Browsing Tag:

white denim

  • Everyday Fashion

    Letting Go: White Denim + Free People

    When do you decide to let it go? How long do hold onto something than is no longer in your grasp? Living on the fumes of our memories from London and in the haste of an abrupt move has left me holding onto something that I fear needs to be let free. It used to be more frequent but even 5 months later I get this sensation of unsettled feelings; I become overwhelmed with emotion as I am brought back, through my memories, of our life in London. So many people have asked “what was it about that city that made you so happy” and the honest truth is…. I don’t know.  

    Sometimes I think it was the tiny flat we lived in and the fact we survived on just what we had and the desire for “more” was never about space, objects or possessions. Sometimes I think it was the abundance of opportunities of daily exploration in a city rich with history, culture and pride. Sometimes I think it was the freedom of failure and success that rested solely on our shoulders and there was no obligation to share those moments.  Sometimes I think it was the neighborhood we lived in where we were able to feel grounded, establish a happy routine yet the world was at our fingertips.  

    Over the last several months I have been searching for the same amount of happiness I felt in London- we have considered moving again, we have talked about changing our family, we have discussed spending summers in London…but the reality is none of those things will make me happy.  I am to the point that I believe my holding onto a past is at the root of my inability to find grounded happiness here in Colorado.

    I miss London.  But I miss being blissfully happy even more.  If I am continuously yearning and  constantly thinking about the past than I am not allowing myself and open heart or mind to accept my present life.  And not just accept but to be happy.  Acceptance is step one and I am there.  I know we are here.  The next step is to put those memories, experiences and adventures in a safe place close to my heart where they will remain forever. Thus allowing my heart to be open and clear to find the happiness waiting for me here in Colorado.  I know it is here.. but I have been so clouded by the past I have not seen it… truthfully I have not been looking.  I am perpetually living in the past- even if it is just a few times a month- I need to be present here in this moment.  I owe myself this opportunity.  Finding happiness in my life now does not lessen or diminish the memories of London, it does not mean I can not look back fondly nor does it take away from the experience.  Finding happiness here actually validates our time in London… I learned a lot and changed so much- time to act on those principles.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography 

    shop the look: Denim // tunic top // Sandals // Sunnies // necklace

    I am in love with white denim as you can tell from this recent post <here> and this one <here> but I am also loving this flowy tunic top from Free People.  Denver can get pretty hot in the summer but mornings and evenings are cool and this look is perfect for the changing temperatures.  These white denim are an absolute staple and I believe everyone should have at least one pair of white denim so I have linked several pairs.  This blue top has been simply amazing and for those who travel it packs really well.  It’s breezy which makes it easy to wear on warmer days.

    YOU GUYS… BOWS ON TOES!!!!  And these babies are under $25!!!  Been kind of loving Target sandal line up this year and these are my favorite.  Who doesn’t want to wear bows on your toes?????

    My dainty “D” initial necklace was my birthday gift from Brendan and I have yet to take it off.. .you have been seeing it in all my Instagram (make sure you are following me) photos!  I love how small and subtle it is but has the perfect amount of bling with the diamond encrusted initial.

    P.S.- had some technical difficulties with the links and trying to make them a different color- so everything is linked below in the picture shop widget- sorry!

    the signs it is time

    The latest terror attack in London.
    Going to a play where all the actors were British and it took place in the U.K.
    All of our boxes arriving from London.
    My son continuing to call me “Mummy”

    If I look around London is such a part of my everyday life- without me even realizing it.  I no longer need to live in the past.  The memories and experiences will and do live on in my life- the art on the wall- the way Declan says my name- the family photos we have- the stamps in my passport- the key to our flat I wear as a necklace- the clothes I bought there- the food we smuggled in and slowly treat ourselves to– its the small subtle things.  It is time.  London is not lost to me and despite the tears I cried while writing this I am ready.

    My hear it open and happy.

    With Love,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Shoulda Coulda Woulda in White Denim

    white denim

    SHOULDA COULDA WOULDA- IT’S SO EASY IN THE PAST TENSE

    I am currently living in a perpetual state of shoulda coulda woulda (lets call it SCW for short).  I think it is perfectly normal and perfectly natural to question and hypothesize about the SCW’s of life but at what point does it become unhealthy? According to Urban Dictionary (which is clearly a relevant source here) the definition of shoulda, coulda, woulda is as follows:

    Meaning that it is of no use to dwell on what should have (shoulda), could have (coulda) or would have (woulda) happened/been done.
    Said as an attempt to shorten a discussion that focuses on the past, thus providing no solution to an actual problem.

    This definition could not be more true in that thinking about the SCW offers no actual solution to a problem.., but then why am I living in a world where I am ALWAYS thinking about this.  What if I hadn’t moved to London? What if Brendan and I hadn’t gone on that trip? What if Declan’s health had been “normal”? Should I have really started a blog? Could we really move back to Colorado and expect to slide back into life?

