Browsing Tag:

london

  • 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

    Saying Goodbye

     

    How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

    Winnie the Pooh

    I have dreaded writing this post.  I have put it off and delayed it as long as possible.  But it is time to say Goodbye.

    Like writing this post I have been dragging my feet in accepting the fact I am leaving.  I keep thinking M A Y B E, just maybe, I will wake up and it will all be a dream and then I see the moving truck pull up outside our flat– B A M- reality hits me right in the face.  To say I am attached to London and to our life here is an understatement.  To say I am in love with London and the happiness I feel here does not do it justice.  This has been the best experience of my life and even as I sit and write today words escape me and my eyes fill with tears.

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look: denim // sweater // shoes // clutch <similar> // jacket

    It was not my intention to perfectly match my guy Big Ben but it turned out to be a magical shoot and I am so glad I choose this outfit.  This sweater is so light weight and pretty over-sized that I wanted to ensure I was not drowning in it and turns out I can not stop wearing it ( FYI it comes in a couple other colors including pink).  It is a great weave but is a bit breezy without a tank underneath.  Truth be told I was absolutely freezing during this shoot but it was all worth it!!  These jeans are currently on sale and I love the small subtle kick flare at the bottom.  Paired with these sleek nude heels the jeans can really be worn day to night!  Speaking of these heels they are really becoming a staple for me and you can expect to see them styled a couple times coming soon!!! Because the outfit was pretty neutral in color I added a bright blue clutch for a pop of color <similar>.  This bag also has a shoulder strap to be worn as a cross-body which makes it very very versatile.  The coat is a tried and true classic and as I have said in the past I wear it EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I am such big fan of jackets with hoods and i just love this faux fur one.

    The goodbye…

    For many months I have tried to fully grasp what it is about living here that has made this departure so hard?  What are the attributes about life in London that are causing such anxiety and sadness upon leaving? And while there are small little things I believe it is because for the first time in my 34 years I can honestly and truly say I am H A P P Y and C O N T E N T.

    I am not seeking something unattainable anymore, I am not wandering through life without a purpose, I am no longer comparing myself to others, I am not seeking constant change and I a not waiting for the next big thing.  I am living life.  London gave me the landscape and drive to LIVE my life.  To find that happiness everyone craves… I have it, here in London.

    Now, I know the critics will say happiness should not be defined by a location… and that is true; it should not be… so I am ready to say goodbye to this place.  I need to make space in my heart and my mind for the next chapter- I am ready to be happy in Denver.

    Goodbye from London,

    P.S. Because of the move and getting settled in Denver I plan to only have a blog post once a week for a couple weeks.  Stay tuned on Instagram as I will continue my journey there.  Make sure to subscribe below so you get the next live post to you inbox!!

  • Everyday Fashion

    Indecisive V-Necks. Or not??

    Decisions. They are what make up our each and every day.

    Some are voluntary and conscious.
    Some are involuntary and  routine.
    Some are easy.
    Some are hard.

    The problem I am having is the decisions that should be involuntary and easy are all of a sudden really hard and take a lot of conscious thought.  And the opposite is true.  Decisions I used to spend a lot of time on and required a bit more voluntary action have become routine and easy.

    For example- I used to wake right up, never hit the snooze button and was ready to start my day- wide eyed and excited.  Now, I snooze for like 35 minutes sometimes, find any excuse to stay in bed and then drag myself into the kitchen to start my day…. so what has changed??  I still sleep the same number of hours, I still sleep as soundly as I did and I still follow all the same bed time routines… honestly, it is a puzzle.

    But the problem is not just getting up. There has been a switch across my whole life.  I thrive at making huge  life decisions and am challenged at making daily decisions.  Oh, gheez!

     

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo 

    SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER // BOOTS // NECKLACE <SIMILAR> // BAG 

    Friends! Run run run to get this sweater.  It is the best sweater I have bought or styled this whole season- honestly.  I love the fit, the color (it comes in many other options) and the material.  It is perfect for under a light jacket as it is super warm.  It is easily worn with a longer layering tee underneath and leggings or with denim as seen here.  These boots are becoming a favorite as I wear them more and I am loving them with skirts!  These are my ever popular J.Crew toothpick jeans and as you can see I wear them all time  The dark color makes them perfect for daytime or evening.  This exact necklace is a few seasons old but J.Crew always has the best statement pieces so I have linked several others <here> <here> <here>.  The bag was a Christmas present and I am simply in love with it- perfect color for winter and will transition so well into spring/summer.  A nice bag can really take an outfit up a few notches- this baby sure makes me feel sophisticated!

