How’s this for something out of the ordinary? Me, dressed all professional-like…
THE STORY
…yes, I’m mixing prints and wearing a bright pink blazer, but still, professional nonetheless. What prompted this unexpected turn of events? Midlife crisis? Menopause induced dementia? No. That would be having to do a presentation about my program to a team of auditors from the Pennsylvania Department of Special Education, our entire special education department and our district administrators. Honestly, it was because of the auditors because after all of these years my coworkers are used to my uh, shall we say, unconventional fashion choices.
I stressed over it for days. Public speaking is one of those things that while I’m certainly capable, it’s not at the top of my list of things that makes me giddy with joy. It probably falls somewhere between a root canal and a head cold as far as enjoyment goes. Originally I jotted down some notes, but in reality I’m more of an off the cuff sort of girl so I decided to just wing it. When I got there I saw that one of the other teachers had a stack of note cards. Color coded cards. My principal, who was also speaking had a beautiful handout with pictures. And guess who was third in line to speak? Um, can you say “self-doubt”?
But much like a roller coaster, once you’re strapped in and creeping slowly up that first gargantuan hill, there ain’t no gettin’ off the ride. So I did it. Completely off the top of my head. And you know what? I could have probably talked for another hour 10 minutes. The thing is, I really truly love what I do. Perhaps it’s not cool to say that, but I don’t care. And trust me, I could talk about it ad nauseum. That’s why I boldly walked into that room with no notes. I knew if I tried to follow something even remotely scripted it would confine me and take the passion out of what I had to say.
THE OUTFIT
Much like not wanting to restrict my words, I just couldn’t allow a more professional look to totally take over my “me-ness”. Originally I had a perfectly nice burgundy sheath dress with a black blazer, thin layered gold necklaces and black pumps picked out. Yes, it was pretty, but it was super seriously professional. And super seriously not me. I would have felt uncomfortable and not like myself which would have in turn thrown me off my game. While it’s true that sometimes you need to dress for the occasion, it’s equally important to not lose yourself in the outfit. So I kept the same basic structure to the outfit, but added subtle print mixing, bold color through the pink blazer and a statement necklace.
“WHILE IT’S TRUE THAT SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO DRESS FOR THE OCCASION, IT’S EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO NOT LOSE YOURSELF IN THE OUTFIT.”
Simple, but important changes; the look remained perfectly acceptable for public speaking, but still retained some of the basic elements of my personal style.
THE TIP
While we are often required to dress according to certain societal standards for specific situations, it’s so important to find a way to retain your individuality. Even if it’s something as simple as jewelry or a pair of shoes, make sure you add something that speaks to who you are.
LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Blazer: JCPenney; Dress: Poppy & Dot (Similar, Similar); Shoes: Target (No longer available)
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $500 Nordstrom Gift Card or Cash (via Paypal) - winner’s choice
Co-hosts: It’s Kristin / Film+Fashion+Fun / A Noted Life / SWEET HAUTE / Lawyer Lookbook / Silicon Valley Lodge / Peyton’s Penny Pinching Momma / Jenns Blah Blah Blog / Not a Trophy Wife / Stylish Adventures with AL / With A City Dream / La Joie de Vivre / TonieGirl / High Latitude Style / Foxy’s Domestic Side / Six One Six / Well Put Together Blog / Maple and Mint / Girl Meets Bow / Tabler Party Of Two / Feline Creatures /Fashion Fairy Dust / Taffeta & Tulips
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 11/27 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
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Totally love the pink blazer, and the stripes are too cute!
Tara recently posted…Animal Print Blouse and Flare Jeans
Thanks Tara! This outfit actually reminded me of you…you are always so professional and polished. 🙂
Good for you! I’m NOT a public speaker in the least, so I think anyone who can do it is fantastic:) Love this outfit as well - mixed prints are always a favorite of mine!
Laura
Laura recently posted…Tech Lover? Beauty Buff? Check out these Gift Options from Ulta!
