OOTD 001 | DATE NIGHT LOOK

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DATE NIGHT OUTFIT

This past Saturday, my husband and I went on a date. We visited one of our favorite spots in the Franklin area.

I had a completely different look in mind, but the weather had different plans, so I’ll have to save it for a warmer day. Check out which look I’m talking about in this video. Here’s what I ended up wearing:

Ozma Rae Cardigan in Black* | Size S

Ozma Kate Jean in Black*| Size: 25

Nisolo Open-Toe Paloma Mules* in black | Size 8.5

NY&Co Trench (no longer available; here’s something similar!)

Linjer Lana Bag in Maroon*

Mejuri Croissant Hoops

Mejuri Editor Hoops

Mejuri Bold Link Chain

Jewels and Aces Stripe Stud Earring (in my cartilage)

Check out this cute IG reel showing off my look! (ft. the dogs of course.)

2021 Gamine Winter Style Inspiration

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Winter is the opposite of Flamboyant Gamine style to me, as many functional/practical winter lines can overwhelm petite styles. The key is to play with color and textures to break the lines and keep a rather fitted silhouette. I cover some Flamboyant Gamine Style Foundations in this blog post.

As long as you keep your under layer fitted and the lines short and broken, you can probably get away with a longish line from a coat so long as it’s a 3/4 length, because FG is long-ish/not tall/not short. There are also ways to break the line in a ‘long’ coat using contrasting buttons and belts or patterns and color, or stitching and fabric layering.

FIND MORE INSPO THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST!

WINTER STYLE ICON: Audrey Hepburn | sleek, elegant, feminine, warm, charming

You’ll find photos of Audrey all over this blogpost because she’s the master of coats and turtlenecks, two necessities of Flamboyant Gamine winter fashion. I find her to remain all that she is, even while donning a larger, heavier coat.

What I want you to know is that you can still honor your lines in winter and stay warm, and here’s how I plan to do that.

TOPS

Turtlenecks (My favorite is the fitted turtleneck from Kotn)

Dad sweaters (Thrift them, swipe them from your own dad, grandpa, uncle, whoever has one)

Button-Up Cardigans (Fitted and cropped are going to be your favorite words this winter)

Crewneck Sweaters (like the one on Audrey down there. How cozy does that look? And they’re perfect for layering.)

BOTTOMS

Proper Trousers (I think trousers show up in ever seasonal style edit I write, because they’re SO flattering on the gamine frame, especially when they’re cropped and in the proper rise for your unique expression of flamboyant gamine.)

Skirts with Tights (This is something I want to try out. Mini skirts are a beautiful, cropped line, and tights are a way to show of your personality while still staying warm-ish.)

High-Waisted Denim with a Belt (The key here is the belt. I love those examples of the belt that matches the color of the pant, creating a sleek, monochrome look for the yang, but a chunky, shiny texture with the belt buckle and waist emphasis for the yin. I love the Kate Jean from OZMA.)

SHOES

Leather Boots (I have an ongoing partnership with Nisolo, so definitely check out them out for a beautiful, quality pair of ethically and sustainably made boots!)

Heels with socks/tights (Okay, this one feels risky to me. Probably because if this trend is done improperly, you can either look like a little girl or a streetwalker, neither of which are bad, just not quite the vibe. I’ll have to try this out in an upcoming YouTube video, so be sure to subscribe if you want to see how to pull this off.)

Oxfords/Loafers (Nisolo also has lovely options for oxfords and loafers for a timeless element for your outfits. I recently added the James Oxfords in Black to my wardrobe after pining over them for a couple years now, thanks to my partnership with the brand.)

ACCESSORIES + OUTERWEAR

Scarves (A no brainer. Raises the neckline adds literal warmth and texture, and if you’re going for three points, go for a scarf with a small, geometric pattern like a fine plaid.)

Chunky Jewelry (I wear gold jewelry, personally. GLDN is a brand I started working with recently after loving their pieces and brand philosophy for a year or so now. I recommend their pieces if you want to start your gold jewelry collection! Shop GLDN here. Use code FRANIMATTHEWS5 for $5 off your purchase.)

Long Wool Coats (Here’s where you can add a long, structured line to your outfit, especially as a Flamboyant Gamine, play with different patterns and really express parts of your personal style with fabric choices.)

Oversized Blazers (Similar to the wool coat, here’s another yang leaning element to add to a more fitted silhouette as a finishing piece, pulling the whole outfit together.)

HAIR:

Low bun (tuck away those ends to keep them strong and healthy come springtime)

Protective styles (like braids and twists)

Hair is an incredibly subjective and personal recommendation, and I know that full well as a half-black woman. I prefer to have my hair pulled back and out of the way to reduce manipulation of my curls and keep the hair moisturized and protected from the cold, dry winter, hence my recommendations above. I have a video on my youtube channel about this topic of Natural Hairstyles for the Body Types, if you’re in a hairstyle rut.

