Today in Little Fashion Week, a bit of inspiration and a reminder that personal style comes from within…
Between her unanimous success at the recent Grammy Awards and her bravura appearance on the cover of next month’s Vogue, the internet (and the world) has been abuzz about Brit songstress Adele Adkins. It was four years ago when I first came to know Adele through her debut album, and over that time she’s remained a source of style inspiration for me. I count her among Drew Barrymore, Christina Hendricks, Sophie Dahl and Kate Winslet as an outward representation of fashion and beauty that I can deeply relate to while also motivating me to remember that confidence propels us into the most beautiful version of our selves. With that in mind, here are a few of the things Adele has inadvertently taught me in her adventures through music. (Did I mention she wears TOM FORD Spring/Summer ’12 in her Vogue editorial [see above]? Girl after my own heart!)
01. Style is what you make it into, not what it makes you into.
One thing Adele will never be swayed into is the belief that she must change in order to be accepted in the world of fashion and personal style. While easily on the rise to becoming a style icon to many, she never lets trends or industry…standards, for lack of a better word, dictate what she wears. She remains proud and confident, and her style reflects that.
02. Discover your own personal marque of glamour and flaunt it.
Adele has, of course, completely amazing hair and a gorgeous face; these are two of the elements of her personal beauty that I’ve always been inspired by, the way she wears gloriously detailed make-up and everything from a ‘60s bouffant to a riotous waterfall of waves. She knows the most electric parts of her look and she illuminates them completely.
03. Be an interpretation of all your inspirations.
After recently facing censure for her size Adele responded, “I represent the majority of women and I’m very proud of that.” She indicated that she has her own insecurities (as we all do) but what I love about Adele is that she knows how much of herself to put out into the world. She faces her insecurities when she needs to, however she needs to, but she keeps it in perspective and she represents confidence for everywoman who can relate to her, in any way.
04. Nothing is as powerful as a woman confident in her own skin.
Adele has always had a commanding look, and while she more recently rocks powerhouse hair she has never been afraid to wear a bun or ponytail, displaying her face in all its striking beauty. Simple as it is, that choice of hers has inspired me in times when I’ve felt like I should “hide” my full face behind even fuller hair. The fact that she takes on whatever look she wants and ignores the beauty confines often set by the media is encouraging on so many levels.
05. In fashion, beauty, dreams and life: be bold, honest and dynamic.
She knows her own self, the self she reflects to the world, and she embraces it. It may not always be easy, but she knows her own strength, her own ability. Words we all use to describe Adele and her music are soulful, empowering, determined. She lives veraciously, and with passion. It’s that which elevates her style and outward appearance into the vibrant model of confidence that’s the core of her inspiration to me.
Photo credit: Vogue | Adele for Vogue US March 2012, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! I adore Adele.
Thanks so much, Courtney! She’s such a likeable person, I think – not to mention her music and style. (:
OH my goodness. So true. She’s really amazing. And I know she must have insecurities but she wears herself and skin with such style, confidence, and grace.
I’m like her, thick with great big hair and I LOVE my bold makeup. Now I just need to learn to my eyes like that.
I heard recently that she’s thinking about taking a five year break.
I think it’s amazing that she knows and understands her priorities.
Wonderfully said, and I couldn’t agree more! I love that through her decorum she manages to be an inspiration for women to accept their insecurities as well. It’s great that she takes such a healthy, controlled view of her life, work and style.
And you could totally do yours eyes like her, I’m sure! She’s always a big fan of the cat eye – my favorite way to do it is with a liquid eyeliner pen, this one in particular.
I wish they had mini classes where girls could go to learn how to do their eyes. I always end up looking like someone punched me
Hahaha! Oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad! I wonder if you have an Ulta store near you – they occasionally have professionals come in and give free consultations, that sort of thing. A gal from Napoleon Perdis taught me the basics of using gel eyeliner last year. For the most part I always say the most important tools you need with make-up are confidence and determination (and a steady hand, but I don’t have that one and I still get by!).
LOL it kinda is but I LOVE your Ulta advice. I do have one. I should look into that. Thanks for the tip. And thanks for the vote of confidence.
This is a really awesome post, Casee, and I completely agree with everything you’ve said here. The photoshoot is gorgeous times a million, and Adele looks gorgeous and is always gorgeous, and ooh look Oscar de la Renta! I stand firm in my belief that if someone can rock a dress that amazing (the ODLR dress is the yellow one, I sometimes forget that not everyone is a fangirl like me, hehe) with enough confidence/not being drowned in it, they’re super amazing. Which Adele is.
I think everyone should take on these style lessons for everyday life – how can it go bad if it’s essentially experimenting and not following every single style rule while still knowing what looks best personally?
Thanks!
- Laura
Thanks so much, Laura! (And for the Oscar point-out; totally didn’t recognize it! I was blinded by Tom Ford corset belts, faaavorite thing for spring.) I completely agree, it’s so important to focus on you and what makes you happy – because life’s just better when your style makes you happy!
Wonderful post. These photos are ah-mazing. I’ve been a fan of Adele since her debut, and have always thought that she was a stunning woman, and I love how she kept the focus on her VOICE, while still exuding a sense of style that was always classic, never boring.
I do love that she’s venturing out a bit and playing with color in her editorials. The images above are haunting.
