Have you ever looked at a color combination that you wore and it later reminded you of a particular food? Perhaps it’s because I’m a shameless foodie, but sometimes after I wear something, I suddenly realize that it looks similar to a combination of something edible, LOL! Today’s look reminds me of chocolate covered graham crackers…
This look is perfect for a Fall-esque day. I had planned to wear more shorts this summer, but it just didn’t happen. For the cooler months, I treat shorts just as I do skirts: add tights and push on!
Fur-trimmed Hat: Lord & Taylor| Velvet Blazer: Jones New York| Shorts:Mango (also worn here)| Tights: Lord & Taylor| Mary Jane Shoes: Victoria's Secret
About Truthful Thursdays:
You might remember that back in June I started a new series here on the blog entitled, “Truthful Thursdays”. I created it as a space for me to share more of my authentic self with my readers. Style and fashion is a very small part of who I am as a woman. Unfortunately, I slacked off in keeping up with “Truthful Thursdays” as a result of a busy schedule. I didn’t carve out the time and energy necessary to sit down and create quality content. Now that the winter months have rolled in, my schedule has settled down somewhat and I plan to get back on track with Truthful Thursdays. Well today is Thursday, and there’s no better time than the present, right?!
As I’ve mentioned before, I share my style with the intention of inspiring girls and women to confidently OWN whatever body size and or body type they have. Styling options are not limited because of your size, body type, or age. Generally speaking, when one dresses well, and actually likes the way that they look in their clothing, they feel happier as a person. Despite my intentions in blogging my style, I am a ‘private’ individual, one who does not like to open up to ‘strangers’, but rather only those whom have shown themselves to be worthy of trust. This fact causes me to battle within myself: What would I like to share with my audience versus what would I not like to share. However, I realize that for women to truly connect with me, I MUST (as I repeat this to myself out loud) let my guard down even further, and share my feelings.
Here we go:
So, I’ve been in a reflective state as of late, as to what direction I’d like to go with my style blog. Would I like to talk more about my love of vintage fashion, perhaps sharing tips that work for me? Or, is it my ultimate dream to design a clothing line? I’ve learned that a number of style bloggers across the globe are interested in monetizing their blogs in one way or another. Some do it through advertising for brands on their personal blog and or social media accounts, for which they receive a commission. Others work with specific brands, including attending events and such. This awareness has caused me to ask myself: What are your long term goals? You see, when I started blogging I only set ONE goal. I had planned that if I did not reach that one goal, I’d move on and pursue other interests, discontinuing blogging altogether. Fast forward to now, just over a year of blogging my personal style and guess what? I actually reached my ONE goal! LOL! So now the figurative elephant that is looming in my room: What’s next? I didn’t plan out previously exactly what I wanted to do if/when I actually reached my ONE goal! Lesson to self: Always believe that you can and that you will.
As I continue to reflect on my objectives and goals going forward, I’ll begin implementing changes here and there to align my vision.
But first, I’d like to get your feedback! What would you like to see/read about here on InMyJoi? How did you learn about this site? What makes you follow my blog?
Thanks for stopping by Style Lovers, I can’t wait to hear from you!
Xx
Alas, Truthful Thursdays have returned! My hubby thought that my last segment (expressing my opinions on natural hair) came off a tad ‘strong’. Since then I’ve shied away from speaking my peace. Until now…
I’m a private person by nature (who just so happens to blog) and I often struggle with how much of the authentic “me” I’d like to reveal for public scrutiny. As I’ve mentioned before, one of the reasons that I started blogging was because I personally didn’t feel that there were enough style/fashion images of women who looked like me (those whom I could readily identify with) when seeking style inspiration on various social media platforms. In my opinion, the present up and coming generation of women need to see images of regular/ordinary women, yes of my color, yes of my size, and yes of my taste/style. Today’s society promotes an unattainable idea, one of physical perfection- an ideal that every woman should seek to “attain”. This notion is utterly ridiculous in my opinion; I promote body positivity and have made the personal choice to love every inch of my physically imperfect plus-sized body. Ah, I digressed…
Moving on to today’s topic: This week I was featured on FashionBombDaily.com as Bombshell of the Day! I was extremely excited to be featured!!! Yet, along with any recognition also comes additional exposure to negativity and unsolicited/backhanded suggestions allegedly given in a complimentary manner.
I am so appreciative for the many positive comments received and I sincerely thank those contributors!
However, I want to take a few minutes to address several comments that appeared derogatory and purposed to shame me by making references to one of my all time favorite movies, The Color Purple.
First off, the movies The Color Purple and The Help (also referenced) represent a part of my cultural history and heritage. I am an African American woman. I am not ashamed to be told that some of my style choices bring those movies to someone’s mind. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that vintage pieces truly resonate with me, and that some of my pieces could very well be from the same eras that both aforementioned films represent.
Secondly, there were a few comments about my selection of shoe choices in the looks that were featured in the write-up, over at FashionBombDaily.com. Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I actually suffered from a broken toe not too long ago (which is still sensitive BTW) and my shoe choices were based not only on what matched what I was wearing, but also on which would provide comfort and stability for my broken toe. In any event, I wear the types of shoes that I want to wear, and that are practical for my lifestyle.
For the record: “My style is just that- Mine!” I wear and style items in the manner that I personally choose, not according to the preference and or satisfaction of “the public” or even others who may be in the blogging community.
Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy to inspire women in any way that I possibly can. Yet, I recognize that some women may not be “inspired”, or may not appreciate every single one of my style choices. The thing is, despite possessing strong opinions, when I’m not particularly fond of someone’s style choices, I never see or feel a need nor desire to publicly share specious feedback on social media about how they should change a look to suit MY personal preferences. I guess I truly am an old soul, I was raised with the concept: If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all =)
I do not value unsolicited negative feedback, and I tend to doubt the sincerity of anyone who makes the conscious decision to publicly present suggestions on how I could and or should re-style a look according to their personal preference. I often benefit from constructive criticism, however I do not allow room for insincere feedback laced with negativity.
Basically, just like anyone else, I wear what I WANT to wear. I am not in the market for field suggestions on how I can change my personal style to suit anyone else’s preference(s).
Thanks for stopping by today Beauties! Please do share:
How do you feel when someone offers negative feedback on how and why you should change an outfit that you’ve styled?
Until next time!
XO
