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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Spring, spring outfits

fun clothes, uplifting books, and good tunes: three things that help me loosen up

05/16/17

Ah, overalls. Nothing says don’t take it too seriously like an adult in overalls. :)

And that’s exactly what I need right now. A good dose of don’t take it too seriously.

It’s easy to worry. It’s easy to feel like I need to have it all figured out, like yesterday. It’s easy to feel tense and forget to enjoy the journey.

So today, I’m reminding myself to loosen up a bit. And sometimes, I get the message a little quicker if I embody it on the outside. So, overalls. :)

Two other things that help me get the message?

AN UPLIFTING BOOK

This year, I’ve been learning more about yoga and I’m working my way through Meditations on the Mat by Rolf Gates — a book I would highly recommend if you’re the slightest bit interested in yoga. Just yesterday, I read this:

“Years of consistent [yoga] practice are not built on rigid self-discipline; they are built on the desire to know more.”

As soon as I read it, I felt lighter. It reminded me that, no matter what the culture around me says, life is less about the results and more about the process. It’s not about controlling everything around us or getting it perfect every time — it’s about approaching everything around us with curiosity.

HAPPY + RELAXING TUNES

Music can work wonders on my mood. When I need to quiet my mind, I listen to my Morning Tea playlist. It’s all uplifting, instrumental music — like what you would hear at a spa or yoga class.

When I want to unwind, I listen to my Patio Dinners playlist. It’s a mix of 60’s and 70’s soul mixed with some modern R&B and indie. The vibe is happy and a little nostalgic. I can’t help but smile when I listen to it … and it pairs well with a glass of wine. Just sayin’. :)

• • •

So tell me, what helps you loosen up a bit when you’re feeling stressed or taking things too seriously? Do you gravitate towards fun/playful clothes? Share away — I’d love to get some ideas from you!

xo,

Photo Credit: Katie Jameson

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 | Grey Tee (old by Everlane) | similar

02 | Overalls (old by Madewell) | similar | similar (under $100)

03 | Shoes (old by Madewell) | similar (on sale) | similar (made responsibly) | similar slide (made responsibly + on sale)

04 | Round bag by Baggu (made responsibly) | similar (on sale)

45 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. laura lee franks says

    May 16, 2017 at 7:16 am

    If you haven’t already, I highly recommend listening to the “On Being” podcast where Krista interviews Matthew Sanford, a paraplegic yoga instructor. And his autobiography “Waking”, is super. It discusses his accident, injury and his relationship to his body. (i practice mainly, but not exclusively, Iyengar yoga – love it!)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Thank you for the recommendation, Laura! :)

      Reply
    • KateY lEE says

      May 25, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Thanks for the recommendation on the book “Meditations on the Mat.”
      I will definitely add this to my reading list!

      Besides music and reading, I have been turning to this website as a source for relaxation. It has beautiful live views of different cities in the world. And I enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets of different places. It reminds me how large the world is when worries and frustrations come my way.
      And of course, how beautiful our world truly is. Below is the link:
      http://www.skylinewebcams.com

      Reply
  2. Rena says

    May 16, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Yes, I agree :) Mostly it makes sense to take it not too seriously. But you look seriously absolutely cool in your overall!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Reply
  3. Louise says

    May 16, 2017 at 7:18 am

    What do I do when I’m stressed? Probably just keep thinking circular and intrusive thoughts about the topic I’m stressed about, then say “So what?” and think about the actual consequences of whatever I’m worried about and realize that it won’t end in me 1) losing any family members or 2) losing my place to live and then realize it is just no big deal after all.

    As for music, Wendy Carlos “Sonic Seasonings” or Brian Eno “Music for Airports”!!!

    Reply
  4. Rebelle Kitchen says

    May 16, 2017 at 7:21 am

    You rock those overalls, girl! I have been wanting to get into music more and those playlists sound right up my alley. Looks like I’ll need to sign up for Spotify. I tend to listen to podcasts, but then at the end of the day I realize I haven’t given my brain a single second to “turn off”. Music it is!

