Well I didn’t show up to work in the sweats + snuggie combo, like I promised. But I did go for comfort as much as I could. I paired some skinny black pants with my new “Where’s Waldo-inspired” striped sweater then slipped my 3/4 trench jacket over it. Texas winters always go back and forth from cold to warm, so layers are important. For example, when I went to sleep last night, no rain. Woke up this morning and there was rain everywhere. Today was one of those days when you just need some sunshine. Thankfully, the sun finally decided to show around 5, just in time for pictures.
Oh and I went to the doctor today and got a shot. Feeling much better now.
As I was flipping through my google reader this afternoon, I found a post from Kyla at Blue Collar Catwalk talking about style versus fashion, which is something that I’ve thought about for a while now. Initially when I started this blog I was hesitant because I am in no way a fashionista or would ever consider myself high-fashion like many great bloggers out there. I love clothes and I love dressing up, but to me that doesn’t exactly equal fashion. I see other bloggers take risks that I would never take, solely because of my lack of courage. For myself, I would never consider myself “fashion”, rather I would consider myself styled. As Kyla said in her post, she wanted to represent what a real woman with a real budget looks like and dresses like. I feel the exact same way. I live in a very small town that is basically one big retirement home. I am not able to spend hundreds of dollars on one t-shirt or dress or a pair of jeans. But I do like to keep up with fashion and trends and I try to find a style that not only suits me but is appropriate for my environment and circumstance. Although I may not be high-risk and high-fashion, I still very much appreciate those who are and am inspired by them to create my own look that works for me. Her post definitely gave me affirmation to where I was going with this blog — I may not be a fashion blogger, but I am a style blogger.
One thing that I try to keep in mind is that my unique style belongs solely to me. This blog is really just a way for me to be intentional with my style, a way to help me find exactly what my style is. For so many years I just copied what my friends wore or worse I would try to replicate what I saw in a store on a mannequin. That’s right — I was stealing the style of an inanimate object whose clothes were choosen by a corporate marketing professional most likely based on the amount of money it was forecasted to make. Original, no? But after years of buying something because it looked good on a friend or less a mannequin or worse a hanger, I realized that I was wasting a lot of money on things that I didn’t really like. I would wear a shirt once and toss it to the side, because it just wasn’t me. When I started following fashion/style blogs a few years ago, one thing that I noticed was the way that people would remix their clothing over and over to create wonderful outfits with just a handful of great pieces. I realized that although it took a lot more creativity and time (and in turn a lot less money) it forced me to be intentional with what I bought and how I wore it. I try to really think about a piece before I buy it now, instead of just grabbing something off the rack because it looked okay on a hanger. I try it on, I tug on it, I make sure it really fits before I invest. I try to think of at least 3 things in my closet that I can pair it with and if it seems like a nice addition, then I buy it. Of course I always have that mistake buy or something that just doesn’t work the way I thought it would. But that’s all a part of it, I suppose.
6 Responses
Enjoyed your thoughts on this. I am not ready to start my own style blog, but I enjoy seeing the range out there. My lifestyle and location doesn't call for high fashion (or really high heels!) but it's fun to see high end style for inspiration. But I really value style bloggers in small towns who just know how to make it work, and don't subscribe to the generic look and low effort that can be so easy to fall into when the pressure for fashion isn't there as it is in big fashion cities.
Very cool blog – I love your profile blurb…sounds a little familiar…except the small town part.
I really enjoyed this post (I found you through the comments on Kyla's fashion vs. style post).
I can relate to your thoughts on being intentional about your clothes as well as your hesitation at starting this blog. I was already blogging and the style bloggers sucked me in recently, and then I had to join in. Just once a week, for now, because I didn't want to overwhelm myself. Plus, like you, it gave me an excuse/some accountability to really work my closet, being more intentional about what I wear as well as what I buy.
Can't wait to see more.
http://kjunveiled.blogspot.com
LOVE the where's waldo outfit! Super cute 🙂
i love that sweater on you! and i hear you on the way we buy clothes–i have definitely done that, too, and found that i'm more inventive (and satisfied with my inventions) when i am mindful about what i buy.
This post really hit the nail on the head for me. I've been trying to find my own sense of style for years now, and when the goin' gets rough, I keep leaning back on copying what my friends wore, etc…
So thanks for giving me some clarity on this!
Anne
http://annetheadventurer.blogspot.com