I’m blown away by how kind and encouraging you all were to me in my first post back after my (extended) break. You all are why I write this blog, and I need to remember this. You see, I often get caught up in the hater’s comments, and they make me not want to continue. I try not to listen to them, but they creep in and steal my joy. Because sticks and stones may break our bones but WORDS REALLY DO HURT! I give them way too much space in my head, and I forget about you guys! I’m working on getting better at this. I don’t read most of the negative comments anymore (I have someone who approves comments for me before I see them), but there are still some that slip through the cracks. I’m thankful for this experience of having to work through the hate. I have grown a ton because of it, and I refuse to quit because I can’t handle the haters. Who can make the haters happy anyway? Ha! No one can, so why am I trying to? Plus, there is a lot that can be left up to interpretation on the internet (you know the Instagram or Facebook comments that leave you scratching your head?), so I have decided not to get offended. It’s a choice right? But more than anything, I’m going to remember you guys instead of the haters. Those of you who, as you read this, are filled with compassion knowing you too have been there in life. So thank you all for your very KIND words! I hear them and they mean so much to me. Enough said.
Now, let’s get back to what I love…
And that’s my first purchase of 2016 (sneakers) and my last purchase of 2015 (scarf)! I have been wearing both a ton, so I had to share!
What scarf do you wear most often? For me, I wear the scarves in my closet that have both black and white in them or are grey toned. Why? It’s because they seem to go with everything and tie my outfits together! If I’m wearing black or grey pants on the bottom or black or brown shoes, I typically need something to bring it all together to balance it out. I’m telling you, these scarves seem to tie it all together! So, when I ran across this one on SALE(!) at Madewell, it was a done deal. Especially once I felt how soft it was and realized it was cotton (not itchy, less hot)!
Have you seen a cooler pair of sneakers?!?! How chic is the black pebbled leather?!?! Well with the new “athleisure” trend coming on strong, these seemed like a no brainer! Plus, I’m in love with the new athleisure trend (gym clothes worn beyond the gym and included in your everyday wardrobe), it just makes sense! I also knew I’d get a lot of wear out of them, since I wear my black hightops all the time. They needed a break -ha! I like that I can wear them with my black coated denim just as easily as I can wear them with leggings. And in both instances, the sneakers make my outfit more hip! They run large, so order down a size!
Below are examples of how I have been wearing my latest two purchases! I’ll be posting these outfits on Instagram, but you guys get to see them first!
Here I’m pulling inspiration from the “athleisure” trend by pairing my new sneakers with pants and one of my all time favorite tees!
Outfit Links: Top- Urban Outfitters for similar, Pants- Ralph Lauren for similar, Shoes- Nike, Scarf- Nordstrom for similar, Watch- Kate Spade
Here is an example of the scarf balancing the black from the bottom to the top!
Outfit Links: Sweater- Trouve, Pants- Paige, Shoes- Sole Society, Scarf- Madewell, Watch- Kate Spade, Bracelet- Miansai
Happy Weekend!
I can’t believe people have the TIME to write negative comments. Their lives must be empty and useless. Ignore them and don’t stop what you do!
Thank you for your comment and encouragement!
I love your blog, Carly! I love how you are honest and down to earth and shop at the stores I love, not super high end! Thank you for what you do- don’t pay any attention to the haters. They are super unhappy themselves and try to pull you down with them. Love your Christmas card of your darling boys 🙂 too!! Please keep up the advice for us normal gals. I have always wanted my own stylist. Take care of yourself.
SIncerely,
Connie Hodgson
Thank you, Connie! It makes me happy to be your stylist!
Please do not stop posting! I love your posts and your sense of style!!
Thank you, Liz!
My heart did a little jump when I saw you posted today and then sank when I read “First and LAST”. So happy you are not going away. I depend on your advise and have learned so much from you. I’ve learned how wearing a tight cami can make you look smoother under tees, wearing brown boots with black is a good thing, how to wear converse tennies for out and about wear and how to assessorize. Most of all appreciated is your honesty and humility in sharing the authentic YOU.
Words absolutely do hurt and I’m not at all surprised you are choosing to move beyond the hate. That’s the kind of person I know you to be. Welcome home Carly.
