Despite the Objections of my Friends and Family

So, I’m a little stumped you know?  Trying to figure out how to create a unique look?  I decided last night that I was getting on my nerves over-thinking the whole process.  I think I may have mentioned before how I can be silly like that.

What it comes down to, I think, is that I just need a little inspiration.  Real inspiration.  So I’ve found some people that are doing something I admire and asking for their point of view.  As my father-in-law likes to say, “There’s no sense in trying to re-invent the wheel.”  I’ve asked the question, “How does one go about putting their personal touch on their wardrobe?”

Let’s start with one of my favorite buddies, Julie Edwards.

My motivation to maintain my style is my passion for visually interesting and unconventional things. As a graphic designer, I live and breathe art and I usually tend to express that through my clothes and my surroundings. I am constantly inspired by my work, bloggers, unusual thrift finds and my very creative friends who push me in new directions. As far as creating my own uniqueness, my main motto is to be true to myself. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, be influenced by other bloggers, or feel the pressure of what people might think. However, I try my hardest to maintain my confidence in my clothing and home decor choices despite the objections of my friends and family! -Julie Edwards

I have been trying to come up with a perfect answer to my style challenges and it’s dawning on me that this just won’t be happening anytime soon – if ever (nuts). The inspiration here?  To be true to myself and not get caught up in what others may say.

So for today? Move on girl!  Be yourself.  No matter what you think people might think (because usually they don’t even think it…).

Finding That Unique Style

Two weeks ago I was in San Diego visiting a friend.  I traveled all over the city – trying out all things San Diego.  It wasn’t until my last day of the trip, while I was enjoying my last In-n-Out burger, that I saw a person with a very unique style.  And it wasn’t until I saw her that I realized I hadn’t seen anyone with unique look on my entire week-long trip!  Everywhere I went, everyone looked the same.  Which made me realize that I blend in just as much as everyone else which made me feel impatient that this style journey hasn’t moved any faster which made me want to quit this whole thing.  (Can you hear me stamp my foot for added effect?)

But then I took a week off (which turned into to two) to breathe and not worry about it.  A friend once told me to, “Get over yourself Betsy”, (best advice ever).  So that’s what I’ve been doing.

But now I’m back at it.  I think the topic has become one of what makes us unique?  And does everyone desire a unique outward appearance?  Or is it just some people who want to stand out visually?  Is it superficial or silly to want this?  And what if I just don’t know how to add that unique touch but really want to?  Well, now you know why I need to take a break from thinking every once in awhile.  Phew.

This week I’m hoping to shed some light on my latest round of questions.  I don’t have any answers – but if you do, please share!

A bit of style, a bit of truth

The beautiful Amanda Johnson

I just had to link to this lovely post about style, self-confidence and grace written by Amanda Johnson over at Here’s Looking at Me Kid.  I’ve been needing a little extra inspiration lately – I just found it!

He Said, She Said: Bea Johnson

I used to think that each season, trendy clothes needed to be purchased in order to have “style”. I now believe that style is something that we (already) own, pair with flair and wear with dare (confidence). -Bea, The Zero Waste Home

Black and White Challenge: Four Different Ways

So – at the beginning of this week my sis challenged me to wear the same white t-shirt and black pants every day this week.  But that wasn’t the challenge (wearing the same thing over and over is EASY for me!).  The challenge was to mix up the outfit each day and see just how many looks I could pull together.

I managed to photograph four looks but I bet with more time I could have done at least four more.

I started with a white t-shirt picked up from the Rack along with a brand new pair of black cigarette jeans picked up at Urban Outfitters last week. Everything else paired with the tee and jeans was found in my closet.

Look #1: Tan cardigan + pink scarf + leopard print flats

Look 2: White button up shirt + suede ankle boots

**PS.  I held out for the Steve Madden’s and am so GRATEFUL I didn’t make do with the cheapsters.  These babies are comfy!!**

Look 3: Blue button up + white Jack Purcell’s

Look 4: Brown cardigan + denim button up + scarf + Frye boots

That was so much more easier to do than I expected!  My favorite thing about the black jeans?  They seemed to dress my look up just a tad which, of course, made me feel great.  Which, of course, has more to do with style than the clothes I’m wearing (feeling great, that is…).

He Said, She Said: Tanya Ilarde

Quite simply, style is being ourselves, and there is nothing original about that answer. But what I’ve realized is that style is a practice, and I must always be conscious and tenacious about it. It is not only a reflection but also a measure of how authentic I am living. -Tanya Ilarde

Sorry But I Won’t Be Solving the World’s Problems Today

As I mentioned on Monday, I’m supposed to be taking a break from over-thinking and over-analyzing this little project of mine.  I’m taking it easy and just playing around with my clothes.  I won’t be trying to figure anything out or solving the world’s problems.  That’s the idea at least…

What do you do when you need to take a mental break?  And does it actually work for you?

The Over-Thinking Stops Here (just for the week…)

A friend once mentioned in passing that I tend to over-think things.  When she said that, I felt offended.  I’ve come to learn that feeling offended is usually a clear sign that truth is making itself known to me.  So now when I get myself all in a tizzy over whatever, I know to stop and ask around if I’m over-thinking something yet again.

Which is where I find myself now.  Over-thinking all sorts of She Found Style related things.  So.  I’m gonna shelve those thoughts for now and just have fun this week.

A challenge has been presented by my lovely sister.  Pick out two staples – a white t-shirt and some black jeans.  Wear them everyday BUT each day wear the look differently by using jackets and scarves and necklaces and earrings and shoes and whatever!  Fun, right?  I’ll post a collection of this week’s outfits at the end of the week.

Wanna stop over-thinking things and join me in the fun?

He Said, She Said: Anonymous

here

This idea of moving into a fear rather than avoiding it has really inspired me lately.  And the benefits I get by doing this?  Incredible.  By not allowing a fear to dictate my life, I move forward in life full-steam ahead!

Don’t get me wrong, I still let fear hold me back.  For example, I wouldn’t go kayaking the other day because my mind was full of fears: sea-sickness, falling into the ocean, getting bit by a shark and overturned by a whale.  People – it happens!

I’m doing my best but I’ve got a long way to go.  What fun, this Life journey is!

A Gain in Confidence: What I Have Learned So Far

Annie, my mother-in-law, asked me recently what I’ve learned so far in my style challenge.  I started rattling off a list about accessories and trying something new and how fun it is to learn.  But as I listened to myself, I realized what I have gained goes a bit deeper than picking out the right necklace.

Have you ever been invited to a party?  Have you ever agonized over what to wear to the party?  Have you ever ran out to the store the morning of the party to find something since you have nothing in your closet that feels right only to come home after shopping tired and frustrated and empty-handed?  And have you ever gone to a party wearing something “eh” and then agonized all night long about what you were wearing?

Yup, I’ve been there done that.  And the real shame of it all?  Spending all that energy fretting over my appearance.  When what I should be doing is enjoying the party, laughing with friends, and bringing life to those around me.

But so often I get caught up in the wrong thing.  The wrong worries.  And clothing is just another place I can misspend my energy.

It’s not about keeping up with the stylish crowd.  That is exhausting.  It’s about doing what is right for me and reaping confidence from a good choice and a little preparation.

And that is what I’ve gained so far.  Not only am I learning how to dress right for myself but by investing all my energy into this style education, I’m freeing myself up to enjoy the party, laugh with my friends, and give life to those around me.