A Little Extra

I’ve mentioned before about my early childhood days and how skipping a grade in elementary school meant that I was the youngest in my class.  This proved to be very difficult for me socially because I wasn’t quite ready to grow up as quickly as my peers.  When I was planning my 5th grade birthday party with my mom, I really wanted to do a “dress up” theme – I’m not talking about girls wearing their Easter best; I’m talking about legit vintage/thrifted gowns, hats & accessories.  We booked a Victorian tea house & planned to have high tea and I thought it would be fun to have everyone dress up like I did so often on Saturdays at home.

I remember telling my mom what I wanted, but in the same breath sharing with her that I was worried my friends would think it was weird or juvenile.  She gave me the best advice in that moment – she said: “If you live your life for the approval of others, you will be a very unhappy girl.” To be honest, I still have a hard time with that concept & far too often I let other people’s opinions bear so much weight, consume my thoughts & drive my decision making.  I’m definitely a work in progress when it comes to recovering from that people-pleasing mindset.

So, when I’m tempted to do (or not do) something out of fear for what others might think, I try to consciously take a step back, recognize that hesitation for what it is and move forward with confidence in who I am.  This translates to every area of my life – parenting, business, finances and, yes, even fashion!  I usually dress as practically as possible based on what I have planned for the day – but sometimes, when the mood strikes, I just want to be a little extra.  I want to pull out that special piece that’s been sitting at the back of my closet or wear 4 inch heels & faux fur to Target.  Life is too short and fashion is meant to be enjoyed…so why not?!

The beauty of wearing pieces like this is that you can keep your styling very simple.  You don’t need extra layers or statement accessories because the items are standouts all on their own.  If you don’t currently own anything like this, look for garments with faux fur trim, sequin accents, feathers or embellishments.  Here are a few recent purchases of mine that are affordable examples of this:

This pearl sweater is such a fun & festive way to embrace the holiday season and, thanks to the embellished details, you don’t even need to add jewelry to dress it up!  Style this with your favorite jeans, faux leather pants or skirt (I’d pair with a pleated midi or short velvet skirt for a glam party look).  Unfortunately, this exact sweater sold out during a Cyber Monday sale, but I’ve linked several near-identical options for you below!

What I’m wearing:
Similar Coat (here or here), Aqua Sweater (similar here or here),
H&M Faux Leather Pants (another option here),
Similar Pumps (here or here), Similar Faux Fur Clutch

This sweater is one of my new favorites – it is the softest knit blend and it’s just as chic as it is cozy.  I wore it twice last week!  I think the exaggerated sleeves & graphic pattern give it a cool modern feel.  I paired it with these embellished booties, which look so much more expensive in real life and are perfect for wearing with sweater dresses (how fun is this one?!) or a top & jeans for a little added dose of glam.  If you’re looking for other shoes with special details, check out these blush embellished loafers, these pearl-encrusted mules, these glittery block heels or these bejeweled flats.

What I’m wearing:
Similar Coat, Heather B Sweater, Blank NYC Jeans,
Circus by Sam Edelman Boots, Similar Earrings

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