Pink Velvet Booties + Embracing My Personal Style

Lifestyle blogger Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag and pom pom beanie.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my personal style lately, and the internal conversation almost always comes up when I get down on myself for seemingly “wearing the same thing every day.” And after a lot of thought on the subject, here’s where I’m at: it’s okay to have a uniform of sorts, no matter who you are. Maybe your “uniform” is wearing a dress every day. Maybe your uniform is styling over-the-top outfits each morning. Or maybe your daily wardrobe revolves around jeans. Or yoga pants. Or great sweaters. Or turtlenecks. Or tee shirts. Whatever it is, embrace it!

Fashion blogger Jessica Sturdy wearing pink velvet booties and cuffed Levi's 501.

Embracing my truest self is one of my top goals for 2018. (If you’re interested, I’ll be sharing more on those goals soon!) Labeling myself as a “fashion blogger” can sometimes lead me to putting this unnecessary pressure on what I wear… I start to question myself, and my style, and go down the mental rabbit hole of not feeling “good enough.” Not a good place to be in!

Lifestyle blogger Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, pink drop earrings, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag and pom pom beanie at Maison Marcel in Chicago.

Lately, though, I’ve been coming to terms with what my style looks like right now. Sure, I love beautiful, feminine dresses, but I just don’t wear them that often with my current lifestyle. My “normal” days consist of working from my desk in my apartment, spending a few hours on my laptop at a café or coffee shop, getting a workout in, potentially grabbing lunch with a prospective brand partner or friend within the industry, and maybe grabbing dinner or a drink with girlfriends. I live in Chicago where it’s freezing for months on end in the fall, winter, and spring! And I also love exploring the city on foot and try to walk to-and-from where I’m going whenever I can.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag.

So where does that leave me? Warm sweaters, lots of denim, fun coats, and walkable booties or sneakers. And that’s how I kind of got to the bottom of my personal style predicament! That’s what I feel the most comfortable in, what fits with my lifestyle, and what still feels true to my style.

Chicago blogger Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans with pink velvet booties and a black fur bag.

The judgemental part of my mind goes to a place screaming B-O-R-I-N-G. But it doesn’t have to be! Sure, jeans + sweaters + booties/sneakers can sound like the recipe for a pretty plain outfit, but I’ve realized that’s why I gravitate towards such fun pieces with personality. They make these more basic outfits feel a lot more “me.” Sweaters with statement sleeves. Sneakers covered in glitter. A little (faux) fur handbag. You get the idea, yeah?

Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins at Maison Marcel in Chicago. She's wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag.

I saw these pink velvet Robert Clergerie booties on Farfetch and couldn’t place the order fast enough. Whereas I used to be more comfortable spending a few hundred dollars on a dress I’ll have in my closet for many years, I now realize that I’ll get so much more use (and bang for my buck) out of an insanely comfortable pair of booties that just make me feel like a million bucks when I have them on.

Blogger Jessica Sturdy with a French croissant phone case at the Maison Marcel cafe in Chicago.

Speaking of personality, I saw this Maison Kitsune iPhone case and had to have it, even though it’s kind of extra! Maison Kitsune is one of my favorite places to frequent in Paris (their coffee shop, too!) and this croissant cover reminds me of days in France.

Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag and pom pom beanie.

And for my Chicago ladies (and gents) out there, Maison Marcel in Lakeview has the best almond croissants that I’ve found outside of Paris! Their lunch and coffee are both great, too, and it’s the perfect working environment throughout the day. I’ve been trying to add it to my rotation of cafes to work from during the week when I need a change of scenery from my apartment! So if you see me there, don’t be surprised if I’m wearing this outfit or some version of it. 😉

Jessica Sturdy wearing an Endless Rose ruffle sleeve sweater, aviators, and a pom pom beanie.

Get the Look…

White Elephant Ruffled-Sleeve Sweater (on sale!)
Levi’s 501 Jeans
J.Crew Faux Fur Handbag (on sale!)
Robert Clergerie Pink Velvet Booties
BaubleBar Earrings
Kyi Kyi Double Pom Hat
Le Specs Matte Black Aviators
Maison Kitsune Croissant iPhone Case

Lifestyle blogger Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag and pom pom beanie.

Fashion blogger Jessica Sturdy wearing pink velvet booties with a black bow and cuffed jeans.Jessica Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag.

Fashion and lifestyle blogger Jessica Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater with boyfriend jeans and a black fur bag at Maison Marcel in Chicago.

Lifestyle blogger Jessica Rose Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sleeve sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag and pom pom beanie.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a fur pom pom beanie.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a black ruffle sweater, Levi's 501 boyfriend jeans, aviators, and pink velvet booties with a black fur bag.Fashion blogger Jessica Sturdy wearing pink velvet booties with a black bow and cuffed Levi's 501.

Created in partnership with Farfetch

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16 Comments

  1. 1.15.18
    Rena said:

    This look with the amazing hat is so super cute!
    xx Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  2. 1.15.18
    Natali said:

    Your outfits are NOT boring by any means! You are always styled to perfection no matter which combo you’re wearing. 🙂 I’m absolutely loving your velvet boots, they’re such a cute and trendy pair!

    https://lartoffashion.com

  3. 1.15.18
    Kendal said:

    Those shoes are ADORABLE! I love them so much 🙂 Also the pom poms on that hat are so cute!

    Kendal // Life With Kendal

  4. 1.15.18
    Rach said:

    I love going to Marison Marcel! It is the cutest place! I look forward to seeing more of your personal style!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  5. 1.15.18

    The outfit is absolutely stunning! The velvet booties are so adorable! Need them)) Hugs & Kisses!

  6. 1.15.18

    wow you can pull those boots off so well, i love them and your outfit! So cute !

  7. 1.15.18

    I could not be more in love with your boots! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous outfit!

    Allegra xx

    Allegra Ghiloni Fashion Stylist
    http://www.allegraghiloni.com

  8. 1.15.18

    These boots are right up my alley! Pink velvet with a black bow that ties in the back! Love, love love!

  9. 1.15.18
    Liv said:

    Those boots are awesome!!

    Liv

    http://livforstyle.net

  10. 1.16.18
    Kerrie said:

    Those boots and bag are to die for!! And I’m another fan of your fab style. Magnifique, Mademoiselle Jess!! (Paris is my second home too!!)

  11. 1.16.18
    Sam said:

    Totally with you. It’s a lot of pressure to come up with creative outfits that are “blog-worthy” and not boring. I love the idea of wearing so-called basic pieces with fun details or a little extra sparkle. Super cute winter look!

    xx
    Sam

  12. 1.16.18
    Meagan said:

    You are anything but boring. I always think your outfits are perfection! 🙂

  13. 1.17.18
    Becky said:

    Although I’m not a blogger, I can imagine how anyone in your position would feel. Having inspiration for evening and special occasion looks is great, but what I really love to see is other people’s everyday style. The variations of a “boring” look and how jeans and a T-shirt are styled by someone else is what I’m looking for. And I’m a fan of repeat items and how others put together various looks with the same pieces. So please, uniform away!! Love your blog and your style!

  14. 1.17.18
    Dina Fierro said:

    The booties are INCREDIBLE, and frankly, you look great. No apologies necessary for knowing what works for you and your life.