    Reply
  5. Meg O. says

    May 16, 2017 at 7:59 am

    I love Medtitations on the Mat!! It’s one of my favorite yoga books, and makes the philosophy really accessible. I’ve been practicing yoga for a couple of decades now (feels so weird to say that), and it’s helped me to help myself through some tough times, family crises, and even just the “restless spring crazies.”

    Walks in nature help me a ton, too, as does gardening (when I have a space to do it).

    And those overalls are adorbs. :)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:15 pm

      OMG Meg! Yes — the “restless spring crazies” is a real and accurate feeling. :)

      Reply
  6. Krystal says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:04 am

    I used to gravitate toward color when I needed a dose of fun, but my closet has become a more neutral-toned territory. Since I work in an office setting, I tend to reach for pieces or accessories with unexpected details to liven things up. I have to be careful since I work at a college though – I’m mistaken for a student enough as it is! My outfits have to reflect me – and a more established, professional version of me.

    Reply
  7. Jackie says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:17 am

    You went off-color with the bag and the shoes! I love it. :) Especially since the shirt is grey/black and the hardware on the overalls is brassy.

    I tend more towards lounge-wear when things get serious, and my antitode is a healthy dose of stand up comedy. Netflix usually has a great variety, and it often leads to seeing a show when the comedian is scheduled to be in my neck of the woods.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:18 pm

      I did, Jackie! Went a little crazy ;) I figured the dark shoes worked with the dark top (still bookends, right?!) and, as you pointed out, the bag plays off the brass hardware. :) Good eye!

      Reply
  8. Erica says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Hi caroline ~ (this is only in caps for some reason…not yelling) I just wanted to say I can empathize with the “serious season” & your blog has been a bright point in my days as I process through my experience. I have found your ideas to be very cathartic. I am enjoying simplifying not only my wardrobe, but it has overflowed to other areas of life too now! :) #konmari anyone? haha… I hope you will be encouraged to know that your posts go way beyond simplified fashion inspo to challenge thinking and hearts to find joy in the simplistic beauty of life. looking forward to checking out the playlists! ~ erica

    Reply
    • Erica says

      May 16, 2017 at 8:20 am

      sooo…I guess not in caps when it posts. oh well! :)

      Reply
      • Sarah says

        May 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

        that confused me too the first time i commented :D

        Reply
  9. Lena says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:47 am

    I love the outfit with the overall!
    I tend to go for colour too – either floral long dresses or printed scarfs.

    Often we tend to feel stressed due to small not very relevant things. I personally find that it is important to change the perspective to a more positive attitude.
    After a busy day I do sport, walk in nature or listen to my favorite music. Cooking can be relaxing too. And talking to a friend/ partner of course.
    Lena

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Great suggestions, Lena. Thanks! :)

      Reply
  10. littleblackdomicile says

    May 16, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Everyone needs a way to decompress and remind ourselves it’s ok to have a little fun along the way. You show us this everyday with your infectious smile! No matter what the day has held, when I walk in the door “home” is what relaxes me and gets me ready to face it all again tomorrow.-Laurel Bledsoe

    Reply
  11. Anna W says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Jeans, jeans, jeans. And anything comfortable. I’m still easing in to this whole “working remotely means I can dress in whatever I want” thing, but I have loved the option to throw on a nice pair of jeans and a comfy top and just be comfortable and not care. I also love audiobooks and podcasts to listen to while I’m doing chores, like cleaning up after dinner or folding clothes.

    https://everydayjoys.blog/

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:20 pm

      Denim forever, Anna! :)

      Reply
  12. Loribeth says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I always enjoy your playlists!

