Facebook Group Member of the Month: Alicen Thorne

This month’s Facebook Group Member of the Month, Alicen Thorne, isn’t a member that I would say is chatty in the group. Yet I have an extreme fondness for her.  As someone who writes a blog, it is often easy to feel like you are just typing words out into an empty void that nobody hears or cares about.  Alicen is someone who reminds me that people are paying attention through her thoughtful and encouraging blog post comments.  I’ve never met anyone who spelled Alicen with a ‘c’ before so her comments have always left a lasting impression on me for that reason too.

I also have to credit Alicen for bringing to my attention many of the small businesses I referenced when doing my shop small holiday shopping post.  A woman who frequently reads and comments on my posts and who knows of these great small businesses?  Alicen clearly has good taste.  I thought it would be fun to get to know her better by featuring in this month’s Member of the Month post.

Let’s get on with it.  Shall we?

Name:  Alicen Thorne

Location: New Brunswick, Canada

Age: 38

Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group? 

A: There are such a wide variety of people of all different ages, bodies, and styles, and yet it is an open and honest group for all. I don’t ever feel that anyone is judging another member, we’re just all trying to help each other out.

Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member 

A: I have not posted any of my own photos in the group, maybe someday :). However, I feel I have learned a bit more about “how to apply the blog teachings in real life with what is already in my closet” which compliments the things I have learned from the blog.

Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?  

A: What are you waiting for? It is such a positive & safe internet space!

Q: How would you describe your style? 

A: Business casual, but still a bit too casual. I work in a male-dominated field and I haven’t quite figured out the female equivalent of the “khakis and a polo shirt” style. I’m most often found (pre-Covid) in dress pants, a blouse-type top, and a cardigan.

Q: How did you discover your style?  

A: Trial and error, while trying to incorporate things I have learned from Bridgette’s blog. I haven’t had a big fashion budget and I live in rural eastern Canada so there aren’t a ton of shopping choices.

Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?  

A: Keep trying! Pay attention to the items you wear frequently and build from there. Don’t be afraid to try something on that you’re not sure you’ll like. You might not like it, but you might really like it!

Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with? 

A: I’d like to bump my look up a notch, move to blazers with my dress pants or dark jeans. I struggle with sizing as I have large upper arms but a small chest. I am reluctant to have items tailored as I have changed sizes fairly often in the past.

Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet? 

A: Jeans! I dress them up, dress them down, wear them out to kids’ activities, or run errands on the weekend.

Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?  

A: Not much, I think I’ve earned my stripes to get to where I am today.

Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?  

A: I bought a pair of cognac suede booties, that I knew would be quite versatile, but I have worn them nearly every time I’ve left the house for the past year (aside from summer months). They’ve definitely paid for themselves!

Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?

A: A black blazer. It wasn’t the same fabric or brand as my black dress pants so I couldn’t wear them together, and my other dress pants are mostly navy so I couldn’t wear them with those either. I did wear it with jeans, but not as often as I thought I would.

Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?  

A: Confident.  Well put together.  Authoritative. 

Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?  

Keep looking for those elusive blazers. Have the ones in my closet tailored and see if that makes me choose them more often.

Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received? 

A: Pointy toe shoes make your legs look longer! My absolute favorite take-away from Bridgette’s book!

Q: The first thing you take off when you get home? 

A: Shoes and outdoor gear (it’s cold here in New Brunswick, Canada), and then usually within an hour I’ll go change into my trusty Capri yoga pants. 🙂

Q: Favorite color(s) to wear 

A: Navy, emerald, other jewel tones. I enjoy printed tops and use Roadmap styling often to pull together an outfit.

Q: Favorite stores to shop? 

Reitmans, Marshall’s, Lane Bryant when the border isn’t closed and I can visit the USA.

Q: What makes you happiest? 

Spending time with my husband and three kids. Having the laundry done, although it doesn’t stay that way for long!
A hot cup of coffee and some quiet time with a book.

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Powerful and well-respected women in my field and elsewhere.
My children for the enthusiasm and energy they have for life.

Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style

A: Work-in-progress. Can that count as one word?