STYLE STORY: LIKE A CHAMELEON

Have you ever felt like a chameleon?

To be more specific, have you ever felt like you're blending in so much with the crowd that you can't even find yourself?

When I look back at my early years, I remember when I had to buy those flare jeans, that body spray and that hair glitter from Limited Too. Just because all my friends were wearing those things. Yikes. But true.

There are many things I wish I could tell that little girl. Some of the important ones would be:

• "You don't have to buy those flare jeans, you can buy that Hello Kitty skirt if that's what you want to wear."
• "It's better to stand out than to fit in."
• "Be kind. Especially when everyone else around you is doing the opposite. We need more kindness in this world."
• "Be bright, be brave, be you."

Thankfully, over the years, I embraced my own style. Yes, I still care about what other people say about me or think of me. But I realize that what matters most is that I can look at myself and recognize who I am apart from the overwhelming crowd around me.

While I just shared about how you shouldn't blend in with your surroundings, I found myself in a chameleon-like situation a couple months ago. While shooting this look, I realized that the pattern of my top was similar to the pattern of the arch structure I was standing under. The arch was copying me! Perhaps I need to tell that little arch, "Be bright, be brave, be you!"

Photography: Mayden Photography -- Photographer in the Chicago area specializing in weddings, engagements and portraits.

SHOP MY LOOK:

Top: Piperlime {Similar} // Jeans: Banana Republic {Similar} // Heels: Seychelles {Similar}

Clutch: Jordana Paige

Jewelry: Rocksbox {Get 1 MONTH subscription FREE with code joannaxoxo}