We’ve all heard the phrase “step outside your comfort zone” be it related to travel, career, or relationships. But what about when it comes to fashion. How often do you travel outside your fashion comfort zone?
For those of you who know me, I specialize in equestrian travel. I take horseback riding vacations on a regular basis to review dude ranches and luxury resorts. I work with fashion brands such as Ariat, Royal Robbins, Durango and Wrangler. You get where I’m going with this; I’m more comfortable in flannel shirts, denim jeans and cowboy boots than I am with Spanx, high heels and high-end fashion.

Travel outside fashion comfort zone
Like a kitten dipping one paw in a pool of cold water I slowly stepped inside the doors of Neiman Marcus, an upscale clothing retailer in my neighborhood. Walking through the tall glass doors and over to the bright lights of the Laura Mercier cosmetics counter was certainly traveling outside my fashion comfort zone.
The day before I scheduled my makeup consultation, I’d reached out to some of my beauty and fashion blogger friends to ask, ‘what one item would you select from the Laura Mercier cosmetics line?” Beauty expert and Teen Vogue contributor Amber Katz was the first to respond via Twitter with “no question, the tinted moisturizer” with Zippy Sandler of Champagne Living, Beauty Blogger Nadine Jolie Courtney and Beauty Writer Aly Walansky of A Little Alytude giving their thumbs up approval for the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen. Needless to say, I bought the moisturizer in bisque.

Breakfast of champions
Fortunately, Jose Contreras, Laura Mercier Product Specialist, welcomed me with open arms and milk and cookies! Neiman Marcus prides itself on extraordinary customer service and my morning of fashion pampering was no exception. After all, chocolate chip cookies and cold milk is the breakfast of champions, right?
Jose created a flawless face for my New Year New You look and kept me looking natural and feeling radiant. I’m sure I’m committing a fashion crime by placing before and after photos for all the world to see online, but as I said previously, this post is about stepping outside your fashion comfort zone.
What I liked about Laura Mercier cosmetics. Mercier came to the beauty business from a makeup artist’s perspective – creating editorial spread for magazines such as Elle, Vanity Fair, Glamour and Seventeen. Her cosmetics accentuate a woman’s natural beauty. I didn’t feel like a made up clown wearing endless layers of makeup when I left the cosmetics counter. I also liked that Jose was not on commission and was not pushing the products. It was clear that he loved his job working in the beauty industry and did a wonderful job of showing me how to recreate the flawless face look.

Designer fashion
With my game face on, I was ready to try some designer fashion brands. My stylist had hung several items in the dressing room for me to try. I immediately gravitated toward Akris punto. These black pants would carry me from day to night in comfort and style. The Swiss label is known for their designer sportswear. My Neiman Marcus Selling Specialist Joy Anya called the pants an “investment piece” when I winced at the designer price tag.

Nicole Miller fashion
I asked if Joy had any designer fashions that were on sale. Out came Nicole Miller’s Artelier dress. It should be noted that I don’t own a “little black dress” and this long-sleeved dress with an elegant high neckline and side tuck draping gave me a figure flattering look. I could wear this dress with my Starstruck gold Tieks or a hip pair of Ariat black boots. Certainly, this Nicole Miller dress was traveling outside my fashion comfort zone. What do you think?

Insider Tip
Do you travel outside your fashion comfort zone? If you’d like to schedule a complimentary makeup or wardrobe consultation, give Neiman Marcus a call. For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @Nancydbrown and follow @LauraMercier and @NeimanMarcus on Twitter.
Article written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. Disclosure: Neiman Marcus supplied me with milk and cookies. All opinions are my own.
You look absolutely GORGEOUS.
@Zippy
Thanks for the compliment and taking the time to leave a comment on Travel Outside Your Fashion Comfort Zone.