Black, White, and Grey for Breton Woman by Kanae Yamamoto

Trying to be cool like the painting

Welcome to my interpretation for this round of Style Imitating Art.

A Little Background

Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Shelbee of Shelbee On the Edge, and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspirational image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The next Wednesday, the curator shares all the submissions on her blog.

This Week’s Curator

Salazar is our curator for this round and has picked a woodblock print by a Japanese artist Kanae Yamamoto (24 October 1882 – 8 October 1946).

He is best known for the “creative prints” movement (as opposed to the commercial prints that usually come up when we think of Japanese woodblock prints) and for the mix of Western and Japanese styles in his art. I like this one for its simple and subdued color scheme, and although the subject matter is Western, the Japanese style and influence still come through clearly.

My Choices for this Challenge

I have a little Poodle hiding behind me!

This is a fairly simple and stark artwork with sever lines and style. My answer was a very simple and practical look. I styled this put-together for a Saturday morning breakfast with friends and a quick trip to our local nursery to pick up some plants and a tree.

I decided a black hat was needed and got out my faux leather ball cap. I found it on sale at Wal-Mart years ago. Next was one of my mandatory black blazers which was perfect for the freezing cold (air conditioning already) restaurant we went to. This particular blazer is a thrifted piece that I have constantly worn for about six years.

Under the blazer, I have a simple combo of a white T-shirt and grey trousers, which was a nice change from my usual denim bottoms. Both of these were bought new sometime during the last ten years.

Finally, I have two newer items. Last month I found a pair of black leather (they are even leather-lined) Greats sneakers in the clearance sale on the RealReal. I had never heard of Greats, but after a bit of research, I decided they were a really good deal and went for them (along with a gold metallic crossbody bag by Michael Kors which I used for the last SIA).

And finally, after about four years of procrastination, I finally, pulled the trigger and got myself a crossbody to carry when I just want to take my phone and a few cards. This black leather textured one is by Gigi New York . I found it during a Macy’s sale. last month. Yes, it’s tiny but so handy and I can always keep some lipstick in my pocket. It takes a new mindset to get used to something this small, but men have been doing it for years.

I think Lynnie likes to pose. Or, she just wanted to be picked up!

That’s it, I’m done.

I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA-inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Salazar whose email is 14shadesofgreyblog@gmail.com by tomorrow. She will share the submissions on her blog this Wednesday.

Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.

If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are @terrigardner_meadowtree, @14shadesofgrey, and @shelbeeontheedge.

Time to go and see you later!