Tags
birthday, Cerebral Palsy, clothing, confident, crutches, disability, Exit Inn, florals, how to wear a scarf, metallics, Nashville, Palsy, peplum, rock and roll, scarf, Shi by Journeys, skull clutch, sleeveless, spiked shoes, Stein Mart, style, white, ZigiSoho
Well, not exactly.
Next month I will be celebrating my 52nd birthday. I’m not depressed or upset by it, but I do feel a pressing sense that time is running out for me to accomplish everything I’m planning to achieve before my warranty expires. So, in that vein, I’m going to venture outside of my comfort zone and try a few things I’ve always been afraid would look ridiculous. There will be successes and there will be failures, and I will be the first one to point them both out.
I’m standing in front of Nashville’s iconic Exit Inn night club. The wall behind me is actually a who’s who of predominantly rock royalty that have graced the club with their performances. I’ve never been – they used to be inaccessible – but I plan on trying to check them out soon.
I’m wearing all white (terrifying), sleeveless (mortifying), and wearing florals to boot (mystifying). But I’m being brave about my leukophobia, anthrophobia, and cellulitephobia! Here I am in a white peplum top by Premise. I’ve always has big arms so I normally steer very clear of sleeveless tops and elasticized waistbands but this one is cut in such a way that it really works for my body type. Here are my white jeans from Chico’s making their inaugural appearance. They are very comfy and fit just right. I do think they’re still a tad too long and probably need to go back to Ann Rich to be hemmed even shorter. The floral scarf is from Shi. I was visiting my friend Matty there recently and I confessed that I was clueless as to how to wear a scarf. He draped it on me just so and said, “Like that”. The beautiful silver multicolored cuff is from Stein Mart. The bandage on my other wrist is from Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Hand Clinic – more on that in the future. I’m reprising my metallic pewter skull clutch, also from Shi, as are the ZigiSoho metallic pewter spiked shoes from several seasons ago.
Linking up for Visible Monday, Monday Mingle and How I Wear My Metallics.
I can’t give enough compliments on your outfit. All pulled together and very now. I admire your courage for stepping out of your comfort zone. From the scarf to the spiked shoes your rocked the look! You are in good company with the “rock royalty” behind you. Fabulous!!!
How sweet, Barbara; thank you! I’m stepping out of the box for all of the month of May!
Hooray for stepping out of our comfort zones – I think this was a very successful foray, Alicia. I love the all-white look with floral accents. thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!
Thank you, Patti! I’m so grateful to you for giving all of us a place to be “Visible” every week.
Well good for you for stepping out, I think you look great! That background just makes your white outfit pop. I want your bracelet, so pretty on you.
blue hue wonderland
Thanks, Ann. I give kudos to my husband for coming up with the Exit Inn venue and taking such great pictures. That bracelet is one of my favorites, too!
Looking fabulous! I really like the scarf and jeans. I used to own a pair of white jeans until some car drove past me and completely covered me in a mud puddle! White jeans go bye-bye. I think they’re very flattering on the whole; it’s just keeping them clean!!!!
Nice photo shoot in front of the wall. 🙂 Great post!
Yes, I’m going to confess to you that white jeans and a wheelchair are not the easiest combination when you’re trying to look spotless LOL. I’ve worn these jeans twice and having to aggressively spot treat the hems both times to get them clean are part of the reason I know they’re too long :-<
You’re a slave to fashion. 🙂
This is really, really, reeeaaallly good on you. I lurve that bracelet. But there’s no denying, the star attraction is the clutch. I’m jealous.
Thanks, Kristin – who knew? I confess I love that bag so much with it’s referential nod to McQueen. I like being a little bit edgy without taking it straight off the cliff into “mutton dressed as lamb”.
Love the all white and floral on you! i hope you blog about your new adventures of trying things outside your comfort zone. It would be fun to follow!
Thank you, Tracey. I plan to do exactly that for the entire month of May so I hope you enjoy and keep reading 😉
absolutely will keep reading, love this self challenge!
You look really awesome! I had to go back and look to see what was so ‘terrifying’ about your outfit!! You look supremely cool. The bag and shoes are perfectly edgy, and the scarf and white colors keep things springy.
We never know exactly how long we’ve got, so go big or don’t, but now’s the time!
That’s so sweet, Megan. Thanks! What’s terrifying is all white can read very “hospital” and my arms are really chunky so I have to be very careful otherwise I look like a linebacker.
I agree my friend. Now IS the time! 😉
You make me smile… even when describing your fabulous white outfit, you do it with humor and grace. You’re rockin’ that metallic flats and bag!
If you can’t go through life with a sense of humor and some grace you’re going to have a hard time. Thank you for your kind comments, Jeannie!
Alicia you are such a bad-ass! I am so proud of your bravery- sometimes it feels easier to play it safe, especially as we get older, and I am so full of respect and admiration for you getting up, and out of your comfort zone, still willing to explore and try new things. I think that’s the secret of youth, and really, the keystone to joy and happiness. Happy 52 too by the way. I hope it will be a glorious celebration!
“They say that Spashionista is a bad mutha – shut your mouth” ;-P
I’m actually not very brave, Bella. I have to force myself. Fortunately I have wonderful friends like you to bolster my courage. You’re right; the secret to youth is living and pushing forward. Thank you, sweetie *mwah*!
