While I looooove to talk about versatility, a major part of finding and owning your Method to Style is sprinkling in a little bit of originality. This is so important! Don’t blend in. I love details, right, especially for you! It’s what I teach here in every post. I want to help you find the details in pieces that feel natural, yet empowering to you. So I thought I’d show you one I really love, that is very unique.
FIND YOUR METHOD TO STYLE
I have a number of blog posts that can help you get started on finding your Method to Style. Unique to you, so you don’t blend in! Knowing your Body Shape is a major benefit when deciding what you love to wear, and what looks the best on you. I’m talking cut, colors, design, and whether you are petite or not, all this before you start shopping!
BUT, once you do know, you can get creative every once in a while, which is exactly what I did with this piece! You know I love neutrals, so this pattern was easy to commit to. I had been browsing in Harvey Nichols here in Dubai, and saw a jacket with this design. The off the shoulder neckline, fitted waist, short hem; but very unexpected piece in front. I could NEVER afford that version. It was perfection, incredible craftsmanship, fabric, you name it.
This one came across my Instagram feed. You know, one of those ads. I decided for the price of it, which was so cheap, I would see if these ads produced clothes worth wearing, even though it was a knock off.
TAKE SOME FASHION RISKS
Don’t be predictable in your style. Have a few tricks up your sleeve for SURE! That’s what this piece is, and while I can’t wear it all that often, since it’s super memorable, it’s SO MUCH fun to have it as an option. I’ll be honest, while I finally did get the piece from the Instagram feed ad, it took well over 2 1/2 months ( I was told it was due to high demand of the piece), and the quality is quite low.
It’s not lined and blazes always should be. The lining protects the inside of the garment from things like sweat, perfume and wear and tear. Not to mention, it helps the outside fabric lay properly across the shoulders and through the body. Plus, it looks polished to have that shiny layer on the inside. Since I didn’t wear a shirt under this blazer, I really noticed the absence of a lining to keep it in place. Note to self, only wear indoors or on a cool day.
Now for the finishings. The buttons on the cuff of the jacket have no function, they are just sewn on beside a slit in the fabric. The seams are not great and it took quite a bit of ironing before wearing it out. The sleeves are too long. It’s one of those pieces that looks “good from far; but far from good”! Then again, I got what I paid for, and I kept it to wear once in a while! PS, Tiffany Haddish is wearing the LEGIT version of this in her new movie Boss Babe! Check out point 7 in THIS ARTICLE.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
While I took a chance on this super cool blazer, and it’s “good enough”, I still encourage quality over quantity so you don’t blend in. Well made pieces will have so much more versatility, stay looking amazing for much longer, and be easy for you to create new looks with. But DO NOT BE AFRAID to be bold! Are you drawn to big pattern; but don’t see anyone around you wearing it? SO! Go give it a try! It might light you UP, so that’s worth wearing, even if nobody else is! Do you like to express yourself with color or cool fashion design? Let’s see it! Don’t hide under clothes that don’t make you feel GREAT.
I know, we can’t get dressed up every day. I sure don’t. But when we do, we can look forward to stepping out in something that makes us want to stand up straight, lift up our chin and greet the world with a smile, because we don’t just love how we look, we love the person we are dressing too.
Happy Styling! Make sure your Method to Style has room for a little originality. Don’t blend in girl….you were born to stand out!
xoxo Taryn
