I’ll admit it. I can sometimes be self-centered. Not as in I’m convinced of my own fabulousness. It’s more along the lines of the way a child is more concerned with their own needs than of those of the people around them…
THE STORY
…Years ago I read an excellent book about the psychological effects on a girl when she loses her mom at an early age; my own mother passed away when I was 17. One particular concept in the book really resonated with me; it said that oftentimes a girl’s emotional growth will stop or “freeze” at the age at which she lost her mother, particularly if the loss followed an extended illness which in my case it did. That explains both the yin and the yang of my personality. I can be a boatload of fun because I still occasionally act like a teenager; it isn’t always a bad thing to have your inner girl still alive and well. But I can also be a total brat.
One of the beautiful things about getting older though is self-awareness. I have learned to control both of these aspects of my personality (to a certain extent) simply because I am aware of them and aware of why they exist. Oddly enough this awareness makes me less tolerant of the behavior in others. I think because I make every effort to rein in this less than desirable aspect of my personality, I get frustrated with those who don’t. Does that make sense?
Self-improvement is a journey. Sometimes it is done with intent and other times we learn to be better through experience. We also need to learn to embrace our faults; no one is perfect and learning to accept ourselves, battle scars and all is an important step in that journey. So while I strive to make my “inner brat” a little less bratty, I also try to remember to appreciate the inner girl who makes life a little more amusing than it would otherwise be.
THE OUTFIT
This is really a pretty basic outfit; skinny cargo pants, block heeled sandals and a spring sweater. What takes it from basic is the colors and the accessories. The layered turquoise necklaces and bracelets add a pretty touch of bling while the crazy mix of colors in the marled sweater brightens things up.
What makes it special though, at least in my opinion, are the red block heeled sandals. Seriously, what is it about a red shoe, whether it be a strappy sandal or a a pair of Converse that really makes an outfit pop? In addition to this pair of sandals, I have red lace up flats, red Converse and the ever popular red ankle boots. No matter what they are paired with, a red shoe is always a winner. I do need to pick up a pair of red pumps though…
THE TIP
Red shoes. Whether they be sneakers, flats or a smokin’ hot pair of stilettos, get yourself a pair of red shoes.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Sandals: JCPenney; Pants: Target (Similar); Sweater: Walmart (Similar)
