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This space is all about seeking
the moments that cause 
'excited chills' and creating a life 
that's simple, authentic and beautiful. 



Stepping Out of My Box - In Late Majority Style

2/3/2017

8 Comments

 
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I’ve mentioned before, I'm what marketers consider a Late Majority Adopter. Or possibly even a Laggard (though that sounds dreadful). If I’m ever the first to try something new, it’s purely by accident. I don’t rush into purchases and I usually take a while to warm up to a product I’ve never tried before. I wait until there's conclusive evidence that the item is 'worth it' to me. 
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Today, I’d like to thank all of the Early Adopters out there.

Thank you for doing the dirty work and testing out the latest thing and the newest craze. Your efforts allow me to delay until I’m absolutely convinced that the purchase or experience is deserving of my time, money and energy. 
I never intended for others to do the research and testing for me, it just worked out this way.

I imagine that the Early Adopters are quite happy in their role. Eager to continue to be first. At least, I hope so.
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Sometimes I dream about being one of them...
​Brave enough to try the next big thing long before it becomes the next big thing.




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Grays Peak Summit


For me, this concept actually reaches beyond the clothing and products in my life to experiences.

I’m thrilled that someone decided to climb to the peak of a 14 thousand foot mountain. And I’m super thankful that lots of someones after continued to make the trek...so that by the time I reached the summit of my first 14er last August, I was able to benefit from the wisdom of all those who went before me and shared their experience.

That hike, in a word...
UNBELIEVABLE.



I always listen carefully as the Early Adopters around me rave about a new item. I’m fascinated by their boldness and commitment to stepping outside of the box. Their bravery has led me to discover personal favorites that I certainly would have otherwise missed. 

Currently, I’m grateful to the masses who’ve been wearing and loving Frye shoes for over 100 years.

​I’ve heard about the incredible quality and comfort of this brand for years. I’ve also known of their high price tag and was never quite ready to take the leap.

After a recent, exhaustive, unsuccessful search for a pair of classic, menswear inspired shoes, I looked to Frye. 


I stepped out of my own box and purchased a pair of Frye oxfords.

Oh, my.

I finally see what all of the fuss is about.

Truth be told, here's the full story...

I purchased the shoes on Amazon (best selection and price...for basically everything). They were on sale a little, yet still expensive.


When they arrived, I tried them on.  

My first thoughts...
They're beautiful.
Seem comfortable.
Fit well.


Back into the box.

Embarrassingly, I kept them in the box in my closet for months. I was afraid to wear them for fear I wouldn’t like them as much as everyone else does. Worried that I’d be the exception to the “I love Frye shoes” rule.

And mostly concerned that they wouldn’t be comfortable enough to wear to work in retail during the busy holiday season.

So they sat.  

Every so often, I’d take them out and try them on. Wanting to actually wear them, but not being ready.


It seems I’m not even an Early Adopter once an item is in my flipping house! Still waiting for the right time. Still not quite convinced. Ridiculous. 

Finally, I figured I’d probably missed my chance to return them so I should just wear the dang shoes!

I was scheduled for a short shift at Anthropologie. I figured my feet could endure any shoes for 4 hours.

So….

I took the plunge.

I wore my new (but months old:-) Frye oxfords.

Are you kidding me?!

These shoes are like slippers only with the most incredible support. Like a strong hug for your feet.

I’m sold. I’m a follower.


This will not be my only pair of Frye shoes. Is it too soon to start searching for a pair of perfect fall boots? 

Have you been wanting to try a pair of Frye shoes?

If compared to you, I'm the Early Adopter, let me assure you that these shoes are the real deal.

(and please know that this is not an affiliate post. I'm not paid or compensated at all by Frye:-)

They're reminiscent of good old-fashioned, back-to-school shoes. The kind that remind your feet what structured shoes feel like after a summer in flip flops. The shoes that smell like polished leather and bring to mind new pencils. I love them!

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My gratitude also extends to Converse wearers. I did the same foolish thing with flat-top Converse sneakers for far too long. 

I resisted for years. I decided they couldn't be that comfortable and even if they were...my size 10 foot couldn't possibly wear that looong white shoe! Well, I’m now on my 5th or 6th pair. I’ll never go back:-)

So, my deepest thanks to all of you who take risks way up in front so that I can follow along...sometimes years later, and reap the benefits. 




