The Style File: Natalie Borton of Thoughts by Natalie

The Style File: Interviews with everyday women to get their take on what everyday style means

It is with the greatest pleasure that I introduce a very new, very stylish series called The Style File.  The idea behind this new series is to show you that there isn't just one rule about fashion or only one style to follow forever.  It's a candid interview asking everyday women simple (but often complex!) questions about their everyday style.  Through this series, I hope you discover more about your style, learn about different styles, and know that it's okay to not always have all the right style answers.  Maybe through this, you'll open yourself up to a variety of styles or hone in on your undefined style to feel more confident getting dressed everyday.

On today's Style File, I'm featuring a dear friend and Madewell enthusiast, Natalie Borton of Thoughts by Natalie.  Her fabulous blog is all about motherhood, style, and wellness.  I describe her style as coastal California minimalist and she rocks it so, so well.  Here is our interview and her take on style.  Without further adieu...the Style File interview.  Enjoy!

The Style File, Meet Natalie Borton

Hi Natalie!  Thank you for joining me on Art in the Find.  I love the casual, easy pieces you integrate into your wardrobe.  How would you describe your 'everyday style'?

My everyday style is always a mix of casual, practical and chic, and very much inspired by my California surroundings. As a mom to a toddler, I plan my outfits accordingly and wear things that allow me to run around and play with my son without worrying about getting a stain or having a wardrobe malfunction. That means everything is machine washable and usually has a good amount of stretch or extra fabric in it! And while comfort and practicality are my first outfit goals, I always put a stylish twist on what I wear because I love to play around with fashion.

Practicality, now isn't that something?!  Women often find that pulling it together is a daily challenge.  Is there a helpful rule, tool, or tip (something you follow without even realizing it, perhaps) that helps you pull it together everyday?

YES! I have three, actually :) Aside from choosing comfort first, I absolutely follow two other rules when putting together an outfit that are so, so simple and also will totally change how your look comes together.

The first is striking the balance between masculine and feminine elements. I naturally choose more masculine styles because I love a more minimalist, cool-girl look and they also tend to be the most comfortable. As a result, I am always looking to add a feminine touch to my outfit, either from a piece of jewelry from my jewelry collection, a lace-up flat or block-heeled shoe, or a more feminine hairstyle. On the other hand, for the times I wear something that’s more strongly feminine, I like add a touch of masculinity to it for some edge—like a baseball cap or sneakers with a dress.

The second rule is one that I read about recently called the “third piece rule.” In a nutshell, your pants and top are your first and second pieces, and your third piece is an extra outfit element like a jacket or accessory (your shoes don’t count).  If you’re wearing a dress, that would be one piece and then you would add two more pieces to complete the look, like a hat and a watch or a necklace and a shirt tied around your waist. It’s so simple and it makes a huge difference! It has 100% changed the way I get dressed.

Oh, I love the idea of the 'third piece rule'.  That is so so helpful!  When it comes to confidence levels, sometimes they can be low, which doesn't help getting ready in the morning.  What are three words that you think women should mantra to themselves every day before getting dressed?

“You are enough!” Style is so much fun and I love expressing myself through what I wear, but as women it’s easy to get bogged down by the pressure to be whatever we’re not and then feel like we’re not living up to expectations. But the reality is, we are enough as we are!! And when we start each day believing that, the style piece becomes an accessory to a confident heart and bright smile.

I agree!!  When it comes to the overwhelming world of beauty, do you have a favorite beauty product that you would recommend?

Hands down, I have to say Glossier Boy Brow. If I had to choose only one makeup item to wear every day, that would be it! It grooms brows, gives them a little tint and makes them look fuller and thicker. A lot of people don’t realize that the right brows change your face for the better and make you look instantly youthful, fresh and chic.

 Is there a favorite piece you have in your closet? Or do you have many??

That is such a tough question, because there are so many pieces I love!! But if I had to pick the most versatile, it probably would be my chambray shirt. More often than not, I tie it around my waist with a dress for an edgy accessory that also defines my waist. And of course, it is a shirt after all so I wear it with shorts, skirts, and denim of all colors.

 

What one thing in your closet makes you feel most confident and why?

As of late, I’d say my wide-brimmed hats! I used to feel sort of uncomfortable in them, like I was calling too much attention to myself. But now that I’ve figured out how to style them right, they always make me feel so much cooler than I actually am, and that in turn makes me feel pretty confident. Plus, they hide bad hair like nobody’s business and keep the sun out of my face! Win-win.

 

What's a big style blunder you tried and learned from?

Wearing things that I thought other people would like rather than what I like. I spent too many years dressing according to what brands told me to wear or what my friends were wearing, and still never really feeling like I had any style. It’s only been in the past few years that I’ve identified the types of things that make me feel the most myself and what really brings me joy that I’ve landed on a pretty solid sense of personal style. One example? Color—I don’t wear any! My entire closet is literally black, white, grey, denim, and shades of army green (which play as a neutral). I do have one sweater that is a burgundy/oxblood color and I always feel like it’s so colorful!! Are there colors that look good on me? Sure! But do I like wearing color or feel like myself in it? Not at all. Learning that about myself and having the courage to dress in more “boring” colors has actually been my secret to having any style at all.

Thank you so much Natalie for sharing your style with us!  I hope that you've been inspired in some way to explore your ideas of style.  Do you have a style question you've always been wondering about?  Leave a comment so I can expand my interview questions over the coming months!  I'd love to hear from you.

xx,Conni

EXPLORE THE COASTAL CHIC OUTFITS

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