Outfits

Taking A Step Back + Nordstrom Giveaway

Top: LOFT (on sale) | Shorts: Nordstrom | Sneakers: Johnston & Murphy | Earrings: Similar

Hi Friends! I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but I have taken a step back from the blog these past couple of months for multiple reasons. Some of those I am not able to share right now but others I will certainly let you in on. I am a big proponent of “quality over quantity” meaning that I don’t want to just get on here to write a post if my heart is not in it. I used to think that just getting a post up whether it was read-worthy was what it took to make it in the blogging world. Well I’ve come to learn that posting halfass blog posts doesn’t do either one of us any good. You don’t want to read something that has no point to it and I certainly don’t enjoy writing them! It’s a lose-lose.

These past few months have not been what I expected recovery to be. Not because recovery has been bad, in fact it has been really good! I am pretty much back to a completely normal lifestyle! I have started physical therapy and am currently going 3 times a week. Life is busier than ever with friends, family, events and just life. But then why is it that I feel so drained all of the time? I wake up already dreaming about what time I will be able to make it into bed that night. Usually my heart sinks a little when I realize that it will be another late night with little sleep. That is no way to start the day dreading how much you have to do. It’s discouraging to say the least.

I couldn’t even tell y’all the last time that I cleaned my house. There are still suitcases lying around my room from recent trips because I just haven’t had the time or energy to unpack them. Laundry hasn’t been done in months. There are still Easter decorations up. When I do have the time for these things, all I want to do is relax. Yet I can’t even seem to unplug and relax anymore without the worry and guilt of things that I should be doing. It’s a viscous cycle that I want out of!

My cup is empty. What do I mean by that? I have finally realized that I am pouring into so much that is not fulfilling me. All of these things that I am spending my time on should not have to feel like work. Friends, events, blogging, dinner dates, whatever it may be. I am so used to keeping a busy schedule that lately I couldn’t figure out why my busy schedule was not keeping me entertained. In fact why it was doing the exact opposite. So that’s why I have taken a step back to try to get things back in order. To try and figure out what it is that motivates me. To unplug and enjoy being present. To appreciate the little things. To come home to a clean house. And above all to be happy with where I am spending my time.

So many of us fill our schedules thinking that that is the way to success. Well hey if that is working for you then you just keep on keeping on! But if you are pouring into a lot of things that are not fulfilling you, you will eventually crash and burn. Instead of trying to pack “you” time into your already packed schedule (because so many people will suggest this), it might be necessary to take a step back altogether and reevaluate. There are very few things that we can give away and never get back, but time is one of those so choose how you spend it wisely!

I’ll get off of my soapbox now 🙂 With all of that being said, I wanted to let y’all know that I will still be around. I am just taking some time for me and still trying to blog in the process because it really is such a healing tool when I do finally get behind the keyboard. It’s the getting there that is the hard part! That being said, although I am a fashion blogger, recovery has taught me that I love writing about personal topics. Dating, real life, the messy parts, that’s what I have loved writing about recently and you guys seem to be loving it too! So you can expect to be seeing more of that!

Now onto the good stuff, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is just a little over a month away. This sale is HUGE guys. I’m talking full price items, even designer ones, on major sale. So much stuff flew off the shelves in the first couple of hours last year so you definitely have to be on your game! To get you ready for the big sale, I have teamed up with some other bloggers to gift one lucky reader a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card. See below to enter.

2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time for the Anniversary Sale!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter.
You’ll receive one entry per completion.
This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 7/3.
Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Graphic Tees

CLICK AN IMAGE TO SHOP THE ITEM DIRECTLY,
OR USE THE LINKS BELOW!

I have had a major crush on graphic tees as of recently. Pretty much anything that has to do with wine is most likely already in my closet or is sitting in an online shopping cart somewhere. The latter is a habit I’m trying to break because after a couple of glasses of wine, those online shopping carts tend to empty themselves…

Speaking of wine, I have some exciting news concerning this topic that you will most certainly want to be following me on Instagram for. Let’s just say it’s going to be a wine-filled week! For all of my Houston people, Wine and Food Week kicks off Monday June 5th and runs through the 11th. If you are looking for a good time, make sure to check this out. You can purchase tickets here.

Love this trend but don’t want to splurge? Target has a GREAT selection and they are always under $15! Here are some more options at different price points.

Graphic tees for all budgets
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Not Your Everyday Stripes

Top: Chicwish | Skirt: Nordstrom | Shoes: Sam Edelman

How this top has not made it’s way to the blog yet, I am honestly not sure. The amount of times that I have worn it since it arrived would definitely tell you that I got my money’s worth and then some! I have worn it to work with cropped pants, to the beach as seen here and even as a cover up. Y’all the possibilities are endless.

I was a little skeptical that it might look like I had hit up my grandma’s closet for my newest OOTD (outfit of the day) obsession, but to my surprise I have received more compliments on this shirt than any other piece of clothing that I have owned. Even several of the guys at work had something to say about this shirt and that is saying a lot! Don’t worry I did not tie it up and show my midriff to the entire office 😉

If I had a dollar for every striped piece of clothing that I owned, let’s just say I could buy a lot more striped clothing! It’s a bit ridiculous but stripes just have a sense of safety to them that will always exist. Since I am constantly buying stripes, finding something that I don’t already have something similar to is a challenge. Ways that I have ventured out are finding different cuts (peplum, button down, tank top, etc) or modifications such as embroidery, cut outs, bows or anything a little extra.

