Monday, January 17, 2011

Preppy and Positive


prep
 prep 6
prep6
prep7
prep5
Jacket-old Abercrombie, Top-c/o Fossil, Skirt and Socks-J. Crew, Shoes-Forever 21, Handbag-Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stefani Bags, Necklace-c/o Shop Mamie, Watch-Michael Kors (similar style), Bangles-c/o Kenneth Cole 

The theme for my weekend (heck the last two months!) is "positive self talk". This is something my boyfriend and I are actively working on (check out his post). I've talked about this before and I bring it up again because it is so important. When it comes to blogging and business I concentrate on staying positive and focusing on what makes me happy. But there moments when I get caught up comparing myself to others and I start feeling deflated. I remember reading an inspiring post on Kendi's blog where she quoted, "comparison is the thief of joy", I agree entirely. She explains that life's not a competition unless you make it one. It's something I remind myself when I feel envy and the voice in my head starts picking on me.

I was reminded of this yesterday while participating in my first triathlon in two years. My negative whispers grew louder each day leading up to the race, "I can't wear a bathing suit in January!" and "I'm going to be so slow on the bike." But the first step to being more positive is becoming conscious of the voices in your mind. When I finally took notice of how sorry I was feeling for myself I simply said "I can do this" and it was as simple as that. Once I changed my tune and stopped worrying about everyone else I was able to push harder and faster than before. Belief and heart make all the difference.

61 comments:

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

I mean girl... you are one of the most fabulous, fittest bloggers out there... you've grown tremendously in the last couple of months and just the fact that you are doing a triathlon is making us jealous! :D So many of us look up to you and you shouldn't forget that! :)
Big hugs and have a wonderful week!
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

pancakestacker said...

I am so with you when it comes to that "positive self talk." I try my best not to compare myself with others because happiness definitely comes from within. I even have a new 2011 journal and the cover is Dr. Suess's Oh The Places You'll Go. It reminds me to stay focused on MY goals and dreams.

You look beautiful in this outfit. I love the femininity and the preppiness of it! Lovely, as usual! I hope your triathlon went well!


http://pancakeSTACKER.blogspot.com

brunchatthebeach said...

Taylor I love the honesty and beauty of your blog. And this outfit is so cute--preppy schoolgirl but still totally wearable as an adult! :) I love the Rebecca Minkoff bag as well!

-Jane @ Brunch at the Beach

Tayler Worrell said...

so cute, love the plaid skirt! and yay on the positive talk!! :)

http://bighairandbikinis.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writing this, its important to try and remember!

Emma said...

loving anything preppy right now. adorable skirt and coat

Lauren said...

Those views are beautiful!

You are very inspiring Taylor!! The fact that you are able to manage so many things on one plate and are still able to put together amazing outfits each day is truly a talent! I hope the triathlon went well : ))


http://laurenlovestoshare.blogspot.com/

Style-Pursuit said...

That's what I'm working on at the moment, thinking positive about myself and all the things that concern me... Last couple of weeks has been really tough for me..

You look incredibly cute in preppy outfits!!! :o)

x

Unknown said...

love this look!!! so cool!



xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/

Luxx Mint said...

Your shoes are great, I really wish I'd managed to find them! I also like the gold bangles and watch x

The doll on fashion

Unknown said...

this skirt is so cute! love those heels also

http://myheadandwardrobe.blogspot.com/

Nicole Lisa said...

What Gabby said!
I don't know what this will mean to you, but I wanted you to know that you inspired me to get fit, and to enter my first race (running), certainly no triathlon (only a 5K) but you inspired me!
Thank you.
<3 Nicole Lisa
http://www.blushcode.com/

Emy said...

Lovely outfit!! I guess it went well yesterday:) When I saw that post by Kendi I completely agreed. We all end up doing it and feeling worse about ourselves. Keep talking positive though because I'm sure many girls take you as an example!!
Xx
Emy

http://sweetpromises.tumblr.com/

Logan Living said...

