This blog guest stars Daenel A. Vaughn-Tucker, a local blogger and photographer, and a friend of Addie's Boutique.

 

I've always had eclectic taste in clothes. I attribute it to growing up in Italy, watching MTV, and having an unhealthy obsession with all things neon. After years of wearing a uniform (Army veteran) and chasing after kids in my best stay-at-home-mom wardrobe of oversized tees and sweats, when I returned to the workforce, I needed to rediscover my style as a professional woman over forty.

What I found out is that my personal style hasn't changed all that much since I was a teenager. It has simply matured. My taste is very much boho with a bit of the unexpected. For example, it's nothing for me to pair a camo maxi skirt with a citron colored sweater or rock a faux leather dress with a pair of Adidas. I know this isn't everyone's style but, that's just it, style is as unique as a fingerprint.

And as secure as I am with my personal style, I still had to take some time and really think about what I wanted people to see when they see me. Because, really, our clothes tell a lot about us. I decided I wanted my clothes to say: creative, unique, and fun. So here are the steps I took to develop my personal style: 

1. Look for inspiration. When I was a teenager, my style was heavily influenced by Lisa Bonet's character, "Denise Huxtable," on The Cosby Show. I loved the way she mixed and matched prints and colors. Her accessories were always eye catching (and scene stealing). I'm in my forties now and I still look to her and a few other celebs for inspiration. Are there celebs (or friends) that you see who just always look put together? Look to them for inspiration, but do not copy.
2. Dare to be different. People always say "Only you would put such and such together." Yes, but you can do it too! My color theory is if you see colors together in nature, you can see them together on my body. The fun part of being a lady of *ahem* a certain age is that we're free to wear what we like without caring what others think. Go ahead and wear those florals and plaids together.   
3. Consider your lifestyle. I'm a librarian by day, but I also spend a lot of time taking photos of our students, which means I may be in the practical nursing lab or in the welding booth on any given day. My clothes have to be safe and comfortable. That means, no open toed shoes or dangly jewelry. This also means I have a collection of fun colored shoes that are safe for in and out of the labs. Whatever you wear on a daily basis should be practical, fun, and conducive to your lifestyle. 
4. Play up your strengths. Is there a part of your body that you really like? Your legs? Your waist? I love my neckline. There's nothing unusual about it -- I have a scar from thyroid surgery many years ago. Still, I love my neck. So I'll often wear V neck tops or jewelry that hits just below the hollow of my throat. Show off the part of you that you love.   
5. Be confident. Nothing is more beautiful than confidence. Square your shoulders, hold your head up, and smile.

Has your style changed over the years? Who or what inspires you? 

Signed, 

Daenel A. Vaughn-Tucker