Constantly moving outside my comfort zone is the core of my life philosophy. Part of it is trying and learning new things, growing as a person and the other half is all about entertainment – because life without change gets kind of boring… fast.
Last week, I was shopping with a friend, when I posted this photo on Instagram:
Blazer & top from Lane Bryant Outlet
An orange blazer is not something I’d normally go for, but I liked the shade. It didn’t hurt that my friend was a good enabler, so I decided to try it out. As a result, I had a conversation with Rachel, of Happyness Magnet who asked if I’d like to join in on a new challenge about moving outside your comfort zone… and the rest is history.
This week, our challenge is titled “Blazing Red”, using a pop of red and a blazer.
Blazer – Eloquii, size 24
Blouse – Evans, UK 30/32
Jeggings – Old Navy, size 28
Heels – Tsubo, size 11
Necklace – Style & Co, via Macy’s
Bracelet – Torrid
Ring – New Look
It was tempting to wear my red blazer and call it a day but that wasn’t really challenging myself, which defeats the purpose. So I dug into the depths of my closet and pulled out an unworn item – this Eloquii floral blazer, and decided to create an outfit of things that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Here is how I did it:
- Bold, patterned blazer – most of mine are solid and don’t look like your Grandma’s couch.
- Pants – I’m pretty sure you guys know that I hate pants. Nothing new there.
- Heels – I’m a klutz and I like to be on good terms with my feet.
- Dark/neutral colors – I like bright and obnoxious things.
For several months, I was dying for a floral blazer – the uglier, the better. The thrift store didn’t produce any gems and a couple of online options were iffy, until I found this one. The monochromatic print is great and relatively tame. Of course, when I got it, I loved it but had doubts of how it would work in my wardrobe. I decided to keep it because I figured it would pair well with a lot of my bright, jersey dresses – much like my favorite black & white patterned cardigans. I was going to pair it with one for this challenge but again, felt like it was a cop out.
Even though I hate pants, blazers look great with skinny jeans and a longer top, so that’s the route I went. Most of my shirts are too short to wear with pants, since I prefer skirts and tuck in my tops, so this Evans top gets put through its paces when pants are involved.
Heels and I aren’t exactly friends. Being a klutz is tough. I trip over my own feet, I really don’t need any help (or additional height) contributing to my inevitable downfall. A friend of mine introduced me to a few pairs of heels that I can manage to wear for an extended period, walk (semi) gracefully and not kill myself in. Win! These Tsubo heels are one of them.
The first outfit I tried to throw together for this challenge involved a lot of black and was extremely awkward. I love my bright tights, bold lipstick and bright, fun colors, so I tried something new – to keep things dark, with subtle pops of color via accessories.
I even went outside my comfort zone regarding the photos. I prefer natural light and outdoor shots, but on weekdays it just isn’t possible. These aren’t too bad… and you get a peek of our apartment!
I’m pretty happy with how this outfit came together. I’d actually wear it again! Can’t say that about everything I post up here on the blog… but this works! Fashion is supposed to be fun and experimental. I still prefer my dresses, but sometimes a little change in the routine is good.
Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:
Stephanie: http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Gail: http://www.gailygumdrops.blogspot.ie
Rachel: http://www.happynessmagnet.com
Leah: http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Crystal: http://www.talesfromthefatside.org
Mary: http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky: http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Since I found fa(t)shion, I’ve conquered a lot of self imposed or societal “rules”, fears and other things that have held me back from doing and wearing what I wanted, just because I have a fat body. And I inevitably learned that the only rule is that there are no rules.
The way you think and your relationship with your body isn’t something that changes overnight. It takes hard work… in baby steps! Try taking a step outside your comfort zone – big or small – and see where it takes you!
Do you push yourself outside your comfort zone? How do you do it? Or are you happy to stay within?
I love it! The blazer is lovely, the necklace is amazing and I love your glasses too. x x
Thanks Leah! I love the necklace… except when it gets tangled!
I definitely need new glasses. Pulled these out because the pair I’ve been wearing was scratched to oblivion… but I realized that I’ve had a headache for two weeks now. Oops!
You are beautiful!! Definetly should wear pants more often!!
Love the outfit and the shoes!!
XXX
Noooooo, you can’t make me! Thanks Mary! I wear pants more than I ever did… but we’re still not friends, ha ha.
Darling, you are absolutely stunning! I love love love how you went outside of your comfort zone in more than one way. That is the entire point of our group, and you are truly a jewel, among all of the other beautiful ladies in this challenge. I love the floral blazer, and those pants are amazing! Your red pop was a bit unexpected for me, which is amazing, and so classic! So blessed to call you my friend, and love to have you part of our challenge!
Rachel, you are such a sweetheart… with a talent for words! Thanks for inviting me to the challenge. I’m glad you did!
I had dark red nails too… but forgot to get photographic evidence.
I haven’t come across your blog before but I am loving your style. I’m also on a current personal challenge of wearing things out of my comfort zone. Love the orange blazer btw! X
Thanks for stopping by Vicky! Good for you on stepping outside of your comfort zone too.
