So, it is August. Summer is ending. Dresses have to be put away (but not before you snag this new one). I have writers block. Too much on my mind.
So, contrary to popular belief writers block is not always a lack of things to say. In fact, this time I have WAY TOO much to say. My mind is constantly writing blog posts; as I wash the dishes, while I watch the ever addicting RHOC, while I am reading Declan bedtime stories, as I drive around in the car. This is not the first time this has happened to me and actually is quite normal for me. First off, my mind almost never slows down. It is constantly thinking about something and sometimes without me even aware of it until I am so lost in thought I realize I have missed half the show I was watching or have to go back and re-read the last four pages of my book (maybe that is why I can’t seem to finish a book these days). Secondly, when I was teaching I would find myself creating lessons and activities for my kiddos embedded in my everyday life. Finding books that would teach a lesson, thinking about how to use/teach money in a meaningful way or even just how to have the kiddos practice writing their names.
Now the problem with this is NOT a shortage of ideas but I am so lost in my mind and seem to be generating so many ideas that I get SO overwhelmed that I don’t do anything. My mom always says to me “not doing anything is actually doing something” and she is right. I am not doing anything but in reality that is doing something…. NOT WRITING, shutting down and turning inward. I go back to my ideas and ruminate on them. Leave them just where they are… ideas swirling around in my mind. By not writing and by not allowing these topics to surface I am smothering myself in my own world. And it doesn’t feel all that great.
Believe me I am not coming up with earth shattering topics, I am not ruminating about huge decisions or even thinking about something new or extraordinary. But even the little stuff can be overwhelming when kept inside and harbored. More often than not it is the small things compounding on themselves that cause the most damage. I pride myself on being honest and open, here in this space, as I have developed it as a safe place. And I am learning that not every post needs to be mind blowing, not every post needs to touch the depths of my life and not every post needs to be soooo emotional. So I might as well write it down and send it out. Stop keeping it all inside. BUT then I worry you all will leave. I worry that you will find me boring, average and mundane. As I am only as successful as my readers are engaged my goal is to be entertaining, connective and inspiring. My challenge is to find the balance and retain those qualities while writing about the ordinary. At the end of the day my life is not always extraordinary… I am just an average girl sharing her thoughts on life.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
In my opinion this outfit speaks for itself and is the essence of summer style. I love to wear dresses in the summer (even with a toddler) as they are light, flowy and easy to move in. This knot front summer dress from J.Crew Factory was the prefect addition to my summer wardrobe. It is the a perfect neutral color pallet and is easily dressed up or worn casually. Pairing this dress with wedges like <these> would dress it up for a fancy brunch or date night. I threw on some easy flip flops and a denim jacket as I tend to be more casual in the summer. I kept the jewelry minimal and really let the dress be the statement.
This basket bag is one of my late-grandmothers. She was a stylish lady and I am luck to find pieces from her wardrobe still floating around. I have linked a few other basket bags (below) as they are HOT HOT HOT this season.
Make sure to click through and find some great new summer styles.
Now that you know I have a ton of ideas you can expect some new posts. Most are common everyday life things. Like friendships, like seasons changing, like pet peeves, like emotions. But don’t worry I do have a few topics that are emotional, raw and real. I promise to remain authentic and as transparent as possible. I promise to continue to share my life with you; as “boring” as that may be at times.
With all the being said….what I really want is to know what you want to read?? What topics do you want more of, want less of??? Hep me create an even better space for you!!!
With Love,
Hoppy Easter!!! (super corny I know!)
Easter is often looked upon as a time of “rebirth”. As a Christian and someone who celebrates Easter I must confess that this year is the first in many where I have taken the time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday. Now, I am not going to preach at you nor will this post be heavily loaded with religion but as you have come to know I try to be honest in my writing. This Easter brings some new and different reflections. As Easter is in spring and spring is a time of regrowth, rebirth and starting anew I could not help but to see a parallel between my life and this Easter season.
Over the last few weeks you may have noticed (or not, which would be great) that I have been a bit off or a bit scatterbrained and even a bit negative. At the beginning I thought it was just because I did not want to leave London but as time has gone on it is has become more apparent there are deeper feelings here. I have felt, for some time, a serious dichotomy between my life here on the blog and social media and my life offline…. they did not seem to mirror each other. I am in control of what I put out into cyberspace and I took great care to showcase myself in the best light possible- to be fair to myself who wouldn’t?!? BUT it is time that I begin to showcase my life as I see it everyday. As a stay at home mother and a wife.
Photos: Zoey Grace Photography
Dressing for Easter is one of my favorite things because it always reminds me of getting dressed up as a little girl. This year we are spending Easter in Chicago with Brendan’s family and I am so very excited to get dressed up. Finding my whole outfit at Old Navy was a pleasant surprise for me as I went in looking for some stuff for Declan. I am loving this duster length cardigan and this pin tuck dress- both easy to wear, trendy and comfortable. Declan’s sport coat was a random find but isn’t it just ADORABLE. I am one who does not like to spend a lot of money on clothes for my three year old boy as they either end up with food, dirt or boogers on them so I was happy to find his Easter outfit for under $25. These skinny chinos and this bicycle polo still allow him to run around yet look put together. Brendan’s classic style suits him so well as he just loves his chambray and polos– it is seriously his dadiform!!!
