It's Friday!
Hooray!
How fun are these crop pants I found at Target this week. They're on major sale (under $10) and pair well with this cute black zipper clutch from Old Navy (also on sale. duh)
Ok, so let's talk about ruts... of the stylistic variety.
Even the most fashionable among us can get a little bored with the same old looks we've been looking at.
I feel I'm qualified to speak on such subjects since I myself have been the victim of past ruts. I wore the same shade of lipstick for years. I've had the same style sunglasses for like ever. If something works, I work it hard. But occasionally I do get bored and begin to feel the need to try something new.
It usually starts with feeling frustrated while getting ready. It's like opening the fridge over and over again expecting something delicious to appear. I stand in front of hangers on hangers of clothes that I picked out for myself and still don't feel enthused about wearing any of it.
"How did I get here?", I think.
So I decide it's time to shop.
I go to my favorite store and see the same stuff I just saw hanging in my closet but this time it's ever so slightly varied and an additional 40% off so I end up buying more of the same old same old.
Or worse.
I go total opposite extreme head first into crazy town USA and end up coming home with bright yellow six inch heels and a pleather jumpsuit. "Sounds comfy for a day of chasing a toddler", said no mom ever.
Is there a better way?
I think so.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the treck out of style Snoozeville...
1. Find your style Spirit Animal: Maybe you're wondering what a spirit animal is. Honestly I don't think anyone really knows the exact origins of this term but I typically use it to describe a person that is like a cooler and more epic version of myself. One of the things I love about the instagram community is that there's a ridiculous amount of inspiration out there. Do a little search and find someone whose style you looooove. Follow them and let them do the work for you. Finding someone that has a similar build is even better because you might could just knock off their entire outfits and even know how sizing works. God bless online shopping.
2. Clean out your closet: I wrote a post a while ago about how to have a successful closet clean out and I really feel like this is the first step in the right direction. Moving away from the very items that are making you feel frumpy will be liberating. Stop looking at clothes you don't like. I'd rather stare at an empty closet and feel inspired about what could be than see a closet full of buying mistakes.
3. Take a shopping buddy: Chances are you have friends who have good taste in style. If you don't, you may need to hire a friend. If you can't hire someone, maybe at the least you have an acqaintance with a great eye for style. Even if you're not on the "shop with me for hours at the loft" level, maybe you're at the "keep your phone close by so I can text pics" level. Sometimes you just need a second opinion. And no, the dressing room attendant doesn't count. You should never ever under any circumstances put that poor person in such an awkward position. Not only do they not know you, but they're also loyal to the retailer that PAYS THEM. You just expect to can't gain that level of trust.
4. Try things you think won't work for you: There's a difference between things that don't look good on you and things you think won't look good on you. The only way to tell the difference is to try. I always assumed that anything high on the waste line looked bad on me. I had never tried it but I wrote it off. My sister made me try on high wasted jeans and I was shocked by how much I loved them. Recognize that the reason you came to this place of feeling stylistically challenged is because you have developed a specific buying pattern. Jump off the crazy cycle and try something different. You never know what you'll discover.
5. Try different stores: If you think "I'm too old to shop there" you should still try. If you think "I'd never find anything from there" look anyway. Shake things up by seeing what different stores have to offer. I love shopping at places like Dress Up because they get new styles every week. I also love uncovering new online boutiques because they too will get new styles in frequently.
Just the fact that you're finishing up this post shows that you're committed to pulling yourself up by your cognac riding boot straps to make things better. So get out there and try new stores, new styles, and get the right inspiration to keep you on the right track.
Hope your weekend is magical!
Happy styling!
Laura