Making it Yours

Hey, It's Caroline!  Before I begin, I'd like to remind you to enter our giveaway.  You won't regret it!

Now back to the good stuff... I know that everybody who reads this has their own style in one way or another.  And a lot of times, we may have a style that we want to express, but we're worried about what people, especially our family, will say.

All I can say is that it's a lengthy transition.  I grew up in Hawaii, land of jean shorts and t-shirts, and I wanted desperately to fit in.  Because of this, I bought denim shorts and wore a whole lot of tank tops.  But I wasn't quite comfortable.

So I slowly began deciding to embrace my own style, and it began with... a scarf.  I actually remember my first "experiment."  It was a brown, empire waist dress, black leggings, ballet flats, and a bright blue scarf.  This sounds... very cute, but not nearly as daring as I am now.  This shows you exactly the style I used to have, noting that this was a significant improvement.

I was beside myself as I twirled around my room (I do that), and when I walked into the kitchen, I tried to act nonchalant.  However, this nonchalant air was unsuccessful, and I remember my brother, mom, and dad both noticed the difference and made comments here and there.  They weren't negative comments, but they were certainly... amused, perhaps?  But I'm fairly used to being a source of amusement for my family.  It's like a contest.

However, as time went on, and my family became less and less surprised that I was wearing bright scarves and such, I amped it up.  I started wearing chandelier earrings, heels, and bright colors, especially purple.  I slowly developed a sense of style.  Of course, my style is sort of undefined, because I'm not really sure how to categorize it.  But there are things I would and wouldn't wear, and it's becoming apparent to those around me.

My mom will see things in a store or in a catalog and say "Oh, this is so you!"  And to me, that's a high form of flattery.  To know that I've finally found my place in such a small arena of life as style is really refreshing, and I don't have to worry about what works for me and what doesn't for the most part.  I see something, and I know.

So, what I’m trying to say is, if you’re struggling to find your style, just know it takes time.  But I sort of unintentionally did it in little steps, and I snapped a few photos to help illustrate my meaning.

Basically, if you want to start exhibiting your personality through your attire, I suggest starting with accessories.  If you’re preppy and all-girl, I suggest getting some pumps like these:

If you aren’t willing or ready to wear heels that high yet, I suggest getting some simple, matte black pumps.  You can wear these, and the nude heels, with jeans, dresses, skirts, or anything you like, really.

(Just a note.  These heels aren’t as big as you’d think.  It’s just my thumbs.  They’re miniscule.)


For a more girly girl, bright colored bags and scarves are a great accessory.

Now if you’re a bit more sporty and tom-boyish but still want to add a bit of chic to let people know that you can make it happen, I suggest some more substantial accessories.  For shoes, I think that neutral wedges with boyfriend-style jeans are a perfect look, and leather bags in a pop of color are easy and yet still cute.  To add to that, chunky jewelry and top-knots are perfect for this type of look.

There are a few more things you can do, too.  If you’re edgier, rock some black ankle boots with a wild heel, skinny jeans, and a band t-shirt.  

And of course, if you want to add some instant cuteness to any outfit, throw on a scarf!

 

The basic gist of what I’m saying is to start small.  If you all of a sudden explode and start wearing everything you want at once, it’ll be a bit of a shock to others, and you might miss out on learning how to pair things in just the right way for you.  Be it a bright nail-polish color, a new haircut, a new pair of shoes, or a vivid scarf, just take things little by little so you can get it right.

Have fun!