When I think about the collected look I think of people with style. What gives someone style? It’s not designer handbags or the latest cute booties. It’s not the newest clothes or haircut. The people who show up looking like Deborah Harry in the same kind of jeans you gave to charity a few years ago, have style. Stylish people know what looks good on them. They keep the same chic pieces in rotation and wear them like nobody’s business. They know what to hold onto and what always looks good. Being stylish takes effort, but it’s fun, smart and can be green too.
I’m not sure how stylish I am, but I’ve been kindly included with eight bloggers to share our versions of the collected look.
If you want to have style, instead of hitting the stores, first you must clean and purge your closet. This is something I am pretty dedicated to and do religiously multiple times a year. It always reminds me to wear and rediscover things that have been lying fallow in the back forty.
When you have culled the closet hopefully find some unique things that you love and still look great. These things that have stayed with you for years, perhaps decades, if you are close to my age. Those are the things that can take an outfit from bland to standout. Those are the bits that only you have, that give style, and make your look different than the rest.
Remember anyone can buy a designer bag and sadly many women believe that is something that’s going to make you stylish.. A lot of time, it’s just the opposite. I’m not opposed to good handbags, but sometimes people can look a little like they have no taste. You can have the latest $2,000 bag, but so can 40 other people at the mall! That is not style to me.
What is style is the cool pieces you collect and pull together. My friend Elizabeth (Contessa), is not fully dressed without her piles of bracelets and necklaces and lashings of color from a caftan or scarf. Ani, dear friend and another California gal, has a look that is super delicate-with dainty jewelry and lovely, feminine soft tops paired with cool jeans or khakis. Another friend E, adores Hermes-toned orange, pairs it with grey and has made it her signature color. My pal, Jill tall and willowy, has made her gamine cropped hair and pretty tailored clothes her signature. All of these gals look stylish because of the collected bits they put together in a unique way.
My ‘collected look’ usually means a jacket, and I mix with it vintage things I’ve found, inherited, and others I’ve hung onto for decades.
My Theory denim blazer I found for $12, at thrift store is so flattering I am getting compliments on it, five years on. I like showing the cool lining on the cuffs and here paired it with an oversized white James Perse T, pearls on a cord from Hawaii and my Stella bag.
Lately, my favorite extra piece is this faux fur shrug, handed down to me by dear Elizabeth. I wore it through the holidays, but I wasn’t ready to pack it away, so have been wearing it as a topper over my black Everlane turtleneck during the daytime.
A little leopard goes a long way in the style department, and vintage versions exponentially so. (By the way, shoes are old Zara- Stella McCartney lookalikes, but similar ones here. Jeans – Madewell demi-boot.) The Coach messenger bag I wear as a cross-body. It’s an 1970’s version I found years ago at Crossroads Trading for a few bucks. It is made and designed so beautifully, it’s a pleasure to wear, and I feel very French, as they love these bags.
The coolest part about the shrug is that no one has anything like this, and of course it came from someone I adore and love and so it is like a little hug from her when I wear it.
A few more looks where I’ve mixed it up..
My moto jacket and satin skirt with vintage danglers and a 30 year old Furla handbag I saved for, can’t part with.
Another decade old dark blazer jacket, pearls on a string, and a vintage slip of my grandmother’s worn as a top, ( I hacked it off with scissors.) Madewell jeans and white booties I bought a year ago.
Same Theory jacket, scarf from Kew Gardens, and Chloe sunglasses. I love using sunglasses as a hair accessory. (Working on the selfies obs.) I added cool teal J. Crew loafers I scored at a thrift shop, but they didn’t make it into photo.
Another idea is a knit stocking cap on chilly days with big glasses. Think Ali McGraw in Love Story. You don’t always need to wear a puffer with such things. Just add a massive scarf.
For the collected look, shop your closet, add special, unique things and hang onto the cool stuff. Reuse, recycle and reinvent items. Check out vintage shops like Crossroads Trading, and online places like The Real Real and your grandma’s house and your husband and kid’s closets!
Then have confidence in your own look. Mom always told me, ‘Kim, you don’t want to look like everyone else.’ It made me upset in seventh grade, but it’s in my brain now, thank you mom. Individuality is everything when it comes to style.
My favorite Oscar Wilde quote I have pinned to my desk.
Books I love on collected style-
Classic Style , Paris Street Style , The Cool Factor, and The Parisian Chic Lookbook
Now go visit these stylish blogs and see their take on the Collected Look-
the vintage contessa-elizabeth
What’s you collected look? Please share in the comments!
Kim
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I love all of it. That shrug is fabulous. The jeans and loose tee with a jacket is one of my favourite looks. You wear it all so well!
Thanks Jen!! I love that look and I almost took it out. Glad you like it.xo
I HAVE A FURLA BAG I bought in FLORENCE probably 33 years ago!I TOO can not part with it its MOCK CROCK!