Oooops, really bad timing for that title. Eeeek! I love that you listed what you have learned! I’m so humbled! Thank you for taking the time to tell me. I am moving beyond the hate one nice comment, like yours, at a time. Thank you!
I love your blog and get so much inspiration from it (as well as a few great steals :). Please don’t stop posting!
Thank you, Meg!
I’ve been reading for a long time and just wanted to say your style is major inspiration for me. Glad you are back!
Thank you, Priya!
I’ve been a longtime reader too and love your blog. Don’t let the negativity get to you! Remember for every one negative poster there are probably 100 happy readers that don’t post a thing because they’re already out happily shopping! 🙂 I just tried the new white leather Adidas tennis shoe trend that I’ve been seeing on Pinterest and I’m not ready for it. I am so happy to see your sleek black Nikes on here today. I couldn’t help feeling like I was wearing big orthopedic shoes! What do you think of that trend Carly? Back for good? Or fleeting?
You are so right! I need to remember all of the happy readers, not the few bad apples. I like the trend, but I don’t have a pair. Usually when I’m finding it hard to wear a trend I’ll move on, or I’ll try to find an alternative that feels more like me. I think this would make a great blog post! Thanks for your comment!
C-please don’t let haters get you down. I found your blog at a time when I was at my heaviest weight but still wanted to look pulled together. You show us how to pull together simple, basic pieces and not look like a frump in public. I get so excited when I see you making outfits with things I already own. My three teenage girls laugh at how excited I get. I’m still working on losing the weight but bloggers like you give me lots of helpful hints how to still be a hot mom while doing so. You have no idea how much more confident I feel when I go out in public looking nice. Please try to let the negative comments go. People like me need bloggers like you!
Katherine
Katherine,
Thank you. Thank you for your heartfelt comment. You are why I write this blog. I will look at your comment next time the haters are getting me down. Thank you.
I have also been following you for quite some time, although I rarely leave comments because I’m so time bankrupt! There are probably lots of us out there who appreciate you more than you realize. I can’t imagine that anyone would have something negative to say about you, but I guess there are just some bad apples out there. Some guy yelled something really mean to me from his car earlier this week, and it totally stunned me and ruined my whole day. I don’t understand why people take the time to put other people down, but after reading your post I feel much better and am ready to let it go! See? You are a therapist as well as a stylist, and I appreciate all that you do!
Katherine,
I hate that someone yelled at you from their car! Just know you are not alone. I’m glad my post helped you move on! You have helped me move on, too! This whole community is my therapist -ha! Thank you for your comment!
You’re awesome!! Love your posts! Haters are just jealous!! ?
I’m so happy you’re back! And why would someone post ugly stuff? If you don’t like something, then just don’t read or don’t post. Geez…
Anyway, those Nike’s are the best! My girls go to a private school and have worn out their black Nike sneaks…these look like a great new option. I’ve never seen them before–and the pebbled leather will add some uniqueness to the shoes that allow my girls to have some personality to their regular uniforms. Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you’re back!
I love your blog. I’ve bought so many of the pieces that you’ve recommended lately (from the gray Paige denim to the flannel Madewell shirt to the black coated denim; I could go on!) Keep ’em coming sister!!
I absolutely LOVE your blog. Its positive, encouraging and FUN! My cousin’s wife who is from Texas got me hooked up with C.Style. She even sent to me a full outfit for my 40th Bday this summer that was featured in one of your posts…the jewelery, jeans and a top.. LOVE LOVE it Thanks for helping us want to be fashionistas stay current and on trend!
Glad you are back. 🙂
My boys go to SLDS. I always noticed your great style and was thrilled when I found out that I could follow along for great tips and links! Your post are so approachable. Thank you!!!!
How could anyone leave you a negative comment?! I have no idea what they could say. You are amazing and I LOVE your blog. I’m so sorry for the harsh comments. Please continue to have someone else approve your comments, those haters are not worth your time or energy!
What size are you wearing in the urban outfitters dolman top?
You’re fantastic! My sister and I talk about your style and inspiration at least once a week! Keep it up! 🙂 xoxo
Quick question…I love the Nike Internationalist sneakers! What are your favorite socks to wear with them? Obviously, no show socks-but which ones?
