Outfit details: Sweater - Milk & Honey boutique, Nails - Scallop trim tutorial Skirt - Fossil, Tights - Target, Shoes - Vance c/o Blowfish
Through this Blogging for Confidence series, I've discovered that even when the challenge I set for myself seems so tiny and insignificant, it truly makes a big difference. You all know by now of my affinity for colorful sweaters. I don't think there is any deep reason behind why I love them so much except that they are soft and pretty! Lately, colorful and quirky sweaters have been jumping off the shelves at me and I've gathered a little collection. Even though I cherish each sweater dearly...I have a confession to make. Whenever I reach for one in my closet my thoughts of the joyful and cozy day ahead of me shrink away as I ponder, "Oh gosh. What is that girl who sits next to me in journalism going to think of this one?" or "That cute guy in English is going to think I'm some sort of escaped clown if I wear this polka-dot sweater!" The negative thoughts go on and on until I change my mind and pick a quieter garment. This isn't always the case. Sometimes I tell all those negative voices in my head to pipe down, like the day I wore my swan sweater, and go on with my day without a care. However, if I wear a fun sweater one day there is no way I will wear another one the next day. I've got to spread the quirkiness out and give the world a break from the colors....right? Wrong! I need to stop letting others determine anything about me even if it is something as insignificant as my wardrobe. I hope this doesn't sound too lame to you guys. Sometimes when I ramble on about sweaters I worry that I sound like a weirdo...but then that proves my point, doesn't it? No more holding back! My challenge is to wear one of my colorful sweaters every day this week. One after the other, I'm going to wear my favorite knits and document any reactions and hesitations that I have. I started the challenge on Sunday with that colorful striped sweater and will share a round-up post on what I learned about myself next week. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Sweater details: Polkadot - Milk & Honey boutique, Heart elbow patches - Sweater from Target, DIY by me!, Swan - Joy the Store, Horse - Aritzia, Blue floral - Milk & Honey, Pink floral - H&M
Footnote - I wore the polkadot sweater today and failed one of my goals for the week. I didn't take off my jacket in my last class because I was embarrassed of the dots. I kept my sweater hidden underneath my puffy coat for over an hour, sweating the entire time. Hopefully my confidence will improve as the week goes on...
I always love your sweaters especially the rainbow one! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you should do a blogging for confidence post about wearing heels when you're tall! I'm only 5'9", and I feel silly wearing heels :-/
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I sometimes feel silly too. I've been trying to wear them more often though. It's hard for me because it's just another way of drawing attention to my height and I'm still very self-concious about that. I will definitely do a post on this! :) Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteThey all are so pretty! =)
ReplyDeleteI love all of those sweaters. I hope you find the confidence to wear them with the pride they deserve :) You look gorgeous in the rainbow one. xx
ReplyDeleteannieshomemadeheaven.blogspot.com
such cute sweaters.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm Daniela and this is the first time that I write to you! :-)) While reading your entry I was thinking that I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one !:-)) I'd like to dress in a way that is closer to my self-expression but eventually I change my mind and my dress because I'm still too much influenced by what others would think..:-// I'll try to do my best together with you to improve this! Have a nice Tuesady sweater from Italy.-))
ReplyDeleteHi Daniela! It is so comforting to know that everyone struggles with issues like this. We can get over these negative thoughts together! :)
DeleteLet me tell you this. I am SO INCREDIBLY JEALOUS of your sweater collection! If I had some that are as nice as yours, I don't think I'd ever take them off. So, pretty please, wear them! If not for yourself, do it for me ;-).
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to start a collection and wear the heck out of them! You definitely rock the sweater look.
ReplyDeleteYou are so inspiring. :) I have the same kinds of thoughts about clothes- often I chicken out on wearing clothes I like just because I'm worried about what others will think.
ReplyDelete~Kristin
I love your sweater collection!!! and your hair looks adorable by the way.
ReplyDeletei love all of these! don't be ashamed to wear what you want! if people have a problem with what you're wearing, then TOO BAD. don't be embarrassed by them! wear them loud and proud =]
ReplyDeleteAll of those sweaters are seriously amazing. Wear with pride! You look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAll of your sweaters are so cute, especially the polka dot one!
ReplyDeletewoah, those are some crazy awesome sweaters! i especially love the one with the hearts on the elbows. i love the one you're wearing, as well :) x
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful sweaters! The polka dot one is so pretty! I hope you aren't embarrassed to wear anything in the future...especially such a cute sweater.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! Every day deserves a beautiful sweater, you will feel so good once you accomplish this goal!
ReplyDeleteI love your sweater collection! I hope you find the confidence to wear them all with pride, they're absolutely lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI'm dying over the sweaters you picked, they're all so adorable! I know how you feel, it's hard wearing things that are different from what others view as normal. If it helps any, I'm taking this challenge with you and wearing the bold and crazy outfits I want to wear instead of changing them for a simpler and quieter look like I normally do. I believe in you dear, wear those sweaters proudly.
