Originally, when I left the house in this outfit the other day, in my mind this outfit was already relegated to the “Instagram Outfit” category…
THE STORY
…What’s an Instagram outfit? Well, as we all know, I only post outfits on the blog that I actually wear. I do three posts a week, but there are seven days in a week. See what I’m saying? Not everything I wear makes it to the blog. Sometimes I don’t have time to do photos. Sometimes I do, but the outfit looks kind of “blah”. But assuming I’m dressed in something that I wouldn’t wear to mow the yard (meaning publicly presentable) it does make it to Instagram. And right there is a good reason to maybe check out my Instagram and follow along so you don’t miss any of the fun. Yes, that was a shameless plug to follow me on Instagram…but hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
Anyway, I didn’t think this was anything to write home about. I changed my mind though while sitting in the waiting room at my daughter’s eye doctor appointment. One of the women who works in the eyeglasses shop across the foyer from the check-in desk approached me. She said, “I just wanted to tell you that the other girls and I were looking at your outfit while you were waiting at the desk. We all agreed that it was so nice to see someone who looked so pretty and put-together instead of just showing up wearing whatever. It’s obvious you put some thought into it before you left your house.” No, I’m not telling you this to sound all Braggy McBraggy-pants. I’m telling you to make a point.
I’ve always said that what you wear on any given day tells the world a little bit about who you are without you speaking a word. I’ve also always agreed with the Tom Ford quote “Dressing well is a form of good manners”. Dressing well doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to sport a formal gown every time you leave the house. No, it simply means put a little thought and effort into what you put on; it shows that you respect yourself and those who are fortunate enough to cross your path that day.
And right here is the beauty of fashion and personal style…a person doesn’t have to love what you’re wearing in order to see that you did indeed put some thought into it. I see people all of the time that I think, “No way would I wear that.” BUT even though I don’t care for the outfit, I can appreciate the fact that whomever is wearing it put thought and care into what they dressed themselves in. And kudos to them for rocking something they love. Conversely, I’m sure that people sometimes look at me and think the same thing. But again, they can also see that I didn’t just throw on whatever was laying in a pile on the floor by my bed in the morning. In my opinion, getting dressed isn’t some trivial time wasting bit of fluff. What you wear matters. It affects how you feel about yourself and it also affects how others perceive you. So doesn’t something that important warrant a few minutes of consideration before walking out the door?
THE OUTFIT
We have been having random smatterings of cooler mild temperatures this summer which has given me more opportunities to wear jeans than I normally would this time of the year. I knew I wanted to wear my Mr.’s men’s button down shirt so I went with skinny jeans instead of the trusty boyfriends that I usually default too. I love the look of a slightly baggy men’s button down shirt over a pair leggings or skinny jeans. They were just kind of meant to go together. And how about this super hot suede choker from Ettika? I first saw it on the lovely Sheela, and it was one of those things that had to come home and live with me, no questions asked. Even though it’s a choker, it’s super lightweight and not at all uncomfortable. I ordered another leather choker at the same time and I’m pretty sure Ettika and I are going to become BFF’s.
THE TIP
Even a simple basic outfit like a men’s button down shirt and skinny jeans can look pulled together. It’s all about the few simple extras that you add to the basics. A killer necklace, earrings or maybe an arm party; a pair of fierce shoes or a standout bag will do the trick too. Just make the effort and it will all come together…I promise.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Shirt: H&M (Similar); Jeans: Old Navy (Similar); Ankle boots: Zappos (Same); Choker: Revolve Clothing
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $100 H&M Gift Card
Co-hosts: Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog // Pretty Thrifty // SWEETHAUTE // Annie A to Z // A Better Me // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Endless Bliss // Deliciously Savvy // Fashion Fairy Dust
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 7/11 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
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