Sometimes your true nature gets lost in the shuffle of daily life. After a career, marriage and three kids I’m finally learning to embrace bold again.
I am working with Stonyfield and prAna for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment but have not been paid to post positive reviews. All opinions are my own.
When I was younger everything about the way I dressed was bold.
I wore my big brother’s blue suspender’s with comfy shorts (that my mom made) and my favorite t-shirt (with a roller coaster on it…one of my favorite things!).
My big sister cringed at the outfits I created. It was like tom boy meets athlete meets comfort queen.
In junior high I had a favorite outfit that consisted of bright kelly green jeans and a green and white striped shirt (from the GAP no less! It really was in style).
In high school you’d find me in bright orange tanks with matching wedge flip-flops or red soccer jerseys with matching warm-up pants.
You might think I was outgoing and outspoken. But, no. I was not confident in myself at all. I was quiet as a mouse and very insecure. But I knew what I liked. Without realizing it I was dressing for my energy type to a tee.
Once I started working full time and then having kids my style faded. At work I wore basic tan or black dress pants with a button down or sweater most days. At home I switched over to yoga pants, nursing tanks and old t-shirts. About the farthest thing from bold you can find. Lots of black and gray.
Bold but not brash.
A few months ago I heard about Dressing Your Truth and decided to check it out. These days I’m completely lost when it comes to my own style. I have none. And I don’t even know how to shop for myself anymore (my husband usually shops for me). I figured it couldn’t hurt to see what it was about (no I am not an affiliate…I haven’t even taken the course. It was just really cool to watch the videos and be reminded of my true nature).
It actually surprised me to realize I am a Type 4. The reason I was surprised is because Type 4 is BOLD. Me? Bold? Are you kidding?
I’m quiet, reserved, introverted. My clothing makes me fade into the background.
But the more I thought about it the more I realized I really am bold! I just haven’t been letting that boldness come through for many years now.
I am smart and strong-willed.
I am structured and organized.
I am determined and dependable.
But I don’t always let that show.
Time to get it back.
About the same time I was given the opportunity to try some new clothes from prAna. I was going to do my usual boring pants or top in a plain color. But I decided to be bold and go with yellow patterned pants.
I have never in my life worn pants like this! To be honest I was a little nervous to wear them for the first time. To my great delight instead of feeling self-conscious I felt confident. A great feeling I haven’t had in a while.
Feeling happy.
Then just a few weeks ago I ordered a new pair of boots. I’ve needed new boots for about three years now. I wear my winter boots almost year round for everything from grocery shopping in deep snow to walking through mud at the milk farm. They finally gave out and started letting water in. I never spend money on myself, so this was a splurge (even though I used birthday money that was intended to update my wardrobe!!)
I decided to get some all-purpose farm/rain/winter boots. Instead of getting black or gray I went with bright green.
Can I tell you how happy they made me feel?! I call them my happy boots. And I wear them even when I have no reason at all to be wearing boots. Just because. I think they make other people happy too. I’ve gotten lots of compliments. I love that instead of fading into the background I’m able to be bold. I love that my boots get me noticed. They are true to my nature…true to my youthful spirit of bold, fun expression through my clothing.
What I’m craving.
I’ve been craving some direction in my style for quite some time now. This summer I’m finally getting it! I’m on the hunt for a new wardrobe that shows my boldness.
Want to know what else I crave? Yogurt. I haven’t eaten any in almost two years now. Yogurt is one of my favorite foods. Especially for breakfast on hot summer days.
When my little one with allergies is weaned I look forward to trying all of the Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt flavors (my husband and daughter sure love them!). Though to be honest I’m sure I’ll go for vanilla first. I am really craving that!! It’s always been my favorite.
I’m loving my new prAna pants. They are so fun. The only down side is that as my daughter gets older and nurses less my weight starts to go back up (a good thing for my health, not so great for my wardrobe). So the pants are tighter than I had hoped (they were the right size when I ordered them, but not by the time I got them). It’s a good thing they are stretchy! An added bonus.
But that is part of the process – accepting myself, accepting my body as it changes and still being true to myself and my bold personality.
I have yet to figure out a bold hair style. I’ve pretty much always had long straight hair. All suggestions are welcome.
In the mean time I’m ready to satisfy my summer craving for bright colors. No more hiding. You don’t have to be outgoing or loud to be bold. I am embracing my quiet boldness.
It’s your turn!
prAna and Stonyfield want to help you embrace your style and satisfy your summer cravings too!
One lucky reader gets a pear of the same Kara jeans I got, in your color of choice.
