Charli and Ariel

   While sifting through the seemingly infinite offerings from fashion houses each season (or shopping in general), I've come to the conclusion that all collections fit neatly into one of two categories.  Two categories of women, that is. I have named these archetypes Charli and Ariel.

Charli                     Ariel

intellectual               emotional

minimalist                 creative/imaginative/embellished

masculine/androgynous      feminine

well thought out           on a whim/whimsical

classic                    trendy/ risk taking/experimental

cool and 'together'        ethereal and 'dreamy'

solids, very little color  patterns,colors,sparkles,textures,artsy

mature                     youthful

signature accessories      over-accessorized

   

                                                                              (Cavalli)

(Rodarte)

                                                               (Rick Owens)

    (Rick Owens)

     (Dries Van Noten)

   

     All women feel the temptation of Ariel. A bright new color, an exciting new shape, Ariel is very seductive, and part of being a woman is allowing yourself to fall under the spell of her sparkles.  Ariel adorns us and elevates us to wear more than our mundane, day to day uniform. Young girls intuitively embody Ariel, dressing themselves with creativity, bravely mixing patterns, pulling their inspiration from princesses in imaginary lands. Older women who shamelessly wear what pleases them- regardless of what society says an older woman should be wearing- are dressing from their inner Ariel. Eternally youthful, Ariel is an artist, using clothing to express herself. In other words, Ariel keeps life interesting.

     (My favorite designers who embody Ariel include Dries Van Noten, Marni, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Missoni, Rodarte, Etro)

                                      (Celine)

(Stella McCartney)

(Jil Sander)

     Year after year, Charli is that which remains. Suits, white collared shirts, little black dresses, trench coats, red lipstick, and classic leather totes, Charli never lets us down! Borrowing from menswear, Charli will be taken seriously, dammit. Intellectual and mature, a Charli wardrobe is built slowly over time, using a minimalist approach. Very discerning, Charli focuses on design and the quality of the fabric, wanting things to last. Charli is timeless.

      (My favorite designers who consistently show Charli looks include Celine, Costume National,  Stella McCartney, YSL, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander)

  
     Sometimes an outfit can have elements of both women. Charli for the perfectly tailored basics, and Ariel for the decorative accessories. Charli gives us peace of mind, while Ariel brings inspiration. Too much Charli, and life becomes boring. Too much Ariel, and people will not take you seriously. The more you look, the more you'll realize that all fashion can be categorized this way.  Having vascillated my whole life from one extreme to the other, I am more and more looking for the sweet spot right in the middle. When I find it, I think, "Fenya! That's what I'm talking about!"

   Are you more of a Charli or more of an Ariel?