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Everyday Fashion

  • 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!

     

  • Everyday Fashion, Family Life

    A Birthday Letter

    Happy Birthday Declan!!

     

    To My Sweet Boy,

    Happy birthday Declan.  Three years old- you are no longer a baby but you will always and forever be MY baby.  For the last three years I have watched and traveled an incredible journey with you.  From a teeny teeny newborn on oxygen in an incubator to a walking, talking (too much at times), intelligent toddler.  From our home in Denver across to world to London and back again.  You are smart, you are funny and you are the absolute sweetest boy I know.  Your passion for life and Peppa Pig bring smiles to my face everyday.  Your love for London, trains and Papa’s trucks make you unique and special.  Each day I am given the gift of motherhood and I thank you for being my little guy.

    I have learned a great deal in the three years since you were born.  Obviously, I have learned what it feels like to love unconditionally, I have learned how to be selfless and I have learned the power of distraction to diffuse a tantrum.  But there  are less obvious things I have learned since your birth; there are less obvious emotions and undestandings that have come from you being a part of my life.

    Photos: Alesia Aguinaldo

    shop my look: denim // sweater <similar> // shoes // bag
    shop declan’s look: denim // shirt <similar> // Shoes <similar>

    what I have learned

    To start, my marriage and your father.  To say I am lucky is an understatement,  To say I am blessed still doesn’t seem to do it justice.  While you were in the hospital all those months it was your dad who truly was the saving grace for our family.  His strength, love and determination proved to be the strongest link in the bonds that tie us together.  Your father’s love for you and for me continue to be the grounding force of which all our happiness resides on.  Without you I am not sure where our life would have gone, I am not sure I would have seen this side of your dad and therefore I am grateful each day that you came along and helped me see your father for who he truly is.

    Next up, passion.  So I have always been a passionate person but now I have a direction and an outlet for my passions.  While you don’t sit and write blog posts with me what you do is provide an inspiration to continue down this journey.  Knowing that there is something bigger than myself now, someone I care more about and a desire to model happiness drives me to continue down this journey.  My passion is a happy life and each day with you I am given the opportunity to use my passions to demonstrate commitment, overcoming self doubt and following your own path.

    Thank you Declan,  For all the late nights, for all the laughs, for all the tantrums, for all the Peppa Pig, for all the learning, for all the happiness you bring into my life. Today is your day- let’s eat smoked salmon, go on a lunch date to the cafe, drink apple juice, watch trains, ride in trucks, make silly jokes and read books.  Each day I hope I show you a little bit more of just how special you are- starting with today- your 3rd birthday.

    With Love,

    Mummy

    P.S. This is a new category for the blog ‘family’.  And while I will continue with styled outfit inspiration and shopping links for most of my pots I am hoping to sprinkle in a bit more about my family life. You can find it all here!!  Hope you enjoyed a bit more personal post today.

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Mirror Mirror… I see Bold Prints

    Reflection brings change or so they say.

    As we have been unpacking and settling back into Denver I have been trying to spend a lot of time reflecting on the last seventeen months… but I can’t seem to find my mirror.  Both figuratively and literally.

    When you look in a mirror what do you see looking back? Is it too superficial to see the physical features of your face or body or clothes looking back and if so, why??  Where did the stigma of caring what you look like become so negative?  I personally spend a great deal of time in front of the mirror- styling outfits, testing out beauty products and experimenting with new hair and make-up trends- so when I look in the mirror I see the physical aspects.  Except, recently, when I look in the mirror I see myself blankly staring back. Despite the new makeup and hair or styling the perfect outfit I have been lacking the other reflection.  Something has been missing.

    Oh, that’s right MY MIRROR.

    Luckily for those around me I found my mirror and have been doing some serious reflecting.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks 

    shop the look: denim // top // booties // bag // watch 

    As you know I gravitate towards neutrals and mainly grays. whites and black so when I saw this bold patterned top I was surprised how much I loved it.  The bold pattern paired perfectly with these patchwork denim as all the blue tones swirled together.  This bold top is the perfect lightweight top for spring, perfect color combination for any skin tones and the flowy nature makes it flattering on anyone!!  It is currently on sale so make sure to get it before they are all gone.  These denim were part of the “operation update my denim” upon my return from London.  I simply love them and the are well under $100.  This brand, Articles of Society, is fast becoming my go-to for all things denim (sizing note- order a size down as they typically run big).

    After “Operation Denim Update” was complete I embarked on a mission to find some new springish booties  And since I am no longer walking 5-7 miles in the rain (sometimes) I am taking full advantage of these laser cut/perforated ones.  Love love love the color of these new babies as they will transition well into spring.  They are a low enough heel that I can chase Declan around in them but still feel a bit more polished than a trainer.  They come in several other colors and some non-laser cut.

    mirror mirror

    Once my mirror found its way home (it was on loan while we were away) I have been able to really think about and processes the changes.  I have been able to start to pinpoint why there has been a blank stare when I look in the mirror.

