The Psychology of a Bangin' Outfit

I've talked before about how empowering it is to wear something on the outside that reflects whatever you feel on the inside (wild, colorful, loud, prim, classy, etc) but it still amazes me how we can all have days when we put an outfit together and it just doesn't work. Then we might try it again and later and... it just works. You're on fire, you feel amazing, and you don't hide from any cameras that might pop out at you.

Tonight I thought a lot about that very subject, while tearing through my closet in search of an outfit for an upcoming event, and saying things like "I have nothing to wear!" to my (very patient) sister. 2013 included a lot of major public appearances for me, including a book signing at the Book Expo America, several fashion shows at NYFW, an appearance at New York Comic Con, and a book signing in my home town. And then there was that 4 day trip to Ohio to visit with my best friend. Anytime a best friend is involved, especially one you only get to see once a year, you have to up your fashion game.

So here's a collection of some of my favorite outfits from 2013. Feel free to tweet me some pictures of your own, over at @kendrybird

 (Payton dress)

 (Top: Rue 21/ Skirt: Payton)

 (Dress: Dmitry Sholokhov/ Accessories: Half-Lucid Jewelry)

 (Jacket: Old Navy/ Earrings: Half-Lucid Jewelry)

 (Dress: thrifted/ Corset: Burlington Coat Factor/ Hat: thrifted/ Earrings: Half-Lucid Jewelry)

 (Dress: Dmitry Sholokhov/ Shoes: Charlotte Russe/ Earrings: Half-Lucid Jewelry)

 (Shirt: Ali & Kris/ Dress: Connected)

 (Dress: Lauren Conrad/ Earrings: Half-Lucid Jewelry/ Flower crown: Claire's)

(Dress: Payton/ Bracelet: NotEqual)

Dress in progress...

My sister, who works under her Payton label, is creating a special dress for me, just for my signing at New York Comic Con! I'm so excited. I asked her for something with a post-apocalyptic vibe. She's totally making it happen! Here's some sneak peeks as it's being constructed into something awesome...