lace up sweater Archives

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

All Laced Up: Keeping Secrets

Recently I was asked to keep a very big secret for someone. At the time I did not think much of it… I mean as girls we tell each other secrets all the time, right?!? But how often do we actually keep those secrets?? Reflecting back on this question I realized I have been a terrible secret keeper and what does that say about my character??? YIKES. I want people to feel comfortable coming to me. I want my friends to not only trust me but to believe my word. If I am asked to keep a secret the person sharing should feel confident I will keep that secret and until recently I am not sure I would have kept their secrets safe.

Photos: Zoe Griffin

shop the look: denim // sweater // booties // bag <similar>//

Like being laced up in this amazing soft and cozy sweater I am turning over a leaf of being laced up with my lips! This sweater is incredibly soft and the prefect sweater to add to your winter wardrobe. It is cozy, comfy and easy to pair with denim or trousers. If you have not seen the lace-up trend then maybe you have been living under a rock- love it! I paired it with these classic skinnies from J.Crew and currently they are on sale for under $100 (use code HOLIDAY for up to 40% off). They come in several other washes and I have my eyes on the darker wash- very classic and clean. Keeping with the simple theme these booties are a must have and so incredible comfortable- I walk a lot and these babies never fail my feet! No need to settle on style for comfort. I love the gray color as a change from my usual black or tan. Such a basic pieces that will fit perfectly into your winter wardrobe (dare I say the “W” word)! Winter is in full swing here and this easy lace up sweater, denim and booties will be on repeat throughout the coming winter days.

Secrets create a dynamic to a friendship that elevates it from surface to substantial. The fact that my friend trusted me with this piece of information reminds me that she respects me, she cherishes me and believes my word. I intent to keep this secret to prove to her (and myself) that I am all of those things she sees in me. When I tell someone a secret it is often times because I am overwhelmed with emotion and just need a little help… I need someone else to hold on to that piece of information until I am ready to process it. I need that person to keep it safe- to keep is sacred. I will be back for it.. just as soon as I am ready. I know, in my heart, that is what happened with my friend. She needed a safe place to store her thoughts, a shelter for her emotions and a keeper of her secrets. They are not mine to share. It is taken some serious heartache in my life to fully understand that just because I hold a piece of information does not give me the privilege to share it.

Lace it up. My lips are sealed!

So friends…make sure you keep those thoughts and emotions safe for those around you. Be the person someone cherishes and trust- I certainly continue to strive to be that person. Each day finding new comfort in being a secrete keeper… really makes you feel special.