The older I get the less I care about what other people think…
THE STORY
…Yes, that can come off as arrogant. But it’s not arrogance; it’s simply one part confidence and one part knowing what’s really important in life. And sometimes, what’s really important is speaking your mind even though a whole lot of people aren’t going to like what you say. Am I always right? Hell no. Am I sometimes speaking from a place of raw emotion with very little logic involved? Sure. But sometimes I hit that sweet spot where the emotion and logic mesh and I know with absolute clarity that what I’m witnessing is wrong. And if I don’t speak my mind, my conscience won’t be clear. Does it matter that what I have to express is going to be unpopular? No. Does it matter whether or not I can look myself in the eye in the mirror? Yes. Do you learn who your friends really are? Yep. And the thing is, if you’ve chosen your friends wisely, there are no surprises as to who they are when it’s all said and done.
One of the truly beautiful things about getting older, at least for me, is having gained the wisdom (ya, that makes me sound old, but whatever…) to be able to live my life authentically. I know who I am, I know what is important to me, and I know exactly who I love and who loves me back. Quite honestly, those are the only things that truly matter. Having those three things gives me all the confidence I need to walk right by a group of people who are whispering behind my back knowing that whatever petty nonsense they’re engaged in is eating away at their souls, not mine.
THE OUTFIT
The other thing that makes it easier to breeze by a group of not so nice people? Wearing a super fly outfit like this one. Seriously, wearing a pair of over the knee boots makes you feel pretty bad ass. If you don’t believe me, I suggest you try a pair for yourself. And how cute is this floral dress? It’s the perfect Fall floral, kind of dark and moody as opposed to the lighter brighter florals of summer. What’s missing from this outfit? Sadly, the long burgundy cardigan I layered over it in the morning. Where is it? Um, hanging off the back of my chair at work. Sorry for the missing third piece, you’ll just have to take my word for it that it looked pretty awesome. Today was just cool enough that wearing booties with this dress just wasn’t going to cut it. And since I’m not ready for tights yet (I’m never ready for tights….I despise them) I figured the perfect way to be warm enough without being too warm, was tall boots.
THE TIP
When transitioning between seasons and the temperature is somewhere between warm and cold, boots make the perfect transition piece. They make wearing a dress with bare legs a more comfortable proposition.
LINK UPS: Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: Poppy and Dot (Similar, Similar, Similar); Boots: JustFab (Similar, Similar, Similar)
I love this look! I’ve always been a fan of dresses with boots and you’ve pulled it off to perfection!
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
Suzy Turner recently posted…A fabulous new ombre hairstyle
Thanks Suzy! One of my favorite things about Fall fashion is dresses paired with boots. 🙂
Yet another gorgeous floral dress and bohemian-inspired look. I love it. Those OTK Boots are perfect with this. When are we doing the boho, 70s-inspired week together?
Happy weekend my friend!!
<3 ADA.
P.S. Come join my link-up on Monday Oct 5th and Wednesday Oct 7th. Thanks.
Ada recently posted…Striped Dress Week: Hunter Green Striped Dress from Summer to Fall + Linkup.
Thanks Ada…I’ve been kind of obsessed with dresses like this lately! How about the week of October 19th?
I actually think this looks just right on it’s own without the cardigan. We can really appreciate the pattern and those rich colours. And those boots, those bad ass boots - you don’t need a third piece when wearing those awesome boots! 🙂
Petite Silver Vixen recently posted…Bittersweet Shoes: Review of Topshop Judy Bow Shoes
I kind of agree with you…the dress and boots are pretty great on their own! 🙂
You are rockin’ this!! Love it, girl! and I am right there with you as far as not giving two sh-ts about what people think of me or how i dress or what i say anymore. Seriously, we need to meet!
rachael recently posted…fall out of summer-how to make fall outfits out of summer dresses
Yep, for the most part, the more I interact with humans the more I love my dogs! And yes, we do and we will meet up…Columbus seems to be exactly the mid-point…
So sexy and cute! (Not sure what’s going on, but sounds like some mean girls are jelly of you, Dear).
Thanks so much of sharing with Fun Fashion Friday & have a great weekend, Teach.
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Dawn Lucy recently posted…Prada for (almost) Nada & Fun Fashion Friday Link Up!
You know how teachers can be as a group…they can be bigger children than the kids sometimes. I voiced my opinion about a situation at a faculty meeting and that was all she wrote…lol!
Pretty dress, looks great with those over the knee boots.
~xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
Sheree recently posted…Splurge or Steal – Fall Boots
You are so rocking those boots and loving this pretty floral dress!! I really need a pair of OTK boots but I can never seem to find exactly what I want! That’s one of the benefits of getting older, being more confident in who you are and not caring about what others think, you go!! Have a great weekend Debbie:)
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I adore this outfit, picturing it with tights and booties later, maybe even some skinny denim and boots, great versatile piece. And I too love the “I don’t give a crap what you think attitude it has taken us to many years to achieve
Linda Cassidy recently posted…Happiness is a Weekly Event
I totally agree with you! I am still working on it but I feel the same way when I am getting older. Your hair is SOOOOO pretty! Love it! That dress is super cute too!
Take care and keep in touch! Please stop by every Wednesday for Color and Grace Fashion link up! 🙂
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
Grace Liang recently posted…Travel recap Oh, take a hike
Thank you so much for your support for our surgeries. We are both doing very well and I will get back to work tomorrow! 🙂 I really appreciate your nice comments!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
Grace Liang recently posted…Travel recap Oh, take a hike
you look amazing in the OTK boots
I love OTK boots with dresses for the fall. Such a great look with the dark floral! I’m starting to care less and less to but I admit to still be affected by what people think.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Oh my gosh I love it. We both sported the sweater dresses with the lace. 🙂 Thanks for linking up for Style Saturday. xo~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Megan Ballard recently posted…Body Shape Series: Perfect Coat For Your Body Shape
So sad that other people need to be like that. I’m glad you’re not letting it bother you.
Sexy boots lady!
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne recently posted…How To Dress Up A Graphic Tee
Super cute look! I just ordered a dark floral dress very similar to this and now I want to try it with my OTK boots. I can see the burgundy cardigan really working with this.
Jennie recently posted…Warmer Days