Browsing Tag:

distressed denim

  • 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

    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,

     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Comfortable and Casual at the Crossroads of Life

    Just in case you have been hiding under a rock I am here to tell you it is now 2017.

    Another year has come and gone.  A new year awaits.  So… now what???  I have traveled around the sun many times and I have been in this position of anxious wonder many times so why does this year feel different?  Why does this coming year seem bigger- why does it seem more important- why do I feel such a sense of urgency to dive into 2017??

    As I unpack these emotions I am finding that I am standing at a very abrupt crossroads.   A new year is supposed to elicit emotions about rejuvenation, second chances and opportunities.  And while I am feeling those things I am also feeling a sense of lose, undesired closure and anxiety.  For the first time in many years I am torn about which road to travel and which emotions to embrace.  An obvious choice would be the path of optimism but is it fair to discount the other feelings that seem to be filling my mind.

    It is no wonder as to why I am feeling these things- I have not been very silent about our big move back to Colorado and with that brings a lot of emotion- this crossroads, where I stand, is the culmination place for all my worries, excitement, anxiety, happiness and fear about moving home.

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo 

    SHop the LOok: Denim // Top // Scarf // Bag // Trainers //

    Easy.  Casual.  Comfortable.  The best aspects of this outfit: no corssroad there! This top is MONEY (and currently only $12).  I had been on the hunt for something in this style and tired on plenty of options but none of them fit like this one.  It is soft and comfortable- and I love the sleeve length.  Wear it with jeans, cords, skirts, athlesuire pants, leggings- anything! No wardrobe is complete without a gray knit scarf and once again Zara came through for me.  As there are certainly not a shortage of chunky knit scarves I have linked a few for ease of shopping <similar> <similar>.  Adding a plain scarf to any outfit really completes the look (and adds warmth).  These distressed denim are an old favorite from my favorite Denver boutique Hailee Grace however I have linked several similar <here> <here>.  I went with a lighter wash to break up the dark shirt and denim and as is it super casual the major distressing keeps with that look.  You all should recognize these trainers and should be no surprise they are camo.   I love all things camo. These exact trainers are currently sold out- sorry friends!! I really try to post current and available products but it can not always be done #bloggerproblems

    So this is my new B A G.  Santa was good to me this year and I am simply in love with it!  The color is perfect for any season and will transition well into spring/summer.  It is structured which is a change for me but I am committed to not shoving it full of toddler gear (although that has already happened).  It has, already, proven to be extremely versatile- can wear it for daytime or evening for a more dressed up look.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

    Back to my crossroad dilemma.  As I thought more about it I want to embark of the road of progression and positive change but in order to do that I must validate where I am coming from.  Meaning, I must acknowledge and process these feelings of anxiety and forced change before I can move on.  In doing so I am able to come to terms with where I am in life, let it go and confidently choose the path of opportunities.  Friends, I am sad about leaving London and in order to move past them I need to recognize and accept this… so I am doing that now.  And then I will be ready to take that path of new chances, new optimism and  new challenges. Meet me there… I will be there soon!

    With Love,

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