How I Claimed my Style in 10 Outfits and Defied the Laws of Fashion

One of my all-time favorite things to do as a child was watching different award shows with my mom and sisters. I didn't care much about the movie or music or nomination; instead, I cared only about what everyone wore. Luckily, today it's a lot easier to catch up with all of the celebrities and their chosen outfits on Instagram. Now I can just scroll through my feed instead of watching four hours worth of tv. And let me tell you, the DRESSES just keep getting better. I love all things fancy and over the top. Who cares about "trendy" stuff that everyone wears in a normal real life? What about the high fashion, haute couture designs on the runways and carpets we get to see only the social elite wear? Ugh. My heart swoons over the unique artistry that goes into people's outfit choices.

So my fashion taste leans more on the expensive side. Like really expensive designer stuff because it tends to be colorful, bold and full of expression. That's me. But only on the inside. My actual wardrobe is not what one might expect. Sure, I have a few nice vintage finds or maybe a piece of clothing one of my trend-setting sisters gave me, but for the most part, it's a compilation of the things no one else wanted.

I'll explain myself. Most of my clothing is pretty ridiculous. My siblings often look in my closet or ask to borrow something, and their reaction is always priceless. My closet is full of what others might consider junk. Retro grandma blazers with bows on them, a dozen different floral patterns, things you would never imagine to see worn by a living human being. Maybe something you might see in a museum. I like to think it looks like one of the MET's costume exhibitions. Wishful thinking--I know.

So this leads to the evolution of my style. There are three major things that dictate what I wear. The first is whether or not I am going to sweat in it and the questions I ask myself sound a lot like this: "I know my armpits are going to sweat, but will this shirt let it show through?" or "Well, I'm not but do you think you can see my butt sweat through these pants? I hope not." The second concern is whether or not it is comfortable. You might not believe it, but I'm not a small person. Ha ha. That was supposed to be a joke. So since the time I was in elementary school, I was always taller than most of my friends and I weighed more them too.

Even as an adult I find it hard to fit in with a certain size group. I'm not a skinny lady. But I'm also not plus-sized. I've always been pretty awkward with my height at 5'8'' and the top half of my body carries most of my weight. On a good day, I can fit in a size 8. You know when you find a brand that somehow sizes you way smaller than you actually are??? Yeah, that feels amazing. Except on a bad day, I'm like a size 12. So I tend to fall in the area of a size 10, and I have been that way for the past four years or so. It's not the easiest finding clothing I feel comfortable in, and most outfits that are "in" never really feel good wearing. So in high school, I opted for a more non-traditional route. Most of the things I wear fall under these criteria. Comfy and sweat resistant.

This leads me to the third and final thing I require for any article of clothing I own: a low to nonexistent price tag. Yup, that's right. Almost 80% of my wardrobe I spent zero to ten dollars on, whether it be a hand-me-down or something from my aunt (who is a thrift shopping star). So when you combine all of these things together and my love for unique fashion, you get something close to what your fashionable grandma might look like if she were 70 years younger. And if she liked accessories. Lots of accessories.

So I would love to share with you all a very small taste of me claiming my style as my own. It doesn't look like what anyone else out there is wearing and I can guarantee that. I'm cool with it. And it's never really the same look per se, but it still feels like me.

Without further ado, I would love to present to you 10 different looks or ways I defy fashion standards.

1. THE INTERVIEWEE, hire me plz

The first look is simple and crisp. It screams modesty. Professionalism. Cuteness. It ties together the plain black skirt and a patterned sheer dress shirt I never wear to be honest. Unless I'm going to church or an iNtErViEw. The necklace is so fun. I need to wear it more because why not!! I got it from a thrift store years and years ago. I'm glad I like to hold on to things.

2. The Wanna-be Hipster Mom

I think this outfit below screams mom. Maybe it's because of the floral button-up or perhaps it's the kerchief that functions as both a fashion statement and napkin if need be (in the small chance a kid has some boogies). I like this because I still feel cool, but it is something I could still comfortably walk a mile or two in or even play around outside in.

