In no particular order, here are my favorite outfits from 2012:
My least favorite outfits (okay, the worst ones I wore) or the ones I don't find to be "me" anymore:
General Reflection:
After looking back through my pictures, I can honestly say that I can tell how much my style has changed in just a year's time. A lot of the change had to do with my focus on running and the changes my body experienced as a result, but I think my philosophy about shopping and buying clothes evolved the most.
When I pieced this post together, I realized that very few of my "favorite" outfits came from the months of January through April (all but two of the "worst" pictures are from these months), but I evolved slowly into a style that's more "me" over the course of the year. I'm certainly not saying that I've achieved perfection, but simply that I think the goals of my blog are working; I never set out to be the perfect example of "what to wear," but the blog began simply as a visual for me to dress and look better as a young teacher on a budget. This blog has done wonders for me to create outfits, get inspiration, and document all the changes in my life throughout the year.
Thoughts on the Fashion Failures:
Looking at outfits I wore at the beginning of this year (and the first outfits of my blog), I realize that I didn't know what I was doing. I mean, I'm still learning how to balance youth with professionalism and quality with budget, but I don't know if I'd consider wearing some of those outfits ever again. I recently found one of my outfits that someone pinned on Pinterest, and I was embarrassed by the comments on my outfit. While they were a little mean-spirited*, they were right; the outfit wasn't flattering. I realize now that the outfit probably would have looked better if I took the time to find similar, quality items...and there's a reason that I haven't worn a similar outfit since then.
*I have to say, I surprise myself here -- I've developed a thicker skin and I've let negativity roll off a lot easier than I thought I would. When I started this blog, I truly worried about putting myself "out there," and assumed I'd be ripped to shreds at every post. Whenever the occasional mean comment pops up, I analyze whatever they said for truth, appreciate the person for their brutal cador, and shrug it off (and maybe email Fran for some comforting words -- thanks for being such an amazing blogger friend!).
I am so thankful that so many of you are kind, constructive, and so accepting. I love that so many of you struggle with the same things I do; body shape, budget, or living an over-scheduled life. I am always grateful for and humbled by the relationships and communications with all of you -- even if you're silently lurking in the shadows and have yet to comment. I appreciate you. :)
Challenges and Changes to my wardrobe:
This year, I've discovered that cap sleeves do not work for me. They just don't. I removed them from my closet. I have done this with several items in my closet -- and I think I'm finally starting to have higher standards for myself in terms of fit, quality, and an item's ability to blend with my wardrobe.
In 2012, I struggled with pants. For whatever reason, my legs and my waist cannot agree on a pants size, and finding great-fitting pants at a decent price is a pretty difficult task. Because of this, I wear skirts a lot (in case you didn't notice). This year, I've tried to venture out a little more into the realm of pants...and with every venture, there is a bit of failure. I took advice from several of you and invested in a couple pair of flares/trouser-leg pants...and I am so glad I did -- I feel like a million bucks every time I wear them!
However, I'm still on a mission to find some flattering and well-fitting skinnies. I will find them. They have to be out there, right?
Reflection on Shopping Philosophy:
When it comes to shopping, I have stopped compromising fit for a low price tag, and as a result, I think my closet has become a better representation of my personality rather than what was convenient to buy. I think that's what I need to do in the future; I want to be 100% sold on the fit on my body and in my closet before I buy anything. During my recent closet purges, I got rid of several items that I thought were so awesome (like my Target coral cropped pants in the outfit above) when I bought them. They weren't me, but I bought them because they were trendy or cheap...or both. I want to reclaim my closet for myself and my personality -- and I really think that's what I've been doing the past few months.
Summary:
You live, you learn, and you get dressed. I don't regret the "bad outfits," because they helped me get this far. After all is said and done, I'm optimistic that my style will continue to evolve and improve in 2013. Tomorrow, I'll share my goals and resolutions for 2013 -- so enjoy your last day of 2012!
