As it turns out, 2015 was the year of moving forward, taking risks and doing things that scare me. In a fashion sense, it was the year I declared myself free from fashion rules and yet, still managed to purchase too many polo necks and ankle boots. The thing is, it’s often easier to stick to the same old behaviours than it is to examine our closets with a critical eye and make the necessary, sometimes scary, changes and learn from them. And that goes for our personal lives too. I feel like really looking and understanding yourself can help you overcome any battle, be it style or mind and I hope to continue it in 2016, along with these style sentiments!
Dress for you, not your hair/body/colouring.
I’ve never been a fan of dressing according to what someone somewhere said a long time ago. This year I done something that I never thought i would – embrace my legs, calves and all – and wear short skirts. My legs have always been a sore subject in my self confidence and to you or anyone else they are perfectly fine, but it has taken me 29 years to feel comfy with them. They will never be perfect in my eyes but I’m finally fine with that, sometimes it’s mind over matter. I’ll now be strutting into 2016 with my knees out!
Try, try again.
Just because you have tried and possibly failed before, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, try again! I don’t know how many times I tried bangs, each time being more horrific than the next. But this year something happened, I took the giant scary leap of faith and found the right bang for me. The same thing happened with trainers / sports luxe. It doesn’t always work first time but if you love it, you’ll find the way that is right for you.
If it’s not broke…
This year I have decided to be a lot better with my shopping / blogging freebes. I hate the wasteful mindset we have all been guilty to getting into and want my wardrobe to be worn, not collect dust. So if that means replicating certain essentials then dammit that’s just smart shopping in my book! Remember, if you keep buying the same thing over again, it may be worth thinking about investing money in a better quality purchase. E.g. Upgrade that white Topshop tee to a Cos number while the sales are at their best.
Comfort is key.
The trend that I like most from 2015 is that shit finally got comfy. Cosy coats topped up with scarves, loose fit trumped body con and chunky boots and trainers replaced the car to bar. At the end of the day, no one looks good hobbling like a baby giraffe no matter how good the shoe is, never mind the pain and mobility factor! So kick back, relax and stay comfy next year, your confidence will thank you.
What goes around comes back around.
If you are anything like me, a new year means a new wardrobe haul. My drawers are bursting at the seams yet it feels like I wore the same capsule wardrobe all of 2015. It’s time to get serious, be honest and get rid of what’s not needed. Now, that could be Depop, charity or just giving that top to your girl cos you know she can rock it more than you can. If there’s one thing to keep in mind is that decade trends always come back. So if that suede fringe waistcoat you got for a festival is still a fave, put it in storage, you’ll love it even more the second and third time around. As for the others that don’t make the cut, make sure they are laid to rest appropriately.
I think each of these style title lessons are great in life too. Always keep trying, get rid of the things that don’t bring you joy and take care of the things that do. Being comfortable in your own skin takes time, but if each year you deal with even one chip of insecurity it’s time well spent trying! Do what makes you happy, it will always take you to a better place no matter how scary the journey. Happy 2016 my lovelies thank you so much for all your support this last year!
It’s so funny that our own body hang-ups seem mad to other people. I still don’t feel comfortable getting my arms out but hopefully that will change this year! I’ve been thinking about having brighter hair but was scared it wouldn’t ‘go’ with stuff in my wardrobe so thank you for ridding me of that worry! I’ll be on the phone to BLOW to make an appointment ASAP!
It’s mad isn’t it? I have some scarring on my knees – and on my spirit when no boots would ever fit my calves growing up. Made me think that they were too big in my head, but last year I definitely turned a corner thinking about how critical our own perceptions can be. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2016 for the both of us! Xx