello, Eni:

      Thank you for your comment. It makes me feel great to know that you enjoyed reading this post. I have followed you on google + and on Bloglovin also. I look forward to staying in touch.

      Sharon

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  6. Everything's wow! I love Alexander Wang a lot :)

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Elena. Alexander Wang is a strong creative force with endless ideas. I always look forward to his collections.

      Sharon

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  7. Love this post! I'm also often inspired by vintage style, love pairing it with modern pieces. I looks like you have a great style (my impression after reading you blog for awhile), I'd love to see pictures of your outfits :)
    www.StylebyOlia.com

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    1. I am thrilled that you love this post, Olga. I enjoy writing about fashion and style more than I enjoy putting together my own outfit posts. I do, however, plan on doing more outfit posts since it has been awhile since I featured any here. I appreciate your feedback so much and hope you continue to visit.

      Sharon

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  8. I love mixing the stuff I buy during my trip! Bangles, peruvian knits, e.t)))

    Thanks for visiting my blog, Sharon!

    Anastasia

    http://fashionpeekaboo.com

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    1. Thanks so much for your visit and you comment, Anastasia. I love mixing different cultural pieces too which makes me such a style chameleon.

      Sharon

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  9. Great post

    bises
    Ann'so M
    http://annsom.blogspot.fr/

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    1. Hi, Ann'so:

      Thank you so much. I have followed you on google +. I thought I already was so wanted to make sure I can stay abreast of your posts.

      Sharon

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  10. Such a great post! I love the leather dress and the booties and the trench..... Lol! I have a classy and "ladylike" style but sometimes I love to wear leather and boots and try out with differents styles... I take some of your garments and I'll make my own version.
    Have a wonderful week ahead sweetie! ♥

    www.myladytrends.com

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    1. Thank you, Rosa. I love mixing pieces from different types of fashion. It is all about being creative. I hope you have a wonderful week.

      Sharon

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  11. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Mira. I am so glad you found this post to be interesting. I enjoyed my visit to your blog. I hope we can stay in touch.

    Sharon

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  12. really great post Sharon! culture has really affected my style as well and i really enjoyed this post!

    Kris

    http://thegirlwhocriedchic.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Kris. I appreciate your comment so much.

      Sharon

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  13. hello sweetie!
    wooow! really great style!
    love your selection! everything is so awesome!
    I like your blog!!! Also I`m here the first time so I wanna to ask you
    how about followeach other? I always follow back so let me know, please :)
    Keep in touch
    have a great day!!! :)
    kisses


    www.thegrisgirl.blogspot.com.es

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    1. Hello, Ines:

      I really appreciate your compliment and am pleased you enjoyed this post. I have visited your blog. It is terrific. I love the layout and the creativity of your posts. I have followed you on google + and hope you will follow back.

      Sharon

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  14. What an informative post! You have such great style, I absolutely LOVE the Alexander Wang mixed media dress.

    www.kumbearxo.com

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    1. Thank you, Kumba. I am so happy you found this post to be interesting.

      Sharon

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  15. Sharon, I always enjoy reading your posts. Great style and choices. xo

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  16. I agree, vintage always makes an outfit look fabulous!!
    you have a great eye!!

    XOX
    ANDREA

    www.withloveandrea.com

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    1. Hello, Andrea:

      Yes, it does. I love to incorporate vintage clothing and accessories or pieces that replicate vintage style into my looks when I can. I really like to mix them with modern pieces. You so get my style.

      Sharon

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  17. Great selection with fabulous boots!! Thanks for the sweet comment you left on the blog. Your post are very informative too and always enjoy reading it.
    www.effortlesslady.com

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    1. Thank you, Diana. Your words really mean a lot to me.

      Sharon

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  18. Well, today I would try Source's high-heel-booties :)))

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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    1. Hello, Elena:

      I always love hearing from you. Thank you so much for visiting. We should stay in touch.

      Sharon

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  19. Great post, as always. So many amazing pieces , really inspiring.

    http://ninasstyleblog.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi, Nina:

      Thank you. I enjoy reading your posts, as well. I have followed you on Bloglovin so we can stay in touch.

      Sharon

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  20. I really appreciate your comment so much, Kristin.

    Sharon

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  21. Thank you, Tania. I hope you have a great weekend.

    Sharon

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  22. Great pieces dear
    Wanna follow each other
    Let me know

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    1. Thank you, I visited your blog and enjoyed reading your recent post. I would love to follow each other. I will follow you now on google +. Please follow back.

      Sharon

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  23. The black dresses and the hoodies are amazing!!!
    www.fashionphases.com

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    1. Glenda:

      Thanks. I am so glad you like some of the items I featured here.

      Sharon

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  24. OMG, those shoes, those shoes, I'm in love!
    xoxo
    http://pandamone.blogspot.com/2014/10/coralove.html

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    1. Hi, Maja:

      The shoes are spectacular. I am so glad you agree with me on that. I am so drawn to shoes that make a statement.

      Sharon

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  25. Great picks! I am loving those blue peep toe wedges!
    Dresses & Denim

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    1. Thank you. The booties are so cute and the color of them makes them even more so. I am so glad you visited. I hope you have a great week.

      Sharon

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  26. Thank you very much for your sweet comment! I think I'm supposed to translate my texts into English in the future, haha.
    I really love that black dress of Alexander Wang, it is spectacular!
    xox Charlotte www.fashion-verlottert.de

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    1. Hello, Charlotte:

      Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It really means a lot. I look forward to your future posts. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

      Sharon

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  27. Amazing correspondence as always. I love your syntax and diction of writing, it truly makes me understand and identify exactly how things correlate in terms of the history of fashion and functionality. With the mixture of cultures, I definitely like things from all over. I love leathers, love classic and slouchy styles all around with a little quirkiness mixed in.

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    1. Leather, suede and lace are some of my favorite textiles. I, especially, love leather so much. I am glad we have that in common. I am so glad you like this post. I sometimes struggle with whether I am framing my explanations properly so it made me happy to read your comment. I have noticed your quirky style and really like how you experiment with prints. I am so glad we continue to stay in touch.

      Sharon

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  28. Love how you incorporate fashion history & fun information in all of your posts!! And your images as usual are so well curated. Now can we talk about the amazing printed shoes on this post?

    xo Cristina

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    1. Thanks, Cristina, and we sure can. I absolutely adore the black high-heel grommet booties in this post and the leopard print booties are fabulous. The moccasin boots really mesh with my boho side too. What can I say? I am mad about shoes. I am happy you like some of the shoes in this post too.

      Sharon

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