If you are anything like me and constantly gravitate towards stripes of any shape, size or form, this top is for you! Some other stripes that I have been loving lately are linked below for you. Simply click on any of the pictures to shop them!

I have also teamed up with some blogger buddies of mine to host a fun link up party so you can see other blogs and make other blogging friends! See below.


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The Next Bachelorette

Dress: Envy Couture by Anil  | Photography by: Banavenue

Well the day we ALL have been waiting for is finally here. We can all rest easy tonight knowing that we have 12 weeks of hopelessly romantic insanely awkward encounters. Let’s be honest, it’s really just an excuse to get together with friends and throw back a few bottles of wine while watching an absolute train wreck. It’s where we can find a little hope that our lives aren’t nearly as embarrassing or terrible as ABC makes these people’s out to be. In case you forgot, last season a girl announced to all of America that she had a certain issue in the bedroom. So if you think you have it bad, things could be much worse.

As much as I hate on the Bachelor/Bachelorette, you will find me, a Chipotle bowl, my fuzzy socks and a bottle of wine posted up on the couch every Monday night at approximately 6:59. I used to be able to wait until about 7:30 or 8 so that I could fast forward through commercials, but 1) that’s less time to drink wine and 2) thanks to social media and the 5 different Bachelor watch party group texts that I am in, it would be social suicide not to be watching it live. Can you imagine the horror of someone else watching something uber embarrassing or downright funny before you’ve had the first laugh?! Not ok.

Let’s talk a little bit about how the first night will inevitably go down. You will have a slew of men show up and introduce themselves to the bachelorette. The majority of these first impressions will be something cringe worthy that you will probably have to hide halfway under a blanket just to stomach the second hand embarrassment. Then you will have the few guys that try the safe route and just offer a “hey, how are you tonight”. LAME. I prefer the cringe-worthy moments if we are being honest. Makes for better entertainment.

You will find out that there are “jobs” that you didn’t even know existed or ones that could hardly be called a profession. You make money from that? Teach all of America your ways please. For instance, this season we have a tickle monster, aspiring drummer, former professional basketball player (ok not bad, but like what do you do now?), and a Whaboom (WTF??). All I know is that if you can make a living off of tickling, sign me up.

After the men make their way into the Bachelor pad, you will immediately start to see the drama unfold. We start to see who is supposedly there for the “right reasons” and who is just there to catch some fame. Someone might cry night one. In fact, it isn’t an episode of the Bachelor after all if someone doesn’t cry. Someone always cries. If I was the betting type, I’d also bet that at least one guy will get drunk and make a fool out of themselves.

Whatever happens tonight, you know it’s going to be the MOST dramatic and best episode that you are EVER going to see in television history. And if it doesn’t turn out that way, there is a 99.9% chance that next week’s preview will tell you that is the case too. And the week after that. And well, every week after that. Somehow every week earns that title and we all get sucked into the madness. So cheers to a drama-filled and wine-induced season!

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Business Wardrobe Essentials

Top: LOFT | Pants: LOFT | Shoes: Johnston & Murphy

Photography by: Banavenue

You know those business wardrobe essentials that no matter how many new clothes that you get, you just seem to keep going back to? If I had to guess, it’s for one of a few reasons but the number one reason that the majority of us return to the same piece of clothing (no matter how bad it should and needs to be washed), is comfort. There are several days in my work wear past that I sacrificed being “well” dressed for a only slightly upgraded version of pajamas. Thankfully I’ve slowly learned over the years how to build a comfort-approved AND cute closet that starts with these 3 little business wardrobe essential tips!

1.Stretchy Pants – Also known as God’s gift to the working woman. I’m no yogi, but the amount of stretch in these bad boys would definitely allow you to bust a move in the office, you know if that’s your thing. While dresses are the perfect one stop shop option, stretchy pants are where it is at. This cropped style that you see me wearing is very popular right now and is super flattering. I love that LOFT and many other retailers are now offering these pants in petite, regular and tall sizing options so that no matter your height, you don’t have to worry about taking them to get tailored. Go ahead and stock up on these in every color, you can thank me later.

2.Cotton Apparel – When it comes to office space, you just never know if it’s going to be Antarctica or the Sahara Desert. There really is no in between. Finding cotton clothing for the office can be a bit of a struggle since everything nowadays is made out of polyester but hold out for those cotton finds because they are so much more breathable and comfortable! I personally love cotton, sleeveless tops like this one that I can then pair with a sweater or cardigan because those are 2 things that are actually extremely easy to find in a cotton option.

3.Pretty Pumps – Ever heard the quote, “A woman can do anything that a man can do and she can do it in high heels”?. You best believe that is the truth. Not only do I believe that heels are more comfortable than flats, they are also our secret weapon ladies! Hear me out, if your heels are not more comfortable than your flats, you are investing in the wrong pair of pumps. The right pair of pumps makes you look professional and I think you already know that they do wonders for your legs. Talk about a win-win! And heck, if you got it, flaunt it 🙂 I’ve said it several times before, but I highly suggest investing in a pair of brown, black and nude pumps. If you are feeling daring, cheetah print is also one of my go-to colors!

Wardrobe essentials in my book are 100% completely dependent on comfort. As many times as I have tried to convince my boss that the dress code should allow for pajamas and leggings, they just haven’t seemed to go for it yet. Until that day comes (fingers crossed it’s VERY soon), these tips should tide you over.

 

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