Browsing Tag:

off the shoulder

  • Everyday Fashion

    Weather Permitting: Off the Shoulder Dress

    Off the Shoulder

    What is it about rainy days that make you all sentimental and nostalgic?  What is it about spending time with family that makes you all sappy and emotional???  And then just like that the sun comes out and you feel revived and ready to face life.  Please tell me I am not alone….please tell me you are as influenced by the weather as me…. come on, anyone???

    The weather this week has given me opportunities to embrace both.  A lot of rainy day reflections.  And a lot of sunny day flourishing.  And I think I needed a bit of both. To be honest I have turned into a super sentimental, emotional person.  In fact most days I could cry on cue.  Maybe it is motherhood, maybe it is being a consultants wife, maybe it is being 35 or maybe it is knowing that each day is a gift I can never get back.  Sometimes I want to re-live moments or even days…. but reality would not have it.  So, instead I cry a lot #truth

    August has always been a time of transition for me- I mean as a child it was “back to school time” and then when I became a teacher it was more “back to school”.  Each year I would go through the mixed emotions of leaving the long summer days behind and starting a new grade.  Or when I went to college the emotions of leaving home and starting on my own.  And when I was teaching the anxious feelings of meeting my new students and new colleagues.  Each August brought about reflections of the months past and aspirations for the coming year.  And this August in no exception.

    Over the last several days (and actually several weeks, if I am honest) I have been thinking about my “life”.  Now, if that isn’t the broadest topic ever I am not sure what is.  However, what it comes down to is the little things and the feelings.  Its the little things that send my mind spinning into reflection.  Its the little things that I can hang my hat on to keep my emotions in check. It the sound of the rain against the window reminding me of the amazing opportunities we had abroad.  The thunderstorms bringing back the memories of Declans time in the hospital.  The bright sun challenging me to find the best in a situation despite my instinct to see the negative.  The warmth of the day helping me refresh my soul and appreciate all I have.  The cool evenings lending themselves to a little reminiscing of life before a child and a spouse.  But at the end of the day, no matter the weather, no matter the time of year,  I am left with overwhelming feelings of gratitude and appreciation.  Each day I am reminded just how lucky I am to live this life.

     

    Photo: Jenna Sparks Photography

    DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS.  CLICKING ON THEM DOES NOT COST YOU ANYTHING.  THERE IS A POTENTIAL I WILL EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF ITEMS ARE PURCHASED.  

    shop the look:  Dress // Shoes // Bag // Earrings 

    I wanted to be simple and classic with this look. I wanted to keep it neutral and easy.  Both THIS dress and THESE shoes are the  definition of simple, classic and easy.  Off the shoulder is a HOT HOT HOT trend right now and it makes for a nice flare on a neutral dress.  The simple eye-let of THIS dress was what stood out for me.  And it is under $40.  There is still plenty of summer left to snag it up.  THESE  simple nude heels are a classic pair that can be worn across the board.  Paired here with a dress really keeps them simple and neutral but don’t be afraid to throw them on with boy-friend jeans and a tee.  Be prepared to see THESE heels a lot more in the coming months.

    My EARRINGS are apart of the Sugar FIx line from Bauble Bar.  I love the great price, the great selection and the availability.  I mean who doesn’t shop at Target….. you know you do.

    As always I have tried to link several options for all the items in varying price ranges.

    rainy reflections and sunny starts

    I am thankful each day for Brendan.

    I am appreciative of those friends who continue to support and lift me up.

    I am blow away by my love for Declan.

    I am grateful for my parents undying support and love.

    I am lucky to do what I love and share my life.

    I am blessed to live in a place that is endlessly gorgeous and breathtaking.

    I am indebted to the memories of my life and how they have shaped me.

    August weather seems to be as unpredictable as my life; rainy and reflective mixed with a fair amount of sun and fresh starts.  Despite the ever changing forecast of life I am confident knowing that each day I am given the gift to embrace, love, reflect and change.

