It’s not even 10 years in the future and I already cringe at the things I’ve worn and shown on the blog. What we were all doing in those maxi skirts, bubble necklaces and chambray shirts? THIS IS THE EPITOME OF 2012 FASHION. Like what is this random belt doing on me? The one thing I AM proud of is that I have never worn chevron. I mean on a Bingo card I could have made a Bingo (I’ve never played Bingo, which is clearly apparent.) but never on chevron. I’m very, very, very happy about that. I was, and still am, always showing up overdressed. But not in a good way, in that over-styled, fussy and just not *quite* right way. I was happy with it and that I am happy, even though half of my outfits I’m saying, “Oh honey, what are you doing?”
Fast forward to 2018. We already talked about how my closet doesn’t reflect 27 year old me. Currently fixing that. And of course we know how I feel about owning what size you are and representing that. So that work has begun. I’m giving myself a minor pat on the back for those two very large revelations about elevating style. But this third one, man, this one is the one I’ve had the hardest time with. However, it’s been the biggest relief for me.
Simplicity Always Wins the Game When It Comes to Elevating Style
I find myself revolting against the layering on layering with texture on texture, just for the sake of standing out. You stand out by being who you are. Your clothes should speak to who you are, but they don’t run the conversation about who you are. I just want to show up looking refined, polished and I want to bring out the best look for myself. I DO adore good texture as I think it’s one of the best ways to create a huge impact on your closet and makes you look so, so polished. Texture to me elevates an entire look from Alissa-getting-her-life-together to Alissa-has-a-career-and-works-hard-for-her-money. Sometimes a simple skirt and a pretty top with some heels are what the occasion calls for.
I work very hard for my money and I don’t feel bad for buying nice things as I change my closet. I cleverly buy designer items and get rid of the “bulk” in my closet to thoughtfully curated items. When you start paying attention to your closet, you find that a lot of items are standouts on their own, you don’t have to fuss them. They just stand out on their own.
It’s Also Where I am in Life
I feel like this outfit I’m wearing isn’t original, but it’s SO comfortable and showcases my mix of a trusty denim jacket that is mid-tier and a designer dress. I’m not afraid to get it dirty. I’m literally on a mountain drive in these photos and I sat on the ground on the dress. I’m ME in these photos. That smile is genuine.
I’ve changed from focusing on working in as many things just to make an outfit standout. I enjoy print mixing and new combinations, but I don’t feel the pressure to create something new just for the blog. There’s so many instances where I felt like something I was wearing just wasn’t blog worthy. And honestly? It wasn’t. But that is life. My Saturday after hot yoga dress sometimes is amazing. And sometimes, like now, I am wearing dog-hair covered pants and a true crime shirt that says, “The husband did it.” *So much fashion*
I’m still having fun with clothes, even my work ones. I’m learning about tailoring, fit, style, mixing, all that fun stuff! Simplifying and elevating style doesn’t mean boring like I used to be afraid of. So I’m not going to apologize for this “simple” outfits, but rather, this is who I am and I’m really glad I can share this journey with you.
Simplement Lui
A super nice and cool look!
Happy Monday xx
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/09/19/ai-ai-ai-caramba/
Rachelle
I’m all about comfort, but I can so relate to this. I used to think some outfits just weren’t blog worthy but now I don’t care anymore.
xo
Pinksole
Shira
Oh gd, the bubble necklaces. And yes, I wore chevron- LOL. Now I’m thinking about my current wardrobe and trying to think about the pieces I’ll cringe about having worn in 5 years from now lol!
https://asequinloveaffair.com
Meg @ Closet Fashionista
It’s definitely funny looking back on what we used to wear to try and be cool. There are some pictures of me that I both love and hate from a trip to London. I love them because of the memories and where I was but I HATE that I was wearing pink jeans…UGH!
I do still have misses now, but mostly what I wear is because I feel comfortable in it and it fits my style without trying too hard.
I love that dress on you, the print is so perfect and it looks great with the denim jacket!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
melyssa
I always love reading your words and seeing you pop up on my Pinterest. I think I found you first for your curly hair (my whole Pinterest feed is curly hair and ummm, tacos, basically. Are there other things I should be thinking about?). You have way better style than I do, but maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks, eh? I teach ballet for a living when I’m not writing (both require yoga pants), so if you have any cute workout outfits, that’d be a fun post.
Lyddiegal
Fashion will always change, evolve, maximize, minimize, and circle back again. I’m sure there is no one who can look at photos from five years ago and think, ‘yes, everything I wore there was perfect!’ no matter how much you loved it at the time. Of course I agree that right now we don’t need random belts (hello belting a scarf used to be a thing) and that keeping it simple just feels right. Just know that in five more years you could look at these photos and wonder why you’d want to wear cropped denim, a dress with a ruffle or sandals with a big buckle…. because it will probably happen.
Chic on the Cheap