Browsing Tag:

summer style

  • Everyday Fashion

    Weather Permitting: Off the Shoulder Dress

    Off the Shoulder

    What is it about rainy days that make you all sentimental and nostalgic?  What is it about spending time with family that makes you all sappy and emotional???  And then just like that the sun comes out and you feel revived and ready to face life.  Please tell me I am not alone….please tell me you are as influenced by the weather as me…. come on, anyone???

    The weather this week has given me opportunities to embrace both.  A lot of rainy day reflections.  And a lot of sunny day flourishing.  And I think I needed a bit of both. To be honest I have turned into a super sentimental, emotional person.  In fact most days I could cry on cue.  Maybe it is motherhood, maybe it is being a consultants wife, maybe it is being 35 or maybe it is knowing that each day is a gift I can never get back.  Sometimes I want to re-live moments or even days…. but reality would not have it.  So, instead I cry a lot #truth

    August has always been a time of transition for me- I mean as a child it was “back to school time” and then when I became a teacher it was more “back to school”.  Each year I would go through the mixed emotions of leaving the long summer days behind and starting a new grade.  Or when I went to college the emotions of leaving home and starting on my own.  And when I was teaching the anxious feelings of meeting my new students and new colleagues.  Each August brought about reflections of the months past and aspirations for the coming year.  And this August in no exception.

    Over the last several days (and actually several weeks, if I am honest) I have been thinking about my “life”.  Now, if that isn’t the broadest topic ever I am not sure what is.  However, what it comes down to is the little things and the feelings.  Its the little things that send my mind spinning into reflection.  Its the little things that I can hang my hat on to keep my emotions in check. It the sound of the rain against the window reminding me of the amazing opportunities we had abroad.  The thunderstorms bringing back the memories of Declans time in the hospital.  The bright sun challenging me to find the best in a situation despite my instinct to see the negative.  The warmth of the day helping me refresh my soul and appreciate all I have.  The cool evenings lending themselves to a little reminiscing of life before a child and a spouse.  But at the end of the day, no matter the weather, no matter the time of year,  I am left with overwhelming feelings of gratitude and appreciation.  Each day I am reminded just how lucky I am to live this life.

     

    Photo: Jenna Sparks Photography

    DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.  CLICKING ON THEM DOES NOT COST YOU ANYTHING.  THERE IS A POTENTIAL I WILL EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF ITEMS ARE PURCHASED.  

    shop the look:  Dress // Shoes // Bag // Earrings 

    I wanted to be simple and classic with this look. I wanted to keep it neutral and easy.  Both THIS dress and THESE shoes are the  definition of simple, classic and easy.  Off the shoulder is a HOT HOT HOT trend right now and it makes for a nice flare on a neutral dress.  The simple eye-let of THIS dress was what stood out for me.  And it is under $40.  There is still plenty of summer left to snag it up.  THESE  simple nude heels are a classic pair that can be worn across the board.  Paired here with a dress really keeps them simple and neutral but don’t be afraid to throw them on with boy-friend jeans and a tee.  Be prepared to see THESE heels a lot more in the coming months.

    My EARRINGS are apart of the Sugar FIx line from Bauble Bar.  I love the great price, the great selection and the availability.  I mean who doesn’t shop at Target….. you know you do.

    As always I have tried to link several options for all the items in varying price ranges.

    rainy reflections and sunny starts

    I am thankful each day for Brendan.

    I am appreciative of those friends who continue to support and lift me up.

    I am blow away by my love for Declan.

    I am grateful for my parents undying support and love.

    I am lucky to do what I love and share my life.

    I am blessed to live in a place that is endlessly gorgeous and breathtaking.

    I am indebted to the memories of my life and how they have shaped me.

    August weather seems to be as unpredictable as my life; rainy and reflective mixed with a fair amount of sun and fresh starts.  Despite the ever changing forecast of life I am confident knowing that each day I am given the gift to embrace, love, reflect and change.