It is time that I begin to weave my online life with my real life… starting with the fact that I am a mom and wife and a friend. I started this blog as something for myself and worked very hard at keeping it separate from my life as a mother and a wife… but over time that has becoming impossible to keep up. Rightfully so! Do I still love fashion- yes!! Do I still want to inspire you to feel good through fashion- yes!!! Are there are other aspects to me that I want to share with you- YES!!!! I am more than just a fashionable person (and somedays I am not even that) and there are so many pieces that make me whole. My goal to inspire you remains at the core of my journey but I want to inspire you to be real and authentic in your own life- to cherish and foster your passions, to admittedly accept your challenges and to be proud of all the things that make you whole. So, as we approach Easter Sunday and celebrate the rebirth of Christ I am anxious to begin to rebuild, regrow and refine my blog and social media to showcase that I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a lover of Sauvignon Blanc, a passionate lifestyle fashionista, a little girl at heart, an avid recipe experimenter and an entrepreneur.
I hope you continue to travel this path with me- I hope you find inspiration for yourself-
With Love,
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss a post- some exciting things are coming soon!!!
Friends life is challenging right now. I was not going to write about it but I had a coffee date on Friday and I was inspired to be real and honest… so here is your daily dose of Debby Downer from my little corner of the world. So, if this topic does not interest you I totally understand if you stop reading now…but if you want to continue along I hope to come out on the other end with a more positive and optimistic message.
So, I moved back from London and I was really excited to be coming home!!! And then reality hit and I felt like I had been hit by a truck; a very large loud heavy truck. And since then I feel like I take 3 steps forward and then 716 steps backward. It seems like life just keeps kicking me while I am down and I am not done with it. It feels like I have checked into the Pity Party Hotel for an extended stay… and it is not a comfortable place to reside. While it is much easier to set up shop here, in the dumps, it is likely to be extremely unsuccessful in the long run. But I just can’t seem to figure out how to get myself out; and that is the honest truth. I am stuck here.
I have moments and sometimes days of clarity where I manage to put it all in perspective where I feel like I am able to handle the wealth of emotions, life changes and challenges coming my way. But when it begins to fall apart it seems to REALLY fall apart. In isolation each event, emotion or challenge is minimal and can be handled effectively and efficiently. But when they all seem to happen at once I get sucked up in the negative of it all… I just can’t seem to stay afloat. More often than not I feel like I can barely keep my head above water; with finding a preschool for Declan (been rejected twice), prioritizing my blog, rebuilding a life in Denver, parenting a toddler, developing and nurturing new friendships, being a loving wife, managing our household while my husband travels 100% of the time and reconnecting with old friends all while trying to take a moment for myself. I am in WAY over my head. I am drowning in sea of self-pity.
Photos: Jenna Sparks
How much more of a selling point do I need to make on this off the shoulder floral top other than to draw your attention to the print… I mean seriously!! I am in LOVE with it and it is even more amazing because it is a Liberty London print for J Crew. Two of my favorites coming together, again, to create the perfect spring off the shoulder floral top. The fit of this top is perfect but runs a little large so order a size down. I love the length on it which allows me to wear it with denim and shorts or skirts. Given this off the shoulder floral top is at the top of my price range for shirts I included a few at different price points <here> and <here>.
I was feeling “blue” so I paired it with this faux suede moto jacket and distressed denim to complete the look. My whole life has been feeling “blue” so it was an easy pairing for me. Both the fabulous jacket and denim are from Hailee Grace ( for all my Denver friends make sure you get in there as these are selling out quickly). This jacket is perfect for spring and compliments the florals I am seeing everywhere. The denim are an excellent addition to any wardrobe especially as we transition into spring.
Mules are H O T right now and I am loving this pair. Easy to slip on (literally) with any outfit. As the weather is continuing to get warmer I am wearing these more and more- especially when I have not had a pedicure but want a spring/summer shoe option!! They come in several other colors and I provided similar ones in a lower price point <here> and a high price point <here>.
Well, I was thrown a life saver this weekend with a little get-away with the family. And more importantly I was able to spend a lot time processing and talking with Brendan who is feeling a bit of the same way. So while I have not entirely left the party I am no longer there alone and having some company feels really good. It is a learning process and I need to continuously remind that it is OKAY to have bad days. It is OKAY to feel like I do. Acknowledging that and being real about my feelings is the first step in getting out. Nothing can make it all better- nothing can take away all my challenges- and honestly I do not want that. The rest of the answers will come over time and I will continue to strive to be positive and remain honest…however, sometimes those are not inclusive of each other. But a friend at my party and breath of fresh air can make all the difference.
