30 Before 30 Update - Changing Priorities

Every once and awhile, I examine my list of items remaining to be completed for my 30 things to do before 30.  For the most part, this task gives me a pang of anxiety (there are quite a few things left to be competed!) but more often than not, there is one task that gnaws at me more than the others - invest in a timeless handbag. (Just to clarify - by timeless handbag I am referring to Chanel, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, etc.)

When I first started this list, I was in a very different place in my life.  First and foremost, I hadn't even started blogging yet and was very much an outsider looking in - not only with the countless personal style blogs that I poured over every day, but also with girls that I would see on the street who always looked to polished and put together.  My confidence in my own personal style was lacking, and I was always curious to know how these bloggers and fashion girls could look so effortlessly chic.  Naively, I deduced that these style mavens must spend all of their money on their wardrobes and only wear outrageously expensive designer clothing and accessories.  At the time, I thought that money was the key to dressing well and if I wanted to join the ranks as a person who could confidently put an outfit together than I would have to be prepared to shell out some major coin.  Unbeknownst to me, I was totally focusing on the wrong part of that thought and completely skipped over the most important part of personal style - confidence.

Fast forward to today, I have been blogging for about eight months now and my humble little lifestyle blog has a definite focus on my own evolving personal style.  Slowly I've discovered that it's not about the amount of clothing that you have, or how steep the price tag is, but how comfortable you feel.  The girls that I had admired from afar all had different budgets, but one thing was consistent- they walked with their head held high and genuinely seemed to have fun with their clothing.

Now I'm not saying that I'm some sort of style guru because I'm most certainly not, but I have learned a lot about my personal style throughout this journey. The biggest lesson being that style knows no price tag.  Have I dabbled in some big ticket items?  Yes, and those expensive little trinkets are fun to have - but do they make me happier, or make me feel better about myself?  No.  Definitely not.

I will not be purchasing an investment handbag - not at this point in my life anyways, and definitely not because I put it on a list of tasks are meant to enrich me as a person .  Right now, I want to spend my hard earned cash on experiences that better my existence and stuff just isn't cutting it for me lately.  Instead I would rather spend my money travelling, indulging in delicious meals and spending time with friends and family - and I now know that it does not come as a sacrifice to personal style.

What do you think?  I would love to know your thoughts and opinions on why I'm bailing on this 30 before 30 task.

xo Joëlle