Just Another Blog?

Why is my blog different?

Yes, I know, another fashion blog *commence eye-roll,* but I think you’ll find some different, appealing and perhaps refreshing qualities that my blog has to offer for a few reasons:

I’m on a tight budget.

Let’s face it; I’m a stereotypical broke college kid with about a year and a half left before graduating and being released into the daunting “real world.” Until then, I won’t be able to have a full time job or a lot of income. My clothing will never be expensive, couture, or lavish by any means, but I make the best of it. Everything I wear is very affordable.

I shop at normal places.

To add onto my previous point, everything I wear is affordable and attainable. From personal experience, I know how frustrating it is to find a beautiful piece on Pinterest/blogs, and then have to jump through hoops just to find it somewhere. I shop at the same stores that most young women my age enjoy shopping at, that are located at most standard malls. As an employee of Calvin Klein, I inevitably have ended up with a lot of pieces from there. But you’ll find that a lot of my pieces are from places like Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, H&M, Target, etc. Is the quality top-notch? Probably not. But the pieces are trendy and inexpensive and serve their purpose for me.

I thrift.

Thrift hard, thrift often. That’s my motto. I shop at Goodwill quite a bit, and a good percentage of my clothing is also from thrift stores or garage sales. This isn’t just because of my financial situation either. I genuinely enjoy the rush I get when I’m thrift shopping and find unique or vintage things to wear or even decorate my home with. I also love to up-cycle, alter, and customize my secondhand finds. Everything has hidden potential, in my opinion, and finding a diamond in the rough is always an unbelievably satisfying feeling. When I shop in regular stores, I am always sure to look for clearance and sale items. I love a good deal!

I live in the Midwest.

I know Indiana may not be super exciting, but it’s home. I don’t live in a big or exciting city, so many fashion-forward and even avant garde trends are just not appropriate here. Indiana summers are hot and humid, and the winters can be very cold and harsh. I’m at school for the majority of the year, and my clothing will depict that lifestyle. I live in an off-campus rental house, and walk to and from classes several times a day. As much as I wish I could wear heels and dresses every day of my life, it just would not be practical for my lifestyle or this unpredictable climate.

My body is imperfect.

I’m not tall or slender, and I often struggle with fit when I am shopping. I’m 5’4” and am active and healthy. My body isn’t amazing by any means, but I’m at peace with it and I understand my proportions. I carry my weight on my bottom half. I have a small waist and bustline with curvier hips and butt. Some things look good on me, but a lot of things don’t work for my figure. Since I’m often in-between sizes, I am certain to try things on in the store and really evaluate the fit before I’m willing to purchase anything. Clothes don’t always fit me well, but I don’t let it bring me down when I shop. Some things just aren’t cut right for certain figures, and there is nothing wrong with my body.

I am not a model.

If you look at any of my photos, you’ll probably end up laughing at how awkward I am.

I am not exceptionally photogenic, but I am hoping to learn how to pose better in my blog photos. I am very new at this, but it’s something I’m sure will get better with time. Until then, please bear with me. =)

My life may not be exciting, but it’s the only one I have, and I love it. I take a lot of risks with my style, but I think I have a lot of great ideas as well. Will there be misses? Yes, but that’s part of taking risks! Colleeflower is just a little slice of my life, but I hope my blog speaks to you in some small way. For more inspiration, be sure to check out some of my absolute favorite blogs below.

A Beautiful Mess

J's Everyday Fashion

Keiko Lynn

Atlantic Pacific

The Band Wife
Haitian Fashionista