We all have our comfort zone which feels safe and easy. But we definitely think you need to explore outside your comfort zone and we’re going to explain why.
For Rachel and I, starting this blog was WAY outside our comfort zone. We loved fashion, we were in online groups discussing fashion, and we even posted pictures in those groups. BUT actually putting ourselves out there for the world to access…who were WE to do that? Those first steps were ridiculously anxiety-inducing. I remember our first few posts…my heart was pounding out of my chest with each new thing we did.
And each day it got a little easier, a little more comfortable, to the point where we actually enjoyed doing it! Let me just tell you — this has been huge for both of us (lifelong sufferers of anxiety). But it’s also been rewarding because it got us out of our comfort zone and we are getting feedback that we are actually helping others – which has been our goal from day one!
Clearly this can apply to all areas of our lives but for today, let’s focus on clothing.
A rare moment of me in front of the camera, taken by my mentor and friend Leah Profancik.
I’ve loved clothes since I was a very little girl. But I went through a phase in my life where clothes were the least focus in my life…which isn’t a bad thing! I independently homeschooled both my kids through grade 7. We moved around a fair bit when they were little (my husband was a 20 year Marine) and to be honest, it was fun! So that was my full-time job and focus. Clothes were mostly shorts, jeans, and tshirts. Very basic. I had almost nothing in my closet, (hard to believe, I know). And I was so okay with it. It was easy and at that time, I didn’t care.
But eventually my kids went to school and my husband retired from the Marines and all of a sudden my life looked very different. I had to figure out what was next for ME, and I had to learn how to dress again!
I remember working with a stylist friend at Bloomingdale’s — she had to work very hard to get me out of my comfort zone. Dresses? Camisoles? Heels? Even blouses…these things felt foreign on my body. But I kept trying them on and sometimes even loved them and bought them. It took effort. I returned a lot in those early days. Because I’d get them home and would think “I’ll never wear these” and then would revert to the basics.
This short baby doll style dress is definitely outside my comfort zone, even now!
And let me clarify — the basics are great! There’s nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with only wearing basics, however something happened to me once I started breaking out of my comfort zone. I started feeling more confident, more willing to take risks, more open to try new things.
I recall one particular event my husband got us invited to. It included fabulous free food and drinks and an afternoon of fun. Only one catch – no jeans. At the time I literally had nothing to wear. And so guess what? I didn’t go. And I missed out on an incredible event. And I decided never again would I miss out on things because of a lack of wardrobe (and let’s be honest…fear of getting outside of my comfort zone).
I had a lot of excuses initially. I didn’t want to spend the money. I didn’t think I looked good in most of the clothes (like many women, I had a bit of body dysmorphia happening). And I didn’t want to buy things that I thought I’d only wear once.
But I had a good guide and she promised she would be brutally honest and not let me buy anything that didn’t look amazing. And I came to trust her and guess what? Pretty soon after I saw and believed it myself. And I learned (once again) how to dress, how to mix and match, how to build a capsule wardrobe, and how to be prepared for any event that may arise.
For the longest time, I refused to buy coats because we lived in California, ha!
And yep, my confidence soured, and I actually felt good in my skin again (something I hadn’t even really thought about for a long time).
Had I not stepped out of my comfort zone those years ago, I wouldn’t be here now. Because stepping out of your comfort zone in one area leads to stepping out of your comfort zone in other areas too, and it expands until finally maybe you’re open to anything and everything. And we say that’s a good thing.
So what’s your story? Is this something which you struggle and want help with? Have you experienced life opening up to you when you stepped outside your comfort zone? We’d love to hear about it.
Shop My Outfit
I will be writing a more in-depth article, probably Wednesday, on my love of Theory outerwear. They are currently on sale but I have no idea for how long. I looked for the perfect camel coat for so long and I finally found it. More details soon!
Note that our boots and finger-less gloves (we both have and love) are out of stock currently. Sweaty Betty does have a fabulous black pair in cashmere available and they would look amazing with camel…totally worth every penny. And I just noticed that my Burberry scarf is out of stock at a few places, but Nordstrom still has and it arrives before Christmas. If you are looking for that perfect gift for yourself (hey honey, I already bought your gift for me!) look no further. I am obsessed with this thing…yes even in California.
You’ve seen Rachel style this dress before (hello, how do you think I ended up with this thing?!) and it’s actually really cute. Outside my comfort zone, totally, but in a good way. It pushes me and I like that. And whoa it’s on sale! I am wearing S and Rachel is wearing XS so no need to size up.
I also can’t believe I actually love a hat. Rachel laughs at me because this year I have ventured so far outside my comfort zone so many times. The other day I sent her a pair of jeans I ordered. She spit out her drink…literally. And then said how proud she was of me because a year ago, no way would I have tried something like them. I’ll report back once I get them, so stay tuned!
Anyway, about the hat — I bought it in cream, which is currently showing out of stock (though their stock frequently changes with returns). I’ve never worn hats. I need something that covers my ears though because I get earaches really easily. This one is super stretchy, not tight or itchy, totally affordable ($25) and looks cute. I actually might order the marled red colorway. WHO EVEN AM I?!
