budget,  fashion,  winter

Inspired by I Do DeClaire and Doused in Pink

February 22, 2021 /

I actually had planned to copy one of Jodie’s (from Jtouch of Style) outifts this month but after seeing Laura’s copycat outfit of Jill’s (Doused in Pink) here, I decided to use this one for February. Now that the pictures are taken and I am home, I realize I could have chosen a pair of black booties and leggings and unzipped my jacket to make it a closer copy. It also would have been more flattering.

However, I am pleased with my outfit: that is what finding inspiration from others is all about: taking someone’s outfit and making it your own. I actually bought this skirt on Amazon last year after ordering a skirt from SheIn that didn’t fit me at all (it was closer in colors to Jill’s) and then seeing an oufit of Laura with this same skirt. She graciously found a link for me and I bought the skirt! Laura is a sweet mom of 2 little girls and shares fashion and lifestyle posts.

I wore this outfit to church on Valentine’s day and it was fun to have something bright to wear and still be warm. My 10 and 6 year old took my blog pictures this go around and we had planned to actually pick something from the bakery where we took the pictures. The line however was out of the door and it was not worth wating that long especially that I had all the fixings for a great Valentine’s dinner at home.

Looking at these pictures, I am wishing I had the pointier/dressier boots one and even though I have kept this jacket for 3 years, it really is not the most flattering. It really should be at least a size larger but because I spent so much money on it when I bought it (it is a Zella jacket), I am having a hard time parting with it. I do love the collar and it is warm, it just doesn’t do me any favors in the mid section. But then why are we so critical of ourselves? Who are we trying to impress?

While it is good to strive to be healthy, exercise and eat right, I think we need to remember that our appearance is only one part of who we are. How are we feeding the rest of us? Our mental health, our spiritual health, our interactions with others are as important. Yes, feeling good about how I look helps my mental health but a lot of other things do too. Spending time in prayer and reading, taking time away from the kids during the day, enjoying a cup of coffee or a smoothie in peace help me be a better person.

I think sometimes I spent so much time thinking about the blog and the next blog post and forget about the now and the other parts of who I am. The blog does give me a creative outlet and allows me to expand my world.I meet other ladies around the world who enjoy having fun getting dressed too but I need to do everything in balance. That is one of the reason why my blog is not just a fashion blog but a lifestyle blog where I can share my travels and my struggles and tips about being a mom.

A little intropection is not a bad thing isn’t it? The one thing I have done to create that balance is link up to less blogs just because I do not have time! There are certain blogs that I love to read and comment on just for my enjoyment so what I will do is visit them when I have a moment at the end of the week and catch up on several posts. There are so many talented and interesting women out there and sometimes it is overwhelming. Who am I in this sea of women? I do appreciate every one of my readers and those who take the time to comment too. Thank you!

Despite all of this, I do really have fun getting dressed everyday, seeing what others wear, coming up with new outfits and reading about everyone’s daily life. It is fun to go in my closet and see the possibilities! I guess, I just want to be a better woman not just a woman in a cute outfit!

The collar on this jacket is pretty neat as it snaps up into a funnel neck which is practical when it is cold. I am learning that it makes no sense to buy something in a size too small though if it is going to keep you from wearing it. I wanted to share a little close up of my accessories since my pictures don’t do them justice (you pretty much cannot see them). My mom gave me the earrings for Christmas and the bracelet is a Victoria Emerson bracelet. I have been adding some to my collection one at a time when the sale makes sense to me.

Well, I guess that is all for today! I have been realizing that I need to pay attention to reread my posts before posting them as I need to proofread. As a former teacher, I am not one to like to publish things with spelling mistakes and while I am not too concerned about having perfectly formed sentence, I do want to write well. I guess I can always blame my mistakes on English being my 2nd language even if all of my college and graduates years were in the US!

A bientôt!

