If you follow me on Instagram, you know I went to the Bridge & Burn spring launch party last week. I had a relatively good time. I got to meet Stacy, the gal behind Boulevard House, who is equally kind and stylish. And I got to rub elbows with a seriously legit Portland hipster crowd.
You know how they say your 20’s are about finding yourself and your 30’s are about knowing who you are? Well the other night when I was out at this shindig – which was full of beautiful clothes, beautiful people and yummy drinks – I let a realization about myself finally sink in. I’m an introvert. I’ve been coming to this realization over the last few years. It started when a few of my friends who were in grad school for counseling were trying to analyze my personality type. And after some digging (aka online personality tests) I realized I am the kind of person who re-charges when I’m alone and not necessarily from being around other people. Put me in a room with a bunch of people I don’t know and I’m out of my element.
All my life I’ve considered myself outgoing and a people-person, and I am, but that doesn’t necessarily qualify me for extrovert status. I’ve come to realize introverts come in more than one package. And there’s some peace with better understanding who I am, and why I feel the way I do at certain times. I enjoyed the privilege of helping one of my favorite Portland clothiers kick-off their spring line – even though it definitely had me outside my comfort zone.
If you’re familiar with my Where to Shop page, you’ve seen the name Bridge & Burn before. These high-quality, Portland-esque pieces are designed right here in this store. They are manufactured in the U.S. and in a small-run, Canadian-owned factory in China (that the owner of Bridge & Burn personally visits on a regular basis). B&B pieces are stoic, yet flamboyant, the kind of items that might look simple on a hangar, but come alive when you try them on. The kind that become your unexpected favorites because they look better the more you wear them.My favorites from their SS16 line are this olive linen dress (love the fabric!) and this cozy white speckle top, which reminds me of donegal fabric. I saw a girl wearing this shirt when I was there and now I totally want it!
This is totally me. And outgoing introvert. Basically everything you said. My husband was big on personality types/spiritual giftings not too long ago and we totally disected me. Learned a LOT about myself and sort of went through a rediscovery season. It was awesome. Now we both appreciate how each other are wired a little more. So, yay for self discovery!
Glad I am not the only one. Very interesting, I hadn’t thought about how this particular trait plays into spiritual gifts, but I am sure it does in some way. Thanks for sharing!
So brave that you went to the launch! Being in a place packed with strangers is NOT my favorite activity either. I’ve come to the same conclusion you have and it’s a beautiful example that shows none of us fit in a certain box. Luckily we have Instagram so we can socialize without meeting people in real life haha!
– X Marloes
Ha! Exactly! Karin and I were talking on Instagram about how a blog is an introvert’s perfect platform. ;)
Good for your for going, even though it goes against your natural personality type! I think it’s beneficial to do things like that to challenge our norm and help us grow, even if it’s uncomfortable…so sayeth your fellow introvert, who prefers to stay home and read and drink tea instead of going out to da club.
Also, I’d like to say that this look is one of my favorites on you – you look so comfortable, yet thoughtfully styled. I think they call this one “effortless”!
Thank you so much Erin! This outfit I totally feel good in. And I feel me.
And you’re right! It is SO good to step outside our comfort zones (even though I totally hate it!). I always feel good afterwards though. :) Tea and a novel is like my perfect afternoon!
It was so, so great to meet you that night. I totally relate – I’m a total introvert. When I’m with people I know, I have a good time, but I’m totally drained from it. When I don’t know anyone – total social anxiety. I’m glad I know it about myself, and work with it, rather than against it.
I definitely fell for that white shirt as well – so soft, and I love the subtle pattern. I love the skirt I got from there a while back, and will be picking up one of their tees this summer. My main goal is to add some of their men’s pieces to my boyfriend’s wardrobe!
So funny! Glad I am not the only one. I think blogging is just something introverts are really drawn to, that’s why there are so many of us. :)
AGREED! My husband was totally jealous and wanted to be there, he’s a big fan of Bridge & Burn. I could see him wearing lots of their items. I hope you can get something special for your guy soon!
Love reading your blog! Fresh, simple, insightful. Even more impressive when you consider that you are a mom to small children.
Now that you understand that you’re an introvert I highly recommend reading “Quiet” by Susan Cain. It illuminates the all the variances with in the temperament and leaves you feeling impowered. Good read!!
Thanks so much Ginny. Your words mean a lot to me!
I will add that book to my library list. Funny thing about being an introvert, it can definitely make parenting more challenging because there are always little people in my personal bubble. ;)
I’m an extroverted introvert. I can turn on the social side if needed, but I burn fuel quickly. I have to be alone a LOT. This is the hardest part about being a stay-at-home mom for me.
Yes! I had that epiphany this year! Being at home with my kids is really tough for me because I’m never alone. So, um yeah, I get ya 100%!
I just started following your blog, after a friend suggested I check out Everlane. I just finished having kids (youngest is 1), and I’m trying to be more intentional about the clothes I keep in my closet and the clothes I buy. I was/am a big H&M fan because of their prices, and I do try to buy exclusively from their Conscious line. How do you feel about that line?
Hi Allison! I am so glad to have you. It sounds like we are in a similar place. I recently finished having kids too (a nice feeling!) and my youngest just turned two.
As for H&M, I am not really familiar with their conscious line, but it is intriguing. For me I sort of have a hierarchy of ‘ethical’ standards and my number one is how people are treated in the factories that they make clothes. It appears that H&M is touching on that with their conscious line – which is GREAT! Perhaps we should consider supporting that line in hopes that they would eventually expand their whole business model that way. I don’t really shop there any more (I don’t like the quality) but I would probably consider their conscious line for my kids. I’ll have to look more into it. Great question!
I absolutely love this look – it’s perfect on you! I’m also a social introvert…and becoming more so the older I get. In high school and college I loved to be social and out and about. As I’ve gotten older I’ve become more and more of a homebody, but I still enjoy chatting and having time with friends, but on a much smaller scale. Good for you for putting yourself out there!