Your outfit is awesome. I love how you accessorized your colorful scarf, metallic bag and shoes with your fabulous white. Your jewelry is so colorful and vibrant. Happy 52 Birthday to you!
Thank you, JT!
This has SUCCESS and CELEBRATION written all over it! From your outfit to the incredible background to the awesome title of the post. Alicia, you are an inspiration to all of us, YOU GO GIRL!
Thanks, Trina. I hope I can inspire others to see that a disability doesn’t necessarily stand in the way of looking your best 🙂
I absolutely love your white against the black and white of the Exit Inn. Your floral scarf is draped perfectly. I think living outside of our comfort zone helps us stay alive longer, with the thrill of it all.
I think you’re right, Judith. I am a creature of habit but lately I find myself willing to take more risks and try new things. Thank you for the wonderful compliments!
The white top and jeans make a perfect backdrop for accessories! I love the choice of bag, shoes and scarf. I’m sure there are many other ways to accessorize this outfit, too. I agree, the jeans can come up just a bit, although they don’t look bad. Your extra “legs”/braces are amazing. I love the graphic. punch they add to your ensemble. That’s REAL style.
Thank you so much, Jean! I love my crutches, too. I consider them to be an accessory so I wanted a pair that looked good instead of opting for the sad, grey, hospital-looking counterparts.
Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that shirt. Quite a lot right with it — as in, everything. Suffering from my own pains, as you know, I’m admiring your courage to … just keep your spirit playful and adventurous. I know it’s not always easy.
Thanks, Charlotte! I know it’s difficult for you to always be gracious when you’re in pain – because it’s difficult for me, too. It’s been a challenging month because I haven’t been able to work out as I normally do and that always leads to more pain. But in many ways I’m in better shape now then I was in my 40’s so I’m not about to give up or give in just yet 😉
Well, I think you look fabulous and that the outfit is perfectly pulled together. I love head-to-toe-white (there are several shops here dedicated to all white in the summer!), and the studded detailing on the shoes and the purse is just lovely. Kudos to you for dressing beyond your comfort zone. xo
Thanks, Kelly! I was terrified of head-to-toe white – until now 😉
You look fabulous in all white! I love how you added the pop of color in your scarf and jewels. Just so you know your posts always make me smile. Have a fabulous week!
-Jenny
http://www.babblingsofamommy.com/2013/04/2013-getting-gorgeous-event.html
You just made my day, Jenny; thank you!
You look great! Your photos with the contrast between your all white outfit and the black and white background is so outstanding! Hooray to stepping out of your comfort zone! I need to more of that myself. (: I think the elasticized ruching and peplum look great on you, so feminine.
Thanks, Alexa! I never in a million years thought I could pull off a ruched peplum shirt. It just proves that you should try everything once 😉
You look beautiful in your choices. Every inch, every speck, and every detail. White can be challenging but you’re an artist and orchestrated yourself beautifully. BTW I didn’t notice the bandage until you credited the designer. Nice of you! But your whole silhouette is flattering … good to see you letting your little waist show. Love all the elements, proportions and wee pops of color. Bag and shoes are nothing short of bitchin’!
Serious biz, I would not lie to you.
Thanks, Jan! It must be a great outfit if it makes my waist look tiny LOL.
Oh, you look fantastic!!! I’ll be posting a white dress soon (photos today) so I understand your whitephobia! It shows everything 🙂 but you look fearless and amazing! Keep on being fearless because you absolutely wear it well!!!
And the exit inn brings back such memories. I had an apartment a block from there!! Love your posts AND your outfits and most of all your new rocking fearless spirit.
XO ~Kim @ popcosmo.com
White can be tricky, but then again so can black. Both require great cuts, otherwise you end up looking like a nurse or a widow.
Thanks for the compliments, Kim!
Loving the white on white and a touch of metal there! The scarf and bracelet add fun and color element, just enough to spice up the whole ensemble! Age is truly just a mere number.. we are the new generation of 40s and 50s!!
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
You’re right; age is just a number, but I’m fine with sharing that number because I think it’s something to be proud of! Thank you so much for your comment! 😉
You are so funny!
You look very good! I love the short sleeves and all that white on you, it’s lovely!
Yes get out of your confort zone, i try every day, not easy but i do it!
Love and hugs
Ariane xx
Thanks, Ariane! I think it’s funny that for you and I the “comfort zone” is lots of color, which most women find “uncomfortable” to wear 😉
Love the scarf and the colorful cuff bracelet! I also love skulls in fashion (probably why Alexander McQueen has always been my fave designer.)
Rock it, girly, and live fearlessly!!! You look hot 🙂
I am completely in love with the skull detail on the clutch, too, Caity. It’s edgy without going overboard.
Thanks for your wonderful compliments! I’m being brave this year, too 😉
Nice look with all white and a beautiful scarf 🙂
You go! You look fab. Love the scarf!
You’re a kid! I’m four years older than you. Like you, I’ve become conscious about the finite nature of life — and that’s spurred me to positive action. It’s good and healthy to confront and overcome our fears. Last year, I rode my motorcycle in a pink tutu. The startled looks of fellow-motorists were hilarious. Good luck!
Oops… forgot to mention how much I like your scarf. Works wonderfully with the white outfit.
I can’t pull off a tutu so you already have an edge over me ;-P