Friday, August 14, 2009

Awkward

Awkward is an awkward looking word. Have you ever noticed that?

Oh. honey no. has been running a series this week called “Dressing Without Fear” and last week I promised to play along. In her own words:

"well, next week, starting monday, i’m challenging myself. each day i will dress to conquer my fears. i will either find a way to make a piece i thought was “too fancy” work for my casual workplace, or i will try a trend i haven’t mustered the guts to wear in public yet, or something, but i will do SOMETHING each day to get those feelings in check. because i will not be cowed by fashion, something that i firmly believe is meant to be fun and make you feel good.”

So. This dress was my choice. I never wear it to work because it feels both too fancy and too girly. I really only like it with my cropped moto jacket to give it some edge. But I wanted to try and give it a shot.

August 13

I toned it down by wearing a black leather belt instead of the self belt that came with it. I reallllllly think I would have liked this outfit 100% better if I had been able to wear a studded black leather belt with it. I think it would have made all the difference, but I don’t own one. So I couldn’t. (I should really own one. I know that now.)

August 13


Don’t get me wrong. I got a ton of compliments. Everyone seemed to like it. But I felt off. I felt a little not myself. I had dinner with Tina* (jealous? I would be) and she pointed out that even without the jacket, the tattoo rocks it up a bit (sorry I failed to get a pic, but you know what it looks like). And she’s right. I just don’t think it was enough for me.

I do love this dress. I have worn it to art showings and parties and felt great. I just think that in the end, it turns out, without that studded belt, it is in fact too dressy and girly for me personally to wear to the office. BUT I am glad I tried. Because now I know how I’d like to style it next!

I did like these shoes and earring with it, and will keep them next time I wear it...

August 13

August 13

I did not like that handbag with it. It was dark when I got dressed and it seemed like a good plan to tie the shoes in, but it wasn’t. It just made it that more awkward.

*Ahahaha. I just saw her post for today and she talks about how much she loved this dress. I find it hilarious that I am sort of semi-bashing it (in the context, I still LOVE the actual dress)

Dress, Belt and Shoes, Target
Earrings, PersephonePlus.etsy.com
Bag, GAP

18 comments:

Joanne said...

I think this is one of the prettiest dresses you've posted in ages. . I love it on you!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I've always been a big fan of that dress too--you always look amazing in it!

It's a great idea, dressing without fear. I think that's the thing I liked most about when I actually kept up with my fashion blog, was it sort of forced me to be more creative and wear stuff I normally wouldn't. Maybe I should try that next week, just for fun!

Linda said...

You dressed without fear but are bashing the end result, you are kinda contradicting yourself. You are usually so fearless and this time around you seem a little off. I think the entire thing is great! Its okay to be "too girly" once. I think the bag is tied in well too. You are being to hard on yourself. I can't draw you if you act like this... kidding.
Seriously, you rock it.

Nana Erin said...

Linda,
I WANTED to like it, but I didn't. But I took a chance, AND I would do it again. I hope this scores me back some cool points.

and thanks.

A said...

I saw that drawing on your site the other day! I hope you'll put it back up 'cause it rocked. I applaud you for trying something you didn't want to (boy do I know that feeling when it comes to fashion) and I think it worked, but at least if you didn't it inspired you to style it another way!

The dress looks fantastic on you either way.

Audi said...

The dress is gorgeous on you, but the outfit doesn't have your usual rock n' roll edge to it. I'm flabbergasted that you don't own a studded belt! Because you're right, it would have made the outfit much more you. Good for you for taking the risk, though -- and although you felt off, you still looked wonderful!

Unknown said...

That dress reminds me of Mad Men the 50s :)

WendyB said...

I love this dress with the leather belt.

GFS said...

I truly believe this is the most beautiful dress I have seen you rock! I love it!! And you are right...a studded belt would be perfect! or some studded shoes!

I would totally do a drive by on you and steal this dress from you...(that's how I judge pretty things...doing drive bys:)

Sheila said...

I love the dress on you! The skull earrings are awesome.

And yes, I'm jealous of your dinner with Tina! ;)

Chan @ Chanmeleon said...

A black studded belt would have been so very Carrie Bradshaw. (A good thing of course.)

Sarah R said...

Pink is a good color on you. ;)

hello jamie: said...

I love love love LOVE that dress, especially with bunny ears. :)

Seriously, never get rid of it. I'll buy it off you.

PS> My verification word is "pento"-- makes me want chili.

Anonymous said...

okay, i have to say you look all kinds of gorgeous in this dress -- but i also know how uncomfortable it can be to wear an outfit that's YOU. but i give you major snaps for doing it anyway, because that's what the challenge was about! can't wait to see how you style it next... and thanks for playing :]

Kasmira said...

Totally jealous of dinner with Tina and YOU!

Penny said...

I understand how you feel but you totally pulled this off. You are right about the studded belt and moto jacket. I think that would look fierce.

FashionAddict said...

OMGosh, this is unbelievably beautiful on you! I think the accessories keep it "you." BTW, I got a great studded belt from forever21 for $7. Here is a post where I was wearing it:
http://fashion4economicallychallenged.blogspot.com/2009/08/tuesday.html

Da Fashionista said...

love the dress! And the blog ;)

kiss,
Da Fashionista