Thanks for taking this trip into my brain,

FRANI <3

A VIDEO VERSION OF THIS BLOG POST:

We love seasonal fashion videos! Here are the vibes I'm feeling for Winter 2021.Subscribe for more videos like this: https://bit.ly/36WPpybMORE #WINTERSTYLE ...

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Building a Flamboyant Gamine Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve been studying David Kibbe’s Image ID system for a few years now. It’s helped me learn to love and accept my body and see beauty where there was once embarrassment and shame. Discovering that I was a Flamboyant Gamine gave me inspiration to experiment with my personal style and learn what lines and silhouettes were the most harmonious for my body. And you know what they say, learn the rules so you know how to break them.

From what I’ve read, Kibbe doesn’t advocate for capsule wardrobes, because he encourages women to consider the whole of the outfit when shopping for clothes, not just the individual pieces. I agree with that.

But the way I capsule wardrobe is different than the typical "I-have-10-basic-black-and-grey-and-white-garments”. (Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not for me.) The capsule wardrobe I’m building functions as a climate appropriate, year-round, versatile, self-expressive outfit capsule. I’m not completely there. I still have a few missing pieces/outfits, but I’m starting with what I have.

Moving slowly with this process has helped me see clearly what I need and what I don’t. In doing so, I realize that I gravitate toward a similar silhouette time and time again. Every time I rush into a purchase, I don’t seem to wear it as much as my tried and true mock-neck sweaters and high waisted trousers.

Since I know my shape is based on the Flamboyant Gamine archetype presented by Kibbe’s Image ID system, I have guidelines to follow when considering how I want to dress. While I don’t follow his recommendations religiously, I still value his perspective and insight. Here are five of his recommendations I take to heart:

1. Wear separates

   The purpose of wearing separates as a gamine is to mimic and honor the lines in your body that are mixed and broken up. Gamines have a mixture of Yin (soft, small, round, delicate) and Yang (sharp, large, long, strong) extremes within their own frame, and these lines are described as staccato or juxtaposed (or as I like to call it, frankensteined). Wearing separates, as opposed to long, monochrome lines, is a simple, no-brainer way to dress for gamines. I’ve definitely experienced the ease of following this recommendation, so I keep it in my back pocket.

2. Wear short, angular garments

   Gamines are typically short— no taller than 5’5” (165cm). There are certainly some exceptions to this rule, but we won’t get into it here. The gamine bone structure begs for cropped lines, so I tend to create short, boxy silhouettes whenever I can. This can show up as a cropping a tee, tucking and blousing a shirt, cutting or rolling the hem of my pants to expose ankles, or rolling my sleeves to expose my wrists.

3. Wear Fitted (not skin-tight) silhouettes

   The yin of the gamine is found in their frame and stature as well as their faces. My bones are small, narrow, and sharp. I have a mixture of tiny, short bones (in my face and torso) and tiny, long bones (in my arms and legs). To honor these bodily patterns, I wear closely fitted garments as a base layer, making dressing my body more seamless. I tend to avoid skin tight garments, primarily because of the yang undercurrent of my body. Skin-tight clothing ironically feels separate from me because I lose the angularity my long limbs and sharp shoulders crave.

4. Wear animated patterns and chunky textures

   Small, interesting patterns tend to pull the bold, youthful energy of the gamine to the surface. I’ve noticed I’m naturally drawn to small, dainty patterns, especially if they’re geometric or floral. One of my favorite jumpsuits is bright red with a delicate, irregular, floral pattern on it. Whenever I wear it I feel very much like myself, and that’s always the goal. Chunky textures can also create a plethora of small geometric shapes, so when I don’t want to wear a more attention grabbing piece, a chunky knit or textured garment honors my lines in a subtle, chic way.

5. Add sleek and modern lines to honor a yang undercurrent

   This step is more of a finishing touch in my mind— adding a blazer, painting on a crisp, red lip, throwing on a small, angular bag, or adorning yourself with pair of shiny, gold statement earrings. These finishing touches are a great way to express your personal style as well.

MY [IDEAL] FLAMBOYANT GAMINE WARDROBE

1. Striped Shirt

2. Camisole

3. Mock-neck Sweater

4. Fitted Turtleneck

5. Band Tee

6. A Short Dress

7. A Jumpsuit

8. Oversized, Quirky Sweater (think 90’s Dad)

9. Cropped Cardigan

10. Trousers

11. Cropped, Straight-leg Denim

12. Blazer

13. Combat Boots

14. Chelsea boots

15. Sneakers

16. Trench Coat

17. Wool Coat

I don’t have all of these pieces, but I have most of them! Depending on your personal style, these pieces can be mixed and matched into numerous outfits for many occasions, and with a bit of layering, can be worn year round in milder climates like the American Southeast. I have many YouTube videos where I style the pieces I own, so definitely check that out (and subscribe!) if you want to see my thought-process when creating outfits.

