Taking Risks

This was one of those outfits that just came together – I pulled it piece by random piece out of my closet until it felt right, and then I stood in front of my full-length mirror for a long minute. There was so much about it that I loved – the contrast of the floral skirt with the army green color of the jacket – the peplum look created by cinching the waist up a bit and adding the belt – my new(ish) fringy boots that seemed to tie it all together. But then again – it looked like a bit of a risk – the kind of outfit that might turn heads, and maybe not all in a good way. I asked Eric for advice. He just kind of looked at me and shrugged - it’s different, but isn’t that kind of what you were going for? I couldn’t help but laugh and roll my eyes. Because he was partly right – I am always looking to push the boundaries just a bit – I do like to be noticed for the outfits I put together, but in the respectable - wow, why didn’t I think of that/she looks great kind of way. Not in the omg, what is she wearing, that’s hideous sort. I think it’s important to take risks – in the big things in life, and also in the little things. How much success did Sex in the City gain by taking big, huge fashion risks? And isn’t that Bradshaw style something we’re still trying to pull together now, years after the show and two successful movies? We love Carrie’s style because she wears things that are different, cooky, and always a bit of a risk.

One of my favorite bloggers, Beth Jones of B.Jones Style, effortlessly channels the Patricia Field/Carrie Bradshaw style on a regular basis (she’s even started a regular column entitled, “What Would Carrie Wear”). Over time, I’ve learned from her that it’s okay to take risks as long as you stand confidently behind your fashion choices. I’ve seen Beth wear some really out-there pieces, but she always looks SO fantastic – she pulls it off not only because she’s pulled it together, but because she wears her outfits with the kind of bold confidence that turns heads and opens the mind.

SO – this is my bit-of-a-risk ensemble. Hope you like it – but I’m totally okay if you don’t

What I’m Wearing:

Army Jacket: Gap, last year (similar styles @ Gap or Old Navy)
Floral Print Mirror Skirt: H&M, last year (similar style @ ASOS, JCPenney or Target)
Belt: Vintage (from my Mamaw’s closet! Similar style @ anthropologie)
Booties: Target (still available online!)
Monogram Necklace: “Classic Monogram” by West Avenue @ Max & Chloe
Bracelet: Anthropologie (similar)

I couldn’t resist these last few sun-drenched photos. I know they’re probably less about the outfit, but Michael really killed it with the magic-hour lighting!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto