It took me a long time to develop a fashion sense. As a kid, I’d wear most anything, easily guided by what my friends wore or what the stores put on display. Even in college, I suffered from sartorial multiple personality disorder, buying most anything that fit me since having pants long enough to cover my ankles was one of my only real requirements. Sometimes I felt like throwing on a power suit with a t-shirt underneath. Other times, I’d wear pearls and long skirts with a woven basket for a handbag. From rocker chick to flower child, I wore it all without any great preference, trying on clothes like new personalities.
In fact, choosing a favorite of anything – books, restaurants, songs, you name it—has always been practically impossible for me. To the point that I never thought I’d really have an individual sense of style.
But lo and behold, it happened sometime over the last ten years. I almost never wear a hockey jersey to the mall anymore (okay, maybe in playoff season). And as I look in my closet now, I no longer see a hodgepodge of pieces I kind of like. I look in there and see ME.
Part of it is a lifetime of seeing myself in mirrors and photos and developing a better eye for what looks best on me. Some clothes I simply have no business wearing—the photo evidence in the family albums don’t lie and they were educational in helping me choose things that were not only more flattering, but more reflective of me.
I find this kind of interesting lately as I sometimes think I suffer from writing personality disorder. I like to write historical, contemporaries, romantic suspense, and hey—if there’s a slot open for a time travel Blaze, I’m first in line. But my recent closet epiphany—the blend of a mishmash of clothing that finally morphed into a genuine sense of style—has encouraged me that maybe the direction I’m headed in professionally is just fine. Maybe I need to try on the romantic suspense and the historical and the fun, warm-hearted stories to find my most true voice. I like to think that—like my fashion sense—I’ll end up with a uniquely blended assortment of influences that culminate in something original. Something truly reflective of my perspective on the world.
Until then, I’m glad that readers seem to be patient with me as I write my way to my most authentic voice. One day, I’ll look back and see just where I was headed all along—a great design taking shape that was evident from the very beginning.
And if not, at least I’ll have the comfort of a wardrobe that I really like.
*** What about you? Have you gravitated toward a sense of style, or—like me in the early years—are you a likely candidate for What Not to Wear? Tell me your greatest fashion find or faux pas and I’ll give one random poster a signed copy of a book from my backlist (reader’s choice, assuming I have it in stock).
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I have no sense of style. I used to, but now I am a mom and, frankly, just getting to where I need to go (putting on makeup if I am going out in public to something like a school and looking somewhat decent). My husband last night said that I needed to dress up, but I am a SAHM and I am constantly on the go.
Just remember, “The best style is a great smile”. It goes with anything!
I am a geek, a nerd, a non-fashionista. I never follow trends, but in my younger days, I was “a dresser”. I had the type of office jobs where a professional appearance was mandatory. I always matched my handbags to my shoes, even if I had to frequently change handbags. People used to remark about my makeup, clothes and accessories. What they didn’t realize was that I was a TOTAL bargain shopper. I mean TOTAL. I have an eye for color, and I used to buy a lot of mix-and-match separates that were 90 percent off! Just about everything I wore was a clearance item, even my makeup! I wore heels to work everyday, even for jobs where I stood most of the time. Those days are long gone. Those jobs are long gone! I’m all for jobs where “business casual” and “casual Friday” are the dress code standards.
I did have a favorite dress from my very young fashion days. It was a clearance rack knock-off of the famous Diane Von Furstenberg “wrap dress”. I still have the dress, a pretty turquoise and white print. If I still had the body that went with the dress when it was new, I’d put on that wrap dress and strut my stuff! Yes, I’d be out of style, but I would look good : )
As far as your writing style…explore, explore, explore! What is good for you, whatever brings you enjoyment to research and to write, will be good for your reader. An author’s love of subject and pleasure in telling the story comes through in their work. No matter what the genre may be, a well-told tale will find an appreciative audience.
Loved your post, Virginia… thank you!!!
Go ahead and put me on What Not To Wear LOL. My daughter has already told me I have no style. She’s 11. I told her my style is comfort and when she is my age, she will have the same style!
Good Morning Joanne! I have always had two sides of me when it comes to fashion. In my everyday style I am toatlly a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl. With 3 kids I just want to be comfy and not have to worry about someone ruining my clothes. But I have the girly side of me that loves to dress up in dresses and flirty tops, put on makeup and do my hair. Of course now a days the comfy side of me is here more often then the girly side, but when she comes out to play it’s always fun!
Cant wait to read “Double Play” when it comes out! Have a great day!!! (*)
You know, I might have overstated the case about my sense of style. I, too, work at home and spend 50% of my waking hours in pajama pants and t-shirts. That’s my work uniform and I love it! In that arena, my only sense of style is that– when the cold weather comes, I trade my duckling PJ bottoms for snowmen and skating penguins. Really high brow stuff ;-).
However, I finally feel like my other clothes– the ones I meet the world in– are finally just right. I no longer shop according to what’s in stores, but what I like. And when I find what I love, I’ll buy lots and dole it out sparingly over a couple of years so that I always have fresh cotton shirts or knit dresses in the shape/style I like best. Of course, part of that is having a little more cash flow now than when I was in my twenties, but it’s also a product of being wise enough to know that the styles that fit and that I like might not come around again for a decade, so it’s better to stock up .
Yes, I think major league baseball should be played without shirts. Oh wait that wasn’t the question?
First I have to say I’m very excited about the new book because it’s baseball. I love the cover!
I’m usually in t-shirts and jeans. I’m most comfortable in them. I have recently been buying different style shirts, more feminine I guess you can say. I’m not a girl that likes skirts and dresses. So my sense of style is very comfortable. Plus if you ask what certain clothes are called I couldn’t tell you.
