Before I went to Hong Kong, a friend warned me about falling into the trap of buying clothes that suit the place you are visiting and then finding that they don't match with your everyday life. She used the example of buying kaftans when on a beach holiday, then never using them back home.

I bought this top in Hong Kong at one of the hundreds of cheap little clothes shops that line the street. It is completely unlike my usual style. I think it looks a bit Goth, a bit young, a bit bling-y (it has little silver dots along the white stripes) and it is very fitted, which I definitely avoid. And I love it!

I was trying to think through why I was getting so much pleasure from an item that really did not fit with my style goals and I realised that maybe this is a variation of juxtaposition that Suz was talking about yesterday. I want my clothes to be feminine and elegant and stylish, but what makes me feel fab is if I am also wearing something a bit unusual or unexpected or even just trendy. I think this is why I love my asymmetrical pencil skirt and my lace-up booties-they provide an interesting variation on a simple classic outfit.. So buying an item outside of my usual style has actually given me an epiphany about putting together more outfits that will make me feel great.
Has anyone else had similar revolutions in their conception of their style? Do share!