    With Love,

     

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  • Everyday Fashion

    Party for One: Off the Shoulder Floral

    RSVP’ing for a party of one.  A pity party for one.

    Friends life is challenging right  now.  I was not going to write about it but I had a coffee date on Friday and I was inspired to be real and honest… so here is your daily dose of Debby Downer from my little corner of the world.  So, if this topic does not interest you I totally understand if you stop reading now…but if you want to continue along I hope to come out on the other end with a more positive and optimistic message.

    So, I moved back from London and I was really excited to be coming home!!!  And then reality hit and I felt like I had been hit by a truck; a very large loud heavy truck.  And since then I feel like I take 3 steps forward and then 716 steps backward.  It seems like life just keeps kicking me while I am down and I am not done with it.  It feels like I have checked into the Pity Party Hotel for an extended stay… and it is not a comfortable place to reside.  While it is much easier to set up shop here, in the dumps, it is likely to be extremely unsuccessful in the long run.  But I just can’t seem to figure out how to get myself out; and that is the honest truth.  I am stuck here.

    I have moments and sometimes days of clarity where I manage to put it all in perspective where I feel like I am able to handle the wealth of emotions, life changes and challenges coming my way.  But when it begins to fall apart it seems to REALLY fall apart.  In isolation each event, emotion or challenge is minimal and can be handled effectively and efficiently.  But when they all seem to happen at once I get sucked up in the negative of it all… I just can’t seem to stay afloat.  More often than not I feel like I can barely keep my head above water; with finding a preschool for Declan (been rejected twice), prioritizing my blog, rebuilding a life in Denver, parenting a toddler, developing and nurturing new friendships, being a loving wife, managing our household while my husband travels 100% of the time and reconnecting with old friends all while trying to take a moment for myself. I am in WAY over my head. I  am drowning in sea of self-pity.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks

    shop the look: denim // OTS top // jacket // shoes // sunnies // clutch

    How much more of a selling point do I need to make on this off the shoulder floral top other than to draw your attention to the print… I mean seriously!!  I am in LOVE with it and it is even more amazing because it is a Liberty London print for J Crew.  Two of my favorites coming together, again, to create the perfect spring off the shoulder floral top.  The fit of this top is perfect but runs a little large so order a size down. I love the length on it which allows me to wear it with denim and shorts or skirts.  Given this off the shoulder floral top is at the top of my price range for shirts I included a few at different price points <here> and <here>.

    I was feeling “blue” so I paired it with this faux suede moto jacket and distressed denim to complete the look.  My whole life has been feeling “blue” so it was an easy pairing for me.  Both the fabulous jacket and denim are from Hailee Grace ( for all my Denver friends make sure you get in there as these are selling out quickly).  This jacket is perfect for spring and compliments the florals I am seeing everywhere.  The denim are an excellent addition to any wardrobe especially as we transition into spring.

    Mules are H O T right now and I am loving this pair.  Easy to slip on (literally) with any outfit.  As the weather is continuing to get warmer I am wearing these more and more- especially when I have not had a pedicure but want a spring/summer shoe option!!  They come in several other colors and I provided similar ones in a lower price point <here> and a high price point <here>.

    leaving the pity party and staying afloat.

    Well, I was thrown a life saver this weekend with a little get-away with the family.  And more importantly I was able to spend a lot time processing and talking with Brendan who is feeling a bit of the same way.  So while I have not entirely left the party I am no longer there alone and having some company feels really good.  It is a learning process and I need to continuously remind that it is OKAY to have bad days.  It is OKAY to feel like I do.  Acknowledging that and being real about my feelings is the first step in getting out.  Nothing can make it all better- nothing can take away all my challenges- and honestly I do not want that. The rest of the answers will come over time and I will continue to strive to be positive and remain honest…however, sometimes those are not inclusive of each other.  But a friend at my party and breath of fresh air can make all the difference.

    With Love,