ReplyDeletexo, Megan
Gingerly
Yay! I'm so glad you are doing this too! :)
DeleteYour sweater choices are to be envied by many. Who wants to wear a lousy, typical (perhaps cable-knit, oh dear) sweater? You may think that people are ostracizing you for wearing it, but in fact they're envious of your daring and courage. So never be afraid to take off your jacket! Believe in the power of knit.
ReplyDelete"Believe in the power of the knit." Oh I love that.
DeleteThese sweaters are so beautiful, Meredith! I too have an affinity for sweaters, both quirky and plain. :]
ReplyDeleteI hope your challenge this week goes well! I know it can be hard to feel confident in something you think everyone else will think is silly, but if you love it, who cares?! Wear it loud and wear it proud!
Have a lovely Tuesday! Happy Valentine's Day!
xo, Allie
Exactly! Thanks so much Allie. :)
Deletebeautiful sweater and great skirt, adore the tights and shoes too
ReplyDeleteYay! such an awesome challenge. :) I do the same thing - I just bought a rad '80's movie-themed sweater (really - lol - it has popcorn containers on it, but is pretty tame, otherwise), and I'm finding it hard to work up the courage to actually wear it....he he. Sending you courage, this week!
ReplyDeleteHehe that sweater sounds awesome! Or should I say rad...? ;-) I hope you get the courage to wear it too!
DeleteI love them all! Every time I wear something I was a bit scared about I get at least one compliment - not everyone will get your style but people who are at all like you will totally dig it, and they're the ones worth knowing. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou're seriously too adorable! I love your challenge idea. It's sometimes hard for me to step out and simply wear what I want (usually because I feel I'm being too dressy and people will looks at me weird) but now I just find myself doing it anyway. I love a certain style, and so I'll wear it whenever I get the chance. :)
ReplyDeletelovely look: manicure, skirt and SWEATER :)
ReplyDeleteI have total sweater envy! I've got some great 80s sweaters (mainly in bright pink) that I'm just too scared to wear outside of the house. But your post has inspired me to bite the bullet. x
ReplyDeletei love quirky, the more quirky the better i say! but i do completely agree, i constantly have voices in my head that say what if so and so thinks i look silly or the blogging world doesnt like my outfit choices. I have to remind myself that i dress for me and i love quirky! :) i am also a huge kooky jumper fan and have a collection myself that i love dearly lol! :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE you sweaters and want to buy them all! I wish I could wear these everyday but being a corporate librarian, there's no chance! Just wearing my bright orange coat in a world full of suits produces an array of odd looks and stares! Who cares, right?! I agree with Rach T about dressing for yourself and no one else. Sometimes it's hard to do but when you do, you feel great and more yourself. Best of luck with your jumper experiment! I'm fascinated to hear how it goes! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the sweater you are wearing in the outfit post! The colours are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDon't be nervous Meredith!! You just need to tell yourself that if people are looking at you it is because they wished they looked that good! For realsies! Or you could carry around a photo of me and say to them, "you think I look crazy, you should see how my friend dresses!" ;)
Haha! You are so awesome Elycia. I completely admire your colorful style! :)
Deleteawesome sweaters, and don't feel bad about the "coat incident" as it will come to be known in your memory! ;-) every day you will gain more confidence because you are truly one of a kind, and you have fabulous style!!
ReplyDeleteI bet other girls are going to wish they had some awesome sweaters too.
You have such an amazing collection of jumpers going on! It's something i'm suddenly quite jealous of!
ReplyDeleteThat Polka Dot Sweater is awesome! Don't be embarrassed - show it to the world with confidence :) If you don't dare you can always send it to me, because it is absolutely beautiful! Rock those dots with confidence, because you are beautiful and if you wear something you love, it shows. Don't think too much about what others think. I got rid of those thoughts a long time ago, and trust me - if you wear something with confidence people will notice - but in a very positive way :)
ReplyDeleteP.S.: I wore this sweater today and I work for the Dutch tax authorities, haha:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweet_reverie/5490695918/
Oh and those scalloped nails look beautiful! I will try that out, soon.
Yes! I love everything you said. :)
DeleteThose sweaters are SO cool! And you look great in the photos. Don't worry about the others' opinions - if they don't recognize style when they see it, it's their loss! :D
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! I love cozy sweaters :)
ReplyDeleteGeorgia
I envy quirky dressed people, because I have my own style that I usually keep very quiet. The few times I've done what I wanted, I've gotten comments from co-workers that bugged. Maybe I should do this little confidence challenge, but first I need to fix my wardrobe a bit. I've let the quiet & boring take over more than I would like.
ReplyDeleteLove the sweaters! If I was in one of your classes, I would be the one to speak up & say how lovely they are...if I got the guts to speak to you.
You go! And a note about what you considered the "failure"- it's OK to have a goal set and not feel ready to achieve it every single time. So, just extend the challenge for yourself through next Monday, or whatever you end up needing to achieve it. And as for what others might think of you? Those that can pull off quarky looks like this do it with no regrets. That's how fashion takes off anyway, it's the confidence that people actually covet, I think!