Did I forget any or leave out your favorite (or least favorite) outfit of mine from 2012?
XO,
25 comments:
I can definitely see why some of these looks we're your favorites, you have these best skirts! I, like you, have hard time with pants and feeling like they fit right. I did find a few pair I loved at The Limited and bought them, even though they were expensive, because I think a deal is great, but ultimately fit is more important. Super excited to see more great looks from you in 2013, and I think I'll probably do a similar post next year once I have some more blogging under my belt.
Ginny
I have loved watching your style evolve this year, Whitney. I think a big part of it is your confidence shining through. Another part - I totally agree - learning what works for you, personality- and body-wise. There is a difference between trying to reach outside your comfort zone for YOU (sorry, I am not "shouting," just trying to italicize) rather than a trend. I love your new trouser/bootcut jeans. I know jeans can be pricey, but if you have any budget left, I would suggest looking at Banana Republic for skinny jeans. I know I always mentioned this before - my favorite skinny jeans are from there and from 2008(?!) - still look great and I always get compliments on my derrière (which I normally try to disguise! ;) They are dark-wash (and no fade, though I usually wash them inside out) - made of more structured denim, but still have some stretch (2% spandex). These are elements you can find in a jean anywhere - just know how hard it is to find a good pair of jeans. I am looking for a good bootcut! Anyways, enough jean talk - you keep doing what you are doing and I will keep reading! I think for the New Year, I'd like to get my butt more in gear and post more on my own blog - it always seems to get away from me! Happy New Year and Happy Dressing! ;)
Happy New Year to you! It was fun to look back on so many outfits in this post. It was also hard for me to look back earlier in the year and pick out outfits that I wore and particularly enjoyed too! But it's fun to see how our own individual style and taste evolves even in a short amount of time. I love the color that you incorporate into your outfits, and congratulations on running a marathon this year! That is definitely a goal that I want to accomplish at some point!! Wishing you a wonderful 2013!
I pretty much agree with all of your choices here. I'm sad about that full fuchsia skirt outfit though, I think it was lovely, just a tad ill fitting (maybe it's the belt?). I hope it is still in your closet and going to appear in more outfits. And I think you look great in pencil skirts, as shown in your fav outfits! :)
As for the thick skin--good for you! I don't comment regularly, but I realize that when I do it's not always the most cheerleader like of comments, and I apologize. I do enjoy your blog and your wardrobe and have never meant to offend.
And cap sleeves? Who DO those work on, really? I hardly ever think they look nice on anyone besides models. Oh well.
Happy New Year, Whitney!
i love seeing so many of your great outfits all lined up together, it's so inspiring. i'm not sure if i could pick a favorite but the one with the striped tee, floral scarf, and pink skirt is really jumping out at me. you continue to be a great inspiration for me as i try to dress my best, i hope you know that!
I think that you have had a wonderful year, Whitney. And I love that you took the time to reflect on it. Taking a close look at both the good and the bad looks, wardrobe pieces, etc. is a great way to get the most out of your closet. Thank you for all of the wardrobe and outfit inspiration. I can't wait to see what comes in 2013. Have a wonderful New Years, lady!
Callie
www.coffeeandcardigans.com
Happy New Year :) I think that we're all constantly learning what works and doesn't (honestly most of what I think about in terms of fit & style I learned from years and years of watching What Not to Wear and reading the books (from the British version)). We all have things that we love that other people hate, but sometimes we need to just wear it anyway. I have to agree with some of the other commenters that I think that there were 2 or 3 in your hate list that I would have put above, and a few from above weren't always my fave---but that's just it....YOU loved them and they made you feel good and you probably wore it confidently cause you did feel good. Confidence and a smile polishes any outfit. I have so enjoyed "following' your blog for the last several months, I've enjoyed hearing about the running, and in many ways feel like I've found a great "blog friend" in the south :) Here's to a great 2013 ahead!
