Dress Me Up Dollie

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Blazer, Anne Taylor Loft/gifted from a friend; top, Energie at Fred Meyer; pants, Lane Bryant; shoes, Classified

This look is familiar, I know.  I had an interview (conducted via Skype) today and this is what I wore.  It's safe and comfortable and while not terribly fashion forward, it still shows a bit of personality.  I think the ability to use Skype for interviews is great, particularly for jobs located across the country.  The position I'm applying for is only on the other side of town, but their HR office is in Portland, so this was a great solution!

In this post from Molly Crabapple, the artist answers the question "What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?"  It inspired me to write my own younger self a letter.  People often write letters of advice to their younger- or older selves.  It's still a good exercise in self-awareness and reflection.

Mini,

What a year it's been since turning 17, right?  Your first boyfriend, your first car, the first breath of freedom in growing up.  Who you are right now is amazing.  Embrace your joie de vivre--I promise it's infectious.  It feels good to be positive.  In fact, approaching interactions with a positive mindset helps you achieve what you want from them.  I know that's difficult, that people make you uncomfortable.  The sooner you talk to someone about what you're experiencing for real, the sooner you'll be comfortable in your own skin.  Which will help you feel more confident when interacting with humans.

Speaking of people--cherish the the ones who are in your life.  Make peace with the heartache and visit grandma--there's not much time left, unfortunately.  Change is coming really, really quickly into your life.  Take a deep breath and move with the wave, not against it.  Do what makes you feel happiest.  When you are pursuing your dreams and finding self-worth in them is when the people around you find you the most attractive, so stop trying to find ways to appease others' expectations of you.  For real.  Let go of your fears and jump.

7 years from now, you won't be rich (yet), you won't be successful (yet) and you won't have a car.  But you'll be happy and the people around you will be good people.  Which is better than any of those things.

What would you say to your 18-year-old self?

Top, DIY; cardigan, necklace, Torrid; skirt, leggings, boots, Xhilration at Target

These boots are a bit silly, aren't they?  The don't look quite so much like a rooster wearing socks when I pair them with jeans, but such is life, right?  I have very few boot options and today I wanted to wear some. Luckily they are just as comfy as they they look.  So points for that.

Dress, DIY; cami, sunnies, Torrid; cardigan, Victoria's Secret; shoes, Mossimo at Target

Just out grocery shopping when the weather was sunny.  Rocking my springtime brights.

Leopard print flats have always held a special place in my heart.  My grandma gave these to me for Christmas in 2010 and they have gotten a lot of wear, though it seems most of it went undocumented on this blog.  The thing about them is that they're perfect.  They complete just about every outfit by adding a shock of pattern without overtaking the whole outfit.  When I put them on, I feel like they say "this girl is stylish.  She cares about fashion, but keeps her looks simple.  She's minimalistic without being pretentious or boring.  And maybe even has a slightly retro-influenced style"  Shoes can say a lot!  The important point here, is that these are a staple in my shoe wardrobe.  I feel put together when I have them on.  I feel confident.

Birthday Gifts

Edited by: Jess of Fresh JessIt’s my birthday today! What better way to kick this day off than seeing what’s bringing IFB wardrobes to life lately? Your latest Links a la Mode round up features style icons Stevie Nicks and First Lady Michelle Obama; Earth Day-inspired tips on being green; avant-garde accessories; trend reports; quick & easy DIY tutorials and some of the most beautiful outfit style posts around.  Need some help figuring out what to wear for your next bike trip or spring business conference? We’ve got you covered there too. This week’s posts are like presents for my Google Reader. Now let’s celebrate!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: APRIL 19TH

• Barefoot Duchess: My “More & Less & Must” List for Welcoming Summer
• Bugwear: Polka Dots and Glitter and Bling…Oh My!
• Corinne Monique: Valentina, Valentino
• Dress Code, High Fashion: Runway Trend S/S ‘12: Harnesses, Corset & Waist Belts
• Fashionista’s Diary: DIY Rope Necklace
• Fasshonaburu: How to Look Conference Chic
• Fumiko Kawa: Fashion Trends in Japan 2012
• Ms. Fabulous: 10 Ways to Green Your Closet
• My Style Ramblings: Style Icon: Stevie Nicks
• Real Girl Glam: How to Manicure…Gold-Flecked Nails
• Silk and Spice: Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Runway vs. Real Way
• Synthetic Elegance: Trendspotting – The Return of Sporty Spice
• The Classic Woman: The Style of Michelle Obama
• The Refined Hippy: 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
• The Sparkle in Her Eye: 15 Key Pieces: Building a Timeless, Yet Modern Accessory Wardrobe
• The Stranger: Mojoism and My Illegible Handwriting
• The Stunning Look: Meow!
• Tiffany Squared: Why It Works…Skirts with Volume
• Tobruck Ave: DailybuzzStyle: 9×9
• Yellow Cupcakes: Bicycle Accessories

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine