Stick with what you know…
I wasn’t entirely happy with my last effort at pattern mixing, so I decided to scale it down a bit. Yes, camo and stripes are a ‘safer’, more subtle choice, and I’m much happier with these photos.
Why? Because here I’m going back to basics, sticking with what I know, and placing myself firmly within my comfort zone. And it feels right.
But shouldn’t a style blogger be creative and take risks? You know, push the envelope, try something new, challenge herself, enjoy playing with style and fashion?
Like probably most little girls, I used to play dress-up when I was a little girl. I loved wearing princess dresses and my mother’s jewellery. And to some extent I continued playing dress-up (in a different manner) well into my teens and beyond, particularly when I was studying fashion design in my twenties.
But you know what? I’m done playing, be it dress-up or anything else. First, because I have neither the time nor the energy for that, and second, because I know who I am and what I like. And I want my outfits to reflect that (or, rather, the ‘ideal’ me, the best possible version of me).
The fact that I seldom wear exactly the type of outfits I’d love to wear is irrelevant here. That’s because in my head I’m a tall, slim amazon. And then I look in the mirror and realise that the short, middle-aged, chubby brunette with a permanent bad hair day is how the rest of the world sees me… So, I have to make some adjustments, both to the perfect outfits I put together in my head and to the way I see myself. Oh well, life is not perfect; it’s a never-ending masterclass in the art of compromise.
As for the comfort zone…
Personally, I think the value of staying within your comfort zone is often underestimated. It just means you know where your limits are.
And yes, I’m aware that ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’ usually means escaping the boredom of your safe and predictable life to embrace new adventures and challenges. It’s generally considered a good thing. And it probably is, and for sure I should do it more often. However, for those of us whose lives have never been safe and predictable, the comfort zone can also be a sanctuary: a place to escape the unpredictable world we cannot control.
My point is, I need to have at least one aspect of life I can control, and dressing in outfits that make me feel comfortable (both physically and emotionally) and confident is a good place to start. Besides, I find it’s less scary to try new things and widen my horizons when I feel confident…
Outfit details (all old):
Parka: Makia / dress: Comma / bag: Chanel / sunglasses: Prada
shoes: Nero Giardini / scarf: Fraas / gloves: Pia Rossini
Do you like playing with style and fashion,
or do you prefer staying within your sartorial comfort zone?
Tiina
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I
I like the camo and stripes mix! And that pop of color is everything.
Author
Thanks! A pop of colour is always a good thing, right?
This is a great outfit. Lise
Author
Thanks, Lise!
you totally rock your camo coat and I’m loving your striped dress, even more in this fab combo!. I think that your accessorizing is brilliant!, those buckled gloves and those boots add a ‘badass’ vibe which looks fabulous!
Lovely attitude and style!
besos
Author
Ah, muchas gracias! You’re always so sweet.
My inner badass wants to take over every now and then…
What great pattern mixing! I found that stripes work with everything. That is usually the way I pattern mix. I am not too adventurous.
Mireille
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thanks, Mireille. Yes, stripes are really versatile, and they always look cool, too. But I might be a bit biased (you should see my collection of striped tops…)
This looks great and very subtle too. I’d enjoy wearing this too. Thanks for sharing on the #linkup today Tiina. x Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thanks, Jacqui.
This coat is awesome. One has to look twice to see it has a camo print. Great look. Thanks for sharing it at the Top of the World Style linkup.
Author
Thanks, Nicole. Yes, the camo print is quite subtle and all in green. It’s a very useful coat, though, with the weather we’ve been having lately.
My hubby and I had this discussion about challenging yourself . We also agreed that if you find something you are good at, and can excel and feel comfortable in it, that itself is a skill. You excel in what you love to wear and what feels most like you. I love that. The camo green looks striking with the magenta scarf on you!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish
Author
Thanks, Jess. Yes, I agree: if you excel at something, it’s because you’ve probably put a lot of effort into honing that skill, and maybe that should be appreciated, too. There’s no reason to challenge yourself all the time, for sure.
You articulated your thoughts really well, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s not about pushing out of your comfort zone, but the knowledge of what works well and how you feel.
Author
Thanks, Kim. Yes, I think it’s important to realise what works and what doesn’t. Of course, that may change over time, so some little tweaks or adjustments are necessary.
I really like the combination of camo print and stripes. Some days I’m happy to remain in my comfort zone, and on others I like to experiment, it’s all about how I feel on the day. I’m a big believer in dressing according to mood. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Thanks, Emma! Yes, dressing according to mood is good. At times I have zero interest in experimenting, and sometimes I think I’m in a stye rut and need to try something new.