Bows Are A Girls Best Friend

I love this new dress from Kate Spade. She added a black bow to the front to make it feminine and unique. And I always love a feminine touch! Paired the dress with my new pair of black Ferragamo pumps. I love this look because it is classic and dressy, it wont go out of style. Perfect for a brunch or a dinner at the country club.

Hope

These past few weeks have been challenging for me. But I do know everything happens for a reason. Someone once said it is all about your perspective, changing the phrase "everything happens to me" to "everything happens for me" . When you change one simple word, the whole mindset shifts. I have found that to be very helpful these past few weeks. Have hope today. If you woke up today you were given another chance to spread happiness, love, and hope to the world. That is what I cling to. Hope.

 

Outfit: Dress - Loft, Heels - Vince Camuto.  

Out To Sea

While in Boston I went on a whale watch. Had a pretty close to perfect day on the water. I saw around six whales, such beautiful creatures. It is a must if you have never been.

 

Outfit: Shorts - Vineyard Vines, Tee shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren, and my favorite pair of Raybans

Trip to Canada

Montreal. So much history in this city. And as history has shown us, when all the dust settles we can rise up and make something beautiful of all the broken pieces.

 

Outfit: Strappy heels - Kate Spade, Dress - J. McLaughlin

Travel Thoughts

Took a trip to Montreal, Quebec this month.. It is a beautiful city. I loved walking around and experiencing something completely different and meeting new people. I realize this life is short and as I sat in a park sipping some coffee this quote just kept replaying in my mind. "This is your life, this is your story. And when all is done and said may you live with no regret." Travel. Explore. Love. I hope my life outlives me.

 

Outfit: Dress - Kate Spade, Black heels - Antonio Melani

Dance Upon Disappointment

" Awake my soul to sing with Your breath in me, I will worship. You taught my feet to dance upon disappointment and I will worship. "

One thing I have found is that you will be disappointed or let down in this life, But with Him I have found the strength to dance in the midst of it all.

 

Outfit: Gingham top - Kate Spade, White Jeans - Loft, Strappy heels - Antonio Melani.

Just To Clarify

"Leadership is influence, not title." Who are you influencing? Are you living what you preach? Make sure and live a life to be proud of. You may have no idea who you are influencing so make sure and give a great example of a life well lived. Every decision matters.

 

Also, took this picture at the Biltmore is Asheville, such a beautiful place!

 

Outfit: Skirt - J.Crew, Top - Loft, Nude Flats - Nine West, Handbag - Kate Spade

Natural

Was recently a part of a photo-shoot where we were not allowed to wear any makeup. I was really nervous to be a part because I never leave my house without even mascara on, but it turned out to be really fun. Doing things like this make me realize makeup doesn't make you beautiful. Confidence, class, bravery, kindness.... that's what makes you beautiful.

 

Outfit: Dress - Tommy Hilfiger

Unique

" Being different is a revolving door in your life where secure people enter and insecure exit." - Shannon Alder

We need to understand that when people leave you or make you feel like you aren't enough, that it is actually a reflection of who they are and their own insecurities.

 

Feeling unique in this ensemble: Dress - Eliza J., Black pumps - Antonio Melani, Hat - Vintage piece I found in an antique shop :)

"Love"

Sometimes I feel God allows us to have negative or bad relationships just to show us how different His love is. His love is unconditional, it is never insecure, it never questions whether you are worth it. To Him you are always worth it. I know for me I need to start being more careful who I let have some of my heart. Will they take care of it like God, or will they just use it and throw it away when they do not want it anymore? Guard your heart.

 

Outfit: Button down - Loft, Skirt - J.Crew, Nude Pumps - Kate Spade

The Voice

" Make sure the voices that you are listening to are constructive and not destructive. What informs us forms us." This is something I have really been battling lately. I tend to focus on the one negative thing done or said and ignore ten nice things. It is so important to have a positive view of yourself. If you do not love yourself, how can you show love to others? I have got to start blocking out the negative and believing the positive. Choose happy!

