Something About That

(faux) leather skirt

in Fashion, Outfit Post on

Are you awkward in real life? I am…and I’m “okay” with that. After all, it’s a trait that makes me, me.

One of the main reasons I’m so awkward is that I get intimidated in certain social situations, especially if I don’t know a lot of people. This is why I tend to stick with my own “group” at a party, rather than striking up a conversation with someone I don’t know.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been getting a lot better at straying from my comfort zone, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for me (or that I’m not awkward)! That said, the other day, I went to a trade show on my own. It was kind of a big deal for me.

Usually, I go to trade shows with my colleagues. I always love going to trade shows, and I have been to quite a few in my time. The best thing about trade shows is that no two are the same – they are all so different and unique. One time we went to one and it was obvious that the founder of the event had got in touch with somewhere like this Houston LED screen rental company because they had the most amazing LED display on show. Not only was it attractive to the eye, but it drew you into your surroundings and what you could expect to see at the event. It was truly remarkable!

Since then, I’ve always looked forward to going to trade shows because it’s also fun to check out the new products and to chat with our suppliers. I also really enjoy seeing some of the creative trade show banner designs. My favourite thing, without a doubt though, is the product giveaways and free items that many traders have. I’m always on the lookout for freebies, whether it’s products I’ve been eyeing for a while or simply promotional products – I’m happy with anything! I highly recommend that companies going to trade shows take advantage of it to give branded materials out and get people talking about your brand. You could promote your brand with wristbands for example, or perhaps branded bags or something like that.

The exhibitors really do like to go all out to make sure that their trade show displays stand out from the crowd! Normally it is easier to go with other people because I can hide behind my colleagues if I’m not sure how to contribute to the conversation. As cheesy as it probably sounds, it was really empowering to go alone this year! I find trade shows a really useful thing to go to so I’m super glad that I plucked up the courage to go on my own. I even managed to give a few black metal cards out to a few people that I spoke to. I’m usually really shy, but this time I put on a brave face and gave out some business cards! I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal but it is to me!

Do you know what else I did that fell outside of my comfort zone? I wore a fitted skirt… and I never wear fitted skirts. I’m always too self-conscious about my bum sticking out in the back, and looking sausage-like. A-line is my usual go-to, but I couldn’t resist a faux leather skirt I found over the holidays. And you know what? I’m glad I pushed my boundaries.

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Fitted faux leather skirt, cardigan, boots : Something About That

Photos taken by my colleague

What I’m Wearing:

Cardigan – Old Navy (Similar)

Top – Zara (Similar)

Skirt – LOFT (Same)

Boots – Steve Madden (Same)

Purse – Roots (Same)

Necklace – DIY (Tutorial Here)

Sunglasses – Ray-Ban (Same)

What have you done lately to push your boundaries?

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Comments

  1. Alecz says

    I’m very similar in that I always do much better in smaller groups than larger ones. Big groups are intimidating! Good for you for heading to that trade show alone, AND having a blast. This skirt looks awesome on you. It adds a perfect touch of biker to this outfit.

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

    • Jackie says

      I think a lot of people prefer smaller group settings…but we often find ourselves in these larger groups too. Maybe no one ACTUALLY likes those sorts of things?

  2. Sabrina says

    I’m awkward, yes. And when I get awkward, I turn really red. Then people call out how red I’m getting and it just makes everything so much worse!

    Hourray for going out of your skirt comfort zone though. Looks great on you!

    Sincerely,
    Sabrina

  4. Shannon says

    I love a good leather skirt and this one is perfect! It’s so cute with the over the knee boots! Oh and I’m definitely awkward! I don’t think anybody doesn’t have those moments!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  5. Amy Ann says

    You look great in this skirt, and I love this series of photos. They are so happy. You should totally wear this cut more often as it looks great on you. Also, so glad I am not the only one who gets super awkward in certain social situations. I am a total introvert. Isn’t it funny that we have blogs?!

    Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

    • Jackie says

      It’s kind of crazy to think that people as awkward as us post photos of ourselves on the internet and have this whole other persona….but at the same time, it’s so much easier to come across as confident over the computer. At least, that’s how I feel!

  6. Ivete says

    I am the same way! Not very comfortable striking up a conversation with people I don’t know. Always prefer to be accompanied by a friend or two when going to events, etc… Kudos to you for stepping outside your comfort zone both socially and style wise! You look beautiful! I love the pics where you’re just busting out laughing- so natural!

    http://www.girlinahotcity.com

    • Jackie says

      These photos were taken on the way to grab lunch with my colleagues and they were just laughing at my poses…so then I started to laugh and it was kind of amazing.

  8. Rebecca says

    I think it is fantastic that you went out of your comfort zone and tried something new! Love that cute skirt and the way you layered your skirt over it is gorgeous! I am one of those people that feels shy at first in a large crowd then I open up as I get more comfortable.

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

  11. Hannah says

    I love how you paired that skirt with the cardigan! Such a great look!
    -Hannah
    sweeterthanserenity.blogspot.com

  12. Christie says

    Beautiful look, Jackie! I’m glad you’re learning to step outside of your comfort zone. That’s what separates the mediocre from the great! I can get a little intimated in certain social situations, too. I think it’s pretty common, but it doesn’t make it any easier to break free from it. I’ve also been making a special effort in recent years to step outside of that box. Never let it hold you back!

    Have a fab weekend, girl!

    Christie
    The Closet by Christie
    http://www.theclosetbychristie.com

    • Jackie says

      I think that we can all get over these small “fears” in our lives with just that little bit of extra effort! <3

  15. Wild Heart + Green Tea says

    I love that you stated you like your awkwardness as it’s what makes you who you are! And you look awesome here. I rarely ever wear fitted skirts, either, but for the total opposite reason – funny how that is 🙂

  18. Marlen says

    Alright, well me and you are two peas in a pod. I always get *so* nervous when I have to go to an event alone, and I digress back to middle school me, where I want to pull my sleeves down over my hands and not talk to anybody. Which makes no sense because I’m usually really outgoing and laid back in non-professional situations. It drives me crazy. I’m actually going to an event alone this Saturday too, so hopefully I feel as empowered as you did and not just hide in the bathroom for half the time. Lord, I’m already having anxiety over it.

    And you look ah-mazing in that leather mini! I never wear fitted skirts either, but this has made me want to bust out some of the ones that have been gathering dust in my closet. You’re just all sorts of inspiring today 🙂

    xo marlen
    Messages on a Napkin

    • Jackie says

      How did the event go on Saturday?? Hopefully all of the worrying was for nothing and that you were your normal, fun self! 🙂

  19. Kathleen says

    A leather skirt is definitely something that I need to add to my wardrobe. You’re rocking yours!
    <3
    katsfashionfix.blogspot.com

  20. Stephanie says

    You looked great! I can totally relate with you.. In big groups I’m very awkward and like to stay with my own group. It’s a good thing you went alone and pushed your boundaries!! Xxx

    • Jackie says

      I think it you have the right environment, it’s a perfect addition to a workday wardrobe, as well as an evening piece 🙂

  24. Gabriella says

    Your colleague took these pics!? I envy you! I get pretty shy when asking for style shots which is totally inconvenient. Share your secrets, girl!

    xx gabriella
    pastelsandpastries.blogspot.ca