Stepping Out of My Box - In Late Majority Style

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.

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?  
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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! 
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