Open Weave Sweater, Distressed Boyfriend Jeans: Aeropostale.
1960's Loafers: Inherited.
Brown Messenger Bag: Thrifted.
Key Necklace: Gift from my aunt.
Lipstick in MAC's 'Myth.'
Hello everyone!
I believe that this is the most casual outfit I have ever worn on my blog. College and working at Aeropostale have both taught me a lot about casual dress--in a good way. In high school I was obsessed with dressing up. I not once wore sweats and perhaps wore pants three times each year. Every day I wore high heels no matter how icy and snowy it was out, and woke up early to do my hair and makeup every day. Not only all that, but I was actually stressed out about what I was going to wear. I spent hours each night planning outfits in advance, trying to find the perfect one that would make all my classmates admire me and vote me for best dressed.
A lot of this was in my freshman and sophomore years, but there was still some of these thoughts and actions going on my last two years of high school, too. I thought that the only thing that made me stand out was my clothing and that I was too plain and ordinary looking without it to be special. Such a corrupt, toxic way of thinking I had.
It's strange but as soon as I hit college I just started to grow out of this childish way of thinking. Perhaps it was because I couldn't physically wear heels because my campus is so big. Or that most days I slept in till the last minute and didn't have time to get elaborately ready. Or perhaps it was just the fresh start and a place where no one knew me and I didn't have to impress anyone. I don't know. But I found myself starting to dress more casual this past year and it has been gaining speed in my style ever since.
Aeropostale is really know for their casual clothes and it has had a big impact on me, as well. It's allowed me to see that casual clothing can be made cute and unique to fit your style and there's no reason to be embarrassed of dressing down. I didn't think I would ever be sporting boyfriend jeans but here I am, proudly wearing them and feeling more confident than I do in some of my dresses.
My style will always involve dresses and heels and vintage elements. It's who I am. I think it's important to feel comfortable in your style, but also in casual clothing, too. Whatever you're wearing doesn't make you- YOU make you! x
With much love, Lauren.
