Welcome to the new blog! Isn't this exciting? The above look was one I threw together on Polyvore, which is a ridiculous website to create outfits on because you basically have a virtual closet that consists of every piece of clothing under the sun.
Two quick notes about why I love the above outfit, and then the reason for my post:
1. All my jeans get holes in them, so I love when I find outfits that actually look good...with hole-y jeans. Must be all those hours of tirelessly playing My Little Pony.
2. Putting something as polished as lace with something as unfinished as torn denim makes it looks effortless and ironic, which is much more visually interesting.
Now, let's talk about you. I want to take a moment to dispel this vague thought floating around out there (especially among those conservative mamas I love) that it's selfish or (GASP) worldly to take some time to plan your wardrobe and style.
Taking five percent of your time to plan out what you feel confident, and beautiful in frees you up in the other 95 percent of your life to engage with and respond positively to the circumstances and people around you.
Planning your clothing, just like planning your meals, makes sure that when your kids come into your closet at 7:00 and need help tying their shoes or combing their hair you're not too stressed out trying to figure out what you can wear to engage with their little hearts and move on. This is why it can be so helpful to have a "look book" handy of your go-to outfits- you grab one, throw it on, and get on with the important part of your life.
What's more, if you feel beautiful and put together, you're less likely to even be thinking about yourself, and more likely to be able to think about whatever else it is your doing (and as women, that is usually helping someone else--right?)
So take a few minutes to plan ahead and know what works for you, and then forget about it. Cause good style should never be the focus of your life, but it shouldn't distract you from living it either!
Love this outfit and the idea of polished vs. not, but cuffed jeans don't do much for short legs :) So I would wear this with a different style jean, say bootcut? Love the shirt. Also, love the idea of creating your own "Look Book." I'm always more productive when I plan ahead and lay my clothes out the night before.
ReplyDeleteWell considering that I learned the concept of planning your clothes the night before from you...it makes sense.
DeleteLike your thoughts, friend. People say the same things about the all the outdoor stuff we do- it is selfish, it takes time from things that really count...But at the end of the day, week or weekend, a little outdoor adventure or a workout helps me be a better, more engaged mom. It makes me sad when moms give up the little things that bring them joy, and do their "duty" as a mom joylessly. And often God never really tells us to give up those things at all... Sometimes he does, but often we give them up simply cause we are trying to earn some sort of reputation or standing with a certain crowd. Anyways...rabbit hole. Good luck friend!
ReplyDeleteI loved this Alyssa! Sometimes we do give things up cause it makes us feel more righteous to be sacrificial right? It can be hard to guard our hearts against things we love so much, but we're totally on the same page!
DeleteThanks, Jenn! I am one of those mammas that just throws on whatever and feels rather lost when it comes to style. And so I thank you for helping me to shake things up a bit and even to choose red! from time to time. You are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou have that kind of style that is so classic pretty you could get away with anything. Thanks Hil!
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