Sunday, October 20, 2013

Dressing for Success

Normally I write about more pressing issues, but today I felt like writing about my second love which is fashion.  I am a firm believer that as the seasons change, we may also be changing our minds about life, and the direction we're going in. This change can be a new endeavor, a new relationship, or even a new job. However, in order to make this change we have not only got to change our mindset and attitudes but other pieces as well. One of the ways that I have found it easier to set my focus, is to change my clothes and style. I know what you're thinking; clothes don't make the man (or woman in this case). But if TLC's What Not To Wear has taught me anything, it's that clothes are an extension of yourself. How you present yourself in the world not only affects how others perceive you but can have an overall affect on your mood and well being. This is why it is important to pay attention to the way you are dressing yourself. Do you sometimes start the day off feeling depressed? Some of us do and yes it may be because you have a crappy job and are not where you want to be. I'm not going to say that changing jobs is a piece of cake but I will say that you can make the best out of your situation. Pay attention to the colors you're wearing: are you someone who is constantly wearing dark hues? This could be contributing to your depression or anxiety! By throwing a pop of color in your outfit, you attitude could improve significantly. Go on and wear that turquoise scarf with those camel or brown pants or pair a little yellow with red! Get your green and purple on!

 If the job is what's got you down, as the saying goes "Dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have." Pay attention to the shape of the clothing that your pick. Is it frumpy or does it play to your curves? What about the fabric? Is it stiff or flowing? Can the hem be taken in or up? Checking simple things like this can make a world full of difference in your outlook; if you feel comfortable in your clothing you will feel more comfortable with anything that comes your way. The same thing goes for break-ups, break downs, bad days, etc. Try a new shade on, pull out that dress that you've been wanting to wear. Try a fun, flirty coral shade for your lips or smoky eyes. Just experiment and watch your perception change to positive thoughts!

Dressing for success doesn't have to be expensive. Look for the bargains! Shopping online is also a great tool for bargain hunting. I highly recommend www.polyvore.com , www.the15dollarstore.com and www.justfab.com for great deals. Below is a collage that I put together for my blog BadVictorian on some snazzy piece pairings:
Dress for Success


Balmain silk shirt
mytheresa.com


Dsquared2 blazer
thecorner.com




Trench coat
feeluxury.com



Vero Moda one button blazer
$41 - veromoda.com


Lined jacket
bodycentral.com


ChloƩ pleated pants
mytheresa.com


Balmain back zip pants
net-a-porter.com


Peplum skirt
$33 - frenchconnection.com


Warehouse body con pencil skirt
$40 - warehouse.co.uk


Plaid trousers
maurices.com





Bracelet charm
$9.70 - newlook.com


Susan Caplan Vintage vintage earrings
$265 - johnlewis.com



Miss Selfridge necklace
missselfridge.com


John & Pearl triangle earrings
$47 - wolfandbadger.com


Just Female metal jewelry
$32 - nelly.com


Vero Moda wrap shawl
$24 - houseoffraser.co.uk


Fat Face crochet scarve
$32 - fatface.com



Lastly celebrate you! Part of dressing for success, is dressing our minds in beauty. Think about the wonderful and unique person you are. Look at your accomplishments and learn from your setbacks. Keep the future in focus and enjoy the beautiful life you have!