That's What It's All About

I must admit, this post is an incredibly tough one for me to publish. I've gained a lot of weight over the past year and I'm still not quite sure how to dress my current body. I felt really good while wearing this outfit but looking at these pictures is making me self-conscious about it. It's not that I think there's anything wrong with the way I look now, I'm just not quite comfortable with it. I almost didn't post it, but I decided to go for it in the spirit of honesty. I'm not perfect, and I never want to be, so this is the imperfect me of the moment wearing an imperfect outfit that made me happy. And that's what this whole style blogging thing is really all about, for me at least.

Tee: Forever 21, Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Necklace: Charming Charlie

Sandals: Kmart

Watch: Fossil

Summer 2014 Must Haves

Summer 2014 Must Haves

Hey guys! Just popping in today with some of the items I'm craving to add to my closet this season. I don't know if these necessarily qualify as trends (although some of them may be trendy items), for me, this is just a list of things I'm into this season. I hope you enjoy! P.S. for a list of the links to all the items, just follow my link under the set.

1. Crochet Vest: I'm all about a great vest no matter what the thermometer says, but something about these lovely, fringey crochet ones just scream summertime to me. I can picture myself spinning around in this little number by Mango at all the imaginary music festivals I plan to attend.

2. Neutral Maxi Dress: During the summer months, I find myself drawn to simple, easy pieces and there are few items that fit that bill better than a plain ol' maxi. I love how effortlessly put-together a neutral colored maxi dress can make me feel, just add bangles and a messy bun and you're good to go. The dress pictured above is from H&M.

3. Beaded Necklace: You really can't go wrong with a bright beaded necklace any time of year, but the turquoise and coral combo in this Baublebar one is practically begging to be worn all summer long. 

4. LWD: The little white dress is summer fashion's answer to everything. I can't get enough of these sorts of dresses lately. The crisp color is perfect for hot weather and the swingy fit of this Mango dress is ideal for those sweltering days when you can't stand for clothes to touch you (I'm also a sucker for the pretty embroidery).

5. Cuff Bracelet: These bracelets are great statement pieces to accessorize those bare summer arms. I love the way a bold geometric cuff looks when paired with a more minimalistic outfit. I thought the pretty turquoise on this Modcloth one gave it an extra summery appeal.

6. Gladiator Sandals: I know these are kind of an oldie, but for some reason they feel really fresh to me this season. I've been coveting these beautiful Sam Edelman ones for a while now, but, unfortunately, they're a bit out of my price range. I love to offset a shorter hemline with a taller sandal and some strappy gladiators suit that asthetic to a T. (P.S. my birthday is in July so if anyone feels compelled to buy me something extravagant I wear a size 8 in shoes! ha)

7. Relaxed Fit Shorts: I won't lie, I pretty much live in shorts like these. Seriously, I've worn some iteration of basically the same outfit three times this week. Half-tucked v-neck tee, lace up sandals, done. The shorts pictured above are from H&M.

Not Good, But OK

Dress: Puella, Anthropologie
Necklace: Anthropologie
Sandals: Pacsun
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet: DIY

Hey there guys! It's been a while, huh? I've had these pictures sitting in my computer for over a month now. I just haven't had the motivation to post them for some reason. I'm not sure where this desire to disconnect came from or if it's actually over but I felt like blogging today so I'm rolling with it. I haven't been in a great place for a while now, and I think it's time for me to be honest about that. It's been a pretty rough year and I think blogging became a way for me to keep pretending that everything was fine. It's incredibly easy to look at these pictures of me smiling and act like everything is great because it looks like it is.

The only good thing about tough situations is that sometimes they can show you your own strength. I realized the other day that the directionless place I'm in now is something that I once described as "my worst nightmare for what my life could become". Which sounds horrible and I kind of felt like I had the air kicked out of me. But then, I realized that I'm ok. I'm not happy right now, and things aren't good, but I'm alright and I believe that things will get better. So, I guess the point of all this is to say that I don't want to stop blogging but I don't want my blog to be a place where I hide. I want this to be an honest place where I can share pictures and talk about my life and interests. I know this isn't groundbreaking or anything but I just thought I should open up and explain where I've been and where I am now. Hopefully, I'll be back soon and better than ever.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Overcast days are the absolute best for taking pictures, especially in the Spring. The clouds naturally diffuse the sunlight and you end up with lovely photos where the subject looks soft and glowy. Rainy days are the only Spring days that don't make my allergies go crazy (which makes me feel all soft and glowy). I also adore the way gray skies make those lovely Spring greens look even brighter. I just love rainy days. The crisp feeling in the air, the way everything smells fresher. It always reminds me of the cycle of renewal that's constantly happening all around. Things are cleaned, refreshed, and made new again. This is an important thing for someone as change-averse as I am to remember. Things change, it happens as it must happen to make room for whatever's next. That's life.

