I really enjoy my friend’s Chasing Joy blog because it documents one woman’s journey in finding the joy in the big and little things in life. Each Friday she hosts “Flashback Friday” where you can share previous posts you’ve written. I have to admit that sometimes I feel a bit vapid and vain posting about the joy in clothing, shopping, etc. Especially considering some of the other posts that are shared. I often wrestle with posting something more “meaningful” (hey, I know it doesn’t all start and end with fashion – though some days I wish it was that simple) and posting something that stays true to this blog.
But then, I come across something old that brings a smile, and dare I say joy, to my face. That’s what happened when I re-read today’s Flashback about breaking fashion rules. I have found that in fashion and, more importantly, in life I often experience joy when I break a rule or accomplish something that I was told I couldn’t do. So, let today’s post serve as a reminder to turn life’s, and fashion’s, don’ts into dos. Remember that sometimes you have to take a risk, go out on a limb, or break the rules to experience true freedom, success and joy.
With that, Happy Friday!!
Your Chic is Showing,
I recently read a fellow blogger’s post about her Top 10 Fashion Don’ts. And while some things are just plain inexcusable (#9 Wearing logos on your butt or #2 Crocs) there are some Don’ts that I think are Dos.
#10 Overdosing on Accessories
Why she says it’s a don’t: “Rings, a necklace, a bracelet, and earrings are overkill.”
Why I say it’s a do: Sometimes over accessorizing is intentional and looks really cool. Aside from the fact that it’s all the rage right now (hello layered necklaces, bangles up the wazoo, and stackable rings) it looks fantastic when done properly. There is nothing wrong with wearing rings, a necklace, bracelets and earrings. You just have to do it right.
Here’s how I do it:
Start with necklaces. Everything else will have to balance off them. One of my favorite things to do is pair different length pearl necklaces with a couple of cross necklaces of varying length. Cool but still funky. Because I have a lot of necklaces on, I usually go for a pearl stud earring. Diamond or silver studs work – but nothing bigger than a small hoop as it’ll be too much going on from the bust-line up. Next, pick out a couple rings. If you wear a chunky ring on one hand (my fave with this combo is a pearl and rhinestone ring) then wear a sleek sliver ring or stackable rings on the other hand. Finally add some bracelets. I usually opt for a mixture of pearl and rhinestone bracelets. It sounds like a lot but it works. Check out the photo above when I did this very thing at a White Linen Affair.
#5 Showing Too Much Skin
Why she says it’s a don’t: “If you want to wear a mini dress and show off your great legs, then don’t wear a low cut or back baring top. Pick one thing to showcase.”
Why I say it’s a do: Generally, I agree that you should not bear too much skin. A low cut top baring your stomach is a bit much. But, if done properly, I think it can work. One of my favorite examples is from a red carpet event. Here’s how you can make the look your own. Start with a pair of shorts. They shouldn’t be too long, but don’t wear booty shorts either. Mid-thigh should work perfectly. Pair and cute (but slightly revealing or low cute) camisole with them. Something with lace always looks good peeking through. Then, grab a blazer and button it. The blazer should come to your waist – so opt for shorter, not longer. And, when you button it, you should have some of your cleavage showing but not look too vampy. If you’re feeling too exposed switch for a slightly more modest top.You are exposing two parts of your body – your chest and your legs – and lots of skin but still keeping it classy.
#1 Wearing Clothes that you are not Comfortable In
Why she says it’s a don’t: “If you are not comfortable, everyone will notice.”
Why I say it’s a do: If you don’t try something that is out of your comfort zone, how can you ever expect to know if you look completely FAB in the latest trend or style? Let’s be clear, I don’t condone wearing something that is too tight or too revealing if you’re going to be tugging, covering and wiggling all day long. What I do condone is wearing something that you normally wouldn’t pick out. For example, for a long time, I wouldn’t wear sleeveless clothing. I’m not a fan of my arms. But one day, I bit the bullet and just went for it. And got compliments on my top. I wasn’t comfortable with it at first, but eventually, it grew on me. Now, my wardrobe is equally arm bearing and arm covering. As you can see above, I like to rock a completely sleeveless look from time to time, too! The same goes for girls who aren’t fans of their legs. Try a skirt – something easy, knee length or tea length. I bet if you pair it with a fab pair of shoes, the compliments will come pouring in. Sometimes you have to step out of your fashion comfort zone to come up with something truly fabulous!
So, readers, what is your favorite fashion don’t that’s really a do? And what will always be a don’t in your book? Weigh in Below!
Signed,
Always a “Do” Barbie!
I recently read a fellow bloggers post about her Top 10 Fashion Don’ts. And while some things are just plain inexcusable (#9 Wearing logos on your butt or #2 Crocs) there are some Don’ts that I think are Dos.
