Reflections on a fashion journey

I truly believe that finding a personal style is a journey.  You don't roll out of bed one day with the makings of an icon.  Discovering your signature style is a process, and I'm a firm believer that this process should not be rushed.

I'll be 23 in May, and I'm happily enjoying experimenting with style and finding out what suits me and, most importantly, what I feel good in.  It's easy to blindly follow a trend season after season, but realizing you're personal style is more valuable than any season's biggest fad is priceless.

I honestly can't tell you if the runways are revealing that floral is in this season, but it will always be a winner with me.  I am discovering that I most comfortable in girly prints or pieces with feminine touches.  I love being a woman, and embracing my femininity is something I thoroughly enjoy.  Why not express this through my clothes?

That being said, I also love throwing in an unexpected piece to mix things up.  Today I realized that I had a pair of metallic tights that hadn't seen the light of day, so I decided they needed some sunshine.  Instead of safely mixing them with a simple black dress, I thought I'd mix these metallic wonders with a traditional, super girly piece that captures the whimsy of femininity that I love.

Did I get some strange stares?  You betcha.

But what fun is fashion without any risks?

Moreover, how boring would fashion be if we all just dressed to please each other?  It is so important to let fashion bring some joy into our own lives.  Dressing according to someone else's standards will never be fulfilling.

I still don't know if I think this outfit worked or not, but I enjoyed giving it a go.  The road to discovering a personal, signature style is often a bumpy one, but the bumps make the ride more fun.

blouse, necklace, ring - Forever 21

shorts - Vera Wang for Kohl's

tights - Candie's for Kohl's

boots - Mustang, via DSW