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Grinning… Nicole, I learned all those terms from Style with Elsa Klensch. http://www.elsaklensch.com/ I think it’s the only TV show I watched as a teenager. Adored Elsa. Looking back, I think it’s great that she talked about wonderful style instead of picking on people who couldn’t dress, the way fashion television does now!
I am far from fashionable… I have a few nice things for going out, but the rest is all comfortable… I love T-shirts! (*)
I do not dress very trendy. I do not follow the fashion trends.
I stick with a few basics that last for years.
Your cover looks hot!!! Can’t wait to read.
Thank you! I really liked this couple and the way their story unfolded. They have a fun meet!
Though my style’s more feminine now, once in a while I wear my hockey jersey, too, sometimes you just have to support your team even if it isn’t the most flattering look.
As for your writing, I totally applaud trying on different styles, it’s brave to step out of your comfort zone, and keeps things interesting for your readers. Can’t wait to try your latest, I love athletic heroes.
Well thank you, Summer. There is a little bit of industry pressure to “build a brand” so readers know what to expect. And while I want to make readers happy, I’d like it if my brand could be “eclectic” .
Yeah, I’m not much of a fashionista. My favorite clothes are sweats. I have them in varying colors. When I have to dress up for something special, I have to dig back in the dark recesses of my closet to find something suitable.
My style is comfort…I’m retired & entitled to wear whatever I like! When I was much younger I loved dressing up, loved clothes, shoes the whole enchaladia!! Now I just want comfort, the body just isn’t what it used to be. Dressing up now is better pants and dressier tops!!
Even my shoes need to be comfortable and something I can actually walk in.
I’m not a baseball fan but I am looking forward to reading double play. (Y)
Donna, speaking of comfortable shoes, I have become a major fan of Birkenstocks in the last ten years. I have rheumtoid arthritis, so I must cave to the wants of my toes when it comes to shoes and Birkenstocks are awesome. I’ve never worn a more comfortable shoe. And I can make flip flops work with anything :-)!! If only I lived in warmer weather…
No trendy fashions for me–never has been. At my age (&, truly, always) I buy for comfort–having IBS, I look for whatever doesn’t provide pain in my waist area–sweats are great. I’ve always been a thrifty shopper–buying mostly all-cotton, made by companies that I know whose clothes hold up to washing & hanging outdoors to dry. I have occasional silk items for special events, but, buying cotton, doesn’t require trips to the cleaners, an “up” in my book. When I see how some people buy for the designer’s name, I don’t understand it. Everyone to her own, but, it’s just strange to me.
Patricia
Since I no longer work, my sense of style, as thin as that thread was, is now gone. I also mostly wear PJ pants and T shirts during the day. I was only recently shocked to learn shoulder pads no longer acceptable. WHAT?? LOL! (C)
Hi, Karyn!
Whenever I think of shoulder pads, I think of Joan Collins and Linda Evans on “Dynasty”! Those shoulder pads were so big, I used to remove the ones from my jackets and use them as throw pillows! I think some of them were almost big enough for bed pillows : )
shoulder pads have always been frightening on me as I have square-ish shoulders anyhow Add shoulder pads = instant linebacker.
i can’t say that I have any style. I am a preschool teacher and wear clothes that are stained with paint and that are ok to get more paint on. I try to set the example to the kids and parents alike that you have to get dirty to have fun in learning
But, when I am not with these young minds, I love to dress up. I love to find sales on the off seasons on things that are in style now. I will wear these things with whatever I can find to spice it up in my closet(s) 
I am not a fashion diva, but I try to dress my age and to be happy with what I have on in my body!!
My biggest fashion find was a very simply cut DKNY suit at an outlet for only $150. It was back in the day when I was very very tiny. Oh how I miss those days. Now I bargain shop at Peebles and Target.
I used to consider wearing pants without elastic waist bands dressing up. No style.
Oh, I’m definitely a candidate for What Not to Wear. I work with kids, so usually opt for comfort over style, but I have a feeling that even if I didn’t work with kids, I’d still go for comfort. One of my greatest fashion faux pas is probably wearing white socks with black pants.
When i was little, my mom had an edict when it came to my outfits. If it’s clean and it matches, we’re out the door, because i picked out my outfits. So i never wore plaids with stripes or clashing colors thanks to her. I was pretty tomboyish and used to dress it. Now at 17, the tom-boyishness remains, but the tomboy wardrobe does not. My style is now very feminine and girly and flirty. I am the girl that immediately gravitates towards the pink, the dresses and the skirts in a store. In short, I’m a total girly-girl. And I’m also my family’s resident fashionista, i read all the fashion magazines and keep up with all the trends. I love What Not To Wear. To quote that corny Nancy Kwan song “I enjoy being a girl”. Great cover for Double Play, I’ll keep my eye out for it.
I’m from the vintage where one had to wear skirts or dresses to class (grade school-HS). In college I had the freedom to wear anything, which for me translated into jeans, t-shirts and sweaters.
I’ve never followed the crowd. I worked as a nurse so I had to wear a uniform to work. Luckily we could wear colored tops.
I’m still a fashion nightmare according to my trendy daughter.
i am no t treandy by all means but i can be matchy matchy to much lol
love the cover of the books whoo (W)
(F) (F) We have a winner!!! Congratulations to Cim Hardt, winner of the choice of my backlist books. Please do email me your choice of my books (first choice and an alternate) by visiting my website http://joannerock.com/bookshelf.html. Then, just email me, jrock008@gmail.com your choices along with a mailing address, and I’ll ship it right out!
Thank you so much to everyone for visiting!
Thanks everyone
Congrats Cim! (*)
Congrats Cim!!