    With Love,

     

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  • Everyday Fashion

    Writers Block: Summer Dress

    JCrew Summer Dress

    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 

    shop the look: dress // jacket // flip flops // purse <similar> // sunnies 

    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.

    unblocking

    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,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Second Guessing: Floral Shorts

    Floral Shorts + Knot Tee
     The ebb and flow.  The up and down.  The highs and lows. But what about when  it is mostly the lows???

    Today (as I am writing) was on of those days.  I feel a bit like I am on a roller coaster.  Every time I make a decision I second guess it.  And not just the decisions I made today- but I started to question all the decision I have been making; for the last week, for the last month, for the last year… since Declan was born.  Most of my questioning (today) has involved my parenting and my ability to raise Declan.  Who gave me the license for this???? It was harder to get mt drivers license!!!  If deep in my heart I believe I am doing what is best for Declan then why do I question my every decision????

    At at the core of it I believe it is more than just parenting, for me.  I think we live in a society that unintentionally creates an environment where we have become conditioned to question ourselves.  The perception that someone or something is always better has driven us to second guess our own life.  Instead of celebrating what someone else has or being happy for the successes someone else celebrates we find ourselves wondering what I have done wrong.  Instead of boosting ourselves up and recognizing what we have we are constantly striving to “be better” and not always in a healthy or natural way.  Now, don’t get me wrong I am not talking about your drive or determination to be successful in your career or in your life as there needs to be fair amount of that to continue to grow both professionally and personally.  I am talking about the feeling you get when you drop your son off at camp and worry he won’t make friends and then question what I could have done prior to prepare him better. I am talking about the way you feel when look at where you are in life and wonder how long until you feel grounded.  I am talking about the feeling of doubt as to whether your choice to quit your job and start a new career will and has affected your family.  I am talking about the everyday choices that, in the  moment, seem to be the best but as life goes on you see them backfiring on you.  Those things are what drive me to just throw in the towel and give up.  Seriously, today is one of those days #gettingreal.

    Wallowing is a part of life- even if you don’t want to admit it.  I do it, you do it, everyone does it.  And on those days I am learning to be nicer to myself  To be a bit more patient with Declan and to forgive myself.  And to have an extra glass of wine!  As I reflect on all those choices I made, the ones I am questioning, I know that I made them with the best intentions, with a positive attitude and with all the facts I had at the time.  I can not change what has been done but I can only continue down the path and learn as I go.  Questions and comparing will not stop and I know this will not be the last time I feel this way.  To be honest I can not promise I won’t have worse days or that I will not wallow away and watch episode after episode of Friends.  But I can promise to do my best to keep myself in check… and when I can’t I know a few ladies who can.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography 

     shop the look: floral shorts // white tee // sandals // clutch <similar>

    Alrighty ladies, not sure where you live but in Denver it has been unreasonably hot.  Like I took off my bra the other day it was so hot.  So I am all about light and breezy looks right now and when I realized these high-waisted floral shorts were flowy and breezy I about bought six pairs.  No but honestly, they are light, comfortable and breathable.  I love them for the high-waisted nature (I know I am late to the game on that front) but I am coming around and these are the first pair of many!!  So you ladies know that I love J.Crew for summer staples and this white tee is no exception and it is under $15.  It comes in a rainbow of colors and I promise you will want to wear it everyday.  These heels are a favorite and simple enough to let the outfit be the statement.  Full transparency: they are bit tight across my toes but starting to get broken in.

    Below I have linked several similar items.  And lucky for you almost all of them are now on the Nordstrom Sale! And lets be real- who doesn’t love a good sale, especially at Nordstrom?!?

    so then what???

    Well friends on this one I am stuck,  In all honesty I am still wallowing.  It is new day and I hope to spend less time wallowing but I am human and I get caught up in my own head.  Each decision is second, third and fourth guessed.  Getting out of my own head is the first step and this time I seem to be really stuck there… and for me, this time, that is okay.  Learning to be patient with myself is an uphill battle and today I am allowing myself to feel and digest these feelings.  Tomorrow is a new day but sometimes it takes more than a day… and I am okay with that. This time.

    With Love,