Thanks, Kimmie! I absolutely agree, it’s commendable how she stays true to herself and her own style – especially with all the focus she’s getting lately. I love how adventurous she is, while still maintaining that look that’s so ‘her’.
wow, this is really great. these are the exact reasons i love barbra striesand as a personal and fashion icon. i see a lot of similarities between the two women.
Oooh, I love that you said that! Babs is such an amazing lady. I hadn’t thought of the similarities between them until now, but you’re absolutely right!
We would all be wise to follow some of your style lessons. It is really sage advice, and Adele is such an inspiration. These are the first images I have seen from Vogue and they are gorgeous- so lush. They evoke gorgeous baroque paintings.
Thanks, dear! There’s been a lot of “talk” about the pictures because they’ve been (presumably) altered/Photoshoped to make her look thinner, but I think they’re gorgeous. It’s still very clearly Adele, and her beauty isn’t defined by the circumference of her waist. Nobody can really change her beauty. Plus, everything about the photos just glitter with opulence. So pretty.
yes, yes, yes, yes…yes.
Wow, I already knew Adele was stunning but these Vogue photos take it to a whole new level! I seriously need to pin all of these images right now!
Also, very smart words of advice that we can learn from Adele. I could certainly work on number 4 myself!
Yay! Aren’t they lovely? I’m dying to get the issue – I almost want to buy two so I can have one as a keepsake and one to cut up for my inspiration board.
I think I could stand to work on all of these points, but it’s people like Adele that I’m so happy to have around as motivation!
SO TRUE!!! I liked this post, ‘coz I like Adele and I think you interpreted her style into words, perfectly.
? from © tanvii.com
Thanks so much, Tanvi! (:
I love Adele! Her music is so amazing, and the way she’s so confident and elegant is so inspiring. She does seem like she’s comfortable in her own skin, and I admire that. I don’t see why people have to criticize her. I feel like saying ‘Get over it, everyone’s different!’. And even though she has insecurities she’s doesn’t let them get her down. I also like how you are pairing fashion with beauty and confidence for Little Fashion Week. I believe that fashion and person style should be paired with confidence. Perhaps confidence is even a part of that style.
Thanks so much, Gabbie! It really is a shame that people criticize her – and sometimes even when magazines and the media point out her size for no particular reason, as if it defines her. A lot of people do that to a lot of people over their size, which I’ll never understand.
And I’m glad you like the combination of elements for Little Fashion Week! At first my goal with it was to focus on originality in fashion, stepping away from all the trends of the “Big Fashion Week” happening in New York, but then I wanted to encompass all the elements of personal style, through inspiration and beyond. So I’m glad you think it works! (:
This is such a beautiful post Casee! I remember hearing her first single “Chasing Pavements” while watching MTV videos, and my entire family stopped talking to listen to her incredible and unique voice.
I am so happy she has found such success, and she looks s t u n n i n g on the cover of Vogue! I’m going to try and snag a copy ^^
Thanks so much, Kailey! Chasing Pavements was the first I heard of her, too; she has such a remarkable talent, it’s impossible not to stop and take notice, I think.
I hope you’re able to get a copy of the issue – I’m probably going to pick one up from the bookstore today, although I’m a subscriber so you’d like to think I wouldn’t have to! But they’ve been totally slacking on sending me issues – clearly I need to get in touch with Conde Nast and see what’s up.
This is such a beautifully eloquent post, Casee. I really love it.
How can I talk about the many ways I love Adele? She’s just completely awesome. Period.
I also love that she says about her music: I make music for the ears, not for the eyes. Talk about being committed to your craft.
Thank you, dear! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I couldn’t agree more, she’s absolutely amazing. And I love her view of music! Another thing she said, possibly in the issue of Vogue alongside these pictures, was that she doesn’t want to perform with her body. I think certain people putting on big spectacles can be a fine art and very entertaining, but I love the way she sees that it’s not always necessary. And she’s not afraid to call it out!
this is such a beautiful post, casee marie!
Thanks so much, Diane! (:
Great post and very well written! I found you via IFB’s LALM! I am there too:-) Nice to ‘meet’ your blog!
-Jyoti
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Thank you, Jyoti, for stopping by and for your sweet comment. Congrats on making LALM yourself, as well!
I just got my vogue in the mail on Friday and I gave Adele a “mmmhmmm” out loud. I love the reasons you listed and it really encompasses a lot of why I just adore her. I totally think she lives in her own skin and that’s a lesson we can all learn from.
Ha! She’s totally mmmhmmm-worthy. I couldn’t agree more, she’s a perfect icon for honest self-acceptance and the journey of learning to devote yourself to who you are.
I just couldn’t help but think while watching the Grammy’s that she was the classiest person in attendance. Though I consider her one of the most beautiful popular artists at the moment, it’s her charm and heart that speak volumes. I don’t know, I mean I’ve never met her but I feel like she’s a sweet soul! And I couldn’t agree more with your 5 reasons!
I didn’t happen to watch (Downton Abbey was on at the same time, which explains where I was!) but from the red carpet photos I saw she really was head and shoulders above the crowd as class goes. She really does exude such charm. And a lot of character, which I love about her. So many celebrities feel very flat to me, they don’t have that special something in their personalities that reaches out and catches my attention. But she absolutely does.
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