No space in head or heart for the haters! They deserve nothing from you! After all, we’re the ones who love you and what you do!
Carly-I am sorry you get any negative comments at all. I love your blog. I followed off and on for a couple years and recently subscribed. I have four children and have been pregnant or trying to lose baby weight for five out of the past eight years. I haven’t kept my wardrobe up very well. Now, trying to lose a bit more and starting to get the staple pieces I have been missing for so long. I am following to get ideas for what I need for staples and a few fun trendy pieces, too. I love your casual, but beautiful everyday looks. They seem achievable to me.
Welcome back Carly! I love your blog and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us this year!
Carly – you are the cool stylish big sister I never had… Keep blogging if you love it and know you have a lot of people who love you and your style!
Tracy
Tracy, I’m glad you feel close enough to me to call me a big sister, what a great compliment. Thank you!
My favorite scarves are black toned, they are perfect addition to every look. You made great purchases, I really like both scarf and sneakers. Glad you’re back.
Love your style Carly and so glad your back! ive got my credi card out and about to purchase the scarf and the Trouve sweater! Keep the suggestions coming and continue to be YOU! We love you!
Don’t let the b**tards get you down. You’ve got a group here that loves your blog and looks forward to every post.
Ha, Jeanie! Yes, they are B**tards!
I really enjoy your blog! I bought the cole haan zero grand shoes you posted last fall and get compliments ALL the time! My younger, hipper, fashion forward, anthro employee sister even said I looked cute based off some of your ideas 😉 internet haters are so bizarre to me…like why bother to make vitriolic comments at all?? Anyway. Just wanted to say I enjoy your posts!
My new favorite word: Vitriolic! I had to look it up. Ha! Thanks for your comment!
I love your blog and I love your style! I’m a mom of four little ones and often feel a bit exhausted and overwhelmed. Your blog brightens my day and gets me excited to look and feel my best. Please keep doing what you’re so good at- making people feel and look great!!!
P.s. Negative comments = totally jealous!!! Ignore those creeps.
It makes me happy to make you happy! Yay! Ha! Yes, total CREEPS!
Your opinions are unique and real. Please do not let negative voices get you down. I can’t find any other b.ogs that come even close to yours in helping me with my wardrobe.
I have been looking for new walking shoes, in black, once again, you met my need.
Ha! I love it! I’m so glad! You are going to have the cutest black walking shoes!
Love you and your blog! I’m sure the negative posts are hard to read and even harder to forget, but just remember how unhappy they must be to take the time to act like that. Please keep sharing your positive posts!
Thank you, Julie! Yes, you are right- very hard to forget! Thank you for reading, friend.
Carly,
You may not read this post but, I still feel I need to write it. As someone who is older and have hopefully gained some wisdom as I have grown older, I would like to share some thoughts about how to navigate negative comments or thoughts.
I have learned that it is best to look at both sides of a coin. Not seeing either one as positive or negative but as tools which can facilitate growth. I read a comment one time which said only in discomfort do we choose to move or take action. As a teacher I am constantly looking for how can I do this better. When I receive criticism, I am working on
seeing if there is some truth to be learned, then to separate out what isn’t true and more
importantly can something be learned to help me be the best I can be.
In conclusion, looking only at what seems positive doesn’t give a clear picture. My friend calls this “the emperor has no clothes on syndrome”. It is when all sides are explored that
one can be their best.
Hi Robyn, I agree with you, and I should clarify. The person who approves my comments is closely involved with C. Style and has an interest in its performance. We have discussed what comments should be brought to my attention and what comments should not. Comments that have a pattern or some instructional value should be considered. Hateful comments that attack someone’s personal appearance or personhood have no value. Thank you for your comment and the chance to clarify.
I couldn’t agree more!
I love your blog and made many purchases based on your recommendations. You are fantastic at what you do, so do not let anyone crush your passion. You clearly love what you do and that has contributed to your success. Move on and stand tall and keep blogging!!!!!
