Browsing Tag:

summer dress

  • Everyday Fashion

    Second Chances: Little Black Dress

    Summer Sun Dress

    Second chances are not given to make things right. But are given to prove we can better after we fall

    At this point in my life I am really trying to embrace the idea of second chances.  Not only for others but for MYSELF.  I am a pretty harsh critic of myself and when I mess up I am pretty unforgiving.  Allowing someone to change and giving them the opportunity to do so has been a great challenge for me despite my desire to forgive and move on.  The idea that second chances won’t take away the pain or make it better but to show that people (including myself) can make changes is a new one for me.  I always looked at second chances as an opportunity to right a wrong- or make amends for hurting someone- or demonstrate remorse… but the idea that I should use second chances to encourage and support growth is one I want to embrace more.

    Over the last several months I have been very candid about my journey, both good and bag, in returning to Denver.  What I may not have been as candid about was the impact that has had on some of my friendships, relationships and marriage.  Over the last several years I have had so many experiences that have impacted me – Declans birth and first year, moving to London, starting the blog, moving back to Denver, my husband traveling all the time- that I am so much different than I was just 4 years ago.  Over that time I have let go of friendships that did not align with where I was in my life, that I felt were not supportive, or that I did not feel an organic relationship from… at the time I felt very good about those choices.  I was comfortable moving on with my life.  I was comfortable and happy exploring new friendships and relationships.  And while I am still very happy with those choices I am opening my heart to second chances.  Recently, I had drinks with a girlfriend and I was blown away by the change and acceptance I felt from her, I left feeling rejuvenated, I left happy with the decision to open my heart for a second chance.  A second chance for a friendship, a second chance for happiness and second chance for an authentic relationships.

    I am a harsh critic of MYSELF.  I hold myself to standards that too often are unattainable so I am consistently letting myself down… and believe it or not this doesn’t seem to be working for me any longer.  Ha.  We all fail and we all fall down.  I am just not good at giving myself the second chance to do it again- I am not good and remembering there is growth in trying again.  Instead of granting myself forgiveness I hold a grudge against myself. Going forth I strive to allow myself to the second chance I deserve… growth is as important as the outcome.  Intentions speak louder than failures.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks Photography

    shop the look: dress <similar>  // sandals // tote // sunnies // necklace

    So, I am not one to get dressed up very often but I do love dresses.  I found this beauty at Rack and have been loving it.  This particular dress sold out pretty quickly but I have found several that are similar. I love an easy casual black dress in the summer as they are perfect for lunch dates, date nights and everything in between.  I typically choose ones that are easy to wear (meaning comfortable and wearable about my toddler) and that have one or two elements of fun!  This one has a racer back and the gathered detail at the waist add a little definition to a classic simple LBD.  These sandals popped up on my Instagram and I am still loving them.  They are fun, comfortable and under $25.  I mean what else do you need in a summer sandal??? I have linked several other lace up sandals, below.

    This Kate Spade was my summer bag purchase.  I debated for a while between several but in the end the scalloped detailing and the bright pink accents really sold this one for me. I love the summer feels and how big it is!!  I seem to be carrying a lot more in my bag these days, hmmmmm…. toddlers!

    chances

    With my new hope to allow myself and others second chance I can’t help but wonder what doors I may have closed by not offering a second chance.  Each day I am given another chance to offer myself an opportunity to pick up where I fell, to accept my failures and to try again.  In order for a second chance to work I have to allow the other person (or myself) the chance to change. If I always perceive them in a certain way I will never see anything different. It is up to me to open my hear, my mind and my life.  Second chances are hard… the fear of being hurt again, the fear of failure again or the fear of the unknown… but the possibility of authentic and organic relationships, personal growth and change are worth the chance.

    With Love,

     

  • Everyday Fashion, Real Life Ramblings

    Confessions: Gingham Plaid Dress

    Gingham Summer Dress

    Are you totally intrigued by the title and wonder what I may have to confess?????

    If you are then I have done my job by hooking you… if you aren’t then scroll on by.

    May is Nation Mental Health Awareness Month and millions of Americans and even more world wide are affected by mental health issues.  As someone who suffers from anxiety (my BIG confession) I am ever eager to help educate, acknowledge and support those who are also effected by mental health issues.  To start I want to offer a few resources for individuals who may need extra support and then I will shed light on my own journey.

