I've professed my undying devotion to Target lately and have spent more money there than I care to admit, but every time I go in, I'm completely blown away. I got this freakin' adorable, not to mention, soft and perfectly lightweight sweatshirt there last week. I am so in love with it and want to wear it every single day!
I also want to mention something that's been on my mind. Someone threw the word "pretentious" at me the other day and it's really had me thinking about what that means. The word typically has such a negative connotation, but I couldn't help to think that maybe I would turn the tide and take it as a compliment instead. So, the word was directed towards me in an office setting, and I was kind of taken aback because I am very conscious and really think about my attitude, actions, and demeanor in the office. I feel that I'm almost always helpful and kind, I stay away from the gossip if it rears it's ugly head, and am pretty much friends with all of my coworkers. The difference is that I dress nice, wear expensive shoes (sometimes), and carry a different bag every other day. Does that make me pretentious, exactly? I really don't know.
Sometimes guys people say things with a laugh afterward to make their backhanded comment lighthearted. They think it's cute or funny, or want to look a certain way in front of other people. In this case, I was a little pissed at first, but after thinking about it, here's my take: the only reason that anyone in my office would call me pretentious is because of the things I mentioned above. I love fashion, clothes, shoes, jewelry, curly hair, and lipstick. Stuff basically. I also love my friends, my family, my dog, my coworkers, and my job, tremendously. If that makes me pretentious, then I am very proud to be so.
Sweatshirt: Mossimo Women's Long Sleeve Sweatshirt w/ Nailhead Swan @ Target
Blouse: J.Crew, similar @ Factory extra 30% off: SCOREMORE
Heels: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection
Bag: LV
Earrings: Kate Spade Gumdrops Stud
Bracelets: J.Crew Classic Pave Link, Kate Spade, vintage Hermes, Banana Republic
I was called that and shallow for the exact same reasons!! ..but it was a friends boyfriend. I was insulted. Why are we persecuted for liking nice things and caring about our appearance? its not like all we talk about is fashion, makeup and the like; thats why we have blogs as an outlet.
ReplyDeletecheers, girl, on your resilience!
Very true. I think if you are a successful, articulate, well put together woman who has nice things, there is always going to be someone, male or female, who will pigeonhole you in a negative context. It's up to us to stay out of that space. In the end, those people don't matter.
DeleteI love that you turned something that could have been insulting into a positive. Go you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Megan! It's actually not my nature to respond the way I did. I'm generally a bit snippy, but I thought about it and it just wasn't worth it, to be honest...
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sarah
Guys do. not. get. it. No further thought required.
ReplyDeleteAlso I was iffy about this whole animal sweater thing, but give me one that's studded and shiny and I'm in. To Tarjay! I guess it would be Target, for you unpretentious folk. ;)
Samantha @ Sam ipsa loquitur
I'm not a fan of the "cat sweater" trend going around either, but all the ones I've seen have been woven, rather than studded like this one. It's much more understated than the chicken or dog sweaters from j.crew (do not like those), plus it's a sweatshirt rather than a sweater. I've never met a sweatshirt I've didn't like, especially the burned out thin ones, so I was sold immediately. thanks for stopping by!!
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sarah
Love that whole outfit! I really wish there was a Target near me, although by the look of that jumper I'd also be spending way too much money there haha. And I'm glad you're able to see past the negative connotations of 'pretentious' - that person does not sound very thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteLife etc
Yeah, I'm kind of an out of sight, out of mind person, so if it's not accessible to me then I won't get in trouble. I am not an online shopper, so my wallet would be much fatter if there was no J.Crew in my immediate vicinity. Thanks for stopping by!!
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sarah
I absolutely adore this look and I too have an addiction problem to Target:) So sorry about the "pretentious" comment sweets. I don't know you, but you seem like a lovely person and being a lover of stuff myself, I can get some heat from others too. It is easy for other people to judge, but as long as you know what is most important try to block out the nay sayers. Really it is their issue, not yours. Glad you are being true to yourself:) xo
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! Don't be sorry. Anything that makes me think about something that I otherwise wouldn't have is a positive thing in my mind. Target is going to be the death of me!
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sarah
Sounds to me like this guy was making an ignorant statement because he didn't know how to process your incredible fashion sense...most guys don't. To me pretentious is an attitude and a mind set. It's all about how you treat people, not the items you wear or carry. Ooh yes and I love that sweatshirt.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
createthatoutfit.com
Thanks, Meredith! I'm not sure why some guys (and girls, for that matter) think that making similar statements is cute. He absolutely thought he was being cute because he laughed. Too bad no one else did. It didn't bother me at all, it just made me think. I completely agree with you about my idea of pretentious. We live in a very pretentious town and I see those people all the time at events. I just don't see myself as one of them.
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sarah
Love that sweater! And loving how you styled it with the camo pants! So cute
ReplyDeletexo Emily
www.bupster.blogspot.com
Thanks, Emily!!
DeletePicked up this sweatshirt today and it is a love but it seem a bit short sleeved. Did you size up?
ReplyDeleteI could have worn an XS, but I went with the small. The body is loose, but I don't remember thinking the sleeves were short. I'm sure that was no help at all... :)
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sarah
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower, writing to say that I love your sense of style, it's so refreshing and has just the right amount of edge. Thank you for sharing and inspiring! I will be visiting Dallas next week, so you have me all fired up about thrifting! Vintage/thrift stores here in NY are too expensive.
LaRie
http://inspiredshe.wordpress.com/
P.S. That blue vintage DVF dress (you posted back in Sep) is everything! It looks awesome on you.
Hey LaRie!! You will love Dallas! It has tons of shopping but it's much more accessible and wallet friendly than NYC. If you are a boutique gal, I highly recommend Milk and Honey. It's so amazing! I almost peed my pants when I found that DVF dress... trust me. I didn't even dry clean before I wore it, I was so excited. Oh well. I may have gone to dinner smelling like an old attic but I looked good! Have fun on your visit!
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sarah
LOL @ "smelling like an old attic", I know the feeling! Thanks for the boutique info, hopefully I can fit it in this trip, I will be adding it to my list. If not, I'll be back to stay in January so it's win-win ;-D
Delete-LaRie
Me.Inspired.
you couldn't have said it more perfectly! if all of that stuff makes me "pretentious" then I guess that's what I am!
ReplyDelete& I have the same target problem. I go in for a case of water & leave with a sweater, sunglasses and nail polish! lol
xo Jackie
...livingaftermidnite
Their stuff just keeps getting better and better!
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sarah
I think people confuse liking fashion, clothes, styling with that of being fake, pretentious, shallow etc...people at my office make comments about me liking fashion/shopping but they just don't get it and I KNoW I am not pretentious!! SO the hell with those people that just do not get IT. I know what I am about and I am sure you do too!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carla. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one!
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sarah
I love this look. I wore the same pants with leopard heels last Friday. I love how you styled it with the cute shirt. I would ignore what he said. Some people are insensitive and ignorant to their comments.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Zhanna
www.lifeandbows.com
I wish I could wear this outfit everyday. It was so cute and comfy!
DeleteRight on for taking that in a positive way! I totally agree. I'm also a big believer that it's so important to chase the things you love. As long as they're not hurting anyone (which I'm sure your awesome fashion sense doesn't hurt anyone! :)) then go for it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tori! I completely agree. If I'm placed in a negative light because I like "stuff" then so be it.
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