The store in FLORENCE, ITALY was tiny at that time!It was before they REALLY TOOK OFF!!!!ARE they still around?
Well, I am so HONORED that the little leopard jacket I parted with and gave to YOU has found such a GOOD HOME!YOU look FANTASTIC IN IT!It was too short for me but I LOVED IT!I will get a THRILL every time I see it in a photo now on YOU!THANK YOU, I adore YOU TOO!
A BEAUTIFUL POST describing your CHUMS and their STYLE was the perfect added TOUCH!
YOU are a STYLE GAL through and through!!!
LOVE STORY!!!!!!!!!WE ALL WANTED TO BE HER!
YOU are a CALIFORNIA GIRL if there ever was ONE!
YOUR MOTHER WAS RIGHT!!!!YOU KNOW THAT NOW RIGHT……………..
XO
No kidding?? That is very cool and I have to see the bag. I saved for mine for a long time! I still adore it. They are still around and I bought another Furla in Venice about 8 years ago. Love their bags. Everyone like the part about my pals, so I will have to feature ya all soon! Thanks I know my mom knew what was cool. I was lucky. Thanks Elizabeth again for my beautiful shrug and your note. xoxo
Kim! I love your unique, effortlessly cool, casual chic style that’s as thoughtful as you are! The way you describe your faux fur shrug from ELIZABETH! I love you you describe that it’s like getting a hug every time you wear it! And those pearls from Hawaii on a leather cord. They are so beautiful! And long, which I love! Can’t wait to see you in March!
xo
Annie
Annie thank you – I feel lucky to be the shrug recipient!!! I need to find a source for my necklaces… I hunt them down in Hawaii and I know other want them. Loved your post and your looks so much Annie. You need to do more fashion!
What a clever idea to chop off the slip and wear it as a camisole. Only you can still pull that look off and look fabulous! I loved every one of these outfits. I can’t wait to pin them to my over 50 fashion board. You can dress like my daughter and daughter in law who are in their late 30’s. What an inspiration you are to the over 50 crowd. You are so kind to hang with us old ladies! LOVED this post!!
Cindy, thanks.. I’m pretty good at hacking at stuff. Did you see how Annie chopped off the sleeves on her denim shirt? So cool. Thanks for saying that.. you make me feel young. YOU look young and I wish to have your taste and style. Working on it and I have learned so much being your friend and following the blog!! xo
Great post! It’s so fun to connect and share ideas. I think we are all on the same page.
Kimberly we totally are.. LOVED your post, even better than mine explaining this philosophy!! xo
Love your look. The way you put it together looks so effortless. very French and Boho. I so agree with you about spending a fortune on bags and thinking it makes you chic. Nope. I love the casual shop your closet look. I hope someday, my granddaughter will shop my closet.I’ve got to shop mine also. But these is just an innate style that you have that I love. Wish I could be so effortless and it turn out like you. I think my effortless would just wind up looking like jogging pants and a hoodie, but at least with fabulous bracelets. You look wonderful and how is it you don’t age? Will you blog bout your skincare please?
Thanks Sandra!! You are so kind. And you really do have a very artist style! Those bracelets are amazing.. You have very cool taste. Thank you about the skin.. I think I just have chubby cheeks..it’s helped the aging. LOL!! I will blog about beauty soon xo
You have such a great style, Kim. I love what your mother told you. So true. We are all individuals.
LOVE the moto jacket and satin skirt and the outfit with your grandma’s slip…actually all of the outfits are chic and wearable.
And thanks for the book recommendations.
Mary Ann
Mary Ann, thank you. You’ll love the books!
This has been such a fun series and I’m not finished with the list of participants yet. I consider my style a mix of tailored and whatever I like when I find something that doesn’t fit the “tailored” description. Ha. I’m old enough to know what looks decent on me and I don’t worry too much about strictly following trends.
Karen
Karen so glad you enjoyed everyone’s posts. I love that you don’t follow trends and do what you love and know what feels like you!
Kim! You are stylish!!! Love all of your looks…I am wondering if your pearl necklace is available online? My DIL doesn’t like diamonds but she loves pearls. xox Lisa
Lisa thank you so much. I love these necklaces. They aren’t easy to find. I’ve found mine in Hawaii, by independent artisans, but I found something here on Etsy https://rstyle.me/+gftZKGckQ2BIqnLC7Z8ltQ and this from Hawaii.. https://rstyle.me/+bEgxmgIPPguXVzFunoqjJA Hope that helps!!
Thank you!!! xox
Kim,
I guess since I didn’t follow The Collected Look interpretation, I’ll share here since you asked. My Collected Style, I do like investing in beautiful, naturally made pieces and digging deep in my closet to experiment with different classic outfits.
Your style and recommendation for Collected Style, great tips, and I love your Northern Cali style- comfy classic chic.
