#Red Style : Embracing Your Personal Style

What you wear should reflect who you are. It should be fun to build an affordable, fashionable but tasteful and classic wardrobe.

It started with a shirt that someone else discarded in a trash can. That was a break through moment for me. It was one of the first times in a really long time that I could put on an outfit and feel confident and good about what I was wearing. I found something that I loved-something that felt like “me” when I wore it, and it made all the difference in the world.  I’ve built on the style discovery that I made that day. I started pinning and shopping and trying new things. I even launched this blog as a resource for others who found finding their style a little daunting, just like I do. I’ve been lucky enough to find a few naturals when it comes to outfit creating, like Elizabeth, to join me in sharing their expertise with us on the blog.

And I’ve found some real treasures that I can’t wait to write about. But for now, here’s Elizabeth Loverly with some of her favorite outfit picks. (Can I say I’m just a itty bitty bit jealous of some of her cute outfits? ;))You won’t want to miss these. –Chantel

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me that is the true essence of beauty.

~Steve Maraboli

I’ve always thought that when someone looks at what you’re wearing, they should see a bit inside your personality. Think about it: your personal style is like your personality. What you wear conveys how you feel, what mood you’re in and what interests you. Take me for instance: I’m a college student. A Martial Artist. Creative. I’m job hunting and finding a place to volunteer. I run errands for my family and drive my siblings wherever they need to go. You get the idea! Life is busy; and as such, sometimes convenience outweighs fashion.  Let’s admit it Ladie’s, I see you over there in your sweats, and lest you think your alone that’s what you’ll find me in more than I would care to admit! Generally though, what I wear has to be uncomplicated to put together. Grab and Go. Most likely it’s the same with you.

So, let me give you a little glimpse into my personal style:

 

I actually wore this outfit the other day while shopping with my family. An easy way to update a t-shirt is to add another layer. Jacket, Cardigan you name it! This is a simple fix for those days when we can barely make it out of our PJ’s!

 

Love this collard button top! I’ve got it tucked into a flowy, polka dot skirt with a wide leather belt and nude pumps as fun accessories. Party ready!This trifecta works with so many combinations. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Flowy top + Skirt + Belt= Success!  Change out chiffon for a cotton tee, and pumps for  ballet flats to make this outfit more casual.

Perfect for a college student or Mom-on-the-go; skinny jeans and an updated take on the sweatshirt. This particular sweatshirt has a wide neck and loose fit, and no hoodie! For some reason sweatshirts with hoodies feel more casual to me than a top like this one. I wear this quite a lot in my everyday life! As we say at my house: Easy-peesy-nice-and-cheesy!

 

Ahhh. Who can resist a comfy dress? I know I can’t! Comfy dresses don’t have to be expensive either. This one is from Old Navy. Adding a belt accentuates your waist, while also breaking up the all over pattern.

(I’m in love with those ankle boots from Forever 21!)

More casual option: Sandals instead of boots. Add a wrap bracelet and remove the necklace.

 

This is probably my favorite outfit right now. A soft chambray top, dark gray cardigan and skinny jeans! Oh, and how could I forget those adorable Ralph Lauren loafers?! I’ll have to tell you the about the miracle of find those baby’s sometime.

You can literally leave the sweater rolled up on the top ready to rock and roll. You can pick up your kiddo’s from school or run errands like a mad woman in this!

Oh. My. Goodness. I love Tangerine! And geometric prints! And channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn! Tee, tights, skirt, adorable. Allover black is just too somber for me, even in the winter. Go ahead and throw of one of your favorite colors onto your ensemble to perk up your winter!

 

Some pieces you own are special enough to be the star of the outfit. As in this lace jacket. I did all black underneath so that the lace really stands out. You’ll know a special piece when you see one! It won’t look spectacular  unless its the star of the show!

A truly eclectic and pretty wardrobe shows the world the many facets of your wonderful personality. I think all of us, through all the emotion, routine and craziness of life…still desire others to see that we’re Feminine. Colorful. Interesting. Unique. That’s what personal style IS after all. Its just you giving the world a sense of who you are.

I tell you my story through who I am as a person. My sense of fashion can either accenuate or detract from who I actually am. Be who you are; dress for you and for your schedule! Just keep in mind: Is what you’re wearing sending the message you want to send? The fact is, we are judged immediately, by how we present ourselves with our appearance. Let us continue to strive to put our best foot forward.

“A Woman whose smile is open & whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears.”

~Anne Roiphe

Tell us about Your Style

What are some of your outfits that you feel really express who you are as a person? Share it with us! You can tweet a picture with the hashtag #RedStyle if you like.

Thanks to Red Envelope for including us in their Red Style event this year!