    Reply
  13. Kay Nguyen says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:31 am

    Love how you nailed the overall look without looking like a kid! Great outfit as always <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com/

    Reply
  14. mk says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:48 am

    It sounds like you’re dealing with some difficult things right now. I’m not sure what you meant by “like yesterday”. Emotions? Expectations? Fears? Anyway, I’m sorry and I hope you’re able to find some peace and inspiration. <3

    For the most part, I just let my feelings be what they are. I don't try very hard to force myself to loosen up.

    My normal state is usually pretty serious and thoughtful. When I was young used to think there was something wrong with me because my teachers and classmates were always telling me to light up and relax and have fun. For me, it's pleasant to be pensive and solemn, and to take most things seriously. (Turns out, my temperament makes a pretty good therapist, and I have no problem listening to sad, hopeless stories all day!)

    My husband tends to shrug when I tell him I'm feeling uptight and irritable. "They're just feelings. Everyone feels that way sometimes. It will change." Being able to let my emotions be what they are without judging them or trying to change them is a great way to let go of them. They become like the wind, blowing up, then blowing away.

    My dad always quoted this tongue-twister:
    There was a man who was always feeling of his feelings to feel how his feelings were feeling. And every time he felt of his feelings to feel how his feelings were feeling, he felt that his feelings weren't feeling quite as good as they felt the last time he felt of his feelings to feel how his feelings were feeling!

    So: I identify and acknowledge my feelings. Then I allow myself the space to feel them without demanding that they justify themselves. Then I get on with whatever it is I want to do. And if I get caught in a feedback loop, I get involved in something outside myself. Walking outside, a creative project, reading, cleaning house, etc.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      Hi MK, thanks for the thoughtful comment and sharing about your temperament and what works for you. I agree that it’s so important to identify and acknowledge our feelings and in turn, find little ways to cope with them.

      Oh, and my “yesterday” comment just meant there are things that are overdue — they should’ve been figured out yesterday. ;)

      Reply
  15. Ryan S says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:49 am

    I’m reading a book right now that goes hand in hand with “not taking life too seriously” and I feel like you might enjoy it. It’s called The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*** by Mark Manson. It’s wonderful and empowering. He has excerpts on his blog as well. I highly recommend looking it up. :)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      Ryan, sounds right up my alley! Haha :)

      Reply
  16. Pauline mckinney says

    May 16, 2017 at 10:57 am

    Hi Caroline- I wanted to start by thanking you! Your blog has helped me in my style journey! I love love that you show my how to wear things- not just one way, but many ways.Pieces I never would have invested in before, and suddenly possible, because I see how you wear them, and love them! If there’s one life skill I have, it’s finding play.
    Here’s a few things I do when things get heavy for me:

    1. “Find the good” It’s a mantra that’s been in my husband’s family since his mom was a little girl. When I don’t have much time, and I need to feel lighter- I think about finding the good. In life. In now.

    2. Laugh. I love laughing! I’ve put together a playlist on youtube of videos that make me laugh. It’s go babies laughing, silly animals, and impractical jokers clips in there :)

    3. Yoga. Oh my goodness. Yoga has become such a wonderful way for me to find play, lightness, and ease in my life. Here’s my go to: https://www.codyapp.com/plans/wring-it-out?ref=coach_meghancurrie_list_12

    Meghan Currie has been an incredible teacher- and her wring it out series literally helps me wring out the shit in my head. It bubbles up all the crap for me, and simmers it out.

    4. Wine. God I love wine.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      These are great, Pauline. Thanks for those suggestions! :)

      Reply
  17. Teo says

    May 16, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Grey does not help your mood at all. Please look at this resistance towards color. It’s the ego keeping you from enjoying life more. With a yellow t-shirt, this outfit brings you more joy and more freedom.
    A book that will make you feel better is It’s just my nature by Carol Tuttle. :)

    Reply
    • Carol says

      May 16, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      I think you look beautiful in grey, Caroline. I feel good in grey too. If I was going to wear color with this outfit, it would be red or burgundy.