Eugenia, You did a great job. I loved that bag! Experimenting is the best. I think we could all do more with what we had if we took time to try our clothes in more ways. It’s so much better than more shopping. Thank you Eugenia. Love your style also.xo
Oh my goodness…LOVE that leopard jacket!! I must have one in a much, much larger size lol.
Kelley, I bet your jacket is cool too! You should share a photo with me! Maybe I need to have a show your leopard post! Thanks Kelley. xo
What a wonderful way to get to know you! How amazing it is to be brought together by our mutual love for Elizabeth, aka Contessa! I know that I have a Furla bag or two hiding in the back 40 of my closet and now you have prompted me to go in search of them. I am a transplant from Upstate New York and have lived in San Diego for over years. My style still has a bit of the NY streets in it!
What a wonderful way to get to know you! How amazing it is to be brought together by our mutual love for Elizabeth, aka Contessa! I know that I have a Furla bag or two hiding in the back 40 of my closet and now you have prompted me to go in search of them. I am a transplant from Upstate New York and have lived in San Diego for over 30 years. My style still has a bit of the NY streets in it!
Hi Diana! I know isn’t Elizabeth the best? I adore her. Find your Furla!! I was trying to figure out where you live- at first I thought Italy when I read your blog post. I love the NY Street style! Looking forward to maybe seeing some of that on your blog??
Hi Kim, you really do have great style, you look chic and cool in all your photos! You also make your friends sound wonderful too (as I’m sure they are!). I’ve seen the Contessa online (she is quite amazing), but I assume the others are not bloggers – any chance you could persuade them to let you feature them on your blog?
Hi Patricia, Thanks so much and great idea. I am working on something like that for the new year I hope to share with you guys soon. xo
I like your style. It ‘s quite close to mine. Those pearls are beautiful and I really like how they’re on a string.
Lorna thank you! We are kindred spirits. xx
Kim love all of these looks! Really love this blogger topic too and it’s such a good one for you and our dear Contessa, was just at her blog I adore her so much. Your leopard shrug!! Wonderful and it suits you so well it’s just perfect. That Theory blazer too is so good. Love your colour palette and your way with accessories, great tips here for sure.
Hope your year is off to a great start and that you are happy and healthy xxx
Dani thank you.Isn’t Elizabeth so cool? Love her house collected style too!! Dani very kind of you as your wardrobe is so pretty and well-curated, it always inspires. Thanks so much. You should be in the next blog round-up. I would love to have seen your collected style. xo
These outfits are all spectacular examples of personal style. I love the way you dress Kim, it’s very original without being remotely over the top. Cool without being distant. Wonderful,
Lisa thank you for saying that. Very sweet of you!! xx
You have great personal style. You’re so right about the $2,000 + handbags, thinking it makes you instantly cool.
Love your collected looks and I think it’s time again for a closet clean out for me!
Kathy thank you so much. Love the cleaning the closet out this time of year. xo
Loving all The Collected Look posts. Each of you have a unique flare and I’ve taken away a little gem from every post. Your shrug from the Contessa is a treasure and suits you perfectly. I once read … wish I could recall where & who said it … that American women have too many clothes to be well dressed. I’ve tried to take that to heart but too often find myself with too many clothes and nothing to wear. As we prepare to move into our newly renovated home it’s time to do some serious closet editing. Thanks for the inspiration! xo
Juliet I enjoyed seeing how everyone did this post too. American women do have too many clothes. We would do well to be more like the Italian and French and have less and better,so smart and they look fantastic. I am with you on the nothing to wear.Feels like when there is too much there, you can’t see the good stuff through the weeds! I moved half my closet (summer clothes) out in an attempt to better see what I had and it kind of has made a big difference. I have never done that before. I still need to purge more too- and my new year’s resolution shop less and buy better. xx
Hi Kim, sorry I’m so late to the party here! 😂 busy weekend!
This is a truly excellent post! I’ve read it a few times … you write so well and you’ve included some really useful tips and advice. I always, not only enjoy your posts, but really relate to them, even though I’m older than you.
We’re rarely grateful for the advice our mums give us in our teens but appreciate it years later!
You look really stylish in all these outfits … yet very relaxed. Bien dans sa peau! Plus you always look amazing in a cami!
I’m going to try hard to do as you do and regularly re- assess and curate my wardrobe. Something I admit , that I’m hopeless at doing! I think I’ll try marking dates on my calendar… so it’s an appointment to actually do it 😊.
I once said to a friend that it would be an idea to pack two cases of our favourite outfits … one for a Winter holiday and one for a Summer one and apart from some special occasion outfits and accessories and probably extra jeans! … we should give away to charity ( or sell) everything else!!
I wish I could take my own advice!
Have a great week Kim.
Rosemary
Rosemary, No worries you are so sweet. Thank you so much. Yes the closet purge is so good for the budget and for making the coolest outfits! I love your idea – I need a suitcase of each, and yes the rest could go in the bin! Then we would really live how we want. xo