Positive self talks are so important! This too is something that I am trying so hard to do. But it is difficult when there is so much pressure that careers and life in general puts on us.

Fabulous bag!!!!

Have a wonderful week!

-M
Accessories Please.blogspot

Closet Fashionista said...

So true, only worry about you and not what everyone else is doing! It makes everything much more fun! :D

Loving this outfit, especially that coat :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

You go girl!
Totally agree with you about not comparing myself to others. It's difficult to achieve, but gives me much more peace.

Taylor Marie said...

I was seriously having the worst day ever yesterday. I felt so bad about myself and was constantly beating myself up. It not only hurts yourself, but others around you because of the mood you're in. I really appreciate you posting how you felt, because it's good to know I'm not alone in getting down on myself sometimes :)

I love your plaid skirt btw!

Lindsey Regan Thorne @ be pretty said...

You can pull off an alternative prepster look like nobody’s business!

Sammy said...

You're such a ggreat person and you've inspired a lot of people out there. Don't even think positive about yourself because you are capable of many many wonderful things. Love your outfit as always :)

Sam

ediot said...

hi darling. you look great!
love the jacket and the top.
hope you had a nice weekend
xx

KINGA said...

great photos.
xoxo,Kinga.

Unknown said...

Negative thoughts keep us on our toes...as long as we push through and find the positive in everything:)

You always seem to be one of the most refreshing, positive and real blogging voices out there...I am inspired by you/your fashions etc.

Love the plaid wool skirt...perfectly positive and preppy!
C

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

You are so right about being positive! It's really hard sometimes... especially if you are very very passionate about something - it makes you worry if you won't be able to achieve it... what then? Thank you for such a wonderful post and reminder.

And you look beautiful, as always. :)

Wishing you a great super positive week!

x

Alex said...

I absolutely love the tone of this entry and your positive thinking! It's definitely something we all can use more of :)

xo Alex

http://dreamsandjeans.wordpress.com

SL' outfits said...

Ohh gosh!
You look amazing!
Love the top!
xoxo
SL.
Our blog is about our outfits, maybe you like it and we could follow each other?
xoxo
SL.

Alicia Lund said...

I love your positivity Taylor - it's so hard not to compare myself to others... and I think everyone can relate to this! What an inspiring post to kick off this week! And congrats on the triathalon yesterday!

Kathryn {Sweet Tea and Champagne} said...

I love how honest you are in all your posts! Especially love this one today, because a positive outlook is always the right route! Thanks so much for sharing part of your heart with us daily. Oh- and of course love your outfit. :) xo

Kathryn

http://sweetteaandchampagne.wordpress.com

xx said...

this looks amazing!

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

GREAT post! You are amazing!

I hope you post more about your triathlon soon! I'd like to hear about it!!

You rock!

fashion doctor said...

love,love your look!lace blouse is beautiful!

Tiffany Kadani said...

I can't imagine you having any reason to be negative about yourself. You are so beautiful and wonderful. It just comes to show you that these feelings can get the best of anyone. Thank you for posting this.

Nicola said...

Love your outfit, the contrast of lace and check looks great! Hope the triathlon went well:) x

classiq said...

the skirt is so cute. very cool outfit.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! xoxo

BrooklynBlonde said...

Amazing, Taylor! I'm with you on positive self talk. It's such an important tool to get the most out of life! And you look amazing!

Josie said...

What an inspiring post! Congratulations on finishing your triathalon, dear. That's so exciting. And I love your pretty tee.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

amclark312 said...

I LOVE that lace top! That's a great message, focusing on positive self talk. I like that, "life is not a competition unless you make it one."

www.ChampagneInSlippers.blogspot.com

Taylor Sterling said...

Thank you ladies! I believe if you're going to have a voice and put yourself out there then it's your responsibility to be positive and set a good example.

I'm so flattered and excited to hear the exciting things so many of you are doing and when you tell me I've inspired you that is the best thing I could imagine. It makes me beyond happy!

Rachella - flourishingfit.com said...

gorgeous!
x

Lisa said...

