Gorgeous: thoughts on style

Photo from jeanstories.com

I noticed the jeans. Lighter denim and slightly cropped, they had a fresh silhouette. The bright Los Angeles sun streaming through the window reminded me that even in cooler Northern California, the bright light can make summery clothes feel right. I started looking for a similar pair that day. 

The stylist Jessica de Ruiter was the inspiration and since the feature on Jean Stories, she has been popping up in all my favorite magazines and blogs. Her style is well edited, luxurious and yet makes room for well-loved pieces. Suddenly my closet feels very cluttered, and I want to spend this weekend inspecting my clothes, choosing favorites and packing the rest away for a potential Goodwill exit.

Last week I visited the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco to see the new exhibit called Gorgeous, which mixes artworks from the collections of Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Next to each piece in the exhibit, curators from each museum wrote a personal account of why these specific 72 works of art were chosen to be included. 

Curation is a word that can feel overused, but the Gorgeous exhibit reminded me that it can also be stunning. When talented people at the top of their field use their knowledge and access to choose items - that is a true tastemaker. 

Photo from habituallychic.com

De Ruiter's recently renovated home is a beautiful example of clean lines, eclectic global design and the simplicity of well-chosen items. Her personal style has encouraged me to look harder at my own and not be lazy about my taste. It can be hard to pare down, but the curation of her home and wardrobe are very appealing to me. I'm taking that as a sign.