Concerning Outfits (Being You)

Hello lovlies,

As a somewhat obsessed fashion person who is concerned about expressing herself and looking good as often as I can, (Runs to the doctor and dentist in sweats totally don't count.) I find myself faced with having to take the things I purchase or receive and turning them into outward expressions of myself.  

This can be a bit tricky, because often times people get caught up in the 'idea' of what we are 'supposed' to look like rather than dressing the way our inner heart desires.  For example, back in the day I tried so hard to be 'preppy' because it was in style and several of my current friends sported the look.  But I just couldn't get it to stick and eventually traded in my Sperry Topsiders for Combat boots and felt much more in my own skin.

And that's the amazing thing about clothes; they can transform you from day to day depending on who you want to be.  "Dress how you feel," was said in one of my issues of Glamour and I couldn't agree more.  There will be things that you gravitate towards, but never be afraid to occasionally jump out of your comfort zone, because fashion is meant to be fun.  It's playing dress up for adults.

It is also a terrible myth to think that in order to create a killer outfit you need to spend hundreds of dollars and have all new clothes.  That is definitely wrong thinking and some of the best shopping I have done has been in the far reaches of my closet.

For example, the look above was created using only two new items; the skirt and bag.  I'd had the shirt for almost a year and the shoes for even longer.  But it came out great and I actually went to get my picture taken with Santa Clause looking like this.  (Don't judge.)

Another great thing about shopping your wardrobe to create outfits is that you find things that happen to be in this season that you've already owned all along.  For the Fall 2014 Runway shows, chunky turtlenecks were huge and I didn't even have to buy anything since this beauty was already there, allowing me to create the trend I loved without spending a dime.

Also, as a person creates looks they should realize that it is perfectly alright to dress a certain way one day and totally different the next.  Dressing the same may seem as if you are creating a persona for yourself, but really it seems monotone.  The key is to dress 'similar' rather than the 'same.'  All of my outfits have an element of me in them and when my friends see me they agree that it is a very 'Nana' look.

One joy that comes from creating outfits is being able to combine high end and lower end items together to create a unique look that is totally you.  This twin set came from Peebles and cost lest than thirty dollars when I purchased it.  The bag is Betsey Johnson and the heels are Guess, more expensive designer items that I picked up at Ross.  Don't be afraid to mix and match.  

Also, thrift is key to some really successful looks.  It's one thing to buy the outfit right off the mannequin because it looks so good,(no shame; I've done it.) and another to piece together something of your very own.  Everything in the outfit above except the shoes and necklace was found at either a thrift or consignment shop and purchased separately from one another.  Putting them together made a great holiday party look.

Have fun!  Some people are intimidated by stepping outside of their circle and try something completely new.  My motto is that, 'you never know.'  Don't trust sizes or what looks good on the size -0 model; see for yourself.  You might find that an insane blue bubble skirt is your thing.

I adore having fun with different textures.  They add another dimension to your outfit.  Pairing something soft like this H&M jacket with something leather creates a unique juxtaposition which creates visual interest.  And it also means you don't have to wear all cotton at once.  Put fur and Lycra together, or sequins and feathers; it's all out there for you to try.  

Be inspired by everything.  I dress according to the way I feel every day and this is dictated by many things including, music, my friends, magazines, and all other manner of things that influence my life.  I allow my interests to show through my clothes.  I love lipstick, diamonds and rock and roll.  Not too keen on the champagne bit.  And I love Betsey Johnson who designed the shirt.  Don't be afraid to let yourself shine.

Buy outfits for the girl ow woman you are.  Not for the one yesterday, last year, or tomorrow; she can buy her own clothes.  Love who you are and live within the moment.  You are beautiful so let whatever flag you want to fly.

Personally, I'm gonna let my freak flag fly because that's who I am.  And why I'm gonna wear the outfit above with my hair below.  No other reason why besides the fact that I can and I love being me.  I hope that you love you too.

Be True To You!!! <3 <3 <3