Stepping Out of Your Box

I've been getting a lot of comments and emails lately that say the same basic thing:  "I wish I was brave enough to wear that."  or  "I wish I could pull that off."  Well, I'm here to encourage you, friends.  You can!  I'm not talking about getting everyone to wear the same things as I do, but to give you a virtual high five and maybe help you step out of your box.  Here are a few tips:

1.  STRETCH YOURSELF.  Do you ever find yourself stuck in a fashion rut?  We all do at some point.  It happens because we find things that we like and are comfortable in, and then we continue buying the same types of pieces in different colors... or, maybe even different pieces, but in the same colors (ahem... that would be RED for me).  Stretch yourself.  Find something that you really like that wouldn't be your typical "norm" and choose that over another piece that could've been pulled from your existing wardrobe.  It will help expand your (already interesting) style.

2.  WORK UP TO IT.  It is good to stretch ourselves, but sometimes it can be hard wearing something bold for the first time.  Work your way up to it.  Try wearing your bold new favorite around the house or to a familiar hangout at first.  Get comfortable and acquainted with it.  That way when you wear it, it can be a compliment to your most attractive accessory:  confidence.

3.  DO IT FOR YOU.  Is everyone going to like everything you wear all the time?  NO WAY.  We all have different tastes and opinions, and can't be expected to like all the same things all the time.  Who cares if what you are wearing gets a weird look from a stranger?  You aren't dressing for that stranger, you are dressing for YOU.  Wear things that make you happy (while still remaining appropriate, of course).  You'll be glad you did AND it will help that confidence shine!

I hope these tips are helpful!  I'd love to know your thoughts on the subject!  xoxo Katie

Music Monday: Devendra Banhart

Happy Monday!


Devendra Banhart

xoxo Katie

P.S.  The ohdeardrea mobile winner is:  Veronica Deslauriers.  Congrats!

Diving Back In

I took a little break from sewing after Christmas and then we went on vacation after that, and now I'm feeling a little crazy from not working.  I'm here, ready to dive back in fully-- excited to start working on new patterns while continuing to stitch up some of the old ones.  Honestly, I miss posting pictures of my new work and getting feedback.  It's one of my very favorite things!  So get ready, folks.  I'm diving head first.  ;)

Oh, and just for funsies... I had a tattoo appointment yesterday!  I treated myself to a late milestone birthday present.  I'll show real pictures once it isn't oozy anymore.  For now, you just get a peek. 

Happy Friday!  xoxo Katie

Weekly Wears: Date Night

I really love vacationing with my whole family.  We very much treasure our time together.  That being said, as soon as we got back from our trip, Johnny and I sort of ran out of the house to take advantage of some very nice ALONE TIME.  You know, some ADULT TIME.  (<--not what you are thinking, dirty bird...)  The time where you sit down and have coffee and just sigh together.  Knowing, with just a look, that your other is enjoying the silence and the sitting still every bit as much as you are. 

  Dress/slip & Sweater: Urban Outfitters;  Scarf: birthday gift (from Target, I think);  Tights: Target;  Shoes: vintage;  Purse: Dear Creatures (a very special and thoughtful birthday gift from the Haddoxs)

That night we crashed hard, as if pausing for a second allowed all of the exhaustion catch up with us.  That was okay, though.  It was a very good night's sleep.  :)  xoxo Katie