What happens when someone tells you that you need to push the limits of your personal style? Stomach knots and you start to sweat? A part of you is a little excited with butterflies? Outright fear?
Recently, I was in Jacksonville for the Thanksgiving holiday and usually when we go over there, I like to investigate shops in the Riverside/Avondale area, because they offer choices other that chain stores and standard labels.
A boutique was recommended to us called J Ashley Boutique in Avondale, so we thought we would check it out on Black Friday. The thought of heading to a giant mall filled me with dread. By “we” I mean me and my husband, who is a fantastic shopper and always pushes the limits of my comfort zone when trying things on.
The store was amazing. Very tastefully laid out and lots of inventory to look at. So my goal was to try on some of the pull on pants in interesting new fabrics, but I generally shy away from them because of my fear of showing lumps and bumps. My body has changed a little since quitting sugar and flour, so this was my opportunity to see what new shapes might flatter.
Well!! These new fabrics rock! Tried on pants by Elliott Lauren and Lissette and was pleasantly surprised. The fabrics hold you in and do not emphasize any ripples. With tummy control. Yay! So easy to wear and pair for work or going out. Here are a couple of examples. 
But the real thrill I got was pride in myself for trying some things that were past the limits of my comfort zone. How often do you really do this?
Between my husband and the saleswomen, they were bringing me things that made me roll my eyes. But I persevered looking at things in a new way, keeping an open mind and trying them on.
Some skinny jeans with frayed hem? In a color that wasn’t black or dark blue rinse? At my age? Yikes! But they actually worked and I felt sexy and modern.
Yes, some did not work. At all. Period. And I let them go. Without listening to my inner mean girl making comments. I basically told her to “Zip it!”
But you know what? You really never know if something is going to look good unless you pull it out and try it on. Honestly.
So happy I had my husband and the knowledgeable sales women around to push me past my limits!
So I challenge you, in the month of December, to go out, maybe to a new store, and try on some clothes that push you past your personal style limits. You may find something that looks smashing on you to wear to a holiday party or to wear to work. People will look at you in a whole new way and say, “Wow! She looks sharp (insert sexy, chic, put together)!!!”
I absolutely love taking women shopping and having them try on things that push the limits of their personal style. If you need someone who will tell you the truth. If you need help with ramping up your work wardrobe for success, or spicing up your social wardrobe, contact me. Let’s push your limits!!
Have you had a similar experience with shopping? I would love to hear about them in the comments.
www.janespringer.com/style-consulting
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.