aloha style: let's get personal.
top:: {dress, target}
{see it as a dress here!}
belt:: {forever21}
skirt:: {forever21}
slippers:: {annapolis mall}
(these pictures were taken before I got my hair cut-- hence the split ends and super long ((for me)) hair!)
That photo above is what happens when you try to take photos in a banyan tree. Well, when I try to, at least-- I attempt to pose coyly but then trip all over the place and make a fool of myself.
Speaking of making a fool of myself. A few weeks ago, one of my readers (cloaked in anonymity) left a comment about how I thought I looked awesome, but I really looked like a fool.
I shrugged the comment off (after laughing at the absurdity of someone spending their time writing those things), but it got me thinking about personal style. Mainly, the personal side of it. You'll never hear me proclaim any knowledge or expertise in fashion. I know little about the trends of the runway and I will be the first to tell you that. But what I do love is personal style. Creating new outfits out of forgotten items in my closet. Piecing together color combinations that feel fresh and vibrant. Discovering what works for me, and what doesn't.
I don't expect that you guys will love (or even like) every one of my outfits. That's because I don't dress for you. I dress for me. And you should too-- you should dress in a way that makes you feel confident, that lets you step out the door and feel ready to take on anything -- even if it's chasing after toddlers or sitting in a cubicle writing up expense reports all day.
In the last few months, as I'm sure you've noticed (you've noticed, right?)-- I've started sharing my outfits here on my blog. Not because I think I'm the bees knees and I think you should all dress like me. Not at all. I like sharing what I'm wearing because I know that I find inspiration in seeing what other bloggers are wearing and if I can inspire you to throw on some more beautiful color or see that dress in your closet as more than just a dress, then I think that's pretty awesome.
You are beautiful. You are creative. You are you. So why not dress that way, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise?
lindsay
PS. Linking up with Lindsey for What I Wore Wednesday!
you go, girl!!! and btw, i think you look fantastic!!! love you!!!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many blogs out there that take things way too seriously. I've run across some that state, "You call your blog a fashion blog?" It's just ridiculous. Blogging is another form of expression, so who is anyone to say how ridiculous or "foolish" someone looks.
Well I like your outfits! More like love. It inspires me to incorporate more color in my everyday life :]
You know, I really don't find your outfits uber-inspiring (cute, yeah! inspiring, notsomuch), because I couldn't even come close to dressing that way. Ohio weather, ugh. What I DO find inspiring is your creativity in assembling your outfits, and your fearlessness in trying new things and putting them out there. I've been coming out of my fashion shell a little bit lately (amazing what a marriage that makes you feel safe can do for random other aspects of your life)... So, while I won't be copying your outfits, lol, it is fun to see what other confident women are trying!
ReplyDeleteROCK on! I always love your outfits! And more importantly, I love the way I can tell you are having fun when you take the pictures and that you enjoy being you!!! Those are things I aim for in myself day to day. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a sweet day!
JB @ oneofthelovebugs.wordpress.com
"That's because I don't dress for you. I dress for me. " <-- And I LOVE that! For years I really struggled with having the courage to express my personal style. I'm still not as confident as I'd like to be, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I'm learning that what really matters is not the latest trends, or the popular labels. It's what suits me, and what I feel comfortable in.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to share with you - I wore a dress as a skirt last night! Inspired by you, of course! I have a sundress which is no use now that the weather is colder, but yesterday I decided to wear it as a ankle length skirt, with a t-shirt and denim jacket. Felt so good to have a completely new outfit without spending a penny!
I think it's pretty ridiculous that someone would feel the need to leave a mean, ANONYMOUS comment. Honestly, if you're going to slam someone at least have the balls (lol, sorry) to back up what you say by leaving your name.
ReplyDeleteI love your style. I think it's fun and quirky and really shows who you are.
Keep doing what you're doing.
I personally love your personal style. And I also really enjoy when you share your outfits, they are some of my favorite posts. Love how you wear your dresses as shirts. How do you roll/fold them up without looking like you've gained a few lbs in the middle?
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Lindsay. It's your blog and you can put on your blog whatever the hell you want and if people don't like it, they can just stop reading, am I right?
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit posts. What I particularly love is that your outfits are "wearable"...I mean, I probably wouldn't wear everything that you wear, but I always think to myself "oh, this looks cute on her" or "I could try that".
As I tell my daughter (6) if someone is making fun of you, it's because they probably feel bad about themselves. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteKeep on keepin' on!
Love it!! Cute outfit, btw.
ReplyDeleteI love your style! It is unique and fun and totally you...it inspires me to use more color in my wardrobe! Thank you for continuing to share your outfits,,,even when you get dumb comments like that.
ReplyDeleteseriously? you're adorable and dont let anyone tell you otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI've only been on your page a short time... Its obvious that person was just trying to yank your chain!. I love your style.. You have imagination and know how to get more than one look from one outfit...guess there's a reason why that comment was
ReplyDeleteanonymous!. That person is to chicken ... to show their identity.. doesn't say much about that person... therefore that comment doesn't hold much culpability.