This is a reminder I need often. Thanks for the inspiration! I'll definitely have to print out that quote and hang it on my wall.

Cindy Van Dyck said...

That skirt is amazing! Beautiful outfit dear xx

Kate said...

Gorgeous bag!

http://basiikblog.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hey guys I'm selling a brand NEW WITH TAGS REBECCA MINKOFF MORNING AFTER MINI in black just like the one Taylor is wearing for $370 on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250757752364&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1139

It's a great alternative to the balenciaga. It’s got a similar satchel-like shape with the rocker attitude and is more affordable but still good quality.

Caroline said...

I have a similar skirt and I've never worn it because I've never been sure what to wear it with. This looks lovely.
Wow, congrats on the triathlon! That's really incredible.

Tanya Dempsey said...

The thing I adore about you so much is that you are so beautiful and have such great style but are such a "girls girl" - so easy to relate to because you don't have any of that competitive vibe at all. Stay fabulously you!

By the way, loving your hair straight like that! And the skirt is adorable!

xx

November Grey

Angela said...

It has been one of those days that leaves me deflated and wondering why I'm doing the things I'm doing. Your post has encouraged me and reminded me manage my negative self-talk. Thanks!

Anna said...

All that positive self talk looks mighty good on you!
(and it gave me a smile this Monday.)
I also believe in a spirit of creativity instead of competition.

Natalie said...

Love the lace and plaid combo and I'm obsessed with that bag!

Unknown said...

great pep talk! you really have a great attitude taylor and it's one of the reasons i love your blog...you have substance AND style!

xx

la petite fashionista said...

it's so so true. letting negative thoughts and ideas into your head whether your own or other people's is no good! postivity and empowerment are the way to go.

& i love the plaid mini, it reminds me of one Cher would rock in Clueless, which makes me love it even more :)

loveandpeaceF said...

Great outfit! And i agree with you 100% on the importance of positive self-talk...it makes life so much more enjoyable! :)

- www.itsanewkate.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

This is such a pretty outfit! I love the lace and plaid together.

I have that quote "comparison is the thief of joy" written above my desk. It's something I definitely need to be reminded of.

Shopping and Spreadsheets

Sabrina Says Blog said...

All of my favorite things wrapped up into one fabulous outfit! Thanks for the inspiration!

Sabrina
http://sabrinamallah.blogspot.com/

Render Sublime said...

cuuuuute skirt! I love how you have styled it :)

http://ficklesense.blogspot.com/

Dylana Suarez said...

Taylor, this is such an inspiring post! I know what you mean about comparing myself to others and feeling sort of inferior. Sometimes I get sort of mean anonymous emails asking me how I can blog alongside my sister and not feel lesser in comparison. They hurt at first, but then I think about how far I have come on my own and how much I have grown as a person, and none of these comparisons matter. I do what I do because I love it and that is all that matters. My sister and I support each other in every way and I wouldn't have a blog without her. Living life like a competition is never worth it. You are doing so amazingly well with your blog and I know you are headed great places. So you should be very very proud of yourself because you are inspiring so many, and you are doing it in the way that is right for YOU!

Love ya Taylor!

xoxo,

Dylana

Love Bonche said...

beautifull look! http://lovebonche.blogspot.com

The Bohemienne said...

I love the pieces here! The shirt and bag are adorable.

Taylor Sterling said...

Dylana,

You are the sweetest! I love you too and I am going to write back on your blog!

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

You seem adorable and talented and have no reason to compare yourself, but I know everyone does! Keep that chin up and focus on what you love :)

The-Loudmouth.com
Twitter @theloudermouth
Valentine Blog Event

this free bird said...

I love this post, Taylor. It is SO TRUE that we have to encourage ourselves and not let discouraging words take over. You look fab with your socks in shoes btw!! Keep doing what you do!

xo,
C

Tieka, Selective Potential said...

I loveee this! That skirt is just perfect on you! I love that you have a theme for the weekend - positive self talk is always so important. xo

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