Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not a fashion blog. Too bad really, because I love a good fashion blog. I'm kind of a voyeur when it comes to style. I love to look - blogs, pinterest, magazines, it's just the application that's a little elusive. Can I get an amen?
Specifically, the idea of "personal style" is a bit tricky for me. It's been gradually coming to my attention that, assuming I have one, I'm not sure what it is. And let's be clear, I'm not talking about the idea that everyone should fit themselves into a little box labeled "preppy," "boho," "beachy," etc. But rather the self awarness to say "this is what looks good on me, and this is what I like."
My early attempts at personal style included wearing skirts over jeans and other regrettable high school decisions. We've all been there...right? Hopefully, I'm not the only woman who had a rough early millenium? Now that I'm a little older (and wiser?), here's my M.O. maybe you can relate: When I get the opportunity to buy some clothes, I go around the store collecting all this cute stuff and then head to the fitting room to see if it fits. If it does, I bring it home where it sits in my closet because every time I have the chance to wear it I don't because it doesn't seem right. So I end up wearing the same five outfits over, and over, and over....You know what I mean?
I think the solution might have something to do with asking the right questions. Not "Do I like this?" but "Do I like this on me?" Not "Does it fit?" but "Is this something I will wear?" I think I'm starting to understand that just because I like a fad doesn't necessarily mean I need to adopt it. That I can appreciate a super cute sweater, dress, or top without feeling the need to own it. "It's cute and it fits" does not equal "It needs to come home with me." Thus, saving money and closet space on those things that truly speak to me.
Now, it remains for me to figure out what those things are. What do I really want to wear? What actually feels right for me? This is something I've been especially dealing with since having my sweet Baby 6 weeks ago. Not only do certain things just plain not fit but I'm finding that some of the things I used to wear proudly just don't seem to work, in deeper ways, on my new child-bearing self. Here come the Mom Jeans! Juuuuust kidding. No, I'm just suggesting that there may be a different way to embrace this new season in my life, stylistically speaking, than the things that used to work before. Above all, personal style should be just that - personal. It should communicate something about who you are, and who I am has recently undergone some major overhaul. Perhaps the way I pick out clothes should too?
So, it's kind of like a blank slate. Approaching myself, and my closet, with honesty. Being picky about what I choose to own.
So, thoughts? Suggestions? What are some of the ways you've defined your personal style?
I know what you mean. For me, it all happened several years ago when I found "my" store (you can guess which one that is). I loved their style and their sizes fit me. So, it makes life alot easier when I pretty much only shop at one place--I already know which sizes will fit and I already know I like their style on me. It works for pregnancy and post-pregnancy as well because I just buy the flowy-er stuff in those stages :) So you should find a particular store that you seem to always enjoy the styles at, and either exclusively shop there or go somewhere like Marshalls and find stuff that looks just like it!! :) That's what I've done :) Anthropologie, J. Crew, New York & Co, Anne Taylor Loft, Gap, Old Navy--those are just some starting ideas!! Each of those places seem to have a "signature" style to enjoy or criticize on yourself :)
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