#10 Overdosing on Accessories
Why she says it’s a don’t: “Rings, a necklace, a bracelet, and earrings are overkill.”
Why I say it’s a do: Sometimes over accessorizing is intentional and looks really cool. Aside from the fact that it’s all the rage right now (hello layered necklaces, bangles up the wazoo, and stackable rings) it looks fantastic when done properly. There is nothing wrong with wearing rings, a necklace, bracelets and earrings. You just have to do it right.
Here’s how I do it:
Start with necklaces. Everything else will have to balance off them. One of my favorite things to do is pair different length pearl necklaces with a couple of cross necklaces of varying length. Cool but still funky. Because I have a lot of necklaces on, I usually go for a pearl stud earring. Diamond or silver studs work – but nothing bigger than a small hoop as it’ll be too much going on from the bust-line up. Next, pick out a couple rings. If you wear a chunky ring on one hand (my fave with this combo is a pearl and rhinestone ring) then wear a sleek sliver ring or stackable rings on the other hand. Finally add some bracelets. I usually opt for a mixture of pearl and rhinestone bracelets. It sounds like a lot but it works. Check out the society pages for proof, when I did this very thing at the White Linen Affair.
#5 Showing Too Much Skin
Why she says it’s a don’t: “If you want to wear a mini dress and show off your great legs, then don’t wear a low cut or back baring top. Pick one thing to showcase.”
Why I say it’s a do: Generally, I agree that you should bear too much skin. A low cut top baring your stomach is a bit much. But, if done properly, I think it can work. One of my favorite examples is from a red carpet event. Here’s how you can make the look your own. Start with a pair of shorts. They shouldn’t be too long, but don’t wear booty shorts either. Mid-thigh should work perfectly. Pair and cute (but slightly revealing or low cut) camisole with them. Something with lace always looks good peeking through. Then, grab a blazer and button it. The blazer should come to your waist – so opt for shorter, not longer. And, when you button it, you should have some of your cleavage showing but not look like a complete whore. You are exposing two parts of your body – your breasts and your legs – and lots of skin but still keeping it classy.
#1 Wearing Clothes that you are not Comfortable In
Why she says it’s a don’t: “If you are not comfortable, everyone will notice.”
Why I say it’s a do: If you don’t try something that is out of your comfort zone, how can you ever expect to know if you look completely FAB in the latest trend or style? I don’t condone wearing something that is too, tight or too revealing if you’re going to be tugging, covering and wiggling all day long. What I do condone is wearing something that you normally wouldn’t pick out. For example, for a long time, I wouldn’t wear sleeveless clothing. I’m not a fan of my arms. But one day, I bit the bullet and just went for it. And got compliments on my top. I wasn’t comfortable with it at first, but eventually, it grew on me. The same goes for girls who aren’t fans of their legs. Try a skirt – something easy, knee length or tea length. I bet if you pair it with a fab pair of shoes, the compliments will come pouring in. Sometimes you have to step out of your fashion comfort zone to come up with something truly fabulous!
So, readers, what is your favorite fashion don’t that’s really a do? And what will always be a don’t in your book?
Weigh in Below!
Signed,
Always a “Do” Barbie!
Hi, Thanks for shouting out and joining in on Flashback Friday. It is funny you meantion wanting to include a post tht is more meaninful than fashion. Since I have started ths blog I have discovered just how important outward appearance is. While we shoud not judge a book by it’s cover we oten do so it makes since to have our cover nicely put together. Also the way we look on the ouside does impact how we feel on the inside. I can’t help but feel better when I now I’m looking my best. So keep on doing what you are doing here, helping us finding our inner Chic.
I have always been a follower of the if your showing of the bust dont show off the legs rule. But the way you suggest doing it with the blazer sounds like a good way to be a bit sexier but still classy.
That is a really great point about looking better helping you feel better.
And yes, I think if you pick a slightly longer short and work with a blazer it comes across as classy not trashy! Good luck!!
One of my fashion dont’s is too short shorts, my thighs are something that I am working on toning, so one day I might be comfortable wearing shorts above my knee and I love the a little bit of cleavage but throwing on a blazer to classy it up…love blazers! I also agree with Chasing Joy, having an outward appearance that makes you happy whether its wearing bright red pants or a cute printed top….I’m a true believe in, if I think I look good then I feel good to 🙂 I’m going to go out of my comfort zone the next time I go shopping and look for prints….I tend to stay away from them these last few years, I keep buying solids; and I’d like to mix prints, but I don’t have any…. I’m going to go find my chic with prints 🙂 Love your blog and absolutely find it meaningful!