    I made a lot of assumptions before I left London on how this transition would be and I am beginning to realize that making assumptions about a situation that is completely new does not, usually, set me up for success.  And I as I reflect on this I am reminded that this path of life is not laid out for me- that I am the one who decides what to make of each day- I am the one who can choose to change that blank stare- if I don’t like something then I need to change it.

    With Love,


     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Family Time: Winter Sweater

    Happy Tuesday Lovelies!

    My family has always been the single most important thing to me.  And this weekend I was reminded of this.  As I sit and write the laughter of three children playing, my mom bustling in the kitchen and the sweet sounds of my brother playing the piano fill me with a sense of peace and calmness.  Since our move back to Colorado I have not felt very grounded, I have been struggling to connect with my new (former) home and each day I yearn to return to London. I kept waiting for something to help me feel more connected, I was seeking happiness that did not seem available- I guess all I needed was to head “home” for the weekend.

    One of the things I have always said, despite my living in London ,is Colorado will always be my home- the place I come to when I feel lost- the place my family lives and the place I always thought I wanted to raise my family…. luckily all those things are still true but it has taken me a while to believe them again.

    This weekend when Declan and I arrived in the mountains to my childhood home- it began to snow.  Not just a little dusting but giant giant flakes- the kind you can catch on your tongue, the kind that leaves your hair wet and covers your jacket in white.  I began to feel “at home”.   It was the beginning of what proved itself to be the perfect homecoming.

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo 

    SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER <SIMILAR> // BOOTIES // TOTE

    The weather has been crazy the last few weeks and typically I would be living in heavy sweaters  this <similar> fabulous winter white cable knit and these soft comfortable distressed skinnies! If I was only allowed to wear one pair of distressed jeans for the rest of the season I would choose these without hesitation.  I really feel Top Shop has come a long way in their denim and I am super in love with these babies.  This exact sweater is no long available –one because it was a London sale purchase and two because it is sold out on line– but I have linked several very very <similar> <similar>  ones.  This exact sweater was perfect for the extremely cold day and the perfect winter white color makes it an excellent choice.  I would love to wear this with white skinnies as I love to pair similar neutrals of different tones- this sweater is perfect for that.

    These booties have about 500 miles on them due them being the absolute perfect bootie.  They are so comfortable and I have yet to find a pair that competes.  The suede has worn in perfectly and now has that weathered aged look that I strive for.  Given these are a bit on the pricey side I have linked several others including several on sale- a classic neutral bootie is a must have- make sure you grab a pair ASAP <similar> <similar> <similar>

    homecoming

    Throughout the rest of the weekend I was brought back to my childhood as I watched my son sled in the backyard, warm up next to the fire place, help plow the snow and grow to love the mountains.  As I think back to the memories I have of this house I am anxious to allow my new family to build those same memories.  Those that fill this house are more than just people to me- they are the memories that ground me, they are the reason I am continuously inspired, they are the unconditional love I feel each day- they are my family.  And I am finally starting to feel reconnected to my life here.  The mountains are my happy place and this weekend I was genuinely happy- a feeling I haven’t felt since I left London three weeks ago.  My family proved to me again that there is nothing more important nor stronger than those bonds.

    With Love,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Defining Yourself: Bell Sleeve Dress

    How would you define yourself, if asked?

    What words, characteristics or even occupations do you used when asked to describe yourself?  I was recently asked this question and I was immediately challenged to define myself… the thought had never really occurred to me, especially since quitting my job close to three years ago.  Now, that’s a wild thing to think about… three years ago I was a special education teacher, a fairly recent newlywed, getting ready to have my first son and loving my life.  Well, lets fast forward to today- how would I define myself and my life given most of those attributes would no longer describe me.

    Life is made up of so much that it can be very challenging to define yourself by one thing.  For example, I am a mother.  But that is not all I am.  I am a blogger but again that is not all I am.  I am happy, I am adventurous, I am a sister, I am a red-head.  But I am so much more and some of those characteristics and occupations make up such a small piece of my whole being.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography

    shop the look: dress // heels // bag // earrings <similar>

    It has felt like spring here in Colorado which means we are due for an epic snow storm but before that I could not resist this fabulous bell sleeve dress.  The lace up front was what captured my attention first but I simply love the bell sleeves.  Who isn’t obsessing over bell sleeves these days!?  The pale blush color is fabulous for spring and paired with nude heels this bell sleeve dress really makes for the perfect date night outfit.  If you are stopping by the blog for the first time this week you may think I only wear these nude heels… but that is not true.  Wanted to create a really girly look and this bell sleeve dress and heels really hit the nail on the head.