Thanks Laura! Speaking is a whole lot easier when it’s a topic you love, but still…not something I’ll voluntarily sign up for…lol.
It is so wonderful that you have followed your bliss. That means you never work a single day in your life.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne recently posted…How To Wear A Summer Dress In Winter
I agree. It hasn’t always been that way, but fortunately it is now. 🙂
I am OBSESSED with this outfit!!!! So friggin cute cannot even stand it
Erin recently posted…5 Fall Fashion Must Haves
Thanks love!
I love the pop of color for this time of year! Thanks for sharing.
I found you at High Latitude Style.
Lexie Robinson recently posted…Coming Soon!
Once it gets cold I really do have to make an effort to not rely to heavily on dark colors. Thanks for stopping by!
I agree! Darks are always the way to go this season but then I get a little gloomy 🙁
Thanks for having me!
Lexie Robinson recently posted…Coming Soon!
Love the mix of pink, stripes and leop!!!
BTW - it’s not too late to join this RAYBAN giveaway I am hosting for the SUNGLASSES SHOP of UK from Nov. 16-22!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Red Tag Chic Los Angeles recently posted…Sunglasses Shop :: Ray-Ban Giveaway
Thanks so much Rebecca!
I love the prints and the mixing. It goes so well with your hair and I think it looks great all together. Found your look on Sydney Hunter and it just popped! I just joined this linkup for the first time yesterday. I posted a look I wore at a holiday party a few years ago and thought it was still pretty current: http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2011/02/01/style-tip-abstract-art-dress/ would love your thoughts on it 🙂
Love your site theme as well. So nice and feminine.
Rania recently posted…Mens Style Cues from Dress for the Day
Thank you Rania! I’ll definitely stop by and check out your look. 🙂
Hey, I love your unconventional choices and this is one of your best outfits ever. It is perfect for public speaking. I much prefer winging it that being confined to notes or a speech. Loved that quote towards the end of your post.
I wish I could repeat this outfit right now, but I need that necklace and that stunning blazer. Do you teach special ed? Oh and BTW Leopard and Stripes are my favorite patterns to mix together and my favorite two patterns, period. And no matter how important or serious the occasion, I always stay true to my style and myself.
Welcome by for a giveaway I have going. I have to enter yours, too.
<3 Ada.
Ada recently posted…Casual Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit and Firmoo Giveaway.
Yes, I am the Life Skills Support teacher for 6th, 7th and 8th grade. I’ve had a lot of different programs over the years, but this is by far my favorite.
Sometimes it’s a challenge, but I think if you stay true to your style, even in a small way, you feel more comfortable. 🙂
Since you teach special ed, do you think the more conservative outfit would sort of throw off your kids .. give them a weird vibe? I think your outfits are adorable and playful .. you know FUN and probably allows your kids to see you as fun too.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Stitch Fix No 7
That is such an excellent point Monica and you’re so right. Especially with this particular group of kids. I just got moved back to the middle school from the elementary last year so most of the students I have right now I’ve had since they were in the third or fourth grade. The me they know is the fun quirky dresser, not the conservative “teacher” dresser. For example, the outfit I’m wearing tomorrow includes cowboy boots and when I had it on at work today two of them were so excited that we were “the same” because they had cowboy boots on too! We have so much fun every day and for me, being too dressed up would kill my vibe…lol!
**the outfit I’m wearing in tomorrow’s post**
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
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Thanks for hosting Nicole!
Oh, I love this on you Debbie. You’ve hit the right balance between keeping true to your personal style whilst still being professional. And I have no doubt that that made you feel able to speak passionately and freely from the heart about what you do and love. Love the pink, stripes and those groovy leopard courts.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Petite Silver Vixen recently posted…Leopard Print, Denim & Coral Accents | How to Style an Awkward Dress
Beautiful look Debbie!! I work in an extremely conservative work place (what’s more conservative than a banker right?) and when I have important meetings, I tend to stick to more neutral colors but show my personality with some fun heels or a great necklace. Love this outfit!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
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