ReplyDeleteGreat colourful sweater! (Or 'jumper' as we Brits say!) :) I love the photos, and your nails are gorgeous and bright too! WOOP WOOP! Get yer kit off and show em yer dotty sweaters you super lady! Love this series, keep up your great work. Katie. xxx
ReplyDeleteToo bad you chickened out...it's such a lovely sweater! I'll keep my fingers crossed you'll be braver with the other ones. It's a shame we attach too much importance on what others might think. In fact, it doesn't happen often enough that we tell others when we like their outfit which is why it's one of my new year's resolutions to do just that. It definitely makes one's day!
ReplyDeleteBy the way - your blog is lovely!
I get that way too. It's so hard sometimes to put on one of my sweet dresses, some tights, a matching cardi and some cute shoes for the same reason you hesitate with your cute sweater, the looks....the comments. I actually got bold and wore something I liked and felt cute and comfortable in and while walking in to a bridal showcase a girl exclaimed to her friend, loudly and after giving me the elevator eyes "Wow, I've seen some really weird outfits today!" It never ceases to amaze me at how dressing "out of the ordinary" solicits such hateful looks and comments. What I have to remember is that I'm wear a dress or a cute top...not body paint or a gun. I am not threatening. I'm modest and wearing something that expresses my fashion sense (or lack there of to some) and affinity for a sweet little dress that will brighten my day from the moment I put it on. I dress for me. And of course for my sweet fiancee who has done nothing but encourage me. Keep with it lady, you're too sweet to be brought down by people who don't like a sweater you're wearing.
ReplyDeleteLove love love. Thank you so much for sharing Ash! I agree! It is hurtful when you feel like people are giving you "the eye" when you wear something you love. It shouldn't matter, but sometimes our clothes reflect how we feel about ourselves on the inside. It's like they are saying they don't like who we are...and that doesn't feel good.
DeleteThank you so much for the support!
Hey, dressing up is for our own self happiness, so why strip the happiness away to satisfy people you don't even know? Rock on, girl.
DeleteWOW, quite the fantastic collection of sweaters. And your nails are so cute! How did you scallop them??
ReplyDeletesandronewyork.blogspot.com
All those sweaters are gorgeous, you have nothing to be nervous about! I hope you wear them proudly the rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteI am passing on The Versatile Blogger Award to you! I hope you can except it. Your blog is inspiring to me! Details are at this link. :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://oodles4noodles.blogspot.com/2012/02/versatile-blogger-award.html
You have amazing tasted! Don't ever let anyone make you feel otherwise. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I LOVE your sweater collection! I have a thing for crazy sweaters too and the ones you showed here made me a little green with envy. I have an anxiety disorder, and while I'm much more confident than I was a few years ago, I totally know how you feel about being too shy to show it off in class. At least you wore it there! And wanting to be more carefree is a huge step in the direction of really not worrying about what people think.
ReplyDeletePlus, let's be real. Any looks you would get would only be because of serious sweater envy ;)
Thank you Kyla! Thanks for sharing your experience with these issues too. :)
Deleteohhhhhmy goodness that is one awesome sweater
ReplyDeleteI love your sweaters! Don't let the worshipers-of-the-beige-gods get you down. I have the same trouble when I want to mix and match crazy prints and colors. Then I just remind myself when I get those hateful comments and stares that they're probably just jealous that their day can't be so bright and cheery.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great selection of sweaters! I love them all!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
ma-bicyclette.blogspot.com
Major sweater crush!
ReplyDeleteBe proud. Be you. You are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE SWEATERS!! They are so cute!! I wish I could pull off wearing cute sweaters like that!!
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith!
ReplyDeleteYour sweaters are so beautiful! Specially the dotted one ;)
I really love them all and hope you're having fun wearing them and challenging yourself :)
I kinda know what you mean... I wore a silk scarf on my head to work one day and got so many funny looks I took it off after half an hour! I'd already debated the outfit choice over and over and finally decided to just wear it with confidence, but as soon as someone looked at me funny I took it off. I love the look of silk scarves tied in different ways, so maybe I should set myself a similar challenge!
ReplyDelete- Lois x
oh my i want all of those sweaters! i just came across your blog and i love it!
ReplyDeleteyou are so lovely!
xx.
www.citylaundry.blogspot.com
I know the feeling! But just wear what you want! I always admire people who wear unusual things with confidence. Good luck! <3
ReplyDeletewow! I am also a sweater gal! I live in a tropical country ( Philippines ) and yet I still wear sweaters! I love love them!
ReplyDeletewww.misslovelytan.blogspot.com
oh i love love love your sweaters. if i saw you in the street, on the bus, in class... where-ever — you'd brighten my day!! keep wearing what you love with confidence. fill your whole life with what you love. i say never compromise on what you love and believe we are guided to the things we love for a reason. not listening to or following them is an injustice to the precious gift of life we have. your sweater taste totally rocks. quite an enviable collection you have!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, where did you get your shoes? I love them.
ReplyDelete