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