Okay, please share…
Which one are you?  
​

Early Adopter or Late Majority Adopter?

Is there a category where you tend to take the most risks?  Clothing, experiences, foods...


Just an FYI...
February is going to be a full month at our house. We'll be celebrating my husband's birthday, finishing up some scholarship stuff with Greta, spending family time working on our live list...and just hunkering down to get through this notoriously cold and snowy month. 

I appreciate your patience with me if I miss a post or two in the coming weeks. 

If you don't already receive Weekly Updates, you can sign up here! 

Thank you for following along. Please email me with questions at kristen@togetheract.com or comment below.

Happy February! Make it an amazing month!

xo Kristen



Final notes:

If you missed the Wake-Up Your Wardrobe course back in November, enrollment is open for a limited time. Click on The Together Act Academy tab above for more information. This simple three-day online course is designed to help you discover your personal style so you can start loving and wearing your wardrobe!

And stay tuned...I'm going to be revisiting my Wear Everything I Own challenge very soon! 
​





8 Comments
Jackie Paddock
2/3/2017 05:54:40 am

I'm with you, when I was young my mother tried everything to get me into a mini shirt (I'm no Twiggy! 5ft and on the chubby side), bribery, ridicule, blackmail (not really) finally emotional blackmail I gave in but I got my own back when I purchased a pair of shocking pink hotpants. I was only allowed to use them in the garden as long as the neighbours could not see me. Soon after they strangely vanished.

Reply
Kristen link
2/5/2017 12:41:37 pm

Hi Jackie-
I love this! I bet those pink hot-pants were awesome!

Reply
Kelly
2/3/2017 07:33:55 am

Usually one to buck trends, simply due to the fact that I know what I like, I stayed away from the Frye's as well. I often found them beautiful to look at, but the price tag and hoards of Frye enthusiasts, I just stayed away. But then I was looking for the perfect black bootie. MY perfect black bootie. And guess who came through. I took the plunge and now...fugedaboutit...I'm sold. Forever a converse girl...and now forever a Frye girl as well. Dammit.

Reply
Kristen link
2/5/2017 12:43:10 pm

Hi Kelly-

I know! I wanted to dislike them both because everyone else loves them! I now see why they are such fan favorites and I'm good with being one more of the fans!

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Jenifer
2/3/2017 01:06:40 pm

Thanks for sharing both of the shoe experiences. (I am going to look into both!) I, too, tend to buy something only to have it sit in my closet. Right now I have two dresses sitting and I just need to get used to wearing them. So often it is about a new habit for me-just plain getting used to going for the new thing instead of the old. I am trying to figure out why I might not be wearing something. Mostly it is a habit thing for me. Second it is "it's so perfect, I'll save it for a special occasion." Third, I really shouldn't have bought it in the first place. These dresses? I think I am not really a dress girl and the style isn't really me in the end. But I will give them a good try I've decided. Church this weekend, watch out! ;)

Reply
Kristen link
2/5/2017 12:48:48 pm

Hi Jenifer-

For what it's worth, I feel the same way about dresses. I like them on other women, I like them in theory, but I don't love them on me. Summery sundresses...I'm still comfortable wearing, but daytime dresses during the fall/winter/spring? Not my thing.

I do feel that if you force yourself to actually wear your dresses, you might be pleasantly surprised. Often we create a story in our head about things we 'can't wear' only to then realize we really love them.

I'd love to hear how it goes. Good luck!

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Judith Sullivan
2/3/2017 07:37:28 pm

I wear size 10 shoes & I'm only 5'4". For years my first thought when shopping for shoes was"Will my feet look big?" It was a major breakthrough the day I bought a pair of red heels - real look at my feet shoes!

Reply
Kristen link
2/5/2017 12:45:31 pm

I know! I avoided any shoes that I thought made my feet look big. Then my daughter's feet grew to a size 10 (she's 17 and about 5'6") and I realized that she looked great in lots of shoes I was avoiding because of my big feet.

Now I rock whatever shoes I really love! Good for you for doing the same:-)

Reply



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