      Reply
    • Betsy says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      I think grey looks nice too – I love color, but grey is probably my favorite neutral color, and if it makes me feel happy to wear it, I will!

      Reply
  18. Jean says

    May 16, 2017 at 11:59 am

    I love reading, and cooking to wind down and forget the rest. I also practice yoga and find it’s a great mental-emotional exercise as well as a physical one. It’s definitely a help for not taking oneself too seriously. You fall out of a pose ridiculously, or I don’t know what happens to you after 3-legged dog, but if I couldn’t laugh at myself I’d die of embarrassment, so there’s that, too.

    Anyway, on a related note, I’d love to see an overview of your activewear wardrobe. Have you done this? If not, I’m interested :)

    Thanks for keeping it real!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      Hey Jean, I will definitely keep an athletic gear post on my list of things to do! :)

      Reply
  19. TGChi13 says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    The quote you chose is a great reminder! What helps me lighten up are great reminders.

    Reply
  20. Sarah says

    May 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    I try to figure out how to add a little ‘happy’ in my day to day – whether that’s spending time reading a book outside, having a few squares of chocolate, or taking a bath. i think that sometimes it’s good to bring the ‘special’ into the every day rather than just special occasions!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      You’re absolutely right, Sarah! :)

      Reply
  21. Katie Sartz says

    May 16, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    Love a good, relaxing playlist. You look so cute in those overalls like they were made for you. Seriously applaud you for following a mostly capsule wardrobe. Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.katiesartz.com

    Reply
  22. Shanice says

    May 16, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    I always feel much more relaxed when I wear something light in colour! For example a white jeans, it just instantly lifts my mood :) also music is a huge factor for me, I find coldplay really calming…

    http://TEXTURECHARMSCOLOUR.DE

    Reply
  23. LIndsay says

    May 16, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    I love your Morning Tea playlist! I listen to it often when I also need uplifting. Thank you!

    Reply
  24. irene \ hint of grey says

    May 16, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    You rock that overall, Caroline! To loosen up.. I shop haha! I mostly window shop, or shall we say browser shop. Seeing pretty clothes online just makes me happy!

    http://www.hintofgrey.com | Hint of Grey

    Reply
  25. Mary says

    May 17, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I enjoy your casual way of dressing, mostly solid colors, very subtle color combos. What do I do when I am stressed? Listen to meditation music, take a walk in nature, lie on the grass and stare at the clouds, enjoy my garden to see what’s new, walk my dog, pet and cuddle my cat, and sometimes just focus on posture and breathing.

    Reply
  26. McKenzie Morgan says

    May 17, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Oh Caroline, I swear you’ve never looked bad in a single outfit ever! Overalls are the absolute best and never fail to put a smile on my face. Have a great day, hun!

    Reply
  27. Donna Parks says

    May 17, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    Caroline, I have followed you for a couple of years and just today I realized who your father-in-law is. He has helped four people in my family. Small world!!

    Reply
  28. Tanya E says

    May 18, 2017 at 4:43 am

    Oh, I’m going to check out that book! I’m just getting over a summer cold so your post is timely. Things that make me feel better:
    1) another vote for yoga, this morning I did Yoga with Adriene Yoga when you’re feeling sick, to ease me in after a couple of days of rest, nice and restorative
    2) walk outside
    3) another one who wears grey or loungewear , as it’s soft and comforting
    4) music can definitely lift your mood, I will check out your playlists
    Lots of other great recommendations on here too.

    Reply
  29. Jenn Rairdan says

    May 18, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    Is the bag color called Saddle? Shop bob doesn’t have it anymore and am trying to find on baggus website!

    Reply
  30. Carolina barcelos says

    June 14, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    I was exactly thinking about this today, about what I really like to do, to use when I whant to loosen up. I used to think that was food and candies, but I stopped to think and realized that isntead I like to read blogs! To put the Reading of them in day, because is something that in the agitated routine I don’t have time, so when I what to stop and enjoy a little, I read blogs, like yours.

    Reply

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