Finding your style

When I went back to school to become an x-ray technologist, I had just turned 28, and I was in a style crisis. 

Throughout my life, I have experimented with all sorts of different styles: girly, tomboyish, outdoorsy forest gal, the "I-want-to-hide-my-body" phase (less style, more major body crisis), gypsy (for an entire summer, I wore nothing but long skirts and tiny white tees), and always, in between, the "whatever-makes-me-look-skinny" approach to clothes. 

Before I decided on x-ray school, I had a couple of misguided years where I dappled in the hospitality industry. During that time, I bought myself four blazers and two pantsuits, the only time I ever owned (and wore) said items. I kept one grey, pin-striped blazed until about a year ago, "just in case" I would need it. After not having worn it for seven years in a row, I concluded that I could safely give it away to someone who would get more use out of it. 

Okay, coming back to x-ray school now. Like I said, I was 28 years old, and I had no clue how to dress. Having just disregarded the blazers and button-down shirts, I reverted back to the last time I was in school, and wore jeans and hoodies almost every single day. It may be practical, but stylish it was not. 

One girl in my class didn't have that problem. In a time when skinny jeans were just emerging again (it was the year 2008), she had been wearing them for years. And not just in basic blue and black: She had them in bright red, bottle green, and a pale pink I couldn't get enough of. 

She also wore booties long before they were trendy; I particularly remember a fringed, Western-inspired pair that was so unique that I overcame my shyness and asked her where she had bought them. 

"LA," she said nonchalantly, making me feel even more in awe of her worldliness. 

  

I didn't embrace skinnies until two years later, being one of the last ones to jump on the train. I was in the last stages of my "I-wear-whatever-makes-me-look-skinny" phase, and I was convinced that nothing would make my legs look slimmer than bootlegs. Skinny jeans would only accentuate my "problem areas" butt and thighs!

Thankfully, I have outgrown my body insecurities over the last four (or so) years, and dress in what makes me feel good, not skinny.  

These days, I would describe my style as bohemian-casual, with a touch of country (the country influence is getting stronger!). I still love dresses and skirts, but jeans (especially skinny ones) will always be a staple in my wardrobe. Jeans are a farmgirl's best friend!

The fun part about fashion and style is that it's always evolving. I haven't "arrived" at my style destination yet, and maybe I never will - trying new things is just too much fun!

Shirt: Work'n Play (a local store)

Skinnies: American Eagle (similar)
Booties: I bought them used from Instagram, they are originally from Uxibal

They are my new fave shoes! 

How would you describe your style?

Linking up with Fashion Should Be Fun, A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Rachel The Hat, Sheela writes, Elegance and Mommyhood and Shelbee on the Edge

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