Stylish Growing Pains

What was it like for you growing up and discovering your style influences? I had my head in the clouds and was busy dreaming away with my rose coloured glasses on. I definitely had my own distinct flavour of style developing and one of the big hitters that influenced me was Jackie Onassis. 

I loved the clean elegant lines of her style, the gianormous sunglasses, and the capri trousers. No matter the occasion there was never a doubt about her elegance and grace.

People, (well meaning people, mean spirited people, all types of people,) may chime in with their thoughts about your style. How much we listen to them is up to us. Personally, I had someone who would tell me how boring, old fashioned, or too old they thought I dressed. I'm so glad I didn't listen to them. It feels good to be comfortable in my skin, liking who I am and knowing what I like to wear. I love going into a store and finding a piece that reminds me of one of my style icons. I don't always know right off the bat if the piece will work for me, but it doesn't matter. I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. Sometimes it works out and other's it doesn't. No matter what the outcome, I never regret trying. Without trying you'll never know.

When Jacqueline became First Lady she retained  long time friend and fashion designer, Oleg Cassini to help her look her best. She also wore ensembles from Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior. Her (and Cassini's) style instantly became a hit and spread like wild fire throughout the country. And when she left the office of First Lady her style continued to evolve into an ever more interesting phenomenon that included silk Hermès head scarves, large round dark sunglasses, brighter colours and patterns. Jackie O. has been on my mind lately because, as everything else in life, my tastes have continued to grow and change. I'm still in love with her First Lady style and now my appreciation for her style later in life is growing. 

Who were your style icons growing up? Did you have anyone who gave you a hard time about your style choices? Are you still finding new people who inspire your style?

{image sources here, here, here, and here}