As I mentioned in my first post of the new year, I’m slowly moving the blog in a new direction…
THE STORY
…The plan is to turn it into a business that actually makes a sustainable income for myself and my family. I can’t tell you how scary and exciting it is all at the same time! There is so very much to learn as this is completely uncharted territory for me. In my mind I have always been and would always be a teacher. When I was young and thought of retirement what came to mind was little gray-haired me putzing around my house winding up my journey on this planet…ahhh, the naiveté of youth.
First of all, gray hair ain’t happening for me. I have absolute respect for my gray-haired sisters, but that’s just not my thing. And more importantly, retirement does not mean what it did in the past. Many people choose to retire young from one career and move onto an entirely different path. I actually won’t be retiring for a few more years, however the time has come to get this new journey rolling. It actually makes more sense to do it now anyways because it is a far better idea to build a bridge than to take a leap of faith into the abyss of the unknown.
I’ve already started with the most rudimentary changes. I’ve updated my branding; a new blog theme, new logos, new tagline, new business cards…the whole shebang. That was the easy part though.
Now I am primarily focused on learning. I’m researching, reading books, watching webinars, listening to podcasts, brainstorming product ideas…you name it, I’m doing it. I’m fully immersed in the whole boss babe vibe and I’m loving it.
I’ve actually got so much swirling around in my brain right now that today I decided that I needed to just…stop. Not stop working on building a business, but stop trying to figure it out all at once. I need to focus. Focusing is definitely not my strong suit, not in any area of my life. I’m often full of genius ideas, but my brain often goes in a thousand directions which is not conducive to successfully getting things done. And working on all of this is no exception…I’ll be reading up on one thing and it will trigger another thought and my brain is all like,”Hey! That’s a cool idea, let’s investigate that,” and off I go in that direction…until something else catches my attention. That would explain why I chose “focus” as one of my guiding words for 2020.
So, I’m slowing my roll and I’m going to sit down over the next several days and work on writing a business plan. I’m going to organize what I’m doing from top to bottom, beginning to end. I downloaded a business plan template from Mattie James as hers made the most sense to me and it is also specifically geared towards style bloggers. I need some sort of structure and guidance, particularly when I’m working on something unfamiliar, so I’m feeling confident that by the end of the week I’ll have my thoughts all sorted and organized.
How about you…are you super organized and able to keep your thoughts in order to get things done or do you need some structure and guidance to keep you on track?
THE OUTFIT
Today’s outfit tells a story of free-spirited boho vibes with a hint of the 70’s thrown in for good measure. This leopard chiffon skirt is just as floaty and ethereal in person as it looks in pictures. I picked it up at American Eagle a few months ago because it checked all the boxes; leopard print…floaty…comfortable. And good news for you, right now this exact leopard chiffon skirt is on clearance for under $12 and it’s still available in XS, S, and M.
There were a thousand things I could have paired my leopard print chiffon skirt with i.e. a chambray shirt, pullover sweater or tee shirt, but I decided to go full bohemian and wear my crochet tank top layered underneath the blush open front cardigan. My warm and comfy fur-lined booties completed the look.
The fur-trimmed suede coat finished the look. I’ve had it for more years than I can count…it would actually be considered vintage by now. Every time I wear it I feel like Penny Lane in Almost Famous because it gives off all the 70’s rock groupie vibes. It’s not a super warm coat, but it’s perfect for chilly, but not quite cold days.
THE TIP
To put together a boho outfit outfit you need to keep certain elements in mind…
- Printed free flowing maxi/midi skirts or dresses
- Ankle boots or western style boots…gladiator sandals work well in the summer or in warmer climates
- Macrame or crochet details
- Loose fitting tee shirts…bonus points if it has a rock band graphic
- Tunic tops
- Long kimonos
- Layered delicate necklaces in a variety of metals and materials
- Wide-brimmed floppy hats if you are comfortable wearing hats
- Denim, moto, or faux fur vests
- Chambray shirts…chambray works best if it’s oversized or from the men’s department with plenty of extra length for knotting in the front
- A braided leather or western style belt
If going for the full-on bohemian girl look isn’t in your comfort zone, simply add one of the above elements to your own style to get just a taste of the boho look.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Skirt: Aerie; Cardigan: American Eagle; Top: Altar’d State (Similar); Boots: White Mountain
**Disclaimer: Commission earned through shopping links in this post.