     

    To preface I am not an expert on mental illness.  This is about my journey and my story only.  My hope is that someone find comfort, identifies with this or feels less alone.  Furthermore, it is fairly theraputic for me to write this- I mean at the end of the day Pish to Posh is place where I have always felt free, confident and honest.

    I was first diagnosed with anxiety in my mid-twenties and began seeing a therapist.  My symptoms ranged from full blown panic attacks where I could not breath, I would be hysterical and flee the situation at any expense (emotionally, physically and monetarily) to a daily shortness of breath, to indulgence in alcohol and at times a lack of interest in just about eveything.  My symptoms became over bearing and ruled my life and so I was encouraged to see a therapist.  Through many sessions focusing on being true to myself, releasing myself from the pressures of others and allowing myself to feel respected and loved I began to feel much better and to have a handle of my life.  My panic attacks stopped, my shortness of breath subsided and I began to feel passionate about my life.  At that point in time I began and completed my Masters in Special Education and became a teacher.

    Flash forward 8 years to after Declans birth.  My anxiety returned only this time it was intertwined and coupled with severe postpartum depression.  Recognizing the signs and triggers my mother accompanied my to my 6 week postpartum appointment where she spoke to my doctor about my mental health…. I was relieved and appreciative of this as I was only focusing on my inability to care for my medically challenged newborn son. At that moment I felt a sense of relief and a sense of support that I am forever grateful for.  My mom knew I needed help and she knew I was too stubborn and too proud to admit I was no longer in control of my anxiety.  I had worked so hard to learn my triggers, to understand my mental abilities but in that moment I was unable to see what was right in front of me.

    Declan is now three years old and I am still dealing with my anxiety.  Some days I use medication to enable myself to get through the tough times but most of the time I work on acknowledging and owning my triggers. My triggers, now, are almost identical to those from my early twenties… my need to please everyone, my fear of failing and my desire to have people accept me.  I started Pish to Posh as an avenue to showcase the person I FEEL and know LIVES inside me as too often people saw me and thought of me as a weak over emotional person. I have friends who have no idea I suffer from this mental health condition (well they do know!).

    I have been pretty tight lipped about it as to not paint a perception or image of someone or something I am not.  Recently, I have made some changes in my life and been very intentional about who I surround myself with, who I confide in and who I trust.  Over the last several years I have learned to hold my life close to my heart and to protect myself.  Has this changed some of my relationships???  Yes, it certainly has.  Has it changed my marriage??  Yes, it certainly has.  Has it changed my life???  YES, it certainly has.

     

    SHOP THE LOOK: DRESS // WEDGES // BAG <similar> // WATCH // EARRING

    Some days are easier than others and some days are down right hard.  That is the thing with mental health… I can try and try to control it and I can try and try to “overcome” it but the truth is that I have anxiety. Each day I am faced with the choice to let it overtake me and consume me or to work hard and change my life.  Everyday I choose.  Sometimes I make the easy choice and let it consume me, let it keep me away from social situations, let it rule my marriage and let it influence my parenting.  But most days I choose to admit that I have anxiety, take a deep breath and challenge myself to make a small change that will help me feel free.  Because that is the thing… I feel trapped.  But only I can change that- through my actions, through my thoughts and through leaning on my support system.

    This is me.  For better or worse this is me.

    SHOP THE LOOK: DRESS // WEDGES // BAG <SIMILAR> // WATCH // EARRING

    This dress was gifted to me by the wonderful ladies at Shopstevie Colorado.  Check out their website for the best summer casual looks.  Their products are so easy to wear, fit perfectly and reasonably priced.  This blue plaid gingham is less than $40.  It is a flowyier fit but runs true to size. They have such a great selection of casual summer dress and ship all their products!

    These Steve Madden platform sandals are slowly becoming my favorite summer sandals as they are ever comfortable and such a great neutral that they pair with anything.  I wear them with shorts, dresses, skirts and denim.  This floral bag is not as readily available anymore but I have linked several other bright floral bags and this same bag in a different color.

    Have a great week everyone!!  If you haven’t already make sure to subscribe to ensure you never miss a post.

    With Love,