    You know what friends…. I am finding the answers to all those questions unattainable and unmanageable.  The reality is that we did move to London, we did go on that trip, Declans health was impacted, I did start a blog and we did move back to Denver.  I want to believe that our lives are not dictated by our past but I am coming to the realization (in ways I never anticipated) that my future, is so very much impacted by what happened in my past.  Climbing out of this cycle, I am finding, is extremely challenging.  Trying to only think about the future and making decisions based on what I want for the future seems GREAT in theory… but what I am running up against is how to not allow my previous decisions to impact how I make future decisions.  I feel there is value in remembering previous decisions as it allows me to make more educated and informed choices the next time- or so I think…. BUT what happens when it doesn’t?  When it becomes a burden to your decision making process or in my case a downright road block; it is impossible to not live in the SCW world.  So here I am… wondering and thinking about all the choices I have made in the last several years and how impactful they have been on my ability to make future choices.  This time I do not actually have an answer…

    shop the look: Denim // tank // shoes // bag <Similar> // sunglasses 

    You know one choice I have made that I do not think much about is the decision to wear white denim all year long!!! And especially in the spring (before it get so hot in the summer you can not wear pants).  I love white denim as a way to lighten up any look and add a fresh vibrant flare.  I wear these babies all the time.  I love to pair black and white together as a classic sleek look and these white denim and this scalloped hem tank are the perfect pair for a sunny spring day.  I have been crushing on Nordstrom Rack and this tank was one an obvious choice!  I love the how this tank has eyelet detail on the top and the scalloped hem on the bottom.  I paired the whole look with a bright bag to add a little color to a very neutral outfit.  Black and white, in any fashion, is one of my favorite combos.  White denim is here to stay and adding a dainty little black tank is the prefect way to keep your denim classic and sleek.

    past to present

    It is hard not to dwell on the choices I made in the past especially those that did not have favorable outcomes (both long and short term) and so I am committed to remembering that in the moment I made them it was with positive intent and all relevant information available at the time. I can honestly say I do not regret many choices made in the past but in the recent months I have had an abundance of times of doubt, rethinking and wondering.  Have I made perfect decision; certainly not.  Have I learned from those; certainly I have.  But as I continue on I am reminded to not let old choices taint, sway or determine what I want for the future.  Our past has a way of reminding us of how important it is to be intentional and thoughtful going forth… and I choose to strive to remember that each day.

    With Love,


  • Everyday Fashion

    Choice: In Flowy Tops

    Choices and Instincts… who decides???

    Recently I have been having an ongoing conversation about the freedom of choice and the idea of who determines our path in life. There are so many beliefs carried by many different people that is there really one right answer??

    The conversation stems from a situation where a dear and cherished friend of mine has been faced with some very challenging life choices. As someone who grew up in a very strict faith and in adulthood committed and chose her faith over anything – she is now bound by the values and morals of her guiding religion. Only now what? And what about people who have been raised with freedom of faith? What binds us and drives us? As I have friends on both sides I am lucky enough to get to engage in close and honest conversations on both sides. How is our life determined? At what point, does love or life take precedent over prescribed beliefs and values? Is there a healthy mix of both?? 

    The reality is there is no roadmap for life- at least not one that I have seen. I believe in the power of choice and I understand that is not the same for everyone. I believe my destiny is not determined but rather I can choose, alter, guide and steer my life towards a destiny. The twists and turns at each corner remind me that I have the freedom to choose and for that I am grateful. Human instinct is such an incredibly strong force and I have learned that when I trust my instinct I come out on the other side happy. Trust me, I do not have it all figure out- in fact I have very little figured out but I am learning to trust my instinct more. I am learning to remember that life is not planned and that sometimes detouring off course can have amazing outcomes. Thinking about my friend who followed her heart – her instinct- I am hopeful that after the hurt and pain is gone she will embrace her choice to follow her instinct.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks

    shop the look:  denim // top // booties // earrings // tote // brALETTE

    Choosing my outfit is like choosing my destiny- I get to decide and I get to mix and match. Enter this open back flowy top which is a little bit off the path for me. Oh, and I choose to wear white denim year-round: talk about veering off course! Ha. I have had my eye on this top for a while but always felt it was a little out of character for me but I decided to just go for it and I am so glad I did!! I L O V E it. I wore it here with a lace bralette and love the free-flowing nature and the openness of the back. It is perfect for spring days as it is still long sleeve to add some warmth but the open back makes it perfect for those warm spring days.

    White denim. Let’s not be scared to wear it all year round. Embrace it, wear it, love it. These new skinnies were a part of the “Operation Update my Denim” that you may have read about in this post. I was so excited to get back to the US and start buying up some essential staples and these were first, maybe second, on the list. I will wear them all season- all year!!! I may add a pair of distressed like <these> or <these> to the line-up shorty but for now I am loving these babies.

    New location = new booties. Again, really capitalizing on the weather and indulging in all the perforated styles. These were a great purchase and will carry me right on through to flip-flop and sandal weather.

    TWO DIFFERENT PATHS.

    I consider myself to be an open and transparent person and therefore I am willing to write and share my wonderings, to share my values and beliefs.  The fact that my heart and instinct would lead me down one path and there are people, whom I consider very dear friends, have been lead down a different path is encouraging as it reminds me about the power of choice. It keeps me on my toes and allows me the opportunity to both expand my knowledge and open my perspective to something different. Furthermore, the fact that conversations don’t turn into judgement is a reminder of the power of humanity and positive intent. Connecting with others and engaging in discussions about real things- including religion and choice- is what I live for. I am not a superficial person. I want to talk about deep things- I want to talk about life. Thanks for allowing me the freedom and space to do so here. Thank you for supporting and being open minded to differences in opinions.

    With Love,

    Shop all the items here with one click- I try to ensure everything is in stock and update if needed!