Inspired // Spring Showers

It's raining right now. And I love it. Forgive me for the lack of links. I do not own any of these images. I found them all on Pinterest. 

1 // This time of year has always brought me anxiety and I would be lying if I said that hasn't changed. But amidst the anxiety and uneasiness about the future, I know that there are beautiful things on the horizon. I know that things are going to work out for me. Don't stop believing in yourself, because so many beautiful things are on the horizon.

2 // Are you a wildflower? Yes! I like to think I am. If I could be any flower, it would be a wild one.

3 // Don't you just want to cozy up with a book from those shelves on a rainy day.

4 // This is actually a men's outfit, but I don't really care about that. You knew that already.

5 // A simple street style look for days like today. All you need is an umbrella and you're solid.

6 // Such a good outfit. I'll put this one in the books.

7 // I have a wall in my apartment that this would look great on.

8 // A fishtail braid and the messiest thrown together bun! Dreamy!

9 // This one time at the a white elephant, I chose a succulent and it got stolen from me. I wish I still had it. Or any cactus or any green plant for that matter.

10 // I LOVE styling without a lot of jewelry. I am part of the nothing but precious metals club so accessorizing can be hard (and painful). So thank you ASOS for styling your models so simply it's so lovely.

11 // Another street style look. I love the boxiness and the stripes and the matching pieces. And I love all of it.

12 // For casual days because they are coming. Summer is coming.

Style Profile // Morgan

Every week, I have the opportunity to feature the prettiest ladies with the prettiest style. Today, I'm featuring Morgan. Morgan and I were in the same Freshman ward at BYU. She is an advertising major and she's a dream come true. No really, she is. She arranged her own wedding bouquet and she has the prettiest golden bands for her rings. Talk about dreamy! Teach me your ways, Morgan! She's also one of the nicest people I know. She is full of kindness and she glows! I mean, look at her! Also, follow her blog and instagram!

In this Style Profile she shares her love for oversized styles (girl after my own heart), her signature sweatshirt and hairstyle and her fashion philosophy that applies to everyone! 

Q. How would you describe your personal style?

A.  I feel like it often changes! Some days I feel super preppy and others I could probably pass as a boy; but typically i would say slightly androgynous with a feminine touch.

Q. How did you “find” your personal style?

A.  My style has evolved over the years, but it started with me wearing clothes I felt comfortable in. Comfortable as in feeling good about myself and also literally cozy. And I like classic pieces with fun details, so if it fits in that category, it’s probably in my closet.

Q. How do you plan your outfits or put them together?

A. Usually I try on an outfit I originally think up, change the top, then the shoes, and then the pants. So after a few mixes and matches, I end up deciding on something completely different. It is kind of nice though because I can make a mental note for another outfit that had gotten changed out in the search. 

Q. Do you have any style “splurges”?

A.  Almost everything in my closet is affordable, I try and find the best deals. But I will spend a little more on shoes, it’s worth it to me if I can wear them with everything! 

Q. How does wearing your uniform/favorite outfit make you feel?

A.  I wish I could wear my uniform (favorite black JCrew sweatshirt, black zipper leggings, leather booties) everyday. I honestly think it makes me in a better mood, and I just love the feeling that I’m wearing something I love and I don’t even care what anyone thinks. 

Q. What do you like about your sense of style?

A.  I like that I can go from school to work to internship all while feeling comfortable and put together. I’m a creative person and I like that its usually reflected in what I’m wearing.

Q. Any style secrets we should know about?

A. I looove oversized everything, I feel like it is a cute/flattering style on everyone!

Q. Any signature piece?

A. Oversized sweater and a top knot. And neutrals. Oh and stripes!

Q. What's a trend you tried and regretted?

A. TOO MANY!  In my defense,  they were usually(?) in style at the time. The worst I can remember is plaid bermuda shorts, an Abercrombie polo and a contrasting tee on top. Or shrugs. Or gaucho pants. Lace cami’s. (!!!!!) 

Q.  Anything you absolutely won’t wear?

A. Eeek. Super tight tee’s or patterned leggings. Seriously nothing against anyone who chooses those styles, they are just not for me.

Q.  What is your overall fashion philosophy?

A. If you feel confident in what you are