In high school I was incredibly insecure about my fair skin. I wore long sleeves and long pants to cover it up, and if I wore a skirt, I worried people were whispering about how pale I was. I tried to hide my legs under my desk. My high school friends all tanned easily but if I spent time in the sun, I burned {even covered in SPF 30}.

As I’ve grown up I’ve slowly begun to accept myself more and I’ve literally become more comfortable in my own skin. As I was editing these photos the other day, I was struck by the thought that I would have never, ever worn a dress like this when I was younger. I still have insecurities, but I’m more accepting of my imperfections. I want my children and my nieces and nephews to see how amazing they are–and if I criticize myself I’m teaching them that they aren’t enough.

I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

I’ve had my eye on this new designer at JCPenny. We don’t have a JCPenny near us. My grandmother worked there doing alternations, in her later adult life. It was her first job after my grandfather passed away–and for her it meant freedom and a new beginning. She had a strong affection for that company. I haven’t shopped there in years, but when I caught wind of the Duro Olowo line I wanted to check it out. When I was in Texas last week, I finally got a chance! I styled the dress two ways. It’s so feminine and easy to wear.

For the first look, I layered on a cream sweater. I love this look for a warm summer date night or to attend a wedding. Scroll down for outfit details.

Green dress, Duro Olowu for JCPenny. The dress is fully lined and the $50 price point seems reasonable to me! Cream sweater, gift from Steve from Scotland. Nude heels, thrifted. Green clutch, thrifted. Pretty like a bow necklace, my shop.

For the second look I pulled on a denim jacket, leopard print heels and a bright chunky necklace. Fun! Scroll down for outfit details.

Green dress, Duro Olowu for JCPenny. Denim jacket, Gap. Leopard print heels, Target. Gold connected bracelet, my shop. Golden seed necklace {I’ve layered two here}, my shop –out of stock but hopefully they’ll be back in the next few weeks!

I told you how insecure I was about my fair skin in high school. Is there something you used to be insecure about but you’ve let it go?

Hey friends! I’m in Dallas enjoying some gorgeous spring weather. I spent a couple days with my nieces which was, of course, wonderful! I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

As I was packing for this trip, I looked through my ‘What I’m Wearing‘ posts to get ideas for easy outfits that make me feel good. I want to look pulled together but also feel comfortable. Here are some outfits that caught my eye.

This first outfit was comfortable {this pair of shoes is so easy for all day} and the camo pants add a bit of unexpected pattern.

This black pleated maxi and jean jacket are about as easy and comfortable as an outfit can get!

This patterned, pleated skirt was on sale at anthropologie for $40, so I grabbed it. It’s super comfortable and it doesn’t wrinkle.

I’ve had this vintage green, floral dress for months but I’ve never worn it. Last week I pulled it out and paired it with leopard print shoes for an easy outfit that mixes patterns {I love mixing patterns!}

This is the dress that I styled seven different ways. It’s an easy dress and I like the red shoes and layered tops.

Layers are good, black leggings are super comfy and since I know I’m bringing my denim jacket, this outfit works for travel or spending a day at the conference.

I’m trying to keep from napping, but arriving late and having a time change makes me want to curl up in a ball and snooze for an hour. How do you cope with travel and time changes?

It’s Wednesday and I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

I’ve been buried in a crazy to-do list filled with multiple projects that are each exciting and require lots of time and energy. I’m so thankful for our amazing team–there is no way I could accomplish what I do without their help.

With my attentions elsewhere, this week’s post is pretty much just the basic–with a few accessories mixed in. I have this great pleated black maxi that makes my outfits look more put together than they actually are–and to quote Martha–that’s a good thing.

Comfort and ease were key this week–so I mixed this basic pleated maxi skirt with my more comfortable tops and threw on a few accessories before bolting out the door. It’s real life. Well, real life is the yoga pants I put on at 4pm in the afternoon, but I’m not ready to blog those photos yet.

For look one {above} I wore my favorite booties, an easy tee and denim jacket with the skirt. Similar skirt, Target. Gray tee, Target. Denim Jacket, Gap. Brown booties, Steve Madden. You are necklace, my shop.

For this second look {above} adding the belt really pulled it all together and made the outfit look more polished. Similar skirt, Target. Denim top, Chicos. Brown leather belt, Banana Republic. Leopard print heels, Target. You are necklace, my shop.

For the third and final look I wore a black tee with my safari best and wedge sandals. I’m longing for summer-how about you? Similar skirt, Target. black tee, can’t remember! Safari vest, Old Navy. Wedge Sandals, Target. Hope{full} fair trade bracelets, My shop. You are necklace, my shop.

