Shelby's Style Steals
Over the years, many of my friends have joked that they like my style or that they want to go shopping, so I'll dress them. I'm no fashionista, but I do think I have my own style and know what I like. Recently, it had me thinking about my closet and style - the things I like, style icons I've admired over the years and what staples I'm always drawn to.
I think as you get older, fashion becomes more fun. Finding looks and inspiration and adding your own twist to it. I have Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Hilary Duff, my mom and my grandma to thank for my early interest in fashion. My mom and grandma would always watch the red carpets and subscribe to magazines, where fashion was all around. And, of course, there was their love for handbags and makeup. I grew up knowing brands and paying attention to fashion lines, and as I got older and started buying my own clothes and beauty items, I had a greater appreciation for it.
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the day to day of just grabbing something to wear and you're out the door. But when you take the time to put together an outfit that you're proud of, it does boost your confidence a bit more.
Tops:
Blazers
Blazers tend to be signature piece, because you can wear them with just about anything - Dress them up with a nice tank or blouse and boots or heels or dress down with a concert t-shirt and converse. You can buy them in just about every color and they work every occasion. It's nice, because in my line of work, I have to take a lot of photos with an actual camera, so I need to wear something that's comfortable enough, but also professional if I have an important meeting that day. It's perfect for business and can carry over into the night if you're running to dinner with friends after work.
Sweaters
I'm obsessed with grandpa sweaters. You know, the oversized ones that you can layer during the fall and winter months with a plaid shirt, flannel or even just a simple v-neck. Solid colors are the best, because then you can have fun with the shirts and accessories or can simplify with all black shirt and pants. But, I also love just a good, cozy sweater for those chilly months, some that are dressier for work and others that are comfortable if you're out walking around or going to a coffee shop.
Denim
Shirts, jackets, you name it, I probably have it. I own way too many denim shirts and continue to buy them, because they're timeless. I was never a big fan of denim on denim, but in the last couple years, my go-to outfit has been the "Jay Leno," the signature light denim shirt with darker denim jeans. It's simple, comfortable and you can dress it up with shoes or keep it casual with your Converse or Vans.
Concert Shirts
I'm such a sucker for concert t-shirts, either of concerts I've attended or artists that I've never seen, like Whitney Houston or Journey. It can give a more grunge/boho look. You can pair them with just about anything, too, whether it's ripped jeans for a rock 'n' roll vibe or with a skirt for a more feminine feel. They're also fun to wear to concerts or just a casual Saturday running errands.
Plaid
I can't get enough of plaid, and I know I'm not the only one. Short-sleeve or long-sleeve, I'm all for it. A good portion of my closet is various plaid shirts, especially those that are a little bit looser, because they're comfy and easier to move around in. Plus, they're usually just colorful and cute.
Shawls
Because I'm not a huge fan of my arms, I love wearing shawls or vest covers, especially with tanks and dresses. Plus, it always gives me the chance to channel my inner Stevie Nicks, and I will never pass that up.
Bottoms:
I'm not going to lie...I mostly own jeans. I love jeans in all shades of denim - dark, light, lighter light, dark dark, black and just about any other color in between. Because my job lets me dress pretty casual for the most part, I can get by owning so many. Recently I've started trying to pick up a few more dressy pants that aren't quite leggings and aren't quite slacks.
I do also love a nice pair of leggings to dress up with sweaters or a nicer (longer) blouse). I tend to still wear pants and leggings during the summer, but of course, switch it up with more shorts and capri pants.
Dresses and Skirts:
I tend to wear dresses the most during the summer, because it's SO hot in California (and just about everywhere else for that matter) and nothing else is more comfortable and quicker to pick out for early mornings at work than a nice, casual dress. I don't do skirts very often, but if so, I tend to stick to a pencil skirt for work, a black denim skirt for a concert or a longer skirt with a slit, because it tends to work better for my figure.
Shoes:
You will rarely ever see me in high heels, unless it's a special occasion or an event that calls for it. If anything, I generally wear wedges, because they're easier to walk across grass and getting from place to place. Most days, it's flats, boots and tennis shoes (when appropriate).
Accessorize:
Everyone knows that accessorizing can really add to any outfit. Jewelry is an obvious one, but I love playing with scarves, hats, sunglasses and even headbands to pull it all together. You can make it fun and flirty or dark and moody, depending on the weather and season. That's also the chance to play it up with makeup, especially eye shadow and lipstick for me.
Brands I Love:
*Madewell
*Free People
*Anthropologie
*Lucky Brand
*Kate Spade
*Michael Kors
*American Eagle
*M. Frederick
*Other cheaper boutiques I randomly find that have the same cute stuff for cheaper prices.
*Thrift stores always have the most unique things - I've found a few pieces at local spots recently.
I think as you get older and you become more comfortable with who you are, your style evolves. You're inspired by different movies, music, art and of course, your perspective on life changes, too. I've taken notes from some of my favorite musicians, actresses (and sometimes actors) and my friends and family. Style is the essence of who you are, so why shouldn't you display it and have fun with it?
That's all for now,
Shelby