Ta da!
Peter now has a look he can call his own!
First, a reminder of how it all began. Peter wrote this post only last week and it caused quite a stir in the blogosphere. Obviously this was a cry for help, and as a fashion professional and family member -- his identical cousin, no less -- I immediately intervened.
But back to Peter's new look:
Peter is a "summer" and looks best in colors that have gray undertones. Black is a little harsh on him unless paired with softer grays or pinks.
First, a reminder of how it all began. Peter wrote this post only last week and it caused quite a stir in the blogosphere. Obviously this was a cry for help, and as a fashion professional and family member -- his identical cousin, no less -- I immediately intervened.
But back to Peter's new look:
Peter is a "summer" and looks best in colors that have gray undertones. Black is a little harsh on him unless paired with softer grays or pinks.
Remarkably, most of what comprises Peter's new look he owned already. Here's what I dug out of his wardrobe once we'd decided on a palette:
Crimson knit short sleeve shirt
Dark gray waffle weave long-sleeve tee
Jeans (sewn by Peter)
Gray vintage leather jacket
Black leather jacket
Blue gingham short sleeve shirt (sewn by Peter)
Off-white Indian print scarf
Pink Indian print scarf
Plaid gray, blue and rust wool scarf
Gray zipper cardigan
Flowered warp print suit (sewn by Peter)
Medium gray linen H&M suit
Medium gray linen H&M suit
Crimson tank top
White linen pants
White Converse High tops
Pendleton wool Vans
Black wing tip shoes
Black leather belt
Rope sandals (www.gurkeesandals.com)
Crimson wool beret
Rayon scarf (from leftover wrap dress fabric)
Sheet shirt (sewn by Peter)
Black Nike swimsuit
Blue square cut swimsuit
Here's what we added (all from the Salvation Army unless otherwise noted). With the exception of the sunglasses, nothing cost more than $6.99:
Gray nylon polyfill vest
Black and gray striped merino wool cardigan
Gray, red, and white Argyle plaid vest
Pale gray ski cap with red and black stripe
Liver-red wool pullover sweater
Black felt fedora
Gray fedora
Denim-blue heavy wool shirt
Geek glasses (from Reminiscence)
Oversize Gertie glasses (from Reminiscence)
Gunmetal gray sunglasses (from Rite Aid Pharmacy!)
That's it.
We found the gray fedora after we already had the black one and we both prefer the gray: it's softer.
We had a lot of back and forth over eyeglasses. Good quality vintage style frames are expensive ($200+). The frames you'll see in his photo shoot are essentially props. Since he doesn't wear glasses, Peter is reluctant to wear frames with clear glass; that's his choice. The sunglasses are real and will be worn, however.
We had a lot of back and forth over eyeglasses. Good quality vintage style frames are expensive ($200+). The frames you'll see in his photo shoot are essentially props. Since he doesn't wear glasses, Peter is reluctant to wear frames with clear glass; that's his choice. The sunglasses are real and will be worn, however.
People with a look accessorize carefully. Scarves, hats, shoes and eyecatching patterns make an otherwise ordinary outfit look unique. Fit, especially for a short person, is critical. We went for some interesting shapes and patterns that wouldn't overpower him.
Consider the photos in the album below like a fashion show: some outfits are more dramatic and merely show what is possible. We tried to stay away from the overly costume-y, but that's very much in the eye of the beholder.
I invite you to view our entire photoshoot here.
I think you'll agree that most of Peter's new look is entirely wearable. We included some summer outfits, including swimsuits -- de riguer for any spring fashion show.
I think you'll agree that most of Peter's new look is entirely wearable. We included some summer outfits, including swimsuits -- de riguer for any spring fashion show.
Peter's lifestyle is casual, hence there are no formal clothes in this album, though it does include two suits, one of which Peter made himself. (A white shirt and tie could dress up either one.) He walks a lot so there is no style-over-comfort footwear.
I'd define Peter's look as urban preppy with a twist of nerd, a splash of jock, and a peacock chaser.
One of the best aspects of the look concept is that it gives Peter direction for new sewing projects: he's not just picking colors willy-nilly. Most of us work better when we have some structure to steer our creativity. Otherwise we're often overwhelmed by limitless possibilities.
So, which outfit is your favorite? Any combination we've missed that you'd like to see?
I'd love to hear your feedback!
In closing, I'd like to thank my cousin Peter for the opportunity to re-make his wardrobe, re-style him, and imho give him a look worthy of the creator of Male Pattern Boldness. I know this is going to open doors for me professionally, too!
Tootles, all, and don't forget to get your Cousin Cathy's Makeover Challenge entries in by midnight tonight. Peter will be back tomorrow.
Love ya!
Cathy
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