[Chelsae Anne | Photography] 

DRESS, SANDALS, CLUTCH, EARRINGS (love this pair here), RING (similar here): (c/o) Missguided

Hola from Mexico! This past week, I’ve been hanging out in Cancun soaking up sunshine. From the beach to the food to the people, everything has been so wonderful. More on that later…

So, bear with me. Today’s post will seem strange (at first) but make sense in the end. I promise.

Have you heard of Baddie Winkle? The 87-year old Instagram sensation who has like millions of followers for dressing in raver clothing? Drakes #1 fan? The flashy, sometimes controversial, provocative grandma who accompanied Miley to the VMAs? Most of you have seen her on Instagram. But if you haven’t, click here to learn more about her.

Baddie, whose real name is Helen Van Winkle, shot to social media stardom last year when she started posting pictures of her wild outfits. Today she’s huge. And major fashion brands, including Missguided, are working with her because – she’s cool and unique.

What you don’t know about her is that she started dressing adventurously after the death of her husband and son. She did it to reinvent herself. To reclaim her sense of self.

Some days she wears floral dresses.  Other days she wears a sweatshirt with Miley on the front of it with an oversized gold chain and beanie. Seems strange, yes, but at least she’s owning it. She’s whatever she wants to be. She’s strong, assertive and comfortable with herself. And because of that, she’s a big deal. I think there’s something about seeing others who are authentic that just pulls you in. I guess (in a way) seeing a person do that gives you permission to do the same and express your own authenticity. Anyways…

I’ve talked about authenticity a couple times this past month. When I say “authentic” I mean honoring who you are at your very core so you can give your best to others (or, in my case, to you guys!). Especially in today’s world where it’s hard to find. And ESPECIALLY in fashion where it’s easy to conform and copy others. Being different is hard. It makes you a target. And you risk feeling rejected.

Yet, being who you want to be is the most gratifying feeling. It can change you, like Baddie. And have some amazing benefits on your life, like becoming an Instagram star. Think about it, would rather see the same fashion blogger wear something the same way everyone else has? One of the most important things to being a great blogger is to have genuine style. I have learned (and am still learning) that being real is where it’s at. Maybe who you are (right now) doesn’t jive with others, and that’s alright. Just be like Baddie and don’t worry about what others think.

Side note: (because I digressed and did not mention today’s look), Missguided is offering 30% OFF everything on their site (excluding sale) for a limited time only! So hurry – and buy those party dresses (i.e. this one, which is so cute by the way) before it’s too late! Use code: SONAUGHTY for the discount.

As always, shop today’s look below!

Xo, Stephanie

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