 

Outfit: Shorts - Draper James, Basic navy tee - Loft

A Time To Reflect

~ I used to recognize myself, it's funny how reflections change. And we are becoming something else, I think it's time to walk away. ~

 

Outfit: One piece - Landsend, Cover up - H&M

 

 

Don't Over Think It

" Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple. " - Dr. Seuss

 

Outfit: Jeans - Kate Spade, Nude flats - Nine West, Top - Boutique in Nantucket

Passing Through

I know that I am not home yet, this is not where I belong.

 

 

Outfit: Skirt - J. Crew, Top - Loft

Decisions

" Sometimes all you have to do is forget what you feel and remember what you deserve. " A good question to ask yourself is, if I feel for the rest of my life the way I feel right now.. will I live a happy life? For me, the answer was no. Sometimes you have to do what makes you happy, even when it isn't an easy decision to make. Never settle for less than what you deserve, know your worth, and sometimes that means you have to let people go.

So Thankful It's Friday

Soaking up this beautiful 70 degree weather and taking a walk by my house. Decided to carry the heels and walk a bit in the creek, made me feel like a little kid again :) We all should enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, so good for the mind.

 

Outfit: Floral dress - Dillards, Pink pumps - Vince Camuto

Colorful Days Are Happy Days

It doesn't seem to matter what is happening, when you put on a bright colorful dress and get some fresh flowers, you can't help but smile. This past week has been interesting to say the least. Some things changing, but most of the time, change is a good thing. I look forward to new things, new friends, and a new direction. But first priority, get a cup of iced coffee :)

 

Outfit: Mint green dress - Kate Spade, Flower pumps - Kate Spade.

Monday....

"Life is tough, my darling, but so are you." This quote brings me back to a conversation I had with my grandfather before he passed. He said, " Brooke... you are made of different stuff". Life is not always easy and sometimes it doesn't make sense. But at the end of the day you have to be tough and keep going. You are here for a purpose, don't let any negativity stop you today.

 

Outfit: Shirt dress - Kate Spade, Nude flats - Nine West.

Porch Thoughts

Life can be interesting. People tend to come and go, some quicker than others. Sometimes people come into your life and try to make you feel like less of a person or to steal your light. Don't let them. We can not control what people expect from us or what people say or do to us. What we can control is how we react. Don't let people take your light and shimmer. You are a beautiful unique human being and only deserve to be treated that way! Have some coffee, enjoy the sunshine, and wear something that makes you feel confident. Happy Friday!

 

Happy Friday!

I have come to find that you can not make people appreciate you or treat you well. All you can control is yourself and your own happiness. So today I decided to treat myself to a bouquet of roses and my favorite iced coffee. Spoil yourself today, give yourself a reason to smile.

 

Outfit: Blouse - Kate Spade, Skinny jeans - Kate Spade, Nude pumps - Nine West

Is It Spring Yet

I am greatly enjoying the warmer temperatures lately. Got to wear my new shorts from Nordstrom. Since the breeze was still cool, I paired them with a basic navy tee tucked in to accentuate the waistline and to show the bow!

Go Local

Spent the day at the local Farmer's Market. Such a cool place to find unique pieces and gifts. If you have a local farmer's market, you should check it out!

Outfit: Blouse - Kate Spade, Jeans - Madewell, Pumps - Antonio Melani.

Dream On

"Don't get enamored with charm and charisma. Follow character. It's responsibility that pays the bills, not dreams." Pay attention to this, don't be used as a meal ticket.

Blocking Out The Noise

Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud.

 

Outfit: Denim romper - Gianni Bini, Nude flats - Nine West

 

Spring Fling

In life every situation, experience or circumstance, you learn something about yourself. Whether it hurt or it felt great there is a lesson in everything. Sometimes you grow, sometimes you move on, and sometimes you figure out who the important people in your life really are. And today I can say that you are one of my favorite lessons.

 

Outfit: Dress - Kate Spade, Shoes - Antonio Melani

Loyalty

"Some people aren't loyal to you.. they are loyal to their need of you. Once their needs change, so does their loyalty." Pay attention and notice the people in your life. Do they just use you? Would they be your friend when you have nothing to give, are going through a hard time, or when you may need something? Be aware of the users, they aren't really your friend and they do not deserve your time.

