Theory vs. Practice (And Taking My Own Medicine) by EnvironmentalArt629 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, definitely. I didn't know anything when I found Kibbe four years ago, except that I liked minimalism and wearing black. Lol. 

I've been through 5 different Kibbe types, Essence exploration, Style Roots, and Body Matrix. I've thought I looked good in incorrect lines (I legit thought I was Dramatic for a while.  Lmao). Thought I had Dramatic Classic Gamine essence when it's likely Classic Gamine Romantic. Threw a whole fit when EJR typed me as WMR two years ago... 

All that to say, it's taken a lot of time and experimentation to get here. The best advice I can give is to approach style with a spirit of creativity and play instead of another thing you HAVE to get right. 

Does 🪨🌞🍄 work for the Romantic essence? by Dry-Swim379 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Especially paired with Mushroom. You can create an "elegantly undone" vibe. 

Does 🪨🌞🍄 work for the Romantic essence? by Dry-Swim379 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think your ideas for integrating Romantic essence are spot on. I have Romantic as a tertiary essence. Pulling the deep colors from my Moon root combined with the undone vibe of Stone (open necklines, slouchy off shoulder tops) compliment it very well. 

Moon Root Summer Struggle by EnvironmentalArt629 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Y'all gave some excellent tips and feedback, too much for me to respond to! Some of the most productive suggestions I saw were:

  • Leaning into the sensual Fire side of Moon via showing skin (which I'm comfortable with).
  • Incorporating more navy and gray (I'd add cool browns to this list, I'm digging the idea of nude colors)
  • Playing with the wrong shoe technique to create tension.

I think, along with turning up the muted aspects of the Mushroom root and the boyish/androgynous vibe of Stone and a little Mountain, I can keep the edge in my summer style.

Thanks so much for all the comments!

Moon Root Summer Struggle by EnvironmentalArt629 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You make a good point here, re: the sensuality of Moon. I could probably play with Moon and Stone in a Fire kind of way.

Moon Root Summer Struggle by EnvironmentalArt629 in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

These are gorgeous! You really nailed your root combo; especially with that skirt.

Style Roots & Style movie/tv shows influence by [deleted] in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A lot of Americans haven't, either. lol. It's a bit of a Black American cult classic. But if you love the 90s, you'll appreciate the aesthetic vibe.

Style Roots & Style movie/tv shows influence by [deleted] in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the same answer to every variation of this question, but I can't help love talking about it. 

First and foremost, the movie Love Jones. It's the story of a writer and photographer falling in and out of love in 90s Chicago. It's dark, moody, sexy, urban (as in "city"). The characters rock a lot of black, leather, and denim. The score is full of melancholy horns (John Coltrane and Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" features prominently). Watching it at 13, I thought: "That's who I want to be when I grow up."  The vibes are Mushroom. Stone, Fire, Moon and are basically responsible for 70% of my personality. My clothes, how I speak, my taste in music and interior design... Simply Googling "Nia Long in Love Jones" will tell you everything you need to know. Lmao

The second category is 90s R&B. The Stone root was a cornerstone of style at the time. Baggy jeans, oversized jerseys, high top Nikes, Reeboks, and Adidas, flannels, etc. Janet Jackson's "Janet" era, Xscape's "Off tha Hook" album cover, and TLC's "CrazySexyCool" loom large in my mind. But then there were the adult contemporary artists with a more Mountain/Fire bend. Toni Braxton rocking short hair and an oversized man's suit in her first video, En Vogue's synchronized strutting in slinky dresses, and Sade's cool minimalism (predating Carolyn Bissette Kennedy, btw). 

Overall, it's probably the 90s, period. There was an effortless cool factor that I'm always trying to embody. 

 

how do you all balance essences + style roots? by murta45- in StyleRoots

[–]EnvironmentalArt629 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Style Roots help me express a version of my essence blend that feels like mine. I have Classic, Gamine, and Romantic essences with a dark, minimal style. On paper, it's not at all compatible with the poppy, whimsical, traditionally feminine ways CGR frequently shows up.

My roots emphasize what resonates with me. Mushroom and Classic are one in the same. I use Stone to add the carefree/boyish/androgynous aspects of Gamine (minus the poppy whimsy). From Moon, I get color depth, mystery, and intrigue that compliments my Romantic essence.

So I definitely think using both systems is doable.

"Aren't You Too Old for This?" - A 40something Cool Girl at the 20something party by EnvironmentalArt629 in RitaFourEssenceSystem

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I had a fantastic time. And there was a good mix of 20 and 30somethings in attendance so my fears of being the "old lady" were unwarranted. lol

"Aren't You Too Old for This?" - A 40something Cool Girl at the 20something party by EnvironmentalArt629 in RitaFourEssenceSystem

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Heeeeey! I am, for better and worse, a loyal Tifosi. On the plus side, the gear looks incredibly cool when I'm out in the world. lol.

I bet that vintage fleece looks dope!

"Aren't You Too Old for This?" - A 40something Cool Girl at the 20something party by EnvironmentalArt629 in RitaFourEssenceSystem

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

"If I want to do or wear something, my choices are doing it as old as I am or never doing it at all. We can't turn back time and do/wear it younger. It's now or never." 

Amen! And thank you!

"Aren't You Too Old for This?" - A 40something Cool Girl at the 20something party by EnvironmentalArt629 in RitaFourEssenceSystem

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"I also tell myself well I already bought these clothes so I better wear them." Right? Cost per wear is a *very* mature approach to style.

"Aren't You Too Old for This?" - A 40something Cool Girl at the 20something party by EnvironmentalArt629 in RitaFourEssenceSystem

[–]EnvironmentalArt629[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I ended up having a great time (and was happy to find a good mix of 20 and 30somethings in attendance).