Sometimes, you meet someone who just gets you. Angel's often said that the very first thing he noticed about me was that I dressed "weird". He's said, "I thought to myself, either she's too dumb to know what normal people dress like, or else she's a genius, and she's too smart to dress like normal people."
After getting to know me for a bit, he decided on the 2nd option. To this day he looks askance at some of my clothing choices, but he appreciates that I enjoy getting dressed, and he knows that all of my outfits make sense to me, even if they don't quite make sense to anyone else.
Many people might own a polka-dotted sundress bedecked with blue roses, and think--"This is enough of a statement piece. In the spring, I'll wear it with strappy white heels and a pastel shawl to keep the chill away."
A non-normal dresser will own the same sundress, and decide to wear it in February, paired with fuchsia tights and layered with a fuchsia t-shirt--and will add some black high-heeled boots to complete the look. And then pose for outfit pictures while sitting on pretty furniture at the supermarket.
The key to looking out of the ordinary is to put together items that you wouldn't expect to see worn at the same time. For example, punk-style leather and chain armbands with a lacey dress. Or pink and red and green and blue and purple and orange all at the same time. But even more important is to wear whatever you want to, regardless of whether other people would choose to dress like that or not.
Maybe this is why I don't like the idea of styling services at all. People telling me what I should and shouldn't wear together when I get dressed? No, thank you. I'm pretty darn sure real fashionistas would not like what I wear at all--but what's important to me is that I'm happy when I get dressed, and that's the only fashion advice I'd give to anyone: Dress in a way so that you enjoy the outfit you're wearing.
Oh, I would also add: Dress in a way that makes it look like you're not naked. Just because, you know. Clothes were invented for a reason.
I really liked this article! I love how I dress and have such fun getting ready every morning that does not include work!
I remember when I first met my mother in law and she called B and told him he couldn't marry me because I wore a funny hat, and this was disrespectful to him as a man and did not complement him. I admit to being livid, but I'm over it now. Who doesn't like someone over a HAT??? -_-
Oh Rachel, you are a real gem :) Indeed, they say a smile is the best thing you can wear and you definitely wear it good! Your smile and joy shines through everything else and is so contagious :)
I love that you dress in a way that makes YOU feel comfortable. Fashion is art, and nobody likes to see the same thing over and over again. Okay, so maybe some do, but for some of us it gets to be a bit redundant after a while.
How horrible! I would have worn that same hat every time I saw her from that point on. With a big smile on my face.
Dressing for yourself is the best way to ensure you're not disappointed. I love that you took the photo in the supermarket! LOL I would never have the guts.
bisous
Suzanne
http://bisous.typepad.com/bisous/
I wore a very similar outfit (long sleeve shirt, sundress, gray tights, black boots) a few years ago and I got a couple of looks. Just because it's winter doesn't mean I have to wear jeans!
I love it! Just this winter I've started trying to get more mileage out of my sundresses. Love them paired with tights and a sweater!
Haha, we definitely have slightly different styles but I LOVE that you just wear whatever the heck you want to wear and who cares what people think. Dresses are not just for summertime!
I think it's fun!
I prefer the thought of getting ready for myself instead of other people. Well, mostly. Sometimes I run around screaming "I look terrible in this. Everyone will hate it." Usually reserved for big family functions & church. ;)
My hubby told me that he liked that I had a unique way of dressing before we were together too. I guess some girls just don't get that you can get the guy even if you don't dress averagely. :-)
I love that you do your own thing. We need more people like you.
Hahahaa. I love your last comment. "Dress in a way that makes you not look naked." It's so true. I can't get over how many people where clothes that are next to nothing or SKIN TIGHT. If you want to show off your body THAT badly maybe it's time to join a nudist colony ;)
I adore this. I'm not sure my clothing has ever been ordinary (I went through a phase in 7th grade where I loved wearing white boxers with yellow smiley faces to school) (then there was this long drawn-out thing with overalls) but I've gotten better at HONING my desire for unique outfits as I've gotten older. I do love being different though; it fuels me! I discovered you via Elisabeth's fashion crime blog. Good to be here :)
I love polka dots and that dress!!! You are super cute and I'm excited to be following you now girly!! :)
Stopping by from Monday Mingling and here to stay!!! :) Yay!! XO!!
I love your outfits! I say wear what you want to. It is something I struggle with however.
Thank you for linking up with us for Monday Mingling. :)
I dress for my husband - I once heard a preacher tell a story about him walking into a clothing store to buy something for his wife...the lady helping him asked "are you SURE she will like that or would you rather get her a gift card so she can pick out what she wants to wear?" and he said "she will like it because I like it"....that story has stuck with me forever now...I only want to impress the hubs - I will, however, sometimes dress for myself though. haha.
I love what you've done with this dress! It's nothing something I would have ever thought to do. [I have to admit to being on the cautious side and my friends always make fun of me for being 'matchy'.] Maybe it's time I experimented a little!?
nicolakirsty.blogspot.co.uk
I think it's great that you have your own sense of style. You look lovely! :)
Cheers,
Kristina
I love this. I will admit, my favorite part about this is that you took pictures in the grocery store. I might actually read a few more fashion blogs if they took their pictures in nontraditional places and, you know, posed with the frozen peas or something.
You summed up my thoughts on stylists exactly.
Yes! I love that you took a sun dress and winterized it!!!
how adorable are you! http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-i-wore-wednesday-via-pleated-poppy.html
How cute!!! And brave of you to take an outfit pic in such a public place... I'm way to much of a wimp to do that!!
This dress is so adorable! You look super cute!
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