Happy Sunday all!

Earlier today I read that tonight will be the last sunset after 8pm until May 9th 2020.  As quickly as Summer arrived, it is now on its way out.  I plan on spending the last few weeks of Summer at the pool, maybe a beach day, dining al fresco and attending a block party.  Fall is one of my favorite times of the year so I’m not too sad to see it arrive. The only downside is the days getting shorter.  I think Winter would be more tolerable if sunset was at 6pm instead of 4:30pm.  I personally think daylight savings time should be abolished (LOL).  I highly doubt that will ever happen but if it did I would be all for it!

So get outside before it gets chilly.  Hit up a street fair, outdoor concert or just take a walk in the sun.  Enjoy these last moments of Summer while you can.

Have a wonderful evening!

Skirt: Demestik by Reuben Reuel (here, similar here and here)
Top: Old Navy (old, similar here and here)
Shoes: Zara (no longer available, similar here and here)
Bag: c/o Brahmin (here)

“Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy”-Theodore Roosevelt

Happy Hump Day all!

For years I spent valuable time comparing myself to others.  I was so convinced that everyone had a great life and mine sucked I couldn’t see the forest before the trees. Focusing on what I lacked stopped me from living my life to the fullest. I allowed comparison to suck the joy out of my life.  Eventually I had stop allowing myself from getting robbed.   With time I’ve come to  learn that I am extremely blessed and that it was okay to share in the successes of others.  Not allowing comparison to steal my joy is something I practice daily.  Today I’m sharing some of the things I do to protect my joy.

1. Log Off:  With the rise of social media, we are constantly bombarded by people who appear to have the “perfect” life, relationship, etc.  It can be hard not to compare and contrast yourself with others. Don’t fall for the okie doke! When you feel yourself sliding down that slippery slope, LOG OFF.
2. Daily Affirmations: I remind myself daily that I have a good life, even when stuff goes left. It’s important to acknowledge all the good things in your life.  Daily affirmations are a great defense against negative self talk.
3. Get Help: Look there are some battles we cant win alone. If you find that you can’t find peace with your life its okay to get help.  I’m currently in therapy to address things in my life that bring me dissatisfaction. You deserve to be happy and satisfied with your life. Periodt.
4. Be Kind: It’s important to be kind to yourself. I know at times I can be really hard on myself. Remember no one is perfect and we all stumble because we’re human. So stop beating yourself up!

How do you protect your joy?

Have a wonderful evening!

Dress: Who What Wear Collection (old, similar style here and here)
Shoes: Target (old, similar here)
Bag: Kate Spade (old, similar here)

Happy Monday all!

A few years ago I read an article about wearing a one piece bathing suit as a bodysuit.  I wanted to try it but at the time I didn’t have a bathing suit that fit the bill.  Last year for my trip to Miami I got this green one shoulder bathing suit from Eloquii that I absolutely love.    I wear it all the time to the pool/beach but I’ve never considered wearing it as a body suit until now.  Paired with a midi skirt I feel like I could wear this to a  birthday brunch or bridal shower.  In full disclosure I wore a strapless bra underneath the suit for extra bust support.

I think its fun to try mixing items in your closet to see if they work together. It’s a great way to refresh your current items so you don’t feel like you need to buy new clothes.  Try wearing a button up dress as a duster or layer a midi skirt over a mini dress.  Once you figure out what combos work together your clothes will be doing double duty in no time.

Have a wonderful day!

Bathing Suit: Eloquii (old, similar here and here)
Skirt: JCrew (sold out, similar here and here)
Sandals: Zara (no longer available; similar here)
Bag:Cult Gaia (here)

TGIF all!

Staying cool yet work appropriate during the Summer can be somewhat of a challenge. While some jobs have relaxed dress codes others enforce strict ones.  If you’re in such a work environment, here are a few suggestions to get around the code without sweating yourself to death!

1. Sleeveless blouse or shell:  These are perfect under a blazer or cardigan. Pair a printed blouse under a colorful suit for a cool Summer look.
2. Ankle length pants: Can’t wear crop pants to work? Ankle length pants are the perfect alternative. Opt for natural fiber blend with polyester or elastane to maintain pant shape.
3. Midi skirts: Do I need to say more? Try pairing a bold color with a neutral to keep things appropriate.
4. Slingback flats or heels: Showing a tiny bit of skin never hurt no one!
5. “Soft” Blazers: Opt out heavy material blazers for a more relaxed silhouette in a breathable material.

What are some of the ways you stay cool yet work appropriate?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blazer: Eloquii (here)
Top: Old Navy (old, similar here)
Skirt: Who What Wear x Target (here)
Shoes: JCrew (no longer available)
Earrings: Kate Spade (old, similar here)

Happy Monday all!

Immigrants from all over the world have and continue to contribute greatly to American society.  The large majority come to America because they believe in the “American dream”. Many of them will risk their lives to achieve this dream. While many become American citizens, others remain undocumented for a variety of reasons.  Despite their undocumented status, they continue to work land pay taxes. Unfortunately undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America have become demonized.  According to the current administration, they are the source of all of America’s ills (insert eye roll here).   These beliefs have developed into hard line immigration policies such as  separating children from their parents at the border.  Although the practice was “banned” last year, children (some as young as several months old) are still being taken from their parents as “determent”.  While immigration is a hot button issue in our country, I’m sure we can all agree that this continued practice is beyond cruel.  The reported conditions of their detainment  is extremely inhumane and dehumanizing. While I am outraged, I’m not surprised how the lives of children of color are easily dismissed.  Our country has a long and sullied history of separating families of color. It’s a practice that needs to stop NOW! 

So this Fourth of July I proudly stand with immigrants. Our country needs to create a path to citizenship without criminalizing and punishing people seeking a better life here.  Click here and here to learn how you too can help  immigrant families.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

Shirt: I Am An Immigrant (here)
Skirt: H&M (old, similar here and here)
Sandals: Target (here)