Do You Like The Way You Look?
You may have noticed an increase in the number of photos and posts about fashion and beauty from me recently. This isn’t purely an exercise in narcissism and the superficial. I prefer to think of it as a belated embracing of my body, my self and my sense of style.
I’m 31 and I want to enjoy life! For me, that means feeling good about the way I present myself. Not purely in pursuit of vanity (though to deny that a focus on external beauty is a bit vain would be, well vain) but because I am tired of buying into the idea that beauty and fashion are only for those who wear a size 10, that feeling an looking good is something I need to “hold off on” until I “lose a bit more weight”.
Bah Humbug!
It’s very convenient that this revelation has come at a time when the colours and styles in store feel very “me”.
Truth me told, I have always had a love-hate relationship with fashion. The hate part being, jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad, the love part being finding clothes I adore that actually fit and suit me . At the moment I love what’s “in” – the colours, the styles – all of it. I know that for many the latest trends are actually just the look they’ve been wearing for years…the gorgeous boho, vintage style with the cute hair and if you can really pull it off (or need to rather), the glasses. I don’t know if I could pull it off but I really love it. And now, after years of watching trendy friends wear trendy clothes, finally, they can be found in places other than op-shops; in sizes I can wear and I’m excited!
I would never wear all these items, but I love them none-the-less!
The Architect said to me last week that when I first came to Melbourne nothing I wore matched – it looked like I had just put on my favourite things.
Since doing a major cull of my wardrobe last year and another one just recently, I have been gradually buying pieces that I simply love. I highly recommend it! Now, it’s so much easier to get dressed as my wardrobe is made up of clothes I love and that fit me well.
I’ve also started paying more attention to accessories have now have a growing number of fun scarves and necklaces and even earrings! Recently I’ve added some great pieces to my “collection” if it can be called that – I love them all!
My 20s are over, my 30s have just arrived and I’m not going to waste them worrying about what “could” be when what “is” is just so darn fantastic!
Do you like the way you dress? Do you feel fun/sexy/confident? If not, what’s holding you back?
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Stitch Baby + Kids
Hmmm, I think I’d like what I wore if I actually took the time to buy sensibly. When I buy things it’s usually with kids in tow and I grab something quickly…! Not the best shopping strategy. Recently I bought a dress, having actually tried it on and I love it. If I felt as good in everything else as I do in this it would be wonderful. I think I just need to take the time to shop right.
I love your Elk necklace. The colour is divine and it looks stunning.
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That’s so it! Today I feel like a million bucks because my wardrobe is finally made up of clothes that I love, fit and make me feel great. It’s so nice to be in a place where it’s easy to get dressed but yes, virtually impossible to do with kids in tow!!
I haven’t shopped for clothes in so long, aside from a brief online shop before Blogopolis. And now I’m rapidly expanding, so I can’t really see the point yet.
I would love the time/energy to look through more op-shops, but I rarely have a chance sans children.
I do love that top dress on the right though! And I’m getting much better at being kind to myself.
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Yep, the ever expanding part is definitely hard. So is having the time and money to do the shopping without kids! I’m exploring more online shopping of late and have been having some success – I can highly recommending the #condomdress for something that would work for pregnancy and is pretty reasonably priced ($50 w free postage) – it’s super comfy and can be warn casually at home and then accessorised for going out.
Have you found anywhere online that does good accessories? I’m in need of some belts to go with dresses and can’t seem to find any in the “easy to visit” stores.
Veronica recently posted..Ducklings, again. This time, one has a love heart.
