Color Crush

Headband: Similar HERE| Sunnies: Sold out, try this pair HERE| Earrings: HERE

Dress: HERE| Patent leather sandals: Similar HERE

Photography by A. Robinson

RED is my favorite color of all time. The sight of it always serves as an instant mood booster. It is a reminder to appreciate the little things deeply, even something as simple as saturated color. Reminders like this feel more helpful now than ever. 
As I look out at the uncertainty of the world scene, I feel compelled to do what I personally can to effect positive, lasting change. I feel encouraged to lean into hope, to repeatedly set an intention to lead with love. 
Until next time,
Xx
P.S. For more examples of me in RED, see HERE, HERE, and HERE 😉

Orange Crush

Headband: Old, another option HERE & HERE

Dress: Nordstrom, options HERE & HERE

Wood handbag: ZARA, another option HERE

Silk sandals: HERE

Hey Loves!
I'm popping in briefly with a rush of color to say HELLO + to remind you (and me) that brighter days are coming 💞 
I hope you and your families are safe and in good health!
Xx

Throwing Shade

"Throwing shade" is a popular phrase currently used to refer to instances when someone says and or does something with insincere intent. For instance, someone may say something that clearly indicates that they are insulting you, but then try to guise it as a polite observation when called out on it. It is challenging to set specific parameters around this phenomenon, as generally the individual to whom the shade is thrown toward notices it more readily than say, a casual observer. I’m not certain who exactly coined this phrase, but I most definitely have been a recipient of its goodness, LOL! Have you had instances where you felt like shade was been thrown in your direction? How did you respond to it?

One thing that has been helpful for me:  I am an introvert by nature. Sometimes people do not fully understand exactly what that means, read more here. In general, as an introvert, I do not seek out causal relationships. I am either hot or cold… and have spent years trying to develop a lukewarm side/gray area. The people in my life whom I consider to be my friends, they are my family. They have been in my life for decades, through the bad times and the good ones. I can trust that whatever they say comes from a place of love. They want to see me happy and living my best life, and for that I am deeply grateful.

According to my experience, shade generally comes from people who fall under the casual acquaintance category, or even  perhaps from someone whom you may have mistaken to be a friend.  I have found it helpful to avoid placing value on what is said by people who: 
1) don’t know you (social media relationships are not a true indication of truly knowing someone)
2) don’t love you
3) don’t deserve you

Today’s look is a toss-up of varying shades, think 'Pastel Meets Matte.' I added in leopard print pumps because they're just as good as a neutral. Not only do they match everything, but they also add in just a bit of extra. Pastels need not be saved for the warmer months. Mix it up with dark denim, colored denim, and or prints, either way you won’t regret throwing shade- XO

Bolero hat: Tildon| Sunnies: Francesca's (worn here)| Scarf: Tildon| Blazer: Ellen Tracy (worn here) |Top: ASTR | Colored denim: NYDJs (worn here)| Leopard print pumps: Michael Kors| Handbag: Coach

                                                    

Flushed With Blush

I have a confession…
I have a new color crush….totally different from those of the past….

Vibrant, rich, tantalizing hues have been my M.O. for 20+ years, but lately…well…I find myself intrigued with neutral color palettes. What’s happening here?!
In a word:  C H A N G E.

There’s something about the color blush , it’s not quite pink, yet it is not quite beige or tan either---> it’s blush! While perusing Pinterest I’ve come across several combinations of black & blush that are classically fantastic.

I picked up  this hi-low blush top a month or three ago (debuted it on date night) - it’s high time that I sift more blush colored items into my collection.

TGIF Beauties & have a wonderful weekend!
XO

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson| High-Low top:ASTR | Jeans: NYDJ| Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (worn here)| Floral Clutch: Vintage

Decidedly Different

pop•u•lar•i•ty - päpyəˈlerədē/ -noun

The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

From adolescence on, there seems to be a desire, perhaps even a need, to be liked and accepted by everyone. For some, the realization that they are not liked and or accepted leads to depression and desperation. In this age of social media fascination, receiving 'likes' from strangers or 'friends', adoring thumbs up, and or a certain amount of followers, has introduced a new intensity for the desire to obtain popularity. It seems to serve as an artificial or virtual ego booster, particularly for those who may not experience the same level of adoration as they may on social media, in their real, physical lives. Yes, in the world of social media, being liked equates to value, marketability, and oftentimes revenue.

Although I have experienced varying phases of physical popularity, completely unsolicited by the way (read more here), I personally believe that there is immense value in this: Realize and accept the fact that not everyone will like the same people or the same things. Everyone will not like ME. Simple, cut, dry. It is not bad thing, it simply is. 

I personally feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that there are things about me and the way that I think that are vastly different from the people around me. My grandma once told me, ‘You’re an old soul’. She meant that my manner of thinking was beyond my age. I believe that she was right. To be honest, it really makes very little difference to me whether people like me or not. I don’t have a desire to be popular, I desire to be MYSELF. I refuse to allow the vacillating sweep of social media, the virtual world, to influence my value of self.(Read the reason why I started blogging here)

I will not follow the crowd. I will not join superficial bandwagons. I will not give insincere praise. I will not do things that I do not want to do - to gain acceptance, marketability, or branding. 
I am, decidedly different.

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Sequin top: ASTR (worn here)| Dress: Vintage| Booties: Moda (worn here)