These necklaces are so sweet, filled with meaning and easy to wear every day. Find the perfect word for a special friend {or yourself!} and tell them you are loved, magical, inspiring, brave, etc. Perfect.

The next couple weeks are so crazy busy I’m just trying to keep my head above water! Which probably means when I put on clothes in the morning I’ll be grabbing the nearest thing! What is something you’ve been wearing over and over again?

Hey friends! This week I’m wearing a JUMPSUIT. Whaat?! Black pants and a black top seem completely normal–but sew them together into a jumpsuit and it somehow seems totally different. This was stretching for me. I’m still deciding if I like way each outfit was styled. But I’m always game for trying something new.

The jumpsuit is from Target, and it’s totally comfortable. I love the idea of slipping something on, adding a cute heel and calling it a day. In fact, with a black jumpsuit, it’s really all about the accessories, right?  Simplicity is a good thing!

For this first look I paired the jumpsuit with nude heels and a couple brightly colored bangles.

Oh how I love this brass swivel necklace. It’s so timeless and simple. {And can be customized on both sides!}

Details for look 1: Jumpsuit, Target. Nude heels, Payless, Bright bracelets, My shop. Brass Swivel Necklace, My shop.

For the second look I slipped on a pair of leopard print heels. Super comfortable–but the print is fun and makes a statement.

Details for look 2: Jumpsuit, Target. Leopard print heels, Target. Ocean View Necklace, My shop. Connected Bracelet, My shop.

The last look incorporates the same scarf that I wore in my hair for yesterday’s post. I love how versatile these scarves are!!

Details for look 3: Jumpsuit, Target. Sandals, Target. Scarf, My shop. Orange bangle, flea market. Saffron Bracelet, My shop.

So what do you think? Wanna borrow my jumpsuit?

I don’t know about you–but I am totally gearing up for spring. I’m longing for warmer weather and there have been a few days here and there that have been absolutely lovely. This week’s post is all about taking a piece and making it work for different seasons. I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

I took a pencil skirt and styled it three different ways–to take it from winter to spring and into summer. {Let’s hear it for warmer weather!!} My skirt is from Target and it’s no longer available–but this pencil skirt is gorgeous! I love wearing pencil skirts–I sized up one size so that it wasn’t too snug. I wanted it fitted, but not tight.

This first outfit was super warm. The tights paired with the wool pullover are perfect for a chilly winter day!

Surprise! A pop of cranberry once the jacket is removed.

Have you snagged a charm for February? Just two days left and they’ll be gone forever!

Details for look 1: Skirt, Target {similar}. Cranberry top, Target. Wool sweater, Banana Republic. Tights, Target. Boots, 7 for All Mankind. Green Jacket, Tulle. Charm Bracelet, My Shop.

Matthias likes this look the best. It cracks me up that my 9 year old has opinions about what I wear. And he definitely has opinions about what he wears! I love easy layers. This sweater is warm, but once the morning coolness of spring has worn off, I can take off the sweater and still look put together.

Details for look 2: Skirt, Target {similar}. Denim top, Chicos. Blue heels, TJ Maxx. Golden seed necklace, My Shop. It’s part of our new fair trade collection, hope{full}.

This last look made my heart happy. This top is feminine and flowy. The heels are neutral and make my legs look longer. I’d wear this for an evening out or church. And how sweet is this necklace? It’s on sale today. This look makes me long for summer!

Details for look 3: Skirt, Target {similar}. Top, local boutique. Heels, Payless. Pretty like a bow necklace, My shop. On sale today only!!

What’s your favorite season? Do you prefer warm, cozy layers or are you a tank top and flip flops lover?

I’m linking up with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration!

Hey friends! I picked up a pair of polka dot jeans at Target last week. They are super easy to wear and since the dot is so small, it makes the pattern easy to mix with other pieces. The Target jeans {like I’m wearing} are on sale for $20! I also love these polka dot jeans from Gap.

These posts are so fun because they make me think outside of the box! Each of these outfits is super comfy and these jeans work great for dressing up or dressing down.

I’d probably wear this first outfit on a date night. When I put it on, I felt pretty–I think it’s the flowy black top. The necklace and the bright blue heels really bring the outfit together.

Outfit 1 details: Black sheer top, Target. Bright blue heels, TJ Maxx. Stir my Soul necklace, my shop {on sale today only!}

This green coat is tons of fun–and I’m pretty sure when combined with polka dot jeans it’s guaranteed to keep me in a good mood. I played up the polka dots even more with a larger dot print scarf. Such a happy outfit!

Outfit 2 details: Green coat, Tulle. Navy tee, Forever 21. Nude heels, Payless. Polka dot scarf, Zara. Connected bracelet, my shop {love}.

