The outfit that I’m wearing actually inspired the topic of today’s story…
THE STORY
…I am a very linear thinker; for me most things are very black and white. I’m not super creative at all. Over the years I have come to understand this about myself, and in the last few years have made it a goal to knock it off. It really takes constant awareness and effort because I think viewing things with a creative eye is something that one is born with. It can be an acquired skill, but not without a lot of work.
My husband for example, is insanely creative. He is the one that typically comes up with all of the color schemes, picture hanging arrangements and the placing of any sort of decorative pieces throughout our home. He can look at an object and come up with about 101 uses for it that the object was definitely not originally intended for. For example, just a few weeks ago he dug around in my jewelry box and found a wide bangle bracelet that I never ever wear, and repurposed it as a base for a hand-blown glass ball that we had no way to display. It is absolutely beautiful and you would never know that the base is actually a bangle bracelet.
See what I mean? To me, it was a bracelet; nothing more, nothing less. Without his outside of the box brain, the bracelet would still be languishing in my jewelry box and the beautiful glass ball would be sadly tucked away in a drawer somewhere. I’m the same way with my closet. I have to literally make myself not view pieces as just what they they are. To my brain, work clothes are work clothes and thus I only wear them to work instead of mixing them into my everyday wardrobe. Scarves are simply something I wrap around my neck as opposed to maybe wrapping one around my waist as a belt.
I don’t make resolutions at the beginning of each new year, that just doesn’t seem to work for me. I do however set goals for myself throughout the year whenever the need arises. Thinking outside of the box is one of those areas where I still need to focus effort. Being able to look at things with a mind open to endless possibilities, in my opinion, is something that warrants the continued effort. Thinking in a linear manner like I do is just so confining. It feels like I’m trapped in said box. And that my lovelies, is simply unacceptable. Therefore, I will continue this year to train my brain to look at all of the possible options, both in my closet and in life. Because really, who wants to spend their life trapped in a box.
THE OUTFIT
As I’ve said, I am a very linear thinker; thinking outside of the box is difficult for me in all areas, and clothing is no exception. Every day I have to make a concentrated effort to view things from a different perspective.
This outfit is the perfect example. Yes, the dress is pretty, but by itself it was lacking. My immediate instinct was to layer something over it, but there was nothing I tried that I loved. While staring into my closet, my blue tulle skirt caught my eye. Hmmm…that would look cute layered underneath, right? No, the in the box side of my brain said…that’s a skirt. Fortunately, the side of my brain that does make the effort to climb out of it’s box won the argument and voila…skirt layered under dress. It added an extra flouncy layer of fun that the dress needed, don’t you think?
For me though, the centerpiece of this outfit is the fur trimmed denim jacket. It’s from H&M and is unfortunately no longer available, although this one is similar. When it first appeared online back in August, I was obsessed. I was hesitant to order a coat online so over the next few months I checked a few H&M stores, but couldn’t find it. When I received a 40% off coupon in the mail, it was like a message from the universe…”You must get the fur trimmed denim jacket”. I’m not one to ignore messages from the universe, so I pulled the trigger and ordered it.
When it arrived, I was in love. It fit perfectly (I sized up so I could layer), it’s pile lined so it’s plenty warm (when the temperature is above negative numbers) and the fur collar is removable. I have worn it with pretty much everything since then and I think it was the perfect topper for this particular outfit.
THE TIP
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. As a matter of fact, make an effort to do so. Think outside of the box in all areas of life with wild abandon. It frees you, it gives you options that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Jacket: H&M (Similar); Skirt: Similar; Dress: Similar; Boots: Charming Charlie
