OOTD: My Ideal Style Direction

 Everything about this outfit perfectly illustrates my ideal style direction and types of pieces I would like my wardrobe to become composed of.

First of all, the neutral colors are classic.  The striped tee and black jeans are classic...yet casual.  The scarf adds a touch of sophistication to the casual ensemble.  The cognac brown color with black is a favorite.  The shoes are really comfortable and a very low wedge heel.  (I'm slowly getting rid of anything but the lowest heels because they just don't feel like "me" any more.)

And lastly, I felt this outfit was flattering to my figure.  Not all of my clothing is an attractive fit or look for me.
Overall, this outfit just makes me happy when I wear it.
 
That's where the difficulty comes in.
Distinguishing between "liking" certain pieces and "realizing" that they are not the best choice for me or that I'm not super happy with how something looks on me....and then coming to the point of being able to let them go in order to achieve my personal style goals.
For me, it's easier said than done.

It's an ongoing process and a slow one because sometimes I feel like maybe I should give a piece another try by reworking it into a another combination of garments or adding a different accessory to see if I obtain a better result.  Little by little, as the mood strikes me, I'll reach into my closet and grab something and think "Today is the day for this to go" and plop it into the donation bag.  I never really regret my decision.  I am actually happier with other clothes I have.  So why oh why is this process so difficult for me?

I wish I could just take a day and do a full on clean out...removing everything from my closets and drawers and only choosing a select amount of items that I absolutely love and feel good in (like the outfit today) to put back into my closet.  That would get rid of all the excess that doesn't achieve the style or happiness level I'm looking for and I know I'd feel soooo much better.
The problem is that I have culled quite a bit, but still have LOTS left...and I like everything I have.  It is difficult to let go of my "likes" and settle only for the "loves" group.  Sometimes I'm not even sure of the distinction so I have to ponder it for quite some time.

I think I'm just wanting someone to wave a magic wand and do it for me so that I don't have to go through the painful process and decision making. haha 

These shoes are one of my favorite summer thrift purchases.  I've worn them so many times already.  They are my new go to shoe.

p.s.  I love this top so much...and guess what?!  I have just found another one exactly like it, but with long sleeves for only $3.99.  Yay!!  I hadn't noticed, till I got the one in photos home, but someone had actually cut off the sleeves to change this top from long sleeves to short sleeves.  I love the length of the sleeve and you can't even really tell they've just been cut off with a scissors.  I could even roll them up if I wanted a shorter look.
So now I have a short sleeved and long sleeved version of my new favorite tee! :)
thrifted:
black skinny jeans $7.67 Celebrity Pink
striped tee $? Merona
scarf .69 cents
black gold hoop earrings .69 cents
belt $2.49 Ralph Lauren
purse $3 Kelly & Katie
sandals $? Aerosoles


At times I have failed to record prices of things I've thrifted so I'm occasionally blank on the cost of some items....but you know it was probably a super sweet deal.  ;)  

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