With Love,
HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!!! I can’t believe it has been two weeks since I left London- it feels so much longer ago. London feels like a distant memory, like a former life. In fact, it feels like it was someone else’s life. And so… Now What???
The number one question I have been asked since I got home is “What are you going to do now that you are back?”
G O O D Q U E S T I O N F R I E N D S.
As you may or may not know I used to be a teacher. I taught for six years in a classroom with students with severe special needs. I LOVED these kiddos, I loved my job and I had a passion for educating. And then my son was born with significant medical needs and I became passionate about being a mother and I there was not room in my life for both. I have never looked back since I quit teaching and although I admire those dedicated educators I can no longer call myself one. When we moved to London I knew my teaching days were behind me and I felt happy to embarking on a new adventure. And now I am home again… and a new adventure awaits.
Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography
Okay, so the first thing I am going to do is continue to wear these new distressed denim. And then shortly after that I am going to put this criss-cross back sweater on repeat. After that I will add these fuzzy platform slip-ons. Let’s talk about this sweater and while we do you need to buy it– like now. It is amazing. I got mine from my very favorite Denver boutique Hailee Grace so if you are in Denver head in there and let the girls know you saw this on the blog. If you are not in Denver you can purchase it here. It is perfect for any occasion — pair it with heels and some dark denim to make a pretty sexy date night outfit. I love how it is cute and classy it is but adds a bit of sexy from the back. These new distressed jeans are so fabulous and while some reviews are calling them acid wash I disagree… they are perfect and under $100. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I had my eye on them while still in London but didn’t want to pay the shipping so they were one of the very first purchases upon arriving back.
These slip-on sneakers are fabulous and so fun! The little pom poms make any outfit pop and add such an element or flirty fun that I can’t stop wearing them. Like all my other Steve Maddens they were a bit tight to start but after two wears they loosen up and become very comfortable. Okay, on to this bag. Believe it or not my husband found this at Nordstrom Rack the other day. He did good!!! While I was unable to link the exact one I have linked the same bag just in a different color. It is a cute little bag for a brunch and is perfect for the coming spring/summer season.
Well… I am still figuring that out. But I can tell you I am not returning to teaching. My hope and dream is to grow the blog to be successful but I am still learning what that looks like. I am learning how to consistently engage you guys so you will come back each week, to inspire you in your everyday outfits and to continue to offer perspective as you read. I love fashion and I love getting dressed but I also love writing. I love having this platform to express myself and I am forever grateful to each of you who believe in me.
I want to expand my posts to include other aspects of my life-maybe a little about being a momma, maybe a little about travel, maybe a little about being a wife… I guess the possibilities are endless. But the most important is that they are relevant to you- so let me know what you want to see?!? What do you like to read about? What can I help you with? I know that your time is limited and I appreciate any time you have to spend reading each week so my goal is to make it worth your while.
So, to answer the question… “What are you going to do now?”
Well, I am going to figure that out each day… and at some point I just may have an answer…
With Love,
This post was originally going to be about something totally different but then life happened.
Isn’t that just the thing– we have plans and then life happens and spins us way of course. As I am sure you are aware- and really tired of hearing about- Brendan moved back to Colorado last week. Declan and I are staying to finish out the month. We made this decision based on a lot of pieces of information – including emotional ones. We thought a lot about the emotional toll of separating our family but in the end really felt it was the best thing (for just a short time) in order for Declan to have a better chance of having a smooth transition back to Colorado.
Well…. despite all the planning, preparing and processing the emotions I felt last week were like NOTHING I could have prepared for. I was blindsided by how intensely I felt a sense of loss once Brendan was gone.
But first- in the interest of all things London this look is one of my favorites given the backdrop!
Photos: Victoria Metaxas
This is a super casual outfit but still a good look for everyday. I am loving these new boots one because they are super comfortable and two because I love the color. I mean they are gray… and if you haven’t noticed I love gray. It is such a great neutral color and easy to wear with anything. Lets talk about the layering going on here… a perfectly colored short sleeve sweatshirt with a cute white tunic tee is like the perfect outfit for everyday. You can lunch in this, run errands, grab a coffee, pick up the kiddos from school or even work from home! So do yourself a favor and snag up this sweatshirt! These jeans are worn so frequently that I am considering purchasing another pair. I was on a hunt for a long pendent necklace and found this fabulous one from & Other Stories– which is one of my most favorite stores and will miss it a lot when we leave (they do have online). There is that tote again- the one I like to rave about. I will just link it and remind you what a great investment it is.
Now, let me do some clarifying as to why I was overwhelmed with emotion. It is two fold.
Yes, I have talked about it for over a month now and it is constantly on my mind but there was something very F I N A L and P E R M A N E N T about his departure. It become even more clear that our life here is ending and this move is happening- ready or not.
With Love,
I have linked several identical items and several similar items in the shopping widget- this is for two reasons. I want to give you options to create a similar look and because sometime I can not find the exact item to be linked via the widget (it is the exact in the text above).
