Summer Soft

H&M Shirt | Banana Republic Skirt | River Island Shoes | Zara Bag

Soft colors and materials are life savers for me on Florida's hottest days. To inject a more corporate feel into a softer look, black accessories do the trick.

I already admitted that I purchased this H&M shirt in three colors. In addition to this soft shade of olive green, I also have it in black and white. If this Zara bag had come in other colors, I would have done a "three-peat" purchase as well. A girl's got to have options.

2 Samuel 22:36

("Summer Soft")

Mother-Son Moment

It's true... Unconditional love never truly flows out of you as effortlessly as when you have a child. 

My little boy amazes me every day, not just because of the love that he pulls out of me, but because of the love he gives me back. He can't say it yet with his words, but his deep, knowing eyes and easy smile always let me know that everything is going to be OK. I don't deserve to be his mommy, but I sure am glad God chose me.

Dressing for Blessings

Zara Dress | H&M Blazer | BCBGeneration Shoes | Zara Bag

Some days require pushing beyond the moment's negative circumstances and dressing in faith for the day you want to have. Life has been up and down lately for me, but in all things, I give thanks. I can never take for granted that I am blessed. So, why not dress like it?

Isaiah 61:1-3

On-The-Go

H&M Shirt | Banana Republic Skirt | Zara Shoes | Zara Bag

As a full-time wife, mom and career woman with heavy involvement in various other life areas, I appreciate a well put-together outfit that's practical for an on-the-go lifestyle. To accomplish this type of look more, I've been investing in quality pieces that are easy and versatile but still offer style and comfort. I believe you should wear the outfit; the outfit shouldn't wear you. So for me, especially in the Florida summer, comfort is non-negotiable.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

New In // Zara, H&M, ASOS & More...

H&M Airy Blouse | Zara Combination City Bag | ChicWish Peach Blossom Midi Skirt

ASOS "Perfect Day" Pointed High Heels | H&M Pleated Skirt | River Island Black Leather Heeled Pumps

Over time, I've been giving my wardrobe a slight refresh by replacing a few basics and adding a few interesting pieces to the mix. I actually bought the H&M blouse (now on sale for $12) in white, black and olive green because it's so functional – perfect for classy casual outfits as well as for summer days in the office because of the light material. The Zara Combination City Bag was an essential because it works with pretty much everything for summer and can transition to year-round wear as well. I wore the floral skirt in a recent post, so you already know how I feel about this one: fun, flirty, floral, yet still so versatile. The same fun, yet versatile, description can be applied to the ASOS pumps. I love a good black pair of shoes (hence why I also added another pair to my collection with the River Island purchase), but for summer I like to switch it up. The H&M midi skirt is so me – understated, elegant, and currently on sale for $27. 

Wins across the board.

How to Be Flawsome

H&M Dress | The Limited Blazer | New Look Shoes via ASOS

I've always known that I have my fair share of flaws. It took me a while (as well as some heartache and lost friendships along the way) to realize that it's not just me – no one is perfect. The good news is, flaws can be awesome. How? I'll tell you.

Be Honest

Fighting against pride and potential embarrassment and actually honestly acknowledging your flaws is the first step to becoming "flawsome." Instead of trying to be someone I'm not (which is literally impossible for me to anyway, I've tried), I came to terms with the fact that I'm an introvert, not very outgoing, too trusting, and I don't have the perfect body (who does!?). Once I acknowledged these so-called "flaws" about myself, I actually started to like them.

Be Positive

Embracing your flaws is easier said then done. It takes time, effort, prayer and even research. It's a process. However, it really boils down to thinking about how these imperfections actually make you... you. In my case, I realized that I enjoy keeping to myself. It just fits my lifestyle and contributes to my personality. It also balances out the extroverts in my life, which there are quite a few. My circle is small, but I know that the people who are in it genuinely want to be there, so that makes it OK. It also helps with the fact that I'm probably the most gullible girl you'll ever meet. If I was outgoing, I probably wouldn't have survived this long.

Be Your Best

Now, I'm not saying to give yourself excuses not to work towards being better. If your imperfections genuinely prevent you from being someone that other people want to be around (e.g. body odor or a bad attitude), then by all means, take care of those, ASAP! On the other hand, if your flaws are basically negative perceptions of yourself, decide which flaws you want to improve and which flaws you want to embrace, and be the best version of yourself you can be. You'll even amaze yourself with all of your flawsomeness.

Go get 'em.

2 Corinthians 12:5-10

Back to Black

H&M Dress | H&M Shoes | Sole Society Bag

Meet my little black dress. She's not to be confused with my black maxi dresses, my formal black dress, or my... other little black dress. This one is different. She's flow-y, flirty, and quite appropriate for daytime with her textured material and subtle pleats or nighttime with her simple-to-accessorize shape. She was the perfect choice for a recent work meeting for which I styled her with snake print pumps and my handy, "everything fits" reversible bag from Sole Society. With a quick bag switch, my outfit was an easy transformation into a cute, classy weeknight out ensemble. Just a few wears in, and she's such a hard worker already. I'd say she's a keeper.

Proverbs 31:30-31

Some Things Never Change

H&M Shirt | ChicWish Skirt | River Island Shoes via ASOS | Zara Bag

Personal style is ever-evolving, but for me there are a few things that are just ingrained. I love a simple color palette – neutrals especially make me happy – and if I do diverge and get wild with, say a floral print, 10 times out of 10, it's going to be in one of my signature girly silhouettes.

Full skirts and I developed our love affair during my postpartum phase, aka "the snap back," and we've been infatuated with each other ever since. (Yes, people, we have a two-way relationship going on; I love fulls skirts and full skirts love me.) Although this skirt is floral, it's surprisingly versatile and can be dressed up or down – or in this case, in between – with ease.

Hebrews 13:8-9

It's As If Time Stopped

Coming back to reality was the hardest part because reality didn't look like anything I had known before. 

It's been nearly eight weeks since my last post, but for me, it's as if time stopped. Trust me, breaking the consistency I was beginning to form in so many areas was not a part of the plan. Actually, I can't think of much that has gone according to plan – not my plans at least, but I guess that's how life is supposed to be. I don't want to overshare or overcompensate for being human and needing to breathe because the truth is I may need to "breathe" again at some point. In the meantime, though, I'm here. Just trying to put pieces together as best as I can.