This last outfit is the most casual. I loved mixing the polka dots with a plaid. Easy and it works. The wedge heel is comfortable enough for all day.

Outfit 3 details: Plaid camp shirt, Ruby Rose. Turquoise wedges, Target. Love is My Anchor necklace, My shop.

And don’t miss our one day sale on the Stir My Soul Necklace! It’s usually $62 for today it’s only $38. Snag one while you can!

Tell me, which outfit is your favorite?

Hey friends! I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration! Today I’m sharing three ways to style this dress.

This dress from Target has a great, classic shape. It zips in the back and has pockets. Many of Anthropologie’s dresses use this same shape–but this one from Target was only $27.99. It comes in 4 adorable prints and also just plain black. It’s a great dress to have in my closet!

The first way I styled it was super simple–add a scarf and nude heels and I’m ready for a summer wedding or church.

I’m starting to crave warmer weather, how about you? Here’s the details for outfit one…Scarf, Zara. Nude heels, Payless. Gold connected bracelet, My shop.

Outfit two is perfect for date night, which sounds GREAT to me! I love date night. Jean jacket, Gap. Black Tights, Target. Black booties, 7 for all Mankind. Stir My Soul Necklace, My shop.

For this last look, I wore a polka dot top over the dress {I tied it at the bottom to give it more fit} and added a scarf and my favorite boots. These boots are like an old friend! Polka dot top, Target. Scarf, Anthropologie. Boots, Anthropologie. I love you bracelet, our heartfelt collection, find it here.

It’s hard for me to turn down a pretty dress–especially at this price. Which look do you like best?

This week I’m sharing about unexpected basics. Of course black pants and a cream cardigan are great staples to keep in your closet–but what about unexpected basics? The things you wear over and over again but they have more personality. I have a few items in my closet that work with so many different types of outfits that I end up wearing them multiple times a week. I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration!

Some of my favorite pieces that work lots of different ways are my red wedge shoes, my camo skinny pants and my leopard print belt.

Oh, the red wedge. I wear them all the time {and with everything!} You can see them here, here, here and here.

Red shoes are just FUN! Add a little red lipstick and you’re all put together.

Gray skinny jeans, Gap. Polka dot top, Target. Jean jacket, Gap. Embroidered belt, Lucky brand. Gold xo necklace, My shop. Red wedges, Payless. Also check out all these fun wedges at Target.

Don’t worry, I am wearing pants in the picture above-they’re just camouflaged that’s why you can’t see them! Haha! I crack myself up. I just got these camo pants at Target and they are super comfy and go with lots of different tops and shoes.

Camo skinny jeans, Target. Black top, Target. Denim jacket, Gap. Scarf, Anthropolgie. Nude heels, Payless. I love you bracelet, our heartfelt collection available here.

And last but not least, a good leopard print belt. Or a good leopard print heel. Or a good leopard print scarf. Leopard print is fun and versatile!

Skinny jeans, Gap. Denim top, Chicos. Red Cardigan, Urban Outfitters. Leopard print belt, Target. Booties, Steve Madden. From any angle necklace, My shop.

And there you have it–some of my favorite, unexpected basics. Having pieces that work different ways makes getting dressed more fun, don’t you think?

Hey friends! It’s Wednesday and I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

Lately I’ve been loving ponchos. It’s kind of like having your blankie with you all day because they’re so drapey and cozy! I’ve collected a few ponchos over the last couple months. They aren’t expensive–two of them are from thrift stores. Score! Take a look…

*Side note, I thrifted these jeans last week {it’s the same jeans in each pic} and I just cuffed them a bit differently based on what shoes I was wearing.

This first one is from Forever 21. I love the graphic design. The colors are whimsical and FUN! and did I mention it’s cozy?

Poncho, Forever 21. Jeans, Thrifted. Black top, Target. Booties, Seven for all Mankind. From Any Angle Necklace, my shop.

Photo bombed by my sweet NINE year old. Sigh, I love that kid.He was home for a sick day–so we got lots of cuddling in.

Poncho number two caught my eye because I love the color. Someone spent hours knitting this thing, and I found it at the thrift shop for $4. Don’t worry, I’ll give it a good home!

Hand-knit poncho, thrifted. Jeans, thrifted. Denim top, Target. Leopard print heels, Target. Colorful bangles, thrifted. I love you bracelet, from our heartfelt collection, available here.

This time David decided to photo bomb me! I have to laugh–and soak up the hugs whenever I can!

Poncho number three is so SOFT. Oh my, I love it. It’s just plain black but the fringe is fun. Easy, peasy.

Black poncho, thrifted. Jeans, thrifted. Black top, Target. Booties, Steve Madden.

So let’s hear it. Ponchos–yes or no? Would you, could you? I love them. Am I the only one??