What Kind Of Belle Are You?
The term belle means beautiful is French. The noun form of beautiful is beauty.
Therefore the title reads "What type of Beauty Are You?"
Today we stand witnesses to the ongoing fashion trend that reinvents itself in current seasons and seasons to come.
In the late 60s/70s this was a prominent time period of good times, fads, and liberation. Many of the contemporary designers we know today gained their inspiration from this time period. There was a particular style that was based in the hippie culture. Popular in the Rock N' Roll Scene, and at dusk made its way into the discotheque (club scene attire has changed greatly). In present-day we call this style of dress Boho Chic. This accredited title of Boho Chic is a trend that began in 2011 even though it's been around for decades. Well known fashion bloggers and editors have taken an interesting attraction towards this style in which I join the movement.
The bell sleeve- an accentuated long sleeve forming the shape of a cow bell or a church bell.
Zara Trafa Luc Bell Sleeve Blouse.
Bell bottom- trousers that flare out at the hem and flows in motion
This particular style of the bell is my favorite structure given to any garment. I have many peices within my closet that is in the "Belle Formation"
We call these denim flares. Flares are the new age bell bottom. Bell bottom is old school.
We have entered into Spring/Summer 16' and designers around the globe are preparing their collection presentations. Will we see "les belles" out on the runways this season?
Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many do not find this style attractive. However, that is the beauty of building a personal style. One is able to understand what he or she is comfortable in, jump on the bandwagon or leave it for the masses. The "bell" trend is not for everyone just like culottes weren't for everyone. I on the other hand, adore a nicely cut and well tailored culotte.
The culotte is a revamped gaucho. The gaucho is a Capri of less quality. That is made with polyester or an inexpensive material and also has a high elasticity amount in it. The gaucho is basically a knee length bell bottom.
You can see how through the years pieces either get longer or shorter yet remain in the same family .
The Belle Family that is.
It's quite interesting how one upon a time the gaucho a popular piece to own in your closet. Yet, it gained a bad reputation and everyone now despises a gaucho.
In addition ,when the culotte made a re-appearance from the 80s/90s everyone said this is a gaucho but a high fashion version. I had to break it down to those that didn't quite understand. A gaucho and culotte are similar yet very different.
Cropped denim belle bottoms, Image found on Zara.com
Festival season is closer than we can blink. What will you wear to this years SXSW, Lalapalooza, Coachella, or Afropunk?
- Are you a belle that enjoys the freedom of an elongated sleeve? While feeling like a dove, draped in a cream, lace, dress? Paired with cowboy boots, cross-body satchel, floral crown and holographic shades.
- Are you a minimal belle that focuses on the simple things in life? A simple style of dress where there is no fuss. Plain and simple is your style yet you like your garments chic and over-sized. Your style is natural and effortless. Therefore you place on your chunky, cable knit pullover, cropped, bell bottom trousers and trainers.
- Do you find yourself dabbling in every style you can get your hands on? Therefore figuring out what type of belle you are would limit your style, when your style is limitless.
If you found your inner belle in any of these scenarios then you can now tell others what type of belle you are. The beauty of style is to not to put a category or give specifics when defining a given style. When trends appear it is your given choice to use it as an inspiration and you may or may not incorporate it into your daily style. There is not law or rules and regulations that says you have to be apart of this trend or else your not up to date (huge misconception).
Reminder: Be your own type of belle. Your style is limitless, don't allow the opinions of others stop the way you desire to wrap yourself in "gar-meants." (articles of clothing made for you and meant solely for your individual style)
Image From Moto Tags Along . Check It Out!
Thanks for reading,
-StylistaInMind