I'm so happy and grateful to have met (online and IN REAL LIFE!) you this year. You continue to inspire me and I'm so glad we have each other to share our experiences with our little hobbies. Can't wait to see what 2013 brings for you friend. Happy New Year!
good on you for taking the time to reflect on yourself and your passion.
This is a great post! I love that you included your favorites and your least favorites. You're right that by putting them side by side you can see how your style has evolved. Although, I admit, I was wondering where your pants were :-)
Seriously, though, my favorite dress pants are from The Limited and I recently discovered Express jeans and they are amazing.
That's hilarious--you're right! I don't wear pants very often! :)
I'll definitely have to try Express! I haven't bought or worn anything from there in years.
Thanks, Tess!
Ditto, my friend! I'm so glad that we've crossed paths through the internet and in real life. :)
Cheers to 2013!
Happy New Year!
I think that's a really neat thing about fashion; we're constantly changing tastes and growing! My life circumstances has changed a lot in the past couple years, and I'm glad that this blog is helping me to document my life in that regard.
I find it interesting that there are so many varying opinions on clothes and outfits -- it's interesting to look through Pinterest and see how some people love certain things, while others turn their noses up!
I think 2012 was a great year, for sure! Happy New Year, Callie!
Oh, and let me know if you ever venture down this way! :)
Thanks, friend! I am so grateful that we've become great blogging friends! I get even more inspiration from you! :)
I appreciate your comments, Patty! I never expected to get everything perfect or to just get comments that solely cheer me on. I find value in the constructive criticism. I've never thought you were one of the "mean ones" who attack on the ad hominem.
I agree about cap sleeves. I think you have to be stick thin for those to truly work. Pencil skirts are such a universally flattering piece, and I'm glad that I've stockpiled those for a while!
I think that the blazer in the outfit you mentioned was a little off. If I wore a shorter and better fitted blazer, I bet it would look much better!
Happy New Year! I've loved reading your blog this year -- even if I've read from afar! I read your reflections post and it truly resonated with me in terms of the "what was I thinking" analysis. ha! Best wishes with your running and in 2013!
Such a kind post, Megan! Thank you!
I will definitely look into Banana Republic! Thank you for the suggestion. I've never tried their jeans! I could definitely use some derrière compliments. ;) haha!
Happy New Year! I wanted to thank you for being so inspiring! I definitely have found my style has evolved over the last 8 years in the classroom and so much of it has been based on cost. I've found myself stepping out of my normal routine for clothes and have based many new outfits on ones I've seen in your blog! I know your blog is based on fashion and what you wear in the classroom on a day to day basis, but I'd love to hear more about your running. I have taken up running in the last year too. I'd love to hear what you used for a training program for your 1/2 and what your running plans are for this year. I just love hearing when other teacher fit in running, especially for the longer distances. Hope you find the time to share...........Have a great 2013!
I really appreciate this post. I relate to your reasons and goals
behind starting your blog, and I am encouraged by your experience with
it, whether it be learning more about yourself or finding out you have a
thicker skin than you originally thought. I just started my own blog
for my own creative outlet and to keep a diary of my style evolution as I
figure it out, so this post was really good for me to read.
Thanks, and happy 2012.
P.S. You half fantastic calves! You should continue showing them off! :) You make me want to run!
Ha! Correction...Happy 2013! And also...You *have* fantastic calves. Sheesh...someone put me to bed now! MyStyleJam.blogspot.com
You crack me up! Thank you for the sweet post! Best wishes with your own blog. I hope you find it as helpful and revealing as I have found my own. I'll be sure to check yours out! :)
You're too kind! Thank you, Megan!
I completely agree about the cost issue! I've found that I initially just bought clothes based on how inexpensive they were -- but as the year progressed, I started purchasing based on how it worked in my wardrobe first, then cost.
I'll definitely try to talk about running a little more -- especially since it has become such an integral part of my life!
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