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50 Comments

  • Joanne

    February 22, 2021 at 6:41 am

    I’ve been noticing more spelling mistakes/ typos on my blog posts and even on comments I leave on other’s blogs. I really must slow down and proofread more closely! Your outfit is lots of fun and I agree that we can often be overly critical of ourselves and our appearance.

    • mimifce

      February 22, 2021 at 10:51 am

      Trying to find that balance in life is not easy. Don’t want to look like a bum but don’t want to be too overanxious or worried about my appearance, blog but not let it take over my life, play with the kids but have some me time…

  • Nancy

    February 22, 2021 at 8:02 am

    Oh Mireille, I have seen that skirt before and was so in love with it! Still am! What a amazing colors. And I’m a huge fan of pleated skirts! Fantastic look!

    • mimifce

      February 22, 2021 at 10:49 am

      I have worn it a few times and it is pretty! I just seem to have a hard time with the lenght and shoes when it is not sandal season!

  • Ellie

    February 22, 2021 at 10:21 am

    What a fun skirt and great take on the outfit inspiration! I’ve had my eyes on some Victoria Emerson bracelets, maybe this year I’ll treat myself for my birthday to one (which isn’t until July).
    I agree the linking up can be so time consuming! But I’ve discovered some wonderful blogs through the link parties. We need more hours in a day!!
    Ellibelle’s Corner

    • mimifce

      February 22, 2021 at 10:47 am

      I am trying to find a happy medium with the link ups, the reading of blogs, family time… I do enjoy it which is why I keep on doing it!

  • Shauna

    February 22, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    I actually really like the shoes you chose to pair with this look. And the top is great too, don’t be too hard on yourself! This look is so cute on all of you guys, and now I feel like a need a rainbow skirt for my closet too 🙂

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

    • mimifce

      February 23, 2021 at 9:13 am

      Thanks, Shauna! I think I always think back to me pre 4 kids and I still have a hard time with my mommy pouch lol!

  • jodie filogomo

    February 22, 2021 at 10:16 pm

    I absolutely adore how you copied Laura and Jill here!! (And can’t wait to see the next one).
    But you’re right…we are way too critical. However, instead of giving the jacket away, I bet it’s fabulous left open instead of zipping it?? Then you can still get use out of it, and maybe feel better in it (because it’s all about feeling good)
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • mimifce

      February 23, 2021 at 9:12 am

      Well, I thought about that but it is also a bit tight in the arms. I really should have returned the jacket when I bought it… I figure though that it has been maybe 4 years and I have worn it some over those years, so it can go..

  • Jill

    February 23, 2021 at 6:52 am

    We are our own worse critics and need to give ourselves more grace. I love how you styled your skirt! I think those boots you paired with it look great! Thank you for the shout-out! I get so much inspiration from other bloggers and it’s so fun recreating outfits!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  • Daenel T.

    February 23, 2021 at 12:24 pm

    I like the outfit you put together. The skirt is fabulous and the jacket is a nice base piece. I’m also a fan of chunkier boots. I think we’re waaaaay more critical of ourselves than we should be.

    • mimifce

      February 23, 2021 at 12:36 pm

      I guess we are because I still am not super happy with the outfit in pictures. I actually didn’t mind it so much while wearing it though.

  • Dasynka

    February 23, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    It’s so true, we have to take care of ourselves, and be very careful with what we feed ourselves. I also love taking a moment for myself to read, relax, enjoy the time with my loved ones, especially with my sister:) I love your skirt. It brings so much joy and happiness!

    xx Dasynka
    http://dasynka.com

    • mimifce

      February 23, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks, rainbow skirts are fun. I was just looking up my pictures of how I wore it on instagram: might have to make a post with those pictures!

    • mimifce

      February 23, 2021 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks, Kathrine! I just feel like sometimes I get too focused in the rabbit hole of my appearance, then the comparison starts. One of my main reason to blog apart for the it being fun is to share how regular women can be cute on a budget, save money to travel and just share my experiences.

