Image found on Pinterest 
Fashion is my home girl, it never lets me down, provides me with endless joy and is something I'll never fall out of love with. That said even I can find myself playing it safe and falling into that dreaded style rut (yes really) so in true Carrie style I got to thinking and came up with five ways to steer clear of that fail safe arena. You can thank me later.

 1 - Visit shops you'd never normally dare

 We all have our happy, never-let-us-down stores (for me I'm talking Zara and Topshop) but recently I've found myself only perusing their rails and popping my noggin' in nowhere else. A recent catch up with a friend meant I stepped into the unknown, namely Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse and Urban Outfitters and you know what? I spotted a whole load of goodies calling out my name. If the thought of trying new stores scares the living daylights out of you then I'd suggest pairing up with a pal or browsing on-line first.

 2 - Make a personal shopping appointment

 I'm a huge advocate of personal shopping experiences, every service I'm aware of is 100% free and it's the perfect opportunity to try out new looks, fits and trends that you've never considered before. I love the Topshop service (I reviewed it here) as the girls really know their shizz, give you access to a whopping changing room and if you decide to buy there's no queues. Dreamy right? All appointments are nonobligatory although proceed with caution, I'd be amazed if you didn't buy something fabulous.

 3 - Look for what you're missing

 If you're a regular around these parts you'll know how much I crave patterns and texture but gosh they can be limiting in your wardrobe. Try and find great basics on my rail and you'd be hard pushed yet I still struggle to buy pieces I deem boring! This one is tricky to tackle but I'd advise enforcing a ban, shopping with a tough talking friend or thinking how many ways you can wear something before purchasing. Broadening your horizons will ultimately mean you've got more mix n match options in your stash and who doesn't want that? 

 On the reverse of this it's important to give your wardrobe a good heave-ho every so often too, if you've not worn an item for six months then it's time to say goodbye. Be brutal.

 4- Be inspired

 Who's style gets you hot under the collar? Which blogger do you wish you shared wardrobes with? Get on Pinterest, cut well-put-together ensembles out of magazines and start a style scrapbook, any excuse to go to Paperchase right? Even Instagram, celebrities (Millie Mackintosh is my pick) and someone you see out and about can make you think of a combination you've never thought of before. Fashion is all about having fun so don't be scared to push the boundaries but most of all, be confident!

 5 - Start small

 Baby steps are always the way to go when easing yourself away from your comfort zone, I'm not saying go and change your entire style but be open to change. The best way to tackle this is start with inexpensive, trend led pieces - don't buy that pricey Topshop kimono if you might only wear it once, head to New Look instead or go down the jewellery and accessory route. Never underestimate the power of a well accessorised outfit.
How do you take yourself out of your fashion comfort zone?