Amen, sista!
ReplyDeletepreach it!
ReplyDeletei think you have the cutest style, not that i would wear it but its YOUR style no one else!
i just cant belive some people actually take the time to leave others mean comments!
well said! i like seeing your outfits- they inspire me to be a little more creative in how i dress.
ReplyDeleteYour adorable, and beautifully said!
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit is super cute, and I love that you're posing in our ol' backyard. Oh how we miss it there! I think I could use some of your fun outfit inspiration. I've been wearing nothing about lounge pants and old tanks lately. I think I need to get my style on. Haha. Miss you.
ReplyDeletePreach it, sister! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! =)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you view your personal style that way and are encouraging others to express their unique loveliness and creativity!
Right on, girl! I decided to post outfit pics on my blog too and had to come to that conclusion. Cute pics!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sista'! You ARE beautiful!
ReplyDeletegood message :) you look really adorable.
ReplyDeletewhy blog for anyone but yourself?! it's really just not worth it to be a ppl pleaser...pleasing God is so much easy because, even though we fail, He is a God of second chances always there to take us back with open arms.
ReplyDeletelove the outfit, girl! you are gorgeous.
yes! love that you said this. the more and more i get comfortable with my own personal style the more i love life! p.s. aannndd your outfits are adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteWord.
ReplyDeleteP.S.- I love banyan trees. You should trip in them more often. ;)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree!
ReplyDeleteWhy would I dress for anyone other than me? I'm the one wearing the clothes!
I wish blogger had a "like" button. You are so right about sticking to your personal style! Great post :)
ReplyDelete--MB
What a wonderful post. I totally agree, and what a bizarre comment to leave. I still dress like I'm in college most days and you know what? I'm pretty darn comfortable with it. <3
ReplyDeleteLindsay you are so beautiful and fun! I only wish I had half the style you do. People amaze me with their rude comments. Didnt their parents teach them that if you cant say anything nice dont say anything at all. Also, you are very inspiring!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a super cute outfit!!!! love that yellow skirt :)
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing what you're wearing! You inspired me to try out a headband from Much Love, Illy! I, of course, can't wear it nearly as well as everyone else out there rocking headbands, but I'm trying! I found one I think is super cute, and wear it around the house. I love seeing bloggers post about their outfits! I especially love seeing you turn dresses into skirts or tops! Who ever would have thought that? (Not me!)
ReplyDeleteDon't let meanies get you down - you are an amazing woman!
I love ur look!!! And u are def no fool!! Thanks for this post it inspires me!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out why people say negative things about you! I think it must be jealousy. You're adorable, and quirky and fun and I think it's great. The world could use more Lindsays (and less anonymous commenters!).
ReplyDeleteI love checking out other bloggers' outfits, too. First, it's inspiring (I see your clothes, and think of all the great odds and ends at my local thrift store I could put together if I were brave with color...WHEN I become brave with color)! And also, it's just pretty! Seeing the clothes, the poses,the places where bloggers take their "what I wore" shots is pure eye candy, even if I wouldn't ever wear the outfit myself!
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't get anymore mean comments. I just don't understand negative, narrowminded people who spew their mean opinions into the world...but I'm glad I don't because that means I'm nothing like them. I hope you know that about yourself, too! :)
So sorry someone was being a meanie...a little cowardly to do it "anonymously", right??
ReplyDeleteKeep rockin' your style, girl. It's super cute!
Well, they should watch their language. The Bible considers calling someone a fool pretty strong language.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you can shrug off negativity, Lindsay!!
Don't listen to that business-you're the cat's pjs! Cute cute outfit :)
ReplyDeleteI love your style, I don't know you but from your style you look like a really fun, awesome person! I am right there with you, dress how you want, say what you want and blog about what you want. Forget those negative people, because it's bound to turn around and bite them in the you know what.
ReplyDeleteBTW- I love that you thought to wear the dress as a top with the skirt, I saw that one other time on your blog and I loved it!
Have a great week!
I personally love your outfit posts (and a lot of other bloggers' too!). Sure, everybody's style is different -- I happen to really dig your ability to mix and match colors! -- and that's what's so great. We can look at what others are wearing and use it as inspiration for our own outfits. I'm no style-maven, but I enjoying making mental notes of favorite outfits, color combinations, and shoes I love. It helps me develop my own personal style that I'm comfortable in. You just keep doing what you're doing! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with the trees, there! They're so beautiful. And great message :)
ReplyDeleteI think you look amazing and you are right. Dress for yourself and no one else! The way we dress is just another form of artistic expression! You have a great sense of style and your creativity really shines through in your outfits.
ReplyDeleteHi! I've been reading through your blog and I just love it. You are so cute! My husband's sister and her family live on Oahu as well, her husband is Navy. They live on Ford Island and I saw this picture and wondered if this was the banyan tree I saw there, even though I know there are a million on the island. :)) I have really enjoyed seeing all of your gorgeous photos. I visited over there in Febr/March. Anyway, I'm a new follower of your blog.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend! :))