    These photos were taken in Clapham Common which is at the end of my street- I literally walk down this path almost everyday.  I was so lucky to have my photographer make the journey to South London for this shoot- these photos will be the prefect reminder of just how beautiful my neighborhood was! But you can be rest assured it took me many many days o decide exactly where I would shoot.

    D E C I S I O N S— T H E    B R E A K D O W N

    Let’s start with life decisions… like moving; we made the decision and then we continued on with life.  Decision over.  Decision done.
    Let’s talk about my breakfast decisions…. do I want coffee or tea? Coffee, so I made coffee and then wanted tea.  Cereal or eggs, well cereal is easier but eggs are better for you- but eggs I have to wash the pan after, cereal is just one bowl…. so I had toast.

    My life just runs this way and I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me?!?  Ha.  I think maybe I am so worn out from making such challenging large impact decisions that I use up my ‘decision making quota’. And so I have toast.  Either way I am working on being better at determining the appropriate amount of thoughts and effort of decisions… should I spent 45 minutes deciding whether to wear burgundy or wine colored lip stick?  Should I spend 3 to 4 days deciding whether to get extra soft tissues or just regular soft tissues?  I guess I will get back to you when I decided… or do not decide…   Just don’t hold your breath waiting!

    With Love,


  • Everyday Fashion

    Ready or Not

    This post was originally going to be about something totally different but then life happened.

    Isn’t that just the thing– we have plans and then life happens and spins us way of course.  As I am sure you are aware- and really tired of hearing about- Brendan moved back to Colorado last week.  Declan and I are staying to finish out the month.  We made this decision based on a lot of pieces of information – including emotional ones.  We thought a lot about the emotional toll of separating our family but in the end really felt it was the best thing (for just a short time) in order for Declan to have a better chance of having a smooth transition back to Colorado.

    Well…. despite all the planning, preparing and processing the emotions I felt last week were like NOTHING I could have prepared for.  I was blindsided by how intensely I felt a sense of loss once Brendan was gone.

    But first- in the interest of all things London this look is one of my favorites given the backdrop!

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look: denim // sweatshirt // long sleeve tee // boots // necklace // tote

    This is a super casual outfit but still a good look for everyday.  I am loving these new boots one because they are super comfortable and two because I love the color.  I mean they are gray… and if you haven’t noticed I love gray.  It is such a great neutral color and easy to wear with anything.  Lets talk about the layering going on here… a perfectly colored short sleeve sweatshirt with a cute white tunic tee is like the perfect outfit for everyday.   You can lunch in this, run errands, grab a coffee, pick up the kiddos from school or even work from home!  So do yourself a favor and snag up this sweatshirt!  These jeans are worn so frequently that I am considering purchasing another pair.  I was on a hunt for a long pendent necklace and found this fabulous one from & Other Stories– which is one of my most favorite stores and will miss it a lot when we leave (they do have online).  There is that tote again- the one I like to rave about.  I will just link it and remind you what a great investment it is.

    Now, let me do some clarifying as to why I was overwhelmed with emotion.  It is two fold.

    1. Naturally I miss Brendan, he is my husband after all.  Despite spending most of days either alone or with Declan only the fact that Brendan is now thousands of miles away and seven time zones makes a hug difference.
    2. Guilt.  This was what I was blind-sided by… the overpowering guilt I feel for being able to stay in London.  My life and adventure here in this amazing city gets to continue but his does not and with each passing moment it is becoming clear that we are moving.

    Yes, I have talked about it for over a month now and it is constantly on my mind but there was something very F I N A L and P E R M A N E N T  about his departure.  It become even more clear that our life here is ending and this move is happening- ready or not.

    With Love,

    I have linked several identical items and several similar items in the shopping widget- this is for two reasons.  I want to give you options to create a similar look and because sometime I can not find the exact item to be linked via the widget (it is the exact in the text above).