GET THE LOOK HERE:
Top: ModCloth (exact) (option) | Skirt: Kohl's (option) (option) | Belt: Old Navy (option) | Shoes: Nine West (exact) (option) | Necklace: Francesca's (option)
This outfit and pictures have all the qualities of what springtime encompasses; light and airy, blooming flowers, vivid colors, sunny skies and birds chirping in the trees. It's picturesque. It's the time of year I enjoy most and spring seems to have sprung early in most parts of Texas. We will see how long it lasts.
Sometimes things appear light, colorful, radiant and harmonious, but behind the scenes it can be quite different. It's not always as cheerful as it may look.
There are so many things I want to write/blog about that dive into greater depth than just fashion or my weekend happenings; relationships, friendships, lack of motivation or things that really gnaw at me. For numerous reasons, I choose not to. Maybe I don't want my mom and dad to see. Maybe it's because I don't want my "in real life friends" to know. Or maybe I am too afraid of rejection and the comments I will receive. It's a scary thing putting yourself out there with a blog. Some people are braver than others. Just because I don't touch on touchy subjects or don't speak about more personal dilemmas, what you do read on my blog is real. It's 100% who I am.
I posted this on my Instagram yesterday, a few ladies agreed with me and felt the exact same way.
I have been going to through a few struggles lately with my own personal identity, friendships, parenting and things that I can't seem to shake. I know I should write it down in a personal journal or private blog, but I am the type of person who needs feedback. I need to hear the opinions of others; their take on the situation. But then again, I don't want to put my private life out "there" for the entire world to see, read and judge. It's kind of a catch 22. I have a couple of friends that I confide in about pretty much everything, knowing that they won't judge me and will shoot me straight. And of course I have Ross who is a huge support system, but sometimes men see things differently. I just feel like I am bottling things that need to be poured out. There was a time in my life where I shrugged things off to the point of depression. I don't want that to ever happen again. I will not let it happen again.
I think as women, we tend to put so much pressure on ourselves; pleasing others, wanting to be accepted by a certain group, competition both personally and professionally, always trying to keep up, comparing ourselves to others, not being able to shake things off as easily as men and the list goes on.
Yet, I think that so many of us keep things to ourselves thinking we are the only ones that are going through whatever it is we are going through.
So, today, I thought I would let each of you comment, openly or anonymously about what you wish you could talk about either on your blog or with someone else. This isn't like the "I've got a secret post". It's just a place where we can all come together and let out anything that is bothering us. Things we are too afraid to share on our blogs, Facebook, Twitter or with a friend/partner.
This could completely back fire on me, but I think it might help to see that we share common insecurities and struggles and that we are not alone.
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In other, happier, sassier, prettier news, I have someone that I would like you to meet. Ever since we met, Lauren has made my blogging days brighter and inspired me with her fashionista skills.
Everyone say hello to Lauren. Drop dead gorg, right? She is also one of the most sincere and kindest bloggers I have come across.
She hosts a weekly link up starting at 4 PM every Tuesday called Style Sessions. You can link up anything outfit / fashion related, or if you're on a
budget / camera shy you can even create a virtual outfit. Plus, one lucky link-upper (is that a word?) will be selected each week to be featured as Head Stylist.
Lauren also likes to shop, play dress up, covets cosmetics and gets giddy over anything that's shiny and sparkly. A girl after my heart. See, I knew you would love her too. Take a look at her shopping adventures. Which top do you think she should have gotten? I voted for all four, but take a look at what her readers decided.
I bet you are wondering how she stays so slim and trim, huh? Well, she takes good care of herself and shared a few pointers about how she stays healthy and fit and looking cute while sweatin' it out. Girl's gotta it goin' on!
So, remember I told you a few seconds ago how sweet Lauren is. Well, the proof is in the pudding. She is giving away not one, but TWO gift cards to one lucky reader. Enter below for $25 to J.Crew and $25 to Victoria's Secret. Someone is going to be looking pretty fab on the outside and underneath...wink wink.
And head over to Lauren's blog, Style Elixir. You will love this lady, I can promise ya that!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**If you are linking up today, please use good manners. I kindly ask that you follow my blog and link back to it in your post. It's called blogging etiquette.
Oh, and go meet some new friends!
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Style Elixir
