Annieism #1 Buy What you Love...

jewelry: Personal + Annie M monogram bracelet.  dish: yard sale .25

I have many philosophies on many things...today, however, I will focus on just one.  I call this my first Annieism--Buy what you love.  This does not mean buy everything you see (and say, "I LOVE this"), or buy things you cannot afford, or buy things that will make your husband really angry (always proceed with caution in this category--fyi: not worth it.).

What I do mean is this: buy the blouse that you love, because it flatters your best features and the color makes your eyes radiate.  Buy the shoes that speak to you, the lines are flattering to your leg, the heel height is perfectly manageable.  Buy the striped vintage dish at the yard sale that makes you happy when you look at it (pictured above).  Buy the set of postcards that are so cool and different.  Buy the lipstick that makes your skin glow and updates your look for the new season....you get the idea.

I know, I know, its stressing you out already!  Listen-- this is how unique, personal creativity and style happens.  It's right inside all of us.  As you gather all the things that you love, and put them together in your own special way--it becomes you!  It always, always, always works.  In your wardrobe, you will find the exact skirt to wear with your new blouse and the perfect outfit to wear with those shoes.  In your home, the vintage dish is a perfect place to set your jewelry and enjoy everyday, and those postcards will make a cool collage.  And don't forget that lipstick... it's the cherry on top every morning of every day! -- All of the items that have meaning to you become a collection of who you are...and it is always Perfect.

What was the last thing you bought that you loved?  Do you still love it today?  Look around and decide if the things that surround you make you happy or are just stuff and things?

xo

I'm lookin right at the other half of me...JT

OK, OK.  I've got to confess.  I am Loving JT and this song right now, and I can't seem to get enough of it!....There. I said it.

So, this version is pretty much awesome....I love the old school big band vibe. Watch it, you will become a major fan! (like me)...."Cause I don't want lose you now...."

xo

Allowing yourself

I have realized lately that so often I am focused on improving and growing instead of focusing on what is right in front of me.  Everything I need, I already have inside of me--I just need to trust whats already in my heart and mind....and start moving forward in a way that's right for me.  Developing talents, taking on projects, and loving the life God gave me.

Who have you always been?
Whats already inside you?

Start focusing more on what you want to become, and focusing less on people and things you can't control.  See what happens.

xo

Hows this working?

via

So, I really like this look.  I like the stripes layered under the dress with the jacket.  It changes up the typical black dress and adds a bit of casualness (is that a word?)-- but better than that, I love adding a pattern into an outfit to change things up.  It's perfect for fall and winter, and transitions so perfect for spring and summer. I love the idea of this extending the life of many dresses that would otherwise stay in the closet for off seasons.

But, my question is this:  How is this working?  Where is the bottom of that shirt, SJP?  What is it tucked into?

How does one manage all those layers?  What is the solution?

xo

Good, Better...

Life is ever-evolving.  One day you think you have an idea of what the future holds, and the next it totally changes.  I am learning flexibility.  Seems like a simple concept, expect harder to embrace.  I just keep telling myself, "stay loose, stay loose"... not in an immoral way, but in my flexible minded way.

What are your better things that are falling together?

I am finding that when we let go of others expectations, we see clearly what we need to accomplish in our own life.

xo

Reach

This song = PERFECTION....listen to it over and over and over again--River. Imagine Dragons.
(no video, just the song--its all you need)

Enjoy.
xo

Filling gaps

via

I love this first picture of Kate emerging from her morning sickness.  Soo Gorgeous.  I was so interested to see what she was wearing, of course, but my first thought was how beautiful she always, always is.  And then I thought, she must have needed  a little extra coverage with this dress to fill the "gap".

I think we can all relate to filling gaps.  So many dresses have tons of potential, and then there are often these little "gaps" that need to be filled.  You  know when your Momming it, and busy and free shows aren't an option.

So what's your good solution to filling your wardrobe gaps?

xo