Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

April flowers…

These past couple of weeks have been crazy! I have been running wild doing 3D Fashion Technology and editing my Junior collection for the fashion show. I am also trying to finish off my semester really strongly but also make connections/look for jobs because senior year is coming up! Lately, I’ve been thinking about what I want my theme to be for my senior collection which is really important. I want it to be so extraordinary compared to my previous construction projects. I’m thinking of channeling one of my favorite projects called: Serpentine Siren which was a Technology project that was futurisic, flowy, the fabric had a “wet” look, and it was almost pastel + a neutral mix in colors. Very light flowy pinks, blues, whites, and beiges. What do you think? One of my other ideas was a Marie Antoinette Vengeance collection with highlights from fashion directly before the French Revolution. I have taken lots of inspiration from Marie Antoinette and her maximalism in fashion but also the mermaid-y look. I also need song recommendations too. Picking my song for this year was so much fun. I did “Government Hooker” by Lady Gaga and I can’t wait to do my music for next year. Pray for me in these coming weeks and if you have any advice for me for my choice in collection style or music- contact me!

XOXO, Lydia

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Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

MARCH!

It’s Spring Break time so I figured I would dive into some things that are coming into view. First of all, Fashion Month was last month and there were some shows worth talking about. I really like the direction that Gucci has taken especially with the embellishments. Specifically, the embellished sequin long cardigan. Futuristic, cool, and innovative! We’ve heard all about Louis Vuitton now that Pharrell is the creative director- we love the western switch up. I’m HERE for it! Chloé was one of my favorite shows. That, and Schiaparelli- of course. Celine was also very good as well! I want to dive into the shows I didn’t like so much in my next blog. I have also seen a sudden rise in micro mini shorts- which we could have predicted based on the micro mini skirt. Also, I have noticed the need for large belts that can go over pant loops or even cinch the waist. I have a Pinterest link on my home page that you can check out if you’d like to see these trend forecasts right now! XOXO, Lydia :)

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Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

MICRO TRENDS + OVERCONSUMPTION

It all begins with an idea.

We all see the “milk blush summer” or “mob wife era” trends on our social media. The micro trend influencing has been consuming our minds and social media since 2019. This type of switching from trend to trend each month or couple of months is very tiring for people who try to keep up with the latest trends and it causes a lot of people to over-consume.

If you are one of these people, don’t worry! I’m here to help guide you through finding your own style and picking and choosing things that YOU like and best fit your body type and skin complexion, etc. Finding your proportions and your BEST colors/patterns. There are going to be some patterns you love and some you hate! You can’t love them all.

The most important thing here though is that we slow down the paying attention to “what everyone is wearing” and focus on what “I” am wearing and what looks best on “me!” On this same topic, next blog I will talk about conscious fashion forecasting and how to adopt this into your wardrobe with things you already own!

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Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

fashion forecasting

It all begins with an idea.

This is intended for your own closet! Fashion forecasting + being conscious of what you are consuming/buying can be difficult at times. One trick that I have heard people talk about is creating a list of what YOU believe that you NEED in your closet in the coming months or whatever.

Making a list and checking it off whenever you buy something on that list can aid you in going against your impulse buying sense and waiting to purchase something that you actually need.

For example, for me, I have a couple of different things. One, I had cowgirl boots on my list because I have wanted a pair for a very long time. (I live in Nashville but they’re definitely cool everywhere) but I have since crossed that off my list and continued to not just buy everything I like but thinking about it long term. Where am I going to wear this and when? Implementing this into your own practices can help you not just buy things but really think deeply about them. Focusing on the issue of consumption, it’s very important and implementing practices like this one into your life can help this more than you think!

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Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

the eras of your closet…

It all begins with an idea.

One thing I love doing is switching it up each day with my closet. Whether that means utilizing pattern on pattern, using some fun accessories/hats, wearing different particles of clothing (a long skirt, a pair of short shorts with tights + boots, a pair of your favorite jeans + a crop top). I think it is important and I have one tip for anyone who may be struggling with making an outfit.

The one piece of your outfit that is MOST important (in my opinion) is not what you may think it is. To me, the most important part of an outfit that is a necessity is SHOES! SHOES, SHOES, SHOES!! I’m saying to myself, (Okay, Carrie Bradshaw). I struggled so much in 2021 with creating outfits and that was because I couldn’t be creative based on the shoes that I had. I believe I had a pair of dad sneakers (that I still own but wear way less), and some outrageous heels and maybe a pair of loafers. You need some in the middle cool shoes + boots that you can wear and be comfortable in to fit in with each Era of your closet.

Don’t worry, though. If you don’t own a ton of shoes maybe take your next paycheck and go to a nice secondhand store and see what you can find! These are just my tips and you do not have to adopt these but my style has grown by a LONG shot and I attest it to this tip and others. Tune in next week for some other tips about styling and making outfits. :) XO XO, Lydia

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Lydia Gilman Lydia Gilman

UNLOCKING COLOR THEORY

It all begins with an idea.

Most people know that within Color Theory there are colors that you are supposed to adopt and stay away from due to your skin tone, your hair color, your eye color, and other factors.

I definitely find Color Theory extremely interesting and think that there is very much so validity to it. I think if you are shying away from some pieces in your closet because maybe you bought it on impulse or didn’t take much time to think about it and now think you don’t like how you look in it…maybe think about this a little deeper- put it on and analyze the color with your hair, and your skin most importantly. After analyzing, check with yourself and see if you feel like you don’t like the shirt (or whatever it is) due to the fit- OR because the color doesn’t accentuate your pretty face and features! Then, after you have put on a piece you don’t like so much- opt for a piece that you LOVE. Analyze the color and fit of this shirt and then check with yourself again.

This can be very helpful if you feel as though you need help finding your color palette because if you find colors you should shy away from and colors you should wear more often, this can help you create your very own Color Theory Analysis!

Thanks for reading, XOXO Lydia :)

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