30for30: My Thoughts Half Way Through: Part I

Thoughts and lessons learned thus far in the 30 for 30 Challenge

I don't need more clothes. I have so. so. many. and there are several ways to mix, match, and remix for hundreds of new looks. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to stop buying clothes... but I will think twice. 

And this takes me to the next point: my future purchases will be made with thought. Several thoughts. Do I need this? Can I incorporate this into at least three different looks? Do I already have something like this?

Accessories are your friend. It's almost safe to say that maybe we should sometimes splurge more on belts, tights, and scarfs as they can completely alter an outfit and help with creating new looks.

Try new things. This adds an entirely new dimension to a.) your looks, b.) your wardrobe, and c.) your confidence. Since 30 for 30 started I've incorporated two looks that I have never attempted before: scarf into belt and socks above boots. I've seen these looks all over the place. Wanted to try them. And finally have. Now... let's see if I am brave enough for socks with heels and/or fur vests...

There is such an incredible support system within the fashion blogging world. Everyone supports each other. You may be weary of your look today, but someone is going to stop by and love it, comment letting you know they love it, and that's exactly what you needed to let you know, it's ok.

In addition to the support, I've "met" a ton of amazing bloggers. Women with impeccable style that is beautiful and inspiring. Women whose blogs I would have never come across if it wasn't for the challenge. 

Fashion doesn't have rules. Sure there are trends, faux pas, and do's and don't, but who cares? Who's to say what you are to wear? Fashion is an outward expression of who you are, how you feel, and what you love. That's it. Be who you are.

If you are in a rut, look for inspiration. It's everywhere: Fashion blogs, websites, magazines, catalogs, window shopping. Sometimes I've even gotten inspiration from home decorating photos. I loved the color palette and instantly programmed the color combo in my head. 

I am really excited to get my entire wardrobe back! I appreciate it SO MUCH MORE now - and we are only half way through. If I can make 30 outfits with such few pieces, no telling what I can come up with from everything else. I'm excited to make new combinations, I'm excited to know that I can change the entire look of something with accessories, and I'm excited to see what I actually do. I may even continue style blogging.

On style blogging: it's a lot of work. It's intimidating putting yourself out there, and as if that wasn't enough, I'm throwing myself into a pool of fashionistas (Kendi, Jessica, Jen, Sydney). I was scared people would judge. Call what I am doing narcissistic. Think I'm full of myself. I'm not. I'm not at all. I enjoy it. I enjoy sharing what I am wearing and hearing what other's have to say about it. I enjoy seeing what others are wearing and letting them know what I think about it. I've been a "stalker" of the fashion blogging community for a couple years now and to now be minutely a part of it, is just plain fun. I am 100% a fan of fashion and style and showing what I am wearing today or tomorrow is a lot more fun than posting a dress from Anthropologie and saying I lust after it.

And knowing that an unknown number of people are going to be looking at what you are wearing with a critiquing eye makes you dress yourself differently. Before sharing my daily outfits it was nothing to just throw on a tee, jeans, and flats and throw my hair up - which is A-OK in my book, but it's not something I want to do everyday. I like getting dressed for the day. Even if I have nothing to do.

I could ramble all night... So to sum it all up: I'm so happy I've participated in this challenge; I've learned so many different things and I've had a ton of fun thus far. I'm looking forward to the next 15!