New

When I was younger, my brother had this theory that you must wear new items of clothing immediately. He would say, “You never know when you’re going to die, so you might as well wear it right away.” I always thought that was a silly motto. I didn’t like wearing all my brand spankin’ new pieces all at once because I wanted to prolong that amazing feeling you got when you wore a fresh item of clothing. I liked mixing newer items with wardrobe favorites - the perfect way to extend that ‘special’ feeling of a new outfit. Decades later I still abide by this rule. Well, that is until yesterday. Mind you, I didn’t purchase this entire outfit on the same day or even the same weekend. I was waiting/searching for perfect complementary pieces already stocked in my wardrobe when I stumbled across this color combo yesterday and couldn’t resist paring it together. I think this is the perfect transition outfit - Fall colors with some summer staples and silhouettes. 

Get the Look: Dress/Charming Charlie’s [similar], Blazer/Target, Wedges/Target [pricey similar], Necklace/Nu Sans Bijoux (won via giveaway), Bag/Handbag Heaven

11 September Permalink

Thank You

First off I want to thank everyone for all their support on yesterdays post. I was overwhelmed (in the best way possible) with the encouragement and similar stories that readers left via comments and tweets. It’s comforting to know that my point of view, my style and my rants are appreciated and valued. It’s also nice to know that I’m not the only one with an off day (or three)! Seriously, bloggers make it look easy.

Get the Look: Dress (worn as a skirt)/ BB Dakota [similar style]; Blouse/Target; Wedges/Madden Girl, Bracelets/souvenirs, Sunnies/TJ Maxx [similar]

3 July Permalink

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

I wrote the below a couple of days ago, when I was down and out. I considered not posting but with the encouragement of friends via Twitter I realized that honesty is in fact the best policy. So here goes nothing…

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For my style bloggers: Do you ever have those fits of frustration with your wardrobe, your style and yourself in general? I’ve experienced my fit or two recently and I can’t seem to find my way back. Before vacation I was eager to step away from the laptop and take some time to re-prioritize. I did admit to blogger envy and thought a holiday away from blogging would do the trick. And it did! I was ready to come back with fresh eyes and a relaxed mind, that is until I walked into my closet and noticed I don’t have the budget that some bloggers have, or the standout style or any of it . So I fell, hard. Hard enough to consider stepping away from FabAve for a bit longer. Who likes a negative Nancy?

I got to thinking about why I was here and the purpose of Fabulously Average. I’m here to express myself through a different point of view from the prototype blogger. With a real girl budget. A real girl body. A real girl attitude. I’m not here to be fake and get myself into debt. I’m here to make friends, express myself and to do the things I love. So here’s the deal: I don’t have the money to splurge on Rebecca Minkoff. I don’t have the hips to pull off a peplum skirt (I’d rather not embarrass myself). I’m naturally optimistic (a bit paranoid, mind you) but have off days where I’d like to tell the world to F* off. All that and a little wit is what you’ll find on this blog. I’m no blogger prototype and I’m perfectly happy with that. I just need to remind myself every now and again.

I thought I would express my frustration with y’all to clear the air and let you know what’s going on with me. I always intend on being straight and honest with my readers and expect the same from bloggers I admire. So sorry for the rant. I realized that the only way I might get some catharsis from my funk was if I hit publish and got it out of my head, for good.

What tricks do you use to snap yourself back into self-appreciation?

Get the Look: Pants/Asos [similar], Tee/Hanes, Bag/Zara [high:low], Wedges/Payless, Necklace/Peacock Plume, Bracelets/Cuff (souvenir), Derng

2 July 2 Permalink

Copy Cat Jo

I totally wish I could take praise for this outfit but I can’t. As bloggers I think it’s our responsibility to give credit where credit is due, so I’m here to say that the top half of this ensemble was inspired by this pin, which I’ve been pining over for a while now. I love the clean silhouette and the almost nautical take the look offers. I obviously had to put my own spin on the ensemble and did a little pattern mixing with the stripped top and floral skirt. For those faint of heart when it comes to a mix and match look like this one, add a neutral cardigan, blazer or trench vest like moi to tone things down a notch.

Get the Look: Skirt/Alloy [similar], Stripped top/H&M, Trench/F21, Wedges/H&M, Necklace/Christina M. Boutique, Bracelets/Derng, Target, Signature Style, Watch/Fossil, Sunnies/Target

5 June 1 Permalink