Who in the world could say a negative thing about sweet you and this wonderful blog? Your kindness comes out constantly and you are so down to earth and friendly. I just do not understand negative/mean people {nor do I want to!}. But this world needs sunshine people like you to keep standing up and doing your wonderful thing. Please do not let their mean {and probably terribly jealous} voices get into your head. It’s brave of any blogger ~ you included ~ to put yourself out there ~ always remember that and just keep doing it!! And I hope you find that there are so many mores positive people out her than negative. xo
Phyllis, Thank you for being a loyal reader and for all your encouraging comments along the way. They mean so much!
I am so glad you are back to posting! I was getting worried. It baffles me that people would leave mean comments. We are talking about shopping, clothes, and helping us to feel good about ourselves; what could be negative about that? I love your blog and your recommendations. I would get my feelings hurt, too, but so thankful you are back!
I know, it was surprising to me too! It was an unexpected negative. Thank you for your comment!
Happy New Year Carly! Glad your back, we missed your blog during the holidays! Love all your style options! All the Best From The Woodlands, Texas
Thank you! It’s good to be back!
Well not sure who could say anything mean to you – don’t listen!!! I for one feel like you are my best friend (but we’ve never met). Ok, was wondering where you got your tuxedo leggings? I remember the post, but can’t find it. Thanks so much-cathy
Hi Cathy, I’m glad you feel close to me, what a great compliment! As for the tuxedo jeans, I purchased them a year and a half ago from Anthropologie. They are AG. They are no longer available (so sorry). I linked the most similar item I could find.
I have to tell you a funny story – when I first started following you (probably 2 years ago) I was at Northpark and I saw this girl, she had on one of your outfits. I was with my kids and I said oh my gosh – she follows C Style. My kids were like noooooo, well I had to go ask her and YES she said she loved you and I said I have the same outfit. Just the funniest thing ever – btw it was the fruit tshirt from Madewell and cutoff shorts – still one of my favorites!!
That is the best story ever! It’s like we are all a big family wearing our happy, fruit t-shirts! Not to mention, we are all looking so cute, of course! Ha! I still love that t-shirt, too! Thanks for your comment!
I am flabbergasted that you could have haters. I guess that along with all the good the internet has brought us, it has also given those with nastiness waiting to spill out a place to spill it. It must be so hard to put yourself out there and have negativity come back. I’m sure there is a psychiatric term for those who feel free to spew on the internet what they would never say in person (we hope – one would hate to live with those people). I love that you have someone moderate your comments so that the negativity doesn’t come through to you – no good will come of reading the garbage!
Yes-only think of those of us who feed off of your positivity and great down to earth personality and wittiness! You have inspired me to not forget to take good care of myself even though I am a busy mom of three. I cannot even begin to tell you how many items I have gone right into a store and purchased with confidence instead of looking around a store, getting overwhelmed, and leaving. It is like I have a friend shopping with me when I read your blog. Love it so much!!!! Carry on my fashion soldier!
I love it! It makes me happy that you are purchasing with confidence and you feel like we are friends! The best part of your comment is that you feel inspired to take good care of yourself as a busy mom of three. Yay!
Hi Carly-
I’m a busy mom of 4 little ones. I would love love love some posts/recommendations for comfy (think constant movement!) but good looking jeans. Frankly, I should be wearing a hazmat suit most days but I want to look cute and not feel like a tired looking mommy. Do you have any recs? I’d love to see some “busy mom” outfits. You’re awesome!! Thank you!!!
p.s.
I bought the black Nikes you posted. Can’t wait till they arrive!
The first jeans that immediately come to mind are the grey jeans from this post: http://cstyleblog.com/2015/10/the-best-fitting-grey-jeans.html I have received amazing feedback from readers on how much they love these jeans. I think you will be happy, too! Type in “everyday outfits” in the search bar, and you will see lots of “busy mom” outfits. I hope this helps!
Thank you so much!!! I’m on it!
Totally LOVE your blog! I bought the black sneaks and your right, they are wicked chic! I should comment on your posts more, I’m sorry I don’t! I usually read blogs before bed and rush through to read the ones I enjoy! Thank you for blogging and helping me create more hip outfits with your talent of putting things together! I would love to meet you! I live in Austin! Maybe our paths will cross one day!
Thank you for reading and for your sweet comment!