Guess I should put an outfit together with the orange blazer soon – put it away and forgot about it! Ha.
Looking amazing. Your photos are fab. Do you mind me asking what camera you use?
I love your blazer I only have one plain black one. Need to change this
Thank you Steph! I prefer outdoor/natural light photos… so that means a lot.
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. These pictures were taken with a tripod and remote.
Colored blazers are a lot of fun! And more versatile than you would think. I have a few different colors and they add a great pop to outfits.
Long-time lurker, first-time commenter. I usually like your sense of style, and have to say that you look fantastic in this outside your comfort zone outfit! Makes you wonder if you should get out of your comfort zone more often. And of course, by “you” I mean “me” :-) I really like the light blazer with the darker shirt and fabulous blue necklace, not to mention the terrific red shoes. It’s all perfect with jeans. Like you, I generally prefer skirts, so I was surprised at how great the jeans are for this outfit. Big win!!
Hi Diana! Thanks for un-lurking to comment! Since moving to Texas, my style has changed a bit… it just hasn’t been documented very well on the blog. I’m working on fixing that!
If I’m going out in the world, I usually try to step outside my comfort zone and/or push the envelope in some way. An odd color combination, brights, pattern mixing, a new hair style, etc. It changes based on how I’m feeling.
As a slave to dresses and skirts – I’m a little sad when a pants-based outfit works out so well, ha ha. I actually started out with a skirt, but switched to pants since it looked too business casual for me.
Hey gorgeous, looking fab as always. I love the blazer and the red shoes.Is it too late to join in on the fun? (Challenge)
Thanks Margaret-Rose! You’ll have to speak to Rachel, of Happyness Magnet about that. She’s the brains behind the operation!
This outfit is gorgeous. Love everything on it. <3
Thank you Mel!
Love this!! After reading this, I may have gone straight to the Eloquii store to look for this blazer. I may have also found it for only $34 with only 1 blazer left in stock in my size. I feel like you were my fairy godmother, uniting me with this item ;).
P.S. I love the crate of yarn and the stack of books.
It is about time I return the favor! I’ve always seen stuff on you and need to have it… now the tables are turned. Glad I could unite you!
I love Eloquii’s blazers. Wish they came in a 26/28 but it hasn’t stopped me from owning… four?
Can’t wait to see how you style it!
Lady you look beautiful. That blazer is gorgeous. I love the splash of blue in the necklace and the red shoes, well… I want a pair!! :) xxx
Thank you Emma!
That blazer is AMAZING. One of the things I say always about being a fat woman is that I don’t dress to be invisible. My thing is – my size doesn’t allow me to hide, so why should my clothes? No thanks. I like this project, looking forward to more posts :)
YES. That is a perfect way of putting it. And you have a killer sense of style that reflects that!
I really like both blazers. Your challenge outfit really works for you! I know your thinking, I like it because it’s tame! Maybe, but it does look great and your pictures are wonderful! Your apartment looks great and I love your shoes! I was on my old computer last time because, you did not put your blog on my new computer. Your bad. Love you, your favorite
No judgement. You like what you like! There have been some weird things you’ve complimented me on… and I was surprised. I would like to paint… you should come and help me! Ha ha.
Sorry I forgot to add my blog to the new computer. Are you Grandpa? Do we have to bookmark everything for you? ;)
Easy is always better! Since you were not blogging my mind forgets things. Would love to come see you!
I’ll pay for the ticket and I’ll beg your boss to give you time off!
I have total necklace and shoe envy. (PS – I just found your blog through theplussideofme, and I will definitely be back…I wear the same size, so I always love ideas!) Also, are those the Rockstar Jeggings? I have many jeans from ON, but I haven’t tried those kind. Yet.
Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t think these are the Rockstar Jeggings, because they are at least 2-3 years old. I have an identical black pair and they were sold with a generic name “Women’s Plus Size Jegging”. But they are the same fabric content, so it is possible?
Maybe “Rockstar” is a marketing ploy. ;)
I need a replacement pair, and I’ll probably give those a try first and post about it.
Hi Nicole! I love your blog, and this outfit looks F*A*B on you!
I hope you don’t mind, but I featured you today on my Trendy Tuesday post as my F*A*V look of the week. Stepping outside your comfort zone paid off, ’cause you look fantastic!
http://www.chunkymaiden.com/2013/03/introducing-trendy-tuesday.html
Thank you Rebecca!
I don’t mind at all. I tried responding to your e-mail but it came back undeliverable/failed. I tried to send you a tweet about it the other morning.
I am so so so in love with this outfit and that blazer! I wish Eloquii shipped to Australia!
Thanks Natalie! I wish more companies would offer worldwide shipping for reasonable prices. It is a global economy!
After Eloquii’s transition, hopefully they will offer it.
Slightly off the main topic, but I love love love the outfit with the orange blazer! Beautiful colour on you. Stunning!
Thanks Tina! It should show up in an outfit post soon.