Holy Hiatus.... I'm Back.

Okay... It's a little ridiculous that my last blog post was over a month ago.  Before you judge and call me a procrastinator, I do have good reason.  I moved into a fabulous new apartment-for-one last month.  Pictures to follow!  Also, the past month has been spent negotiating with a new company, who trustingly hired me a few days ago!  So things are calming down a little, or at least until I start my new job in two weeks, which gives me time to catch up on my blogging.

During these last few weeks of insanity, I've been dealing with a lot of drama on the job-front.  It drove me to shop.  Seriously, I splurged a little.  So, let me use this moment to express to you how much it truly helped.  Work was stressing me out of my mind (hence the new job), and that little splurge was just what I needed to snap me back into happiness.  You might think it materialistic of me to resort to such a therapy, but that's exactly what it was for me.  After a long and exhausting day (physically and emotionally), it calmed and revitalized me.  It brings me such joy to find things in life (clothes, accessories, art, books, etc.) that accurately express me as an individual.  It takes me to a deeper level and reminds me who I am and where I'm going in life.  I get all this simply from shopping you say?  Yep.  To each their own right!  So what calms you down after a stressful day of work or school?  If you don't have an answer to that question, find one.  It is so important to have a hobby/interest/passion in life that express who you are and brings you peace in such a stressful world we live in.

By now you must be curious which items I ended up going home with on my latest shopping adventure.  It was all at GAP.  Now, usually this is not a store I go to if I'm needing a wardrobe face lift.  However, this season they have some super cute but flirty basics that every closet should have.  So here's a little glimpse...

 I bought this relaxed tee in three colors!  I usually never do that, but I just love how this one feels!  It hits in the perfect spot, and it is super light-weight and comfortable.  Dress it up or dress it down.  It works for any girl and any occasion.

 This cardigan is adorable!  It takes the classic black cardigan and gives it a fun and spring-like twist.  This is a must have.

You're probably thinking something like, "A plain white shirt?  Umm, really?"  Yes.  This is an essential piece to every girl's wardrobe.  Think about it.  You can pair it with some skinny jeans and boots for a casual weekend around town.  Or wear it with shorts and fun flip-flops when it starts to get warmer.  Throw on a scarf, a chunky necklace, bunch of bracelets....I could go on.  You can do ANYTHING with this shirt.  And I plan on doing just that!

I promise I will not take forever and a day between blogs again!  I have lots of creative thoughts and projects these days so you will definitely be hearing about them.  My next adventure: decorating my new bathroom.... (proving to be quite an unexpected challenge)....

Making Bold Statements With Accessories

Hello all!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!  Hopefully you all got some cool new fashion pieces to sport!  I know I did and that's where I'm getting today's blog inspiration.  I apologize it has taken me so long to post.  With the holidays and the craziness of life I haven't had much time.  Not even time to shop!   Maybe that's why my blogger motivation was lacking a little?  Well here is another riveting installment of my fashion-forward thoughts.

Accessories.  Where do I start!  Accessories are so much fun.  They make or break an outfit.  They set trends.  They change with trends over time.  This being said, sometimes accessories can be difficult.  I definitely struggled with pushing myself in that department in the past years.  But now I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on them (at least enough of one to make people think I do).  The more I got to thinking the more I realized how much I rely on accessories.  For example, the other day at work one of my employees complimented my outfit.  It was cute, but I wasn't feeling very confident in it for some reason.  It almost felt like something was missing.  After much deliberation we concluded it was because I didn't have anything bold on (can you tell we talk about fashion a lot).  I find this love for accessories kind of ironic because growing up I was so afraid of them!  I've had my ears pierced since I was a little girl, but hated anything besides studs (they are still all I wear).  In fact, it took a lot of courage for me to get comfortable with any sort of jewelry.  But you know how I did it?  A little at a time...

If you find yourself struggling with the same things I did, try tackling one category at a time.  If necklaces are something you are really interested in but don't know where to start, start small.  Pick one outfit and focus on accessorizing only that.  Then pick another.  Then start looking for accessories that will go with more than one ensemble.  Figure out what it is you like and what represents your style the best and embrace it!  Take a leap.  The more comfortable you get with them the easier it will be to venture out into bold statement pieces that really push the edge.  Pretty soon you will find yourself getting excited when you find a beautiful bold new item that would previously send you looking for the exit.

I find that pairing statement pieces with a clean, simple outfit is best since you want the accessory to speak for itself.  With that being said, it also serves as a really easy way to jazz up an every day ensemble, or articles of clothing you just don't wear anymore.  It's amazing how much a big sparkly necklace can change the look of jeans, boots and a sweater...or how it can breathe life into that top you've had for years and given up on ever wearing it again.

Here are a couple of really cool necklaces I have that really speak for themselves:

My most favorite, fashion-forward, world-traveling uncles gave me this for Christmas this year!  It is a bunch of little leather strips gathered together in tiers.  Isn't it to die for!  They know me well.  I have yet to wear it, because it takes a special outfit to pair with this!  Maybe some black skinny jeans, black pumps and a simple top?

 

  

The same two awesome uncles gave me this gorgeous piece from BCBG last Christmas.  The pearls detach from the crystal section so I can wear them separate or together for a more dramatic statement.  I LOVE this one.

This is just a simple long gold necklace that my brother gave me (can you tell my family knows what I like).  I wear it all the time.  What I usually do is wrap it around twice to layer it which works better when I wear low cut tops.  It's easy to throw on with any outfit, and with this I don't need a whole lot of other accessories. 

I hope this advice was helpful, and more importantly I hope it gives you the confidence, courage, and tools to get out there and make some bold shopping choices!  Happy hunting!