Playgrounds & Lollipops - When In Rome

{Cardigan: St. John; T-Shirt: James Perse; Jeans: Forever 21; Shoes: Tory Burch; Necklaces: Carolee and vintage; Earrings: Kate Spade; Nail Polish: Essie St. Lucia Lilac; Lipstick: Mac Ladybug}

I don't necessarily dress to try and stand out, but if I look a little different, I don't mind.  When I first became a mom I started buying very "basic" items to help me sort of blend in and because I thought the more basic, the more I'd be able to stretch my dollar.  But I quickly started to feel too basic and went back to my usual ways of picking out clothes that had some sort of different quality about them.  I started to learn how much I disliked blending in.  I tend not to shy away from prints, subtle embellishments or bright, bold colors. 

That is not to say though that I like to stand out to the point of being uncomfortable.  I don't mind overdressing for an occasion, but if I feel too overdressed, I fidget and fuss all night.  Same goes for work. I've mentioned before that my work dress code is very, very casual.  Flip flops, jeans and unkempt hair are standard workplace attire.  I started to quickly fall in to that dress code by keeping accessories to a minimum, wearing very light makeup and flesh tone shades of lipcolor; the more androgynous the better.  When in Rome you know?  But since resigning, I'm starting to get my mojo back and the real Andrea is popping out at work.  What have I got to loose after all?

When I came into the office yesterday wearing this ensemble (much more suited for my old company's dress code), people literally did a double take.  Some said "You look cute."  One person, I kid you not, just sort of stared for a minute and then said "Wow, that's a lot of stuff."  Um.  Thanks.  I guess?

So let's recap what we've learned shall we?

1. Don't be afraid to step a bit out of your comfort zone, baby steps at first to test the waters.  See just how comfortable you feel being a little daring trying something new or different. 
2. Not mentioned above, but also very important, is step outside of your comfort zone, while still keeping it functional to your real everyday life.  These necklaces are a perfect example; I had to tuck them away for about the first 4 years of being a mother because baby and toddler hands are inexplicably attracted to them.  Granted, in all honesty, I would loose the necklaces if I was going to the park :)
3. As it relates to trends, when wearing something very sweet and ladylike in your wardrobe, funk it up a bit with motorcycle boots, slouchy boyfriend jeans or ripped jeans.  You don't want to end up looking like a prude after all ;)  This Parisian style guide from Lonny is a fun little resource on how to mix opposing styles and trends.  I think I want to have it printed and framed for my imaginary office.
4. Lastly, I also didn't mention above but it's probably the most important thing I learned from this post was this: Be Creative!  I have had the shoes, cardigan and necklaces in my possession for the past 4-5 years and I haven't worn them for at least 3 years.  After writing this post, I am really taking a hard look at the items I already own and haven't worn in a while.  If they are classic and I loved them 5 years ago, surely I can find a way to fit them into my current life, right?  5 years ago I would have worn this cardigan with a pencil skirt and heels to work.  Now, pairing it with boyfriend jeans and a T-shirt is the perfect combination that suits my current lifestyle.  

Class Dismissed :)

Happy Friday friends!

p.s. I used to work at St. John and had an outstanding clothing allowance; otherwise I could have never afforded to buy a piece on my own!