Are you a Type 4 that wants something bold? Or are you a type that needs a softer, more subtle color? Does your style reflect your personality and true nature? I’d love to hear!
What are you craving this summer? A new wardrobe? Delicious food? Long days at the beach? Working in the garden?
Share your summer cravings and enter for your chance to win below.
I love those yellow pants on you!! They are great!! I need some new clothes and would love to have something bold but never feel I can carry off. I would try, though!
I am looking forward to going to the farmer’s market this summer!
Thanks, Sarah! You could totally do bold. Find one item to add a pop of color and see how you feel 🙂 Hopefully we’ll see you at the market!!
I bought some funky (at least for me) light green pants at the thrift store today. 🙂 Yes, we will get to start going to the market next week. I’m hoping it is good weather so K and I can walk down there since B will be in therapy for 2 hours.
Oooh, sounds so fun! Hope to see you at the market.
We’ll keep an eye out for you! I’m sure K would be excited to see R and you could give me tips on the best veggies to buy at the market! 🙂 but we probably won’t be there until around 11…therapy starts at 10:30.
Watermelon!
Oh, such a summer treat, Gina. Does S tolerate it? My youngest do not 🙁
He does pretty well with it, thankfully. Most fruits are safe for him in small doses. Watermelon was the food I craved most during my pregnancy with him–it was never my favorite before but now I love it!
I crave fresh fruit in the summer
Freshly picked fruit in the summer is the best, Sandra!
I’m craving time at the beach and hiking with my kiddos! And I’m a type 4 🙂
That sounds like the perfect summer, Heather! I hope you are embracing your type 4 boldness 🙂
I am craving ice cream this summer.
Aren’t we all, Lauren? 🙂 Perfect for summer.
I agree – I crave watermelon and NO ONE else in my house will eat it. I can’t eat an entire one myself LOL So I always bring it when I go by my mom so we can share.
You look great!
Thank you, Helen!
Do you ever freeze watermelon? It is SO good that way. Just cut it in chunks and freeze it. Instant summer treat. And nothing goes to waste.
No, but that sounds great! I do like aguas frescas with it too
i’m craving fresh fruits and sorbets
Perfect for summer, Donna!
I am craving BBQ this summer!
Love it, Elle!
I am craving s’mores.
Oooh, one of my favorites, Katie! S’mores are tricky with allergies but we try to find a way to make them 🙂
I’m craving fresh in season strawberries.
Fresh strawberries really signal the start of summer! My husband is going picking tonight 🙂 Then we stock the freezer for the rest of the year.
i’m craving pistachio gelato
That sounds delicious, Julie!
those pants are amazing. i love love love bold and unique pieces like those….but i also tend to lean more towards the minimalist side of living…especially in the wardrobe department. i currently only have two pairs of pants / two pairs of shorts, but one of my pairs of pants don’t fit me anymore so i’d love to replace them with the kara jean 😀 and this summer i’ve been craving BLUEBERRIES. i’ve always liked blueberries but this year they don’t seem to stay in my fridge for more than a couple days. blueberry pancakes, muffins, smoothies, everything. 🙂
Blueberries are my absolute favorite, Valerie! I’m so glad we can pick amazing blueberries here in MI. They go quickly in our house too!
I am craving iced coffee.
I love iced hot cocoa 🙂
I am craving watermelon and some yummy zipper peas this summer.
I sure am missing fresh peas this summer due to allergies!! I’ll be ready for them next summer 🙂
Well Mary, I can’t wait to get fresh peaches and vanilla ice cream w/whipped topping! ! And I have a new Neat & Pretty Ice cream maker , oh boy I can’t wait to try it out…I KNOW I WILL BE MAKING ALL KINDS OF FLAVORS OF ICE CREAMS for me and the grandkids and for family gatherings and etc…OMG; I’m getting carried a way….I’m so EXCITED!! But, oh yeah I would love to win a pair of the Kara jeans in Bright orange or a deep purple (my 2 fav. Colors)!!
Fresh peaches are amazing! I can’t wait for them either. Just a few more weeks.
i’m craving strawberries and cream
Yum!!
I’m craving rest and some time alone. Homeschool two 12 yr olds, which I am very thankful for, but need time to regroup and plan for next year.
That sounds lovely, Rhoda! Both the rest and the homeschooling!
I am craving homegrown tomatoes.
I used to eat them like apples growing up! So delicious.
I identify with type 2.
I am a secondary type 2!
i’m craving ice cream on the beach
Sounds like the perfect summer!