    This new bag- courtesy of my husband- has been peeking out a lot as the weather continues to be spring like.  But… I couldn’t find the exact one to link.  It was bought at Nordstrom Rack so if you love it that much head over and grab one. I have linked the same bag but in a different color and texture and I kind of love it more than mine!!  Shhhh, don’t tell Brendan.

    defining yourself

    I have never taken the time to truly define myself, my beliefs, my values and my characteristics.  But give recent events I decided to spend some time doing that and I would recommend the practice to anyone- especially those experiencing unrest or unease about their life.  What I found in my reflection were deep rooted ingrained values of which almost all of my life are based up.  I found myself coming back to these characteristics and attributes as opposed to my work, relationships, my location or even my past.

    I am passionate.

    Whether it be in my marriage, my parenting,  my quest as a blogger,  my search for a new sweater,  my learning a hobby, my education,  my beliefs.

    I am forgiving.

    Whether it be towards others, towards myself, towards strangers or even enemies (which I hope I don’t have too many of).

    I am hopeful.

    Whether it be in my friendships, my blogging journey, my daily interactions with my son, my country, my family.

    I am opinionated.

    Whether it be my reactions to situations, my thoughts towards life, my daily adventures to the grocery store, my beliefs, my morals, my values.

    How would you define yourself?? Would you use traits, values, characteristics, professions…???

    With Love,

     

     

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Love in Chelsea Plaid

    So, its Valentines Day.

    In full transparency I am not the biggest fan of this day.  BUT I am the biggest fan of my husband and I am the biggest fan of being in LOVE.  I have celebrated 34 Valentines Days and some of them have been fabulous and some have been depressing and some have even been exciting and thrilling but what I have realized over the years is the importance of having love in my life.

    I have been married for 6 1/2 years and I fall more in love with Brendan everyday (well most days!).  I could write post after post about how happy I am, I could spend hours chatting your ear off about the comfort of finding someone who accepts me and understands me or I could gush for days about how much Brendan makes me feel grounded while simultaneously giving me wings to fly.. and since today is Valentines Day I just might!! Well maybe not a whole post!

    The location of these photos was one of my favorite places in London- they were taken at the Chelsea Court House on Kings Road- every singe time I went by there were people getting married.  Many of you  know I am obsessed with weddings and I love everything wedding related.  In fact, my wedding was the ABSOLUTE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.  So before I left London I insisted on shooting here (for a Valentines Day post) to keep that love alive in my memory and in my future.  As you can see the steps are scattered with confetti from weddings past- of love celebrated over time- of couples who have made the ultimate declaration of love.

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look: Denim // top // heels // jacket <Similar // clutch // sunnies

    Typically I don’t wear traditional Valentines Day colors and while this plaid button up is not exactly red or pink it is a warmer tone and therefore fitting enough for the occasion…. right?!?  And it is a classic button up that is easily paired with anything- in fact I wore it under a crew neck sweatshirt the other day.  It is  light material so perfect for transitioning into spring, it is a little loose fitting which makes it the perfect candidate for a half tuck and I am in love with the bright color plaid.  These denim are just classic skinny cut with a clean appearance and easy to wear with just about anything.  Every fashionista needs a pair of timeless skinnies and these are the answer.  Heels are slowly becoming more of a friend to me- I am sure you can tell as I have been styling these nude ones quiet a lot.  And the  more I wear them the more comfortable they are becoming.  But this look could also be paired with a cute bootie or some fun slip ons.

    Let’s talk about the details: the coat is an absolute favorite of mine and I made the mistake of having it <similar> shipped back from the London so I won’t get it back until May!!  Ugh.  It would be prefect on a cool winter morning here in Colorado!  This clutch should look familiar from this post and I am so happy with the purchase!  It holds a lot for a clutch and sometimes I need to take 14 different lip colors with me so size is very important- ha!!  A classic aviator sunnie is a must have and I have not found a better pair then these.  Stick with the originals, right!!

    forever in love

    Having a built in Valentine for the rest of my life is fabulous but the fact that I get to spend the other 364 days with him is really what makes me the happiest.  Unfortunately it is easy to be lost in the everyday and everyday can sometimes be less defined by love.  But if each day I remember to tell Brendan just how much I love him and everyday I remember to make sure he feels his love is not lost on me.  Are we perfect???  NOPE.  But we are forever in love and forever committed to showing that to each other. On this special day of LOVE I am lucky to be spending it with my forever Valentine.

    With Extra Love,


  • Everyday Fashion

    Now What??

    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

    shop the look: denim // sweater // shoes // bag <similar> // sunnies // earrings 

    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.

    so now what?

    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,