For those of you who don’t know, I grew up in Montana. While some people are familiar with the area and know of our renowned universities and national parks, others still question if we ride horses to school. Disclaimer: we don’t.
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that Montanans don’t know fashion. Disclaimer: we do.
I spent most of my adolescence enamored with fashion. I can’t really explain why or how, but I remember when I was about 7 years old being obsessed with clothing.
My tiny world revolved around any opportunity to shop with my mom or those valued moments when my sister asked me for fashion advice.
Fast forward to early teen years and I discovered fashion magazines! Obviously, I cut them all up and created the old school version of a Pinterest board from the floor to ceiling of my bedroom. Seriously…floor to ceiling…the entire 8’x10’ wall.
After that, came my first job, my first paycheck, and my first ability to shop with my own money. Cracked open that can of worms real fast! My closet began to grow and soon became part of my identity.
My Mom used to say to me, “It’s not a fashion show” while my seventeen-year-old self would change my outfit ten times before we left the house. To be honest, I think that was more to get me to hurry rather than to crush my teenage fashion dreams. Nonetheless, I was determined to prove her wrong.
However, she had a point. Growing up in Montana taught me that not every moment is a fashion show. There is value in being able to have a good time without looking perfect. Have you ever fretted those spontaneous activities where you weren’t able to coordinate that perfect outfit? Or how freaking ridiculous you look when your dad makes you go bike riding in bike shorts that are 2 sizes too big paired with a bright yellow jersey? I have! (Literally there are photos below).
Going back to Montana refreshed my ability to enjoy myself without looking always looking perfect. Don’t get me wrong, I’m love looking good as much as you, but if looking bad or silly is holding you back from enjoying yourself or even taking a photo, it’s time to re-prioritize.
I encourage you (and myself) to work on enjoying the moments where we don’t look perfect or look straight up ridiculous. I think the more we embrace who we are at every moment in every kind of outfit, the more confident and secure we become. If we can conquer ducking out of a group photo because we’re wearing sweatpants or not letting a bad hair day ruin our attitude, there’s no saying what we can accomplish.
Shop the Post!
Black version of the blouse: here
More photos from my trip to Whitefish and Bozeman, Montana! (Hot Mess included)
What a beautiful place you grew up in! I haven’t visited Montana before, but it reminds me of when I lived in Eastern Washington – the rolling hills and the farmland for miles. Gorgeous outfit too – that top is so cute!