3. The "I Can-Do It" Lady

A more flowery take on Rosie the Riveter. This was one of my least favorite outfits because both of the guns were out. I mean my arms. Yikes. It's been a while since I tried to tone those things, but hey. I'm being real here! We are all self-conscious. I'd rather be honest than photo-shop my arms to look like little linguine arms. Anyways, I got the vest from St. Vincent De Paul a few years ago. Still have yet to wear it in public, but gah. I seriously love it so much. From the fastening straps on the side to the embroidered flowers on the shoulders. Very summery outfit. But still a hint of "I can fix a car right now if I wanted to."

4. The Undercover Spy

This outfit makes me look like non-threatening authority figure. Imagine a nice librarian or principal. But there's just enough sass to make you pause for a second and think, "hmm..she seems like a badass. Nah...she just took out a box of homemade chocolate cookies for her co-workers. She's cool though." Little did they know, the cookies were poisoned. HA! I think I have been watching too much of my favorite spy show, Chuck. Yikes. Blazer was a thrift store find. Get this, I have another one that looks kind of like it! But orange. :P

5. The "Mary Poppins Unwound" Look

This dress fits like a glove. Yet another garage sale find or something from my aunt. It's all silk too. There's an asymmetrical cut where the patterns change which I think gives it a more care-free vibe. The flowers totally reminded me of Mary Poppins. I was her for Halloween and this look reminded me of a care free Mary on vacation in Spain. Sounds nice, huh?

6. The Wine and Food Critic

One of my dream jobs is to be one of those random people on Chef's Table, not the chef themselves, but the accredited individuals who get to talk about the chef. Oh, you know the ones. The "self-acclaimed wine and cheese snob" who gets to eat all of their amazing food. and write about it. This look is inspired by the spirit of criticism, it's captivating and inviting, but also has an edge to it. I feel strong. Confident. Shout out to my lovely friend, Ellie, for the cardigan. :)

7. The Simpleton

Sarah the Simpleton. This kind of look often comes out when I have no time, motivation or I am feeling nervous. I tend to hide my true colors (patterns too) when I am not comfortable. So I will stick with black. But I like this look because the shorts still feature my personality and taste. Even just a little bit. Polka dots and scalloped edges. Thank you, Kat for the thrift store find! The shirt is one I got on sale from TJ Maxx, one of the few places I do shop at here and there.

8. The "Breakfast at Tiffany's is Over so Let's Grab a Drink" Look

This outfit, look and vibe has got me SHOOK. I am channelling serious 70s movie star in this look, and I can't get over it. The purse and scarf are both thrift store finds. The earrings! I love a good pair of earrings, and I got these ones at a market in Italia. The jacket is Eddie Bauer. Also from my aunt. Honestly, I feel like I could climb a mountain. Become a CEO. Win over any person. This look is killer queen. Audrey Hepburn would approve. But I think I would take this outfit for a mimosa and maybe a quick drive in a convertible of some sort.

9. The Ball Girl Seeking a Career as a Tennis Star

You can't really tell in the pictures, but this shirt is green and blue and white stripes. So cute in person. It makes me think of something Antoni Porowski would wear. A lot of my outfits can be androgynous, and I am so okay with that. I like the fit of the shirt and the zipper. Paired with the white shorts and visor--I'm ready for a tennis match. Federer? Nadal? You guys in?

10. The Annoying Alumna

This outfit makes me laugh. It's like fashion and sports meet, but then they end up falling in love and they can't quite decide what to do with both of their belongings when they move in together so they keep it all. It's cluttered and mismatched. But somehow it works together. If fashion shows had cheerleaders, this would be their uniform.

Well, it's been fun. I honestly had a blast taking all of these photos with my self-timer camera. I was so scared someone would walk in on my and be like, "what are you doing??". Now they know! So please comment below and let me know which of the ten looks is YOUR personal fav!