Stepping Outside My Fashion Comfort Zone

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I made my children promise that they wouldn’t let me turn into a little old lady who was stuck in her ways. One that refused to try new things and would say, “I’ve done it like this for years,” or, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So, stepping outside my fashion comfort zone is a goal for me this year. I’m not stopping with fashion; I intend to try new supplements, makeup, skincare, etc.

If you are a parent or grandparent, then you are familiar with a child who will only eat certain foods and refuses even to try a small taste of something new. They don’t like the “look” of the food, as if that had something to do with how it tastes. Lol! While we will coax, bribe, or threaten them to get them to try new things, how open are we? I won’t have you wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable; feeling confident in your appearance is always the goal. But I want you to be at least open to trying a new style, print, or color palette that you thought you couldn’t wear.

Tania Stephens is wearing a Frank and Eileen shirt and flare jeans
Relaxed Terry Button-Up Shirt (Medium) | Always Fits Good Distressed Flare Jeans (6-12) | Leopard Print Flat (8.5) | Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Handwoven Shoulder Bag | Large Hoop Earrings | Lex Chain Necklace | Lex Chain Bracelet

Trying a new brand

Today, I’m trying a couple of new brands. The point isn’t that I have to love the look; it is that I am willing to “try” them. In this case, I was curious about these brands because they are pretty dang expensive. What makes an item worth paying such a large amount?

Tania Stephens is wearing a Frank and Eileen shirt

Before I give you my review, I want you to realize that everyone has a different price point they are willing to spend on clothing. I try to style clothing from all different price points to give everyone a chance to look and feel fabulous. This outfit is expensive, so I’ll also give a similar option at a much better price.

Pros of the Relaxed Terry Button-Up Shirt

I have some pros and cons for each item. Let’s start off with the pros of the Frank & Eileen Relaxed Terry Button-Up Shirt. I was so excited to try this shirt once it arrived. The fabric is very thick and heavy (think a button-up sweatshirt) and comfortable. I think it will only get softer with washing, and I could see wearing this on repeat with leggings, jeans, etc.

Cons of the Relaxed Terry Button-Up Shirt

Now, for the cons. Obviously, the price is a little much to pay for a shirt or a sweatshirt. Even though the fabric is of great quality, and I love the distressed style, I’m not sure if I would get enough wear to justify the price. Also, I need to send the one I’m wearing back because it swallows me whole. I have it pinned in the back to take the photos, but I need a small one, and that will probably still be oversized.

Similar Styles

Tania Stephens is wearing Good American Flare jeans

Good American isn’t a new brand to me, but it is one that I’ve only styled once or twice. I ordered the Always Fits Good Distressed Flare Jeans because I wanted to try this style. It is supposed to have enough stretch to them to fit several different size ranges. I’m wearing a 6-12, and my usual size in jeans is an 8.

Pros of the Always Fits Good Distressed Flare Jeans

The fit is AMAZING! I love the amount of stretch associated with these jeans, but I worried they might expand as the day went on since they covered so many different sizes. So, I wore them for two days in a row, and they still fit like a dream. The color is the perfect shade and can be dressed up or down.

Cons of the Always Fits Good Distressed Flare Jeans

The cons are harder to come by. Price is an obvious issue, and the inseam will be an issue for many of you, especially my petite readers. The inseam on these jeans is 33 1/2″, but I like that length since it works well with heels. They do carry a lot of ankle jeans, which would probably be full-length for petites.

Similar Styles

Tania Stephens is wearing a camel blazer with a Frank and Eileen shirt and flare jeans
Cardigan Knit Button Jacket (Medium) | Buckle Strap Suede & Leather Shoulder Bag

The brand I’m highlighting is one I show and style all the time. This isn’t for me to get out of my fashion comfort zone; it is for YOU. The brand is Amazon, and even though you might get packages from them all week long, some are still skeptical about the quality.

