Playing with Blocks

Before the world of style blogging, I would say honestly that I had a pretty basic sense of style. I always enjoyed fashion but kept things simple and safe. No jewelry, no belts, no skirts, no prints, no embellishments. Nothing that would make me stand out in any way. Consider me BB (before blogging) as a big ole fashion yawn.

AB (after blogging), I got slowly more adventurous and inspired. Maybe even a bit internally competitive to want to look as good as someone else in that skirt or this sweater. Where once I was a little ashamed of my muscular legs and always wore pants, soon I began collecting skirts and dresses like it was my job. I gave in to my love of shoes and stopped buying just for practicality. I tried colors I had always stayed away from (orange, yellow, pink) and pieces I originally thought were too fussy (belting? lace? statement-y necklaces? yes, please).

Now that I am comfortably settled into blogging outfits, I find enjoyment in the challenge of putting together uncommon combinations and making them work. Not everything turns out to be a winner (you can have your baggy crotch pants back, Jenna Lyons) and some days it is just too hard to try, but getting dressed is not just getting dressed for me now.

What do I love now? Bold saturated colors. Big prints. Stripes and gingham with just about anything else. A big fun necklace is my friend. I live by pieces going together and not just matching. I'm learning not to be afraid of a good heel. I'm doing my nails. Heck, I'm showing my face (and my outfits) over the Internet - isn't that a big ole flag to be judged? And then not being afraid of being judged?

 

Do you feel like fashion blogging (reading or authoring your own) has changed your personal sense of style? Have you been inspired to try something out of your comfort zone? Have there been any fashion fails thanks to blogging?

Top: Ann Taylor colorblock cowlneck (worn here before)

Skirt: Anthropologie Left of Center diagonal divide (worn here before - sim here, here)

Belt: Asos metal keeper patent (and in blue and orange-y red)

Shoes: Sofft ramona II (worn here before)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel (worn here before - sim here)