I’ve heard of Fashion Addict but haven’t bought anything from there as yet…
ohhh you have picked up some GORGEOUS pieces! LOVE it, and love that you have arrived, and are not worrying about what ‘could’ be – you ARE fantastic x
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Love this Louisa, and you have been totally rocking the yellow look lately! So bright and fun! I’m starting to embrace fashion a little more as I’m becoming more confident in my skin thanks to a good health and fitness program. First step this week is to get a good haircut with a fringe. Love yours too by the way! xx
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Thanks Shelley – can’t wait to see you with a fringe too!! Have fun with it :)
I wish I could say that I like how I look/dress but i really dont. I’m currently on a weight loss battle and everything just looks average. I feel like I have lost my style. think I need to go shoppin with a friend to try help me find it again
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Shopping with a friend sounds like a great idea! Can I make a suggestion – though I realise that just because something worked for me doesn’t mean it will work for everyone – start wearing lipstick. If you don’t currently wear it then I found wearing if 7 days in a row helped me to feel normal. It’s made such a difference to the way I feel and made it easier for me to embrace my body for what it is now, rather than what it used to be or what I want it to be. xx
I think turning 30 was a big thing for me as was completing my family and knowing I wouldn’t be ‘expanding’ again! Recently I’ve been taking more risks with my clothing; buying things just a bit out of my comfort zone, and I’m loving it! It’s a nice feeling to ‘own’ your style!
You are always looking gorgeous – your choice of accessories are always lovely (and I’m loving the new hair do too!)
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Thanks Tam, and I hear you totally! I don’t think we are “done” yet so I am going to expand at least once more in my life. But I’m not letting that hold me back!! I love that we have the same taste in jewelery too!
Its really weird but I have never had a style – I have never felt comfortable with what I am wearing, and never chose clothes that suit me.
Yet in the last couple of months I have discovered what I like, what looks good and I am able to put an outfit together from a few items that i can mix n match! Its been a huge learning curve, and one that I am proud to say is still getting there.
I love the accessories you are gathering together. They look good on you.
Cheers
Lisa
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Oh Lisa, that’s really exciting! Photo time! Doesn’t it feel amazing? And it’s not just about vanity, it’s about embracing and celebrating who we are. love it!!
I am one of those who never has anything to wear and never feel “put together”. Just chuck something on, to heck if it matches. My weight fluctuates so much. When I’m on the lower end of the scale I feel pretty good and probably make more of an effort, at the higher end of the scale, where I am now, I just want to hide at home and not see anyone or do anything. I love clothes shopping and seem to do a lot of it but still never have anything to wear?! how is that possible?!
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I know what you mean! I think it’s because we impulse buy, or don’t work out what we actually want to wear and so buy things that aren’t practical or don’t match…or maybe that’s just me. I know what you mean about fluctuating in size & thus effort. x
I want those sandals…but maybe I shall wait til summer.
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I LOVE them Claire. LOVE them!
I used to like what I wore…then I had kids and everything is always dirty so I never really pay much attention to it and don’t fit into it very well anymore. I need to do a massive clothes cull because i have stuff from 15 years ago still hanging around that I can’t face throwing out and lots of pre-baby things that I still like but can’t see myself fitting into again…I think my style has changed but I’m not sure what it is now so I don’t know what to buy, and because baby T is still so little there is no point in getting new clothes (apart from pjs…which I’m totally doing very soon) til my body shape changes again…advice anyone?
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Yes, do the cull. Definitely, do it!! Once you get rid of everything you don’t wear anymore then you can actually get a picture of what your wardrobe needs to look like and you just start adding things one piece at a time. Don’t wait til you are the “ideal size” just start slowly and simply.
I love the dresses you have chosen above…you’re very stylish. I should make more effort in the styling department re myself…and would love the time and the money to do so. I love how you use accessories and this is what I will work on with myself so it doesn’t cost a motsa and make my hubby distressed. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me.
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Love it Lou! I have been thinking and feeling exactly the same thing recently! No more putting things off until……….who knows when! It is time t look and feel beautiful now!! Thanks for the post lovely!
YAY Liz, bring it on hey?!
I’m trying harder at 38 to do more with my appearance than I’ve ever felt a need to before. I’d like to lose some weight, I’ve started taking better care of my skin, and whilst that’s really helping, I also am planning to start up facial exercises which I hear are better than surgery. Should be interesting to see if that helps!
The other thing is, I’m not happy with my hair. I lost a lot when breastfeeding last time around, and it’s still a lot thinner than it’s ever been, and just won’t grow! So, that’s three things I plan to work on, and as for the rest of my looks, I’m relatively happy.
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Facial exercises – what are they? Sounds intriguing! Having a plan is a good idea – I think you’re onto something!
I think it’s called ‘facial magic’ or something like that. If it works out well, I’ll do a write up with photos:)
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