It's what I've got

I will freely admit that this is an offbeat outfit - socks with open-toed heels and bright tights, pattern mixing, a gigantic slouchy sweater (from the 90's) - but I really like it. Sometimes I look at other blogs and feel disappointed that I don't do high-end designer looks, or that I don't do vintage fashion very well, or that I almost never look polished enough to work in an office - and then I have to remind myself that what I am good at when it comes to style is "bright and weird." And I know that's not a style that appeals to everyone, but it's what I've got.

The number one piece of advice I see successful fashion bloggers give to their fellow bloggers in interviews is "be yourself," and even though it's such a cliché at this point, I still like it. Obviously you need to take your surroundings into account - for instance, there are certain things you should and shouldn't wear to the office, church, funerals, weddings, etc. - but basically, I think everyone should wear whatever the heck they want. If you want to be weird, normal, bright, calm, neutral, experimental, urban, casual, dressy, high-maintenance, low-maintenance, whatever - I say go for it, even if that means you don't have as many followers as other blogs do, or (for those of you who aren't fashion bloggers) even if people give you funny looks because you're wearing something that's out of their comfort zone.

Purple sweater: free from my aunt

Floral skirt: thrifted from Village Merchants

Purple tights: American Apparel

Brown belt: thrifted from Goodwill

Gray bracelet: Self-made

Gray socks: Gap

Brown heels: Madden Girl from Macy's