  • Laura Bambrick

    February 23, 2021 at 10:38 pm

    I love your take on this! It turned out really well! I think it’s fun to have the same or similar items as bloggers I follow because I get so much inspiration from when they wear those pieces! I don’t think I have a zip up sweatshirt or shorter jacket that is flattering on me either. They always turn into a pooch on me. But I think this style is a nice way to make the skirt more casual!

    • mimifce

      February 24, 2021 at 9:21 am

      That is a good point Laura! It might be the combo of length and fit and the zipper. Kind of like how the length and cut of certain cardigan just aren’t super flattering on me!

  • Mica

    February 24, 2021 at 6:04 am

    I really like that skirt on you and it’s nice to see the inspiration outfits too – you all really let the skirt shine with all the black! 🙂

    I proofread my posts and I still have typos and issues in them, haha! I don’t spend as much time on my posts as I should I think!

    Hope that your week is going well 🙂

  • Penny

    February 24, 2021 at 10:37 am

    That is such a beautiful skirt and is so nice now but will be great in the summer too with sandals. Yes, I love looking at your posts especially the ones where you visit places. It’s so interesting to me living in the UK.

    Have a nice week 🙂

  • Terri Gardner

    February 24, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Hello, Marielle-I understand you perfectly. I am having a blog catch up morning. Honestly, I don’t link up with blogs like I did.

    Your skirt is joyous-it looks like spring is coming.

    I can proofread over and over again and I still get a message from my daughter, “Mom, there’s a mistake in paragraph three (or some other). It’s just hard!

    I enjoy reading your posts and take care.
    Terri

    https://meadowtreestyle.com
    !

    • mimifce

      February 24, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks, Terri! At the beginning my son sometimes would proofread my posts. I just need to reread them a time or two!

  • Leslie Susan Clingan

    February 25, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    Blogging is exhausting. I try to read and reread my posts looking for errors but miss something almost every time. So frustrating!!

    LOVE this outfit on all 3 of you. I think it is fun that you each styled that great skirt a bit differently. Such a colorful, cheerful piece. Your look has an edginess about it with that jacket and the boots you selected. I like the contrast between the feminine skirt and the edgier accessories.

    • mimifce

      February 25, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      Which reminds me I need to proofread my post for tomorrow: it’s a recipe so should be quick to check for mistakes.

  • Maureen

    February 25, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    It’s a beautiful outfit. The colors are stunning and I adore the look of a chunkier boot. I also agree with you that it’s hard to balance everything lately. I struggled with it before pre-Covid but these days, I am drowning. As much as I want to spend more time blogging, I just don’t have the time. I am trying to do my best to keeping it going but I honestly feel like I am failing miserably.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  • Shelbee on the Edge

    March 1, 2021 at 7:38 am

    Mireille, what a great post and a wonderful recreation of Jill’s and Laura’s outfits! This skirt is so much fun and the murals for your photographs match the fun! I don’t think the jacket is unflattering on you at all. I think it is just the shape of the jacket and the pockets that add a little extra bulk, but it is clear that it is the jacket and not your body! We definitely need to be kinder to ourselves when it comes to our bodies and physical appearance. I know the struggle well, but then this blogging community is so supportive that it really helps to share our insecurities and vulnerabilities with one another. I can totally relate to the desire to write well in our blog space. I reread and proofread each post a least two times and I still miss typos and grammatical errors! But I can’t get too hung up on that all the time or I’ll drive myself crazy. And life drives me crazy enough! Thanks for linking with me!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • mimifce

      March 1, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks, Shelbee. I definitely had a week of struggling a little there, but better now. And I just keep forgetting my 2 year blog anniversary is this week!

  • Grace

    March 2, 2021 at 11:58 am

    Love love love this look and these pics! What a fun background, and the colors in that skirt are so fun. You nailed the inspiration!

    Miles of smiles,
    Grace

    gracefulrags.com