Dress: Anthropologie
Vest: Gap, Thrifted and altered
Shoes: Blowfish
Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Watch: Charming Charlie
Rings: Urban Outfitters

Don't Count Me Out

This dress is one of those pieces that I think will always be in my wardrobe. I don't wear it very often, but it's survived more closet purges than I can count. Every time I just skim over it and think "I'm not done with you yet." It was one of the first pieces that I altered myself (which is why it's about six inches  shorter than I meant it to be). When I stumbled on this dress at Goodwill, it was an ankle length, shapeless mess but I loved the soft little rosebud print and something about the garment told me not to count it out just yet. And, I'm so glad I didn't. I don't know what it is about this little dress, but I just can't get enough. 

Dress: Thrifted and altered

Jacket: Forever 21 via Uptown Cheapskates

Boots: Forever 21

Necklace: JoMarie Jewelry on Etsy

Watch: Fossil

Chevron Ring: Charming Charlie

Midi and Horseshoe Rings: Urban Outfitters

Excuses, Excuses

My my, how time has flown! I didn't mean to take a break there but it just sort of happened. I've been house/cat sitting for a co-worker for the past couple of weeks so I haven't been able to make it out to my usual photo spots as easily. Also, mine and Luke's work schedules have been completely opposite lately. I know, excuses, excuses, but it's true. Life gets in the way sometimes. I should be back home soon so hopefully we'll be able to get back in the swing of regular outfit photos. I'm hoping to take some more pictures in the next couple of days. The house I'm staying at has a backyard with some lovely trees that would make a perfect outfit backdrop. I'll see if I can talk the boyfriend into snapping some pics back there. And, if you guys are super lucky I might include a few shots of the little squish faced cat I've been looking after. 

Dress: Target, Thrifted

Sweater: Anthropologie

Boots: Seychelles, Urban Oufitters (on sale now!)

Belt: Ralph Lauren, Thrifted

Watch: Charming Charlie

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Antique Gold Ring: Charming Charlie

Horseshoe and Midi Rings: Urban Outfitters

Spring 2014 must-haves

Spring 2014 must-haves

Hey guys! I thought I'd just pop in today and share some of the items I'm crazy about for Spring. There are so many great trends going on this season and I'm really looking forward to incorporating these in my wardrobe. This list is by no means a compilation of all the trends or anything like that, it's just a roundup of some of the things I'm excited to wear this Spring (and I hope you are too).

1. Vests: As evidenced by my last post, I love a good vest. Denim, shearling, cargo, I'll rock them all. This little olive utility number from Old Navy is definitely on my wishlist this season.

2. Shift Dresses: This shape is a little outside my normal fit-and-flare comfort zone but I've been finding myself really drawn to it lately. They seem like an easy throw on in a pinch garment that will easily transition into Summer. I thought the Dorothy Perkins one above was a great color that could be very versatile.

3. Lace Up Sandals: I've been seeing variations of these little babies all over the place lately. These are definitely an of-the-moment kind of item but I'm digging the boho vibe they bring. There's all kinds of variations on this style available right now but I tend to favor those of the flat or low wedge variety. The ones pictured above are from Pacsun.

4. Tribal Jewelry- Tribal inspired pieces and prints are huge right now. They've been cropping up in so many places that even Luke (the trend blind boyfriend) noticed. I thought this Sole Society necklace was a pretty interpretation of the trend.

5. Floppy Hats- I'm kind of a hat freak, so this probably isn't actually a Spring specific thing. However, I'm definitely loving this style lately. The ASOS hat above is a great neutral color for the (hopefully) upcoming warm weather.

6. Cropped, Boxy Tops: This shape has been really popular at Anthropologie lately and I think it's a really fresh look for Spring. The F21 sweater above would be really great thrown over a dress for those still-cool days.

7. Ankle Boots: I love these year round but I'm really feeling them for Spring. I have quite a few pairs in my closet and they get a lot of wear, I think my other shoes are getting jealous. The H&M ones above are a great neutral color and a perfect heel height.

8. Denim Jackets: It's a well-documented fact that I love denim jackets (and vests, and shirts, and pants). I'm always on the lookout for new ones to add to my collection. The lighter wash of this H&M one is a fresh shade for Spring that I'm looking forward to sporting with sundresses and colored denim all season and into Summer.

I hope you guys found this little guide entertaining, if not useful. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments!

P.S. click the link to my Polyvore page (under the image) to get links to the specific items pictured.