When do you feel your best self? A great question to REALLY think about, one I have been reflecting on quite a bit this past year. I know I’m happiest when I am doing something, ANYTHING creative. I hate being boxed in to a project, stuck in a room with snotty or uptight people, or in uncomfortable uptight clothing for that matter. I believe what we wear is a reflection of who we are inside. And to be happy in what we wear, we need to reflect inward – before we can project outwards. Makes sense, right? I believe this is one of the top reasons (aside from a unorganized crowded closet) many women struggle to get dressed in the morning. I hear it over and over again, “I hate everything in my closet!”. Really? You bought it, so you probably don’t HATE everything – your closet simply doesn’t reflect who you are or want to be, at that moment.
So yes, I need to be creative in work and play. I love being with my family. I have a big extended family, and when I am with my pod of 4; hubs and 2 teens, I am my happiest – we always have each others backs and have a great time together. So what looks reflect my true self? I feel my best self in a flowy bohemian dress, long sweater and some type of slip on shoe – comfortable pieces that move with me. I also love a pair of 70’s inspired jeans paired with a beautiful bell sleeve blouse, a long topper, a gold toned statement pendant, and a mix mash of gold bangles. I am a sucker for cashmere and anything animal print. I love a big luxe handbag.
Today’s look was a fun one to put together. I picked up this stripe duster cardigan a few months ago and have worn the heck out of it. As we transition to fall, cardigans become my wardrobe staple. My denim midi dress is from the Gap. Sadly, I cannot recommend it as I had to size up 2, yes, two, sizes to get it over my hips, THEN take it to the tailor to have the straps re-constructed. It was on final sale (super cheep) – no returns, so at least that made up for the cost of the alterations. My bag is a new favorite, designed by my friend Linda Cecil; owner and designer of Young Villagers Handbags. I have a few of her leather bags which you would recognize as they are in constant rotation in my closet. Aside from unique designs, what I love about Linda’s bags is the functionality! Look for lots of pockets, outside zips for easy access, and in some cases extra space for a laptop – she covers it all for us moms-on-the go. The Single Flap Shoulder Bag (which I am wearing today) can hold a laptop AND adjusts with a removable strap to a crossbody bag! Linda’s new canvas line is chic, affordable and LIGHT.
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More Styles to Browse!
Today’s featured bag was kindly gifted to me by Young Villagers. As always, all opinions are my own.
Let’s Chat!
When do you feel your BEST self? What does it look like? What does it feel like? What are you doing? What are you wearing? Who are you with? Does your wardrobe reflect who you are today? Dig in and take a look – I’d love to know what you discover!
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Hi Suzanne, I have to say until 3 years ago when I stared this journey into instagram,I too disliked what was in my wardrobe, for me the problem was working in a corporate ENVIRONMENT, when my style wasn’t COMPLETELY corporate, it is a bit classic, I mean give me Audrey hepburn dressing any day but not every day.
I discovered that I am, what I used to call “hippy”, I now know that style to be Boho, I also discovered through watching yourself and other lovely ladies on Insta that there are ways to play with style. While I think dressing over the years has changed and we are not quite as straight laced as we used to be in the corporate world I think some of my change of thinking came from me as well, just a DESIRE to be myself every day, not just on the weekends.
I now like to think of dressing for the office as a style fusion, a bit of classic with some boho thrown in. Dressing for me? who would have thought!
thanks to you and the lovely ladies of instagram!
take care H xxx
Hi Helen and thank you for sharing your story with us! I love hearing about your style journey and I am guessing it rings true with many women out there. YOu are correct in stating that back in the day, corporate dressings had many “rules”. Back in the late 90’s/2000 I would have never thought to wear any type of boho look to work, yet now I incorporate it whenever I can. I believe it is possible to dress to our true self AND be professional. AND when we dress for us, we are happier and I would think more productive, right? so many of us are on the journey for the answer to how to feel our best sels – and i do believe it is a journey. I am so happy to see you have arrived my dear friend! Now CELEBRATE! xx Suzanne
Suzanne these are very cute bags! They look just right with your outfit. Jacqui Mummabstylish I hope you’ll ad to my #chicandstylish #linkup Hun. x
Oh that bag has a lovely shape – and I love a bag that can carry everything I need – which is getting bigger by the year! Your whole outfit is really lovely xx