Tania Stephens is wearing a camel blazer with a Frank and Eileen shirt

Pros of the Cardigan Knit Button Jacket

So, let’s talk about this khaki Cardigan Knit Button Jacket I’m wearing. Since the price of the other items has been an issue, let’s start with that. The price of this knit jacket is very reasonable, especially for the quality. This jacket is about the same thickness and weight as the button-up shirt, and the quality is fabulous. I’m wearing a medium, and I was able to layer it over the oversized shirt since it has plenty of stretch to it. It is available in many colors, and I’m also going to order the navy since it is a great neutral. This is also versatile since you can wear it as a thick button-up shirt, and the price is under $30!

Cons of the Cardigan Knit Button Jacket

Ummm, 🤷‍♀️ I can’t think of one. I’ve styled other items by this brand (Grace Karin), and the only thing I can think of is that some of the tops ran small. This jacket, however, fits true to size, so I guess that’s not really a con.

Tania Stephens is wearing a camel blazer with a Frank and Eileen shirt and flare jeans from Good American

Here is a photo that shows the length of the knit jacket and the flare of the jeans. You can’t see the shoes very well; they are by Sam Edelman, a brand I’ve styled a lot over the years. The pointy-toe Leopard Print Flats are on trend and look gorgeous with almost anything. (Remember that leopard print is considered a neutral) However, the sizing is off for me; I ordered an 8 1/2 and a 9, but both are off just a little. The 8 1/2 rubs the back of my heel, and I walk out of the 9. I’m really bummed because these are so cute and would work great this spring.

Tania Stephens is carrying a leather and suede crossbody

Finally, I always accessorize my outfits when I leave the house. I rarely sit around with all my jewelry on, but I try not to leave the house without it. Kendra Scott is my go-to for jewelry, and I love the style and quality of the brand. I’m going to try other jewelry brands this year, but the jewelry I have on today is Kendra Scott. I’m wearing the Large Hoop Earrings, Lex Chain Necklace, and Lex Chain Bracelet, my usual everyday items.

The Buckle Strap Suede & Leather Shoulder Bag is a new purchase, and I like it. It is a medium size and can be worn as a crossbody for hands-free shopping. The quality is nice, with a suede body and leather trim. It is also available in black, but I love this brown color.

Similar Styles

Stepping Outside My Fashion Comfort Zone

I enjoyed stepping outside my fashion comfort zone, and I intend to do it more often. Don’t worry; I’m not abandoning my favorite brands; I’m just looking for more brands to become a favorite. Soooo, the big question is, are YOU willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new items?

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Verse Of The Day

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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72 Comments

  1. Really enjoyed the post. When I first read Stepping Out of Comfort Zone I was thinking style wise, surprised to see it was price wise. That got me to thinking! I’ve always spent relatively more on work clothes or special event. I am retired now and special events are rare; so I really need to amp up casual clothes as that is what I wear day in and day out. Thanks for new ideas and cute clothes:)

  2. Darcy Grube says:

    Your outfits look quite comfortable. Also the jewelry catches my eye.

  3. Received my cardigan knit jacket yesterday and I love it. Ordered the gray blue color and it’s great. Am thinking of getting another but trying to decide on a color.
    And while I’m here I’m loving the new Laroche posey cream that I got a few days ago. I love this brand so I was excited to give this a try. Thanks for all your tips.

    1. I’m thrilled you are liking your purchases!!!

  4. I really like the knit jacket and love your blog. I get so many ideas from you thank you

  5. Comfort zone is a hard one to break. Especially since we are so comfortable with our individual styles. But, definitely going to give it a try!

  6. My choice for disaster relief aid is Samaritan’s Purse. They are so quick to respond, and their organization and volunteers are devoted to lend their assistance wherever needed.
    I love the flare jeans, but no petites in this style. Continuing my search!

  7. Thank you! I tend to get stuck in a rut with brands that I know fit. This gives me some ideas and confidence!

  8. These outfits look beautiful on you. All the pieces certainly complement each other

  9. Great post! So many options out there to update your look. I’m sure some of your readers get stuck in a rut with fashion(as I do) so it’s nice to know what is available to have an updated wardrobe that still feels true to oneself. Thanks again!

  10. Not stepping out of my comfort zone of skinny or straight leg jeans. Being under 5foot, I feel swallowed up by flares! But keep up the good work of trying to get us out of our comfort zone!