It's autumn in the northern hemisphere, which means it's time to break out your favorite pair of boots. In this video, I show you the many ways I like to wea...

Colors are also quite important in this process. I know I look best in warmer and muted colors, and my hope is to reduce the amount of black clothing in my wardrobe for colors that melt into my skin and give it a milky, radiant glow. As always, I’ll share more as I learn more.

Hope you enjoyed this little trip into my brain.

Talk to you soon,

Frani <3

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RECENT THOUGHTS:

Can you have long hair if you're short?

Yes. Obviously the answer is yes.

You can do anything you want. But, the real question is: can a person 5’5’’ (165cm) or shorter look good with hair down to their hips? I’m testing it out in this video so you can understand visually what makes this certain hairstyle look flattering.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’d know I’m currently studying the David Kibbe Image ID system. This method of perception in fashion is the most fascinating to me because it views women as a whole beings, not just shapes, or fruits, or measurements.

It takes into account the balance of yin (rounded, soft, lush, small, short, wide, ‘feminine’) and yang (long, narrow, lithe, sharp, ‘masculine’) within a single woman’s frame, and accentuates those lines. Rather than traditional systems that try to correct “less desirable” bodies to make everyone fit into the same box, Kibbe’s system celebrates the unique body- the individual essence, shape, and coloring- focusing on self-love and self-acceptance.

Within Kibbe’s system, I most connect with the Flamboyant Gamine. She’s described as Gamine (a combination of opposite yin/yang extremes) with Dramatic (yang) undercurrents. So she tends to look small, angular, narrow, compact, boyish, and youthful, with a larger than life spirit. She can use yang lines in “smaller doses” but it shouldn’t dominate the entirety of her look. Broken, sharp and body skimming lines suit her best. (This is just a brief description, a compilation of things I’ve learned from dressing my own body and finding what look the best.)

(All above images from Pinterest)

With this in mind, let’s consider the original question: Can a shorter woman have long hair and still look good?

I’m a 5’5” (165cm) Flamboyant Gamine. I feel long hair (especially if it’s straight) can be a cool, flattering element that adds yang to an overall look. So as long as your outfit, shoes, accessories, etc. are cropped, angular, and vibrant, having long hair can be the cherry on top for your head to toe look.

When I wear my hair in box braids, I choose to keep in mind that I now have a VERY vertical, long yang element on my rather petite frame. On the days where I’m getting dressed (which honestly hasn’t been with much intention due to the state of society at the moment), I consider keeping my outfits fitted, cropped, and structured.

In general, I’d say to consider if you have long lines in your frame. (For example, my face shape and nose are prominent and vertical, so are my arms, legs, hands and feet.) Long hair can repeat those lines, and ultimately be in harmony with your bones, helping create a unique, eccentric look when combined with shorter, cropped elements. Try it out and see!

If you feel like a certain hairstyle connects with you and makes you feel beautiful, then go for it!

Experiment. Have fun. Find what make you feel like YOU.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK:

In this video about having long hair as a flamboyant gamine, I discuss how to wear your hair long as a shorter woman featuring some outfit ideas to create an...

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2020 Spring Style Inspiration

This is the energy I’m predicting for the spring of 2020: mixtures of opposites and alternating lines. (Basically, the essence of a Kibbe Flamboyant Gamine.)

Hope you find some inspiration here, (follow on PINTEREST for more), and enjoy a look into what I’m finding to be lovely this season.

FASHION: beige, sheer, grey, and red.

Fashion-wise, I love the idea of wearing pieces that are beige and neutral, but throwing in a strong, tomato red element in the mix. As the weather warms up, I’ll be looking for feminine, sheer pieces to juxtapose with tailored menswear. Legs will be making an appearance more often as well, playing with narrow, cropped lines as a base, and long angular pieces on top.

For shoes, I’m interested in a heavy black boot or a leather loafer, depending on the mood.

MAKEUP: almost naked eye + red lips VS. graphic eyes (like Twiggy)

Makeup-wise, I’m inspired by the 60’s. Think Twiggy. Think Edie Sedgwick. I’m planning on wearing dark, heavy liner, and accentuating my eyes in the spring.

On the other hand, I’ll be going for an almost naked eye, and to continue with the theme, a bright red lip would look stunning. Minimal, glowing skin will pull it all together.

I’ve recently discovered that I LOVE how I look with my hair slicked down. I tried it and immediately felt so beautiful and refined, like my head wasn’t as big as I thought. I think this hairstyle balances the extreme makeup looks and creates more contrast, giving attention to my face.

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Will you be trying out any of these ideas for spring? I’m excited about it. Definitely follow me on Instagram to keep up with my fashion diary. I post my favorite looks over there, as well as recent poetry and musings.