My Style Is My Own

The other day, I read this great post from The “Florkens” about the struggle with originality these days, and I really agreed with it. I especially agreed with Kate when she talked about feeling like it’s totally fine if you like some mainstream or cultural favorites (like infinity scarves or PSL) as long as you generally like it and you’re not just “on trend.” Of course, if you like to follow trends and stay up to date with them, that’s fine, too. But my style has always been mine, and not based on trends.

Here’s the thing: I have had the same sense of style my entire life, although it has certainly become more polished in recent years. (Let’s not talk about the mid-2000s, okay? Obnoxiously preppy and not in a good way). Yup, that’s right – I am and always have been into preppy clothes. So I get really, really annoyed with people who think that I dress the way I do just because it’s trendy. Do you need proof that this is my original style? Well, you asked.

First day of kindergarten Argyle sweater vest & collared shirt

Now, I may not be wearing argyle sweater vests any more, but I still dress with a preppy tone. I don’t buy my clothing from J. Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, and Vineyard Vines because it’s trendy, but because I like their clothes. Plus, I buy plenty of items from stores like Anthropologie, Target, H&M, Forever 21, and Old Navy. Like what you like – that’s your business. But don’t assume that I dress the way I do because that’s what so many people are doing. I worked at Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store in high school and I popped my collar from 7th-12th grade. New England prep is in my blood.

Need more proof? Take a look at this outfit.

I’m wearing basic pixie pants from J.Crew, a simple shirt from American Apparel, and a gold monogram initial necklace. Because that’s how I am. (If you want a gold custom pendant like mine, here’s a good option – Monogram Necklace 18k Gold Plated Personalized Initial Name Necklace (18 Inches)). It may not be obnoxiously in-your-face preppy, but that’s because I prefer for a more understated version now. In this outfit, the preppy item is the monogram necklace.

And a note on the monogram – I’ve been monogramming things since I was a baby. I have monogram sheets and a monogram jewelry box that I was given before my 3rd birthday. You can definitely bet that I wasn’t thinking about things like that in the early 90s. I can’t be positive, but I’m pretty sure that when I was 2, I didn’t think, “You know, in 20 years, monograms are going to be really trendy. I should keep these things for then!”

Anyway. Rant over.

I’m so obsessed with this American Apparel tee! It’s so incredibly comfortable and goes with everything. It also comes in a bunch of colors. As you can see, I’m wearing a tank under it because I chose a color that is kind of see-through. If you got a different color, you wouldn’t have that problem.

I got this blank American Apparel shirt from ApparelnBags. You can get embroidery and screen printing and order in bulk. I love their shirts, and I have a fair number of sorority event shirts that are American Apparel. I may have graduated over a year ago, but I still wear those shirts all the time because they’re so comfortable.

ApparelnBags carries over 100 brands, so you can be sure to find something – shirts, shorts, sweats, workout gear, outerwear, bags, or accessories – that fits your needs. They also sell in bulk, so the price per item decreases the more you buy. If you have an event that you want to get clothing items, etc. for, I would definitely check them out.

*Disclaimer – I did receive this shirt in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.*