8.22.2011

Dressing Outside My Box

I know, I know - I wrote that post asking people what they liked to read about and some of you said that you didn't enjoy fashion posts. If you're one of those people, I beg your indulgence and ask you to please check back later as I do write about other stuff.

For everyone else who doesn't mind reading about my clothing escapades, lend me your ears. I only worked at my outside-the-house job one day last week, which meant that I could play around with what I wore and I attempted to put together outfits outside my "norm", just to see how it went. Let's just say that hubby came home on Monday night and said, "You look CUTE!" Yep, that will work for me.

It all started with this skirt that I purchased last year on super clearance from Talbot's...

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I brought it home and didn't know how to wear it or what to do with it. In fact, I was on the verge of donating it to the local thrift shop, but thankfully I have this habit which keeps me from making impulse purges. Instead of going straight into a donation bag, I move the questionable items from my closet to the closet of the guest bedroom. If they stay in there for several months and I don't ever think about them, then they are given away.

If, however, a situation arises like the one I just mentioned, I am able to shop in my own closet and not kick myself for giving away something I'm now using on a regular basis. Crisis averted.

Last week I was wearing a pair of capris and a shirt I always thought I liked, but the reality was that I was feeling rather frumpy. When I walked by a mirror, I was aghast to find that my bum was looking a bit saggy (thanks to the capris), and there was very little pep in my step. I went to the What Not To Wear website (while ironing) to see what Clinton and Stacy suggested to each of their makeover clients.

Almost across the board, they recommended skirts and/or dresses, with some nice tailored pants thrown in for good measure. I set down the iron and tried on the condemned skirt with a pair of my favorite heels. It was amazing how much better I felt, even though I was still doing regular household chores. With that experience under my belt, I tried two more outfits - one skirt, three ways.

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Hello adorable outfits, where have you been hiding? Right in my very own closet? You don't say!

Now, for the more fashion conscience, yes, those are rubber Crocs that I'm wearing in the far right picture. They are both comfortable and washable - assets that are essential to me and that I have yet to find in a pair of "approved" ballet flats. Though Stacy and Clinton might toss my shoes in their trashcan, I don't follow everything they say - just general guidelines. While sporting my little Mary Jane's, I cleaned the tub, did laundry, watered plants, scrubbed dishes, and never once thought, "my feet are killing me", so I'm keeping them around.

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Are you in a style rut like I was (and possibly still am to some degree)? What do you do to change things up? Have you ever spent time shopping your own closet? How do you stay true to you without conforming to the trends of the hour day season?
 

14 comments:

  1. I like the first outfit best on you I think - Red really suits you!!

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  2. I agree. I love this first outfit! Love your blog too! :)

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  3. Me too!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the first! Sooooo cute :)

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  4. The first also gets my vote, though I like them all. Good job!

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  5. Yes, the 1st outfit is my favorite too. : ) Love red so much! Good job on putting that outfit together.

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  6. First off - thanks for all the kind comments (you know how they make my day!).

    Second - that first outfit was really your favorite?! I find that particularly humerous because it was probably my least favorite of the batch (as in, the one that felt the least like me). Might have to give it another go since so many of you seem to give it the thumbs up. Thanks for the input!

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  7. I like the first one the best, too. I love your idea of putting those questionable items in the guest closet...and going shopping there...I may just have to start doing that.

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  8. Ok,

    Your fashion guru sister says the first is the cutest, but also like the third for a casual look too. Good job! You have always looked good in red, so wear it more often. Those red pumps kill me! So not you, but glad you are branching out!Yes, I also shop in my closet. One day I want a huge walk-in one where I can put all my clothes together and not have only seasonal ones at a time.

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  9. I LOVE the first one! The color is great is on you and the style is super flattering! But the other two are cute and look comfy...so you have the best of both worlds.

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  10. It's a great skirt that can go with a lot of things! And I find skirts a really great compromise between comfort and "cuteness." They're maybe not quite so comfortable for being around the house in as pants, but they're definitely comfortable when you have to go out.

    Like a lot of other people, I like the first one the best. Partly because those shoes are great (as are the shoes in #2) and partly because the red suits you and the belted look is really flattering.

    I don't want you going all fashion posty either, but once in a while is definitely fun! ; )

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  11. Hahahaha how funny, I totally loved the first outfit best, too!! Then the third! I am a fan of bright colors, though, so that probably has a lot to do with it. =)

    Carrie, between your recent fashion entries and those outfit ensembles all over Pinterest, I am totally inspired to change up my wardrobe this fall. =) I love it!! Thanks for being an inspiration!

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  12. Marth, Kateri, and Katie - thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! It's always nice to hear from people.

    @The Seestor - nope, the red shoes aren't me, but I LOVE them. :-) You know I got boots last year too and actually wore them. Will wonders never cease?! ;-)

    Emily - not to worry, I'll leave the fashion posting up to professionals like you! ;-) Hope that you're having a delightful time in Canada!

    Kaysi - YAY!! So glad you're going to try something new. I've found it to be quite fun myself. Do share what you decide to try once you figure out! :-)

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  13. Cute outfits. Red does look good on you. I LOVE the rubber crocs. I think I might need a pair. But red isn't really my favorite color. Maybe I could get pink ones?

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