Browsing Tag:

sun dress

  • 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 Chances: Little Black Dress

    Summer Sun Dress

    Second chances are not given to make things right. But are given to prove we can better after we fall

    At this point in my life I am really trying to embrace the idea of second chances.  Not only for others but for MYSELF.  I am a pretty harsh critic of myself and when I mess up I am pretty unforgiving.  Allowing someone to change and giving them the opportunity to do so has been a great challenge for me despite my desire to forgive and move on.  The idea that second chances won’t take away the pain or make it better but to show that people (including myself) can make changes is a new one for me.  I always looked at second chances as an opportunity to right a wrong- or make amends for hurting someone- or demonstrate remorse… but the idea that I should use second chances to encourage and support growth is one I want to embrace more.

    Over the last several months I have been very candid about my journey, both good and bag, in returning to Denver.  What I may not have been as candid about was the impact that has had on some of my friendships, relationships and marriage.  Over the last several years I have had so many experiences that have impacted me – Declans birth and first year, moving to London, starting the blog, moving back to Denver, my husband traveling all the time- that I am so much different than I was just 4 years ago.  Over that time I have let go of friendships that did not align with where I was in my life, that I felt were not supportive, or that I did not feel an organic relationship from… at the time I felt very good about those choices.  I was comfortable moving on with my life.  I was comfortable and happy exploring new friendships and relationships.  And while I am still very happy with those choices I am opening my heart to second chances.  Recently, I had drinks with a girlfriend and I was blown away by the change and acceptance I felt from her, I left feeling rejuvenated, I left happy with the decision to open my heart for a second chance.  A second chance for a friendship, a second chance for happiness and second chance for an authentic relationships.

    I am a harsh critic of MYSELF.  I hold myself to standards that too often are unattainable so I am consistently letting myself down… and believe it or not this doesn’t seem to be working for me any longer.  Ha.  We all fail and we all fall down.  I am just not good at giving myself the second chance to do it again- I am not good and remembering there is growth in trying again.  Instead of granting myself forgiveness I hold a grudge against myself. Going forth I strive to allow myself to the second chance I deserve… growth is as important as the outcome.  Intentions speak louder than failures.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography

    shop the look: dress <similar>  // sandals // tote // sunnies // necklace

    So, I am not one to get dressed up very often but I do love dresses.  I found this beauty at Rack and have been loving it.  This particular dress sold out pretty quickly but I have found several that are similar. I love an easy casual black dress in the summer as they are perfect for lunch dates, date nights and everything in between.  I typically choose ones that are easy to wear (meaning comfortable and wearable about my toddler) and that have one or two elements of fun!  This one has a racer back and the gathered detail at the waist add a little definition to a classic simple LBD.  These sandals popped up on my Instagram and I am still loving them.  They are fun, comfortable and under $25.  I mean what else do you need in a summer sandal??? I have linked several other lace up sandals, below.

    This Kate Spade was my summer bag purchase.  I debated for a while between several but in the end the scalloped detailing and the bright pink accents really sold this one for me. I love the summer feels and how big it is!!  I seem to be carrying a lot more in my bag these days, hmmmmm…. toddlers!

    chances

    With my new hope to allow myself and others second chance I can’t help but wonder what doors I may have closed by not offering a second chance.  Each day I am given another chance to offer myself an opportunity to pick up where I fell, to accept my failures and to try again.  In order for a second chance to work I have to allow the other person (or myself) the chance to change. If I always perceive them in a certain way I will never see anything different. It is up to me to open my hear, my mind and my life.  Second chances are hard… the fear of being hurt again, the fear of failure again or the fear of the unknown… but the possibility of authentic and organic relationships, personal growth and change are worth the chance.

    With Love,