 

Outfit: Sweater - Kate Spade, Jeans - Loft, Pumps - Antonio Melani.

Onward and Upward

"Moving forward is as much about learning what to let go of, as it is about what to embrace." Keep moving forward and grab a cup of coffee on the way!

 

Outfit: Blouse and jeans - Kate Spade, Bright pink pumps - BCBG

Valentines

Valentines Day is coming up, and whether you have a romantic valentine or not, this is the holiday to show love to people in your life. If you don't have a romantic valentine, choose to shower your friends, family, or co-workers with some love. Or you could just eat a lot of chocolate and show yourself some love!

 

Happiness

"Don't let your happiness depend on something you may lose." - C.S. Lewis

I've heard, seen, and experienced this myself lately. It is easy to think that if I have this amount of money, or this relationship, or this job, that then I will be happy. I have come to see that happiness only comes from a place of gratitude for what you do have and a true contentment with yourself. Instead of looking to others or things to make you happy, look to yourself. Choose to be happy and smile today :) It will make the world brighter.

Creamsicle Dreamsicle

The snow is melting and the sun is shining! It has been an uplifting few days, got to love the sunshine. With all the sunshine lately I am reminded of a new favorite quote: " The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely."

 

Loving this new cream dress from Loft. I decided to pair it with these fuchsia Kate Spade pumps for a dash of color. I also had a fuchsia scarf to go but it is not pictured.

Sunshine!

After all the snow and clouds for the past week, the sun came out today and I couldn't be happier! If only I had a job where I could sit outside in the sun and sip on some coffee :)

 

Outfit: Jeans- Madewell, Blouse- Loft, Shoes- Nine West.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

"When snow falls, nature listens." We had one of the prettiest snows that I have ever seen this weekend. One of my favorite things about snow is that it brings you together and forces you to slow down. I did more walking and thinking outside than I have done in a long time. And it felt as though for a brief moment, time stood still. I was able to think through some things and have long talks with my sister which I could never get tired of. Truly a fulfilling weekend. The only negative is that I do not have an outfit to go with these bright rain boots ;)

 

Snow Outfit: Ear muffs: UGG, Leggings and sweater: Loft, Pea Coat: Lands End.

Dreaming Of A White January

Enjoying the first snow of the year! Everything outside looks prettier covered in snow. My snow outfit: Kate Spade polka dot sweatshirt with a bow, black leggings, black Naturalizer rain boots. It's warm, comfortable, and feminine.

Be An Example

"Excellence wherever you find it gets noticed. How we live matters." No matter where you are or who you are, someone looks to you. Be an example of love, kindness, strength, and a dash or two of class to the younger generations. Be someone that someone dreams of being.  A good place to find inspiration is in a book. You just can't beat the atmosphere of Barnes and Noble.

5'1"

Sometimes I find myself in situations that make me feel small, which gives me an opportunity to where even higher heels ;) I am what some would call a little short, I always have been. But like my grandmother always said, " the best gifts come in small packages". Own who you are and be thankful for everything that makes you different.

 

Love pairing these ankle boots with leggings. It dresses it up a bit.

Take A Walk

"There was never a light at the end of the tunnel. There was only a long tunnel made longer by our presence."  Some situations do not have a light at the end. Sometimes we just need to leave and walk another path. Don't put off the inevitable hoping to find a light where there never will be. I find long walks outside are quite the breath of fresh air, physically, emotionally and mentally. Take a walk and think, does this situation benefit or hinder me? If it hinders, you may want to leave the tunnel.

 

My walking outfit: loose winter sweater: Loft. Dark jeans: Kate Spade. Hair: In a bun :)

Keep Your Head Up

" If I ever let my head down it will be just to admire my shoes." No matter what life throws at you, keep your head up! Don't let others get you down. You were created for such a time as this. You've got this!

Got a new pair of Kate Spade heels for the new year, perfect shoe to dress up or down. Here they are paired with Kate Spade jeans and a loft sweater for a more casual look.

New Year

It's a new year! Let's leave what happened in 2015, in 2015. This is a brand new year that can be filled with happiness, joy, fulfillment and strength. Work hard. Play hard. Love people. Love yourself! Keep moving forward this year and make it a year you are proud of.