Getting Personal About Style
Holy crap, I’m a blogger. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be self-employed, making a living sharing my life (mostly in outfits) with other people, most of whom I’ve never met. But life is unpredictable that way, shit happens, aha moments and revelations, and all of a sudden you go from a nobody on the hamster wheel in the corporate world to a fashion blogger. Still a nobody, but a fashion blogger nonetheless.
Oh you’re a blogger. It still feels like a “dirty” word when I say it, and it shouldn’t. Blogging is f$&cking hard, it’s 24/7 and it’s fun as hell. There are so many really good bloggers out there. How do you set yourself apart? What is it that makes anyone even come to this blog and spend a part of their day here? It’s hard and I’m still figuring it out, but my hope is that this is a place of happiness and inspiration. Even if it puts a smile on one person’s face, I’ll take it. I live in a beautiful place and it gives me so much joy to be able to share that with people. My partner and photographer Craig has gone above and beyond learning the ins and outs of photography, and quite frankly I think he’s just a natural. His photography to me, is special, and if there is one thing that has set me apart in this world, it’s his knack for creating beautiful imagery. I think we make a pretty good team. When it comes to style, in addition to what looks and feels good, I strive for comfort and wearability. Sharing outfits is easy, sharing more about me is not. For the most part I’ve kept “me” out of this blog. I’m starting to realize that now and I’m working to do more of that going forward, being vulnerable is hard.
Describe your personal style in three words. I literally hate this. It’s basically Sophie’s Choice. It’s like saying if you can only drink one thing for the rest of your life would you choose coffee or a margarita, there’s no way I can make that decision. My style has certainly evolved since I started this blog, and even more so over the course of my life. There was a time when I thought velour sweatsuits were awesome, like really, really cool. I owned several, and I wore them in public. But that’s the funny thing about style, it’s so subjective. We are constantly being told what’s cool, what’s not, what’s on trend, what’s “so last month.” It’s kind of annoying and overwhelming and I can see how it can be frustrating to navigate the world of fashion …. I’ve always been slightly envious of the girls that know their style. You know that girl, she’s still wearing the exact same thing she wore 10 years ago, and she’s still making it work. But that is just not me. There are so many factors that go into what I wear on a daily basis. Yes, I have my general preferences, I’m definitely more of a jeans and tee than dress and heels kinda chick, but I also have phases. Since starting this blog I’ve become very intentional about my sartorial choices. Mainly because I don’t want to put something out there that doesn’t represent who I am. And because I am posting it on the internet where it will live FOREVER. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of stuff out there I wish I could take back, but you live and you learn.
It’s all about attitude. One of my aha moments, aside from the one that led me to start this blog (I promise I’ll share that story soon) was last summer when I watched the movie Iris. I always knew of Iris, I always admired her and thought she was cool and interesting, but I didn’t really understand what Iris was about. Watching her onscreen, talk about her approach to personal style, beauty and life was a moment I will never forget. It was an outdoor movie under the stars and I’d had a few drinks, so the whole scene got the best of me, but her words were so moving. Iris DGAF what other people think. In life, I’ve always sort of been that way, maybe to a fault (I blame it on being a Sagittarius), but with style, I’m more timid, sort of ironic seeing as I write a fashion blog. But who am I to tell someone what to wear? I clam up when someone asks me for my “style rules” or fashion advice. My answer is always the same, wear what makes you feel good. And while it may sound like a cop-out or cliche, I truly mean that. I want to help inspire you to find YOUR personal style, I don’t want to tell you what to wear! Style is so personal, and that is why I fell in love with Iris. One of my favorite quotes from her, “there’s no how-to road map to style, it’s about self-expression, and above all attitude.” Attitude is everything.
So why are we here? Why do I have any business being a fashion blogger? Maybe I don’t, in which case, sorry for the novel. But if you’re still reading this, my takeaway is this. Take risks, try something new, discover yourself and then dress accordingly. Style is a journey, one that in my opinion is lifelong. So I am grateful that you’ve chosen to follow mine. The good, the bad and the ugly (and certainly no more velour sweatsuits- not that there’s anything wrong with that). 
Because I’m a fashion blogger and you might want outfit deets…
TASSEL BLOUSE / DENIM SHORTS / SANDALS / BACKPACK / BRACELET (use code prosecco20 for 20% off your order)
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Love your blouse!
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Love the honesty in this post! I have been following your blog and love every single post. You have definitely evolve and become an inspiration. And of course, this outfit is totally on point!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thank you so much I really appreciate it. xx
I just recently discovered your blog through Instagram – great post!
– Trina http://www.petitestylestudio.com
Thanks Trina!
Oh girl… You’re a natural! I don’t know you, but I feel like I do. Even though you think you keep the ‘personal’ stuff out, your posts are so authentic and genuine I can’t help but sense your inner beauty also. And that’s what keeps me coming back. xo Heather
That is so nice of you to say Heather. I so appreciate your readership and support. It means more to me than you know. xx
Love this post, love your style!
Thank you Jackie, I really appreciate that xx
I loved this post and the fact that you are so true to who you are. Your content is amazing, so keep doing your thing girl!
Thank you so much Molly, so nice of you to say, appreciate your support. xx
Such a cute outfit love the sandals! Xo
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Oh, man, love love what you say about wearing what makes you feel good. In September of 2014, when I got back from a trip to Northern California (where I’m originally from) I realized how much I was wearing things in my wardrobe just because they were there and I felt like I *had* to wear them!
hahahahaha.
so I stopped and I promised myself to NEVER wear something I didn’t love… never ever to wear something just because I need something to wear + I hadn’t worn this in a while and felt guilty and heck I’d wear it just one more time so it looks like I have a bigger wardrobe than I do.
So when I finally asked myself “but why??” I realized I was wearing clothes I didn’t like and had no reason to wear. and that has made me so much more confident! Even if it means wearing the same outfit twice in one week because I’m not having a creative day. It’s worth it!!
Plus getting rid of a pile or two of clothes felt so good!! 😉
Totally agree and good for you for finding your own style and wearing what makes you feel happy! xx
What a great post Jess! How about you are giving me inspiration to blog myself and I love your natural sens of fashion. Slightly different to mine but nonetheless inspiring. I have started blogging at the beginning of January and I am actually learning from you. You are so lucky that Greg is a fantastic photographer, his pics are natural, well framed, it all looks really smooth and spontaneous and I think it’s all down to his talent at capturing the moment. Being the photographer in our household it’s a lot more difficult my side to get nice pics of me so I am learning to use self timer and I recently invested in a tripod. It won’t be the same but I can just keep on trying;) As for our fashion style, Gosh you should see some of the outfits I wore a little bit more than 10 years ago, I cringe whenever I see a photo of that era…..but as you said, you live and learn! Thanks for your gracefulness and nice inspo, keep it coming. Hugs from London, Julie
http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com
From my perspective, you have a really cohesive style that comes across on the blog. Upon seeing your posts, my reaction is always “oh yeah, that totally fits with the whole”. I really love that you feature pieces and outfits that are truly wearable too.
I also identify with asking “why should anyone trust my style advice?”, especially since blogging is a relatively newer endeavor for me. It’s refreshing and encouraging to hear that you still have similar thoughts!
xx Jean
Great post. Well done. I love this summer’s look perfect on you
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Great post! It’s so nice reading so honest words. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Great post!
This definitely resonated with me so much! I am currently toying with my style a lot and how I’d like to incorporate it on my blog. While at the same time being true to how I am. I love this!