I love featuring members of my Facebook Group monthly because it not only gives me the opportunity to showcase the styles of relatable women, it also features the incredible women who make up the group. What makes this Facebook Group amazing is its members.
I reached out to Sally Barera to be featured as this month’s member because she is a living smile. I always smile when I see a comment come in from her because she is always incredibly supportive, helpful and kind to everyone.
So let’s get into it, Sally has been generous to answer some questions about her style and life.
Name: Sally Barrera
Age: 60
Location: Fresno, California
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?
A: I love the bond that the group has developed with each other. It feels like asking a friend which dress to buy, rather than asking advice from a random group of people that you’ve never met. Everyone is very kind and generous with really helpful advice and input.
Q: What are the biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member?
A: Confidence in my choices is perhaps the biggest benefit. Although each member’s questions bring answers from several other members which benefits all of us. Many of us have the same concerns but it only takes one person to ask for input.
Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?
A: You are missing out on genuine kindness and camaraderie that is both expected, encouraged and rewarded. You can participate as much or as little as you want. You are a part of a group where your opinions and feelings matter. It is not like the rest of the internet where you can offer opinions all you want, but you better be ready to be ridiculed as well. That does not happen here.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is comfortable with a little dash of something either unexpected or special. I would say I like to embrace trends, but I tiptoe in instead of jumping in headlong. I am more of a jeans girl-woman than anything else. I dress very affordably and had never heard of most of the brands discussed before following Bridgette. I don’t buy anything unless it is either on clearance or at least on sale. I have found that I can’t enjoy wearing whatever it is if I pay full price.
Q: How did you discover your style?
A: I’m not really sure. I like to look put together and have grown accustomed to being complimented on my outfits by friends and co-workers.
Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their own style?
A: The only thing I would say is to dress for your body type and understand what makes you feel good about yourself. Don’t buy clothes that look ridiculous on you just because you loved it on someone else.
Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?
A: Weight-centered issues. It sometimes feels like they just don’t sell anything that doesn’t showcase my stomach. I have yet to try on any shapewear that doesn’t either push the fat elsewhere or constrict my breathing.
Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?
A: My jeans, jean jacket, long cardigans, and scarves.
Q: If you could go back and change a way you dressed in the past, what would you change?
A: I would definitely tell my younger self to wear shorts! I was thin by any standards and still thought my thighs were fat. The silliness of youth!
Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?
A: My jean jacket! I can wear it with so many outfits.
Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?
A: I don’t think I’ve ever put that much pressure on one purchase. Likely because I don’t splurge on fashion.
Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?
A: I have taken time with my hair, make-up, accessories and have chosen something I feel special wearing.
Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?
A: To continue not buying cheap fashion. It is so tempting to grab tops that are inexpensive, but they are usually disappointing.
Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?
A: Both are Bridgetteisms: Wishful Wardrobing and Splitting your Wears. I am now retired and do not have a need for office-appropriate clothes. Although as I worked in education, there was never a need for the type of business attire that a lot of the members of this group require. I also try to listen to the little voice in my head (Bridgette’s) that says you already have a blouse, sweater, dress that serves that purpose. You don’t need three more, no matter how much you like it.
Q: The first thing you take off when you get home?
A: Shoes!
Q: What are your favorite colors to wear?
A: Bright blue – bright anything really. I also like black just because. When I was younger, in my 40’s, I wore so much white! But now I stay away from it I think mostly because I drop food too often. Sigh.
Q: Favorite stores to shop?
A: I find that I shop Marshall’s more than anywhere else. I can get better quality clothing (for me) than I can elsewhere. I don’t shop for the name brands that Bridgette features as they aren’t in my budget. I do like White House/Black Market, the Loft and Ann Taylor.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: Shopping! Also traveling with my husband.
Q: What inspires you?
A: People