I am going to go on record to say, I will never be a fashion blogger.
It’s just not going to happen.
In fact the closest you will ever get is the many, many styles of Jess, and let’s face it, that’s not about what to wear; more about what lengths I will go to to create good quality blog content. 
It’s not that I don’t like fashion; I do. I love clothes and clothes shopping. I’m loving the new seasons flair for lace and colour, and more than once I have been tempted to go buy something pretty.
The problem is, I don’t wear it.
I’m putting it down to the fact that I have lived in Darwin all my life, and up here we dress more for comfort and practicality than anything, but I really just can’t be bothered. The thought of wearing some very stylish outfit makes me feel hot; physically hot. If it’s a girls night out, or the random evening where Boatman and I escape sans kids, I can manage it, but any other time no. Trying to remain clean, and demure and sweat free is just far too much effort.
So when I see things like Fox in Flats style dare, I don’t really get excited. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching people participate. I love seeing all the different interpretations and creative sparkle people employ. It similar to how I love flicking through Instagram and seeing all the photos a day pics. There is so much imagination expressed so differently, and I love it.
But neither of these challenges are for me.
Photo a day, I have tried a few times, but usually give up a few days in. To be honest, I just can’t be bothered taking a photo of my the contents of my fridge. Perhaps if I could do it as artistically as Mixed Gems, I might try.
The style dares are similar. I actually wore a bit of red Lippy this week for two reasons. One, I was hoping the bold colour would detract from my still noticeably swollen cheeks.
Two, Kimba, Laney and Lauren had all encouraged me to play along.
I lasted two days.
I realised something this morning; I actually don’t care. It really doesn’t bother me.
I have a style I do. It’s sporty. Lorna Jane is my favourite shop in the world and I would buy everything from there if I could.
I’ve been eyeing off this singlet for a little while.
Couldn’t get a front image cause it kept turning around on me
I like singlets and shorts and tennis skirts. I love wearing joggers. For starters the support is necessary for my accident prone self, but they make me feel strong and ready for action. Like I could just start running at any moment, which today I did.
It doesn’t bother me to do the school run and see the work mums in their gorgeous outfits, or the SAHM’s in their casual surf wear. I’m perfectly content looking as if I’m just about to head to the gym (which I think is what most people assume anyway.)
I’ll admit, sometimes I wish Trini and Sussanah would descend on my wardrobe and tell me what to wear, but it would be for special occasion only. My mum wardrobe would be completely off limits.
At the end of the day, you will never see me walking the streets looking like this.
Or this.
Or definitely not this.
But if you see a crazy woman taking selfies while she goes for a run, make sure you stop and say hi. That’s probably me. 
My mouth is still crooked from the removal of my wisdom
What about you? Do you love the style and photo challenges?
Do you want to take me shopping and show me how to dress?
I love the style dares and photoaday purely for inspiration. I’m terrible ‘at fashion’ and I’m really struggling with all the gorgeous colous in the shops at the moment (I wear a lot of black). I used to relish the new seasons and fashions but since becoming a mum, I spend that money on my kids. Their wardrobes are far more inspiring than mine
Workingwomenaus recently posted..Getting organised and clearing my mind
Ha ha! Yes my kids are very fashion forward too!
I love seeing the pics of inspiration, and if I was going to try something new, I’d probably get the idea from there. It’s good fun following along.
Jess, you wear whatever the hell you like. I don’t even exercise (apart from walking, Pilates when I finally manage to stop being sick and get back there, and um, you know, bonking) and I am in love with LJ and Lululemon (which I refuse to pronounce as Lulu Lemon but instead with a faux French accent).
I guess I just love fashion and makeup and am willing to be an idiot and share my photos. I don’t have perfect skin or the perfect body but I really enjoy the fun and sharing. You can do that by just viewing the photos. x
Kim-Marie recently posted..Wordless Wednesday : Spring has Sprung
I love that you share the photos! It’s people like you who ooze the self confidence to do it that always make me consider joining in!
But I’m sure so much of looking good is feeling good in what you’re wearing, so I’ll stick to my sports attire, and you keep inspiring me with your fashion forward ways ok?
Also, am I following you on Instagram? Must check…
I find fashion so frustrating! I like certain types of clothing that aren’t everywhere do when I find a piece I like I wear it took its literally falling to pieces! And then I get sad that I have to throw it out or cut it up for kids clothes! That’s why I need another Bali holiday! And I never exercise, but really should!
Oh a Bali holiday sounds divine. I wonder if we could organise to less Phil and Tim with the kids and go for a few days…
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Not a Fashion Blogger
You’ll rarely see me out of jeans and a tee. Shorts in summer. If there’s an event – and it doesn’t have to be super special, but it does have to be away from someone’s house – I’ll make an effort. Special events even get make-up! Wow!
Emily recently posted..Like father, like daughter
Whoa makeup! Stepping up into the big leagues now!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Not a Fashion Blogger
I enjoy looking through the challenges too but alas, I’ve caved and given up on photo a day. Again. haha..
I think fashion and style is very subjective, and there really isn’t something that’s one-style-fit all. The worst thing you can do with fashion is to just follow blindly. It’s great that you understand your own personality, own it and show it through your dressing. The most beautiful thing about a woman is the smile and confidence she wears, not about her clothes.
Ai Sakura recently posted..Wordless Wednesday {linky party}: Danboard Macau Food | Week 38
I think you did much better than I with the photo a day. I did two days maybe! :/
I think you are so right aout fashion. So much of it is just owning who you are, and being comfortable in it.
I love what you said about the most beautiful thing being the confidence a woman wears. Never a truer word spoken!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Not a Fashion Blogger
I love the style challenges, but don’t always participate. And the photo a day ones, I think I made it through a whole month once. I love looking at all the images, like you, but I just don’t like to do it myself.
As for fashion, wear what ever you like and feel good in. That should be the only rule.
Naomi recently posted..One more day
I like that rule!
I do love looking at all the images from the challenges. So much diversity!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Not a Fashion Blogger
You’re trim and fit and look great in your sporty gear. You’ve got me seriously rethinking my recent breakup with my gym.
As for fashion blogging I like to think of myself as a bit of an anti-fashion blogger. I dont do the style challenges as I am essentially style challenged. Also I really hate doing selfies. I’m photo-phobic.
Love Mumabulous
Mumabulous recently posted..It’s All About YOU!
Yeah I used to hate the camera too, and then I realised none of my kids photos had me in them, so I just tried getting over it.
Amazingly blogging has been good for my self confidence in this area, and the use of filters certainly helps!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Not a Fashion Blogger
I’ll take you shopping Jess. I’m well renowned for my excellent taste in clothes and high tolerance for shopping centres. And I never look I’m going to the gym. Ever.
Garry recently posted..The Lunar Solution
Excuse me, but I heard you went jogging the other day!
You clearly cannot be trusted!!!