What does one wear to the book launch of “Unlock My Style” by uber-fashion blogger Nikki from Styling You, when one is gaining a bit of a reputation as a “fashion blogger” herself?
(An aside: can you tell I’m still not 100% comfortable with this label?! It got me to thinking – if you have to be fashionable to be a fashion blogger, does that mean you have to be beautiful to be a beauty blogger? Or homely to be a home blogger?! LOL)
It was quite the dilemma, and that was what confronted me last Friday night.
After considering all the options, I had 3 outfits in mind. Come to think of it, all 3 were based on Nikki’s fashion philosophy (as she shared on the night) – make sure you have the basics and you can then style them up any way you like with the “show pony” pieces.
Unlock my Style Option #1
The basics: pretty much everything. The “show pony” that lifted it to another level? The statement beads.
This was probably my first choice but then I thought: I definitely want to wear this ensemble to Problogger in 3 weeks time (and heaven forbid I wear the same outfit twice – silly I know!). Also, it involves wearing a pair of heels and I just had a sneaking suspicion that wouldn’t be a good idea (as it turned out, I was right, we did a lot of standing and hob-nobbing on the night).
Unlock my Style Option #2
This fitted monochrome dress is a bit of a “show pony”, so I would probably have paired it with the same nude heels and jacket basics.
But again – heels? And would it be too dressy?!
As it turned out, there were plenty of folk glammed up in sequins and the like. To be perfectly honest, I wish I *had* gone with this choice; perhaps I erred on the side of caution, and went a bit too casual. (Should have taken my own advice and made the most of an occasion to dress up!).
Still, I like what I did end up wearing, which was:
Unlock my Style #3
The basics: my new black jeans (hurrah! I needed a smaller size!) with ankle boots. The “show pony”: this gorgeous ombre jumper which I fell in love with at DFO a couple of weeks ago – AND it was reduced from $90 to $30. I added some sparkly earrings for a bit of bling and as a nod to the fact it was indeed a glamourous night-time occasion.
I chose this outfit because the chances of it actually being cold enough to wear it to Problogger (even though it’s just 2 weeks away) are about 10% or less, so I figured I may as well enjoy it now!
Of course, although the forecast was for just 11 degrees, it was quite a bit warmer and I felt a bit too hot at times. I didn’t want to take the jumper off because it would have ruined the whole look – and maybe I hadn’t ironed the shirt underneath either 😉 .
So how did I end up choosing my outfit for such an auspicious occasion? Apart from the elimination process I’ve detailed above, I also stopped trying to predict what others would wear and trying to impress them. I wore what I knew I liked, that felt comfortable, and would truly reflect my style.
I’m sure Nikki herself would approve of this 😉 !
Have you managed to get along to any of the “Unlock your Style” events – or are you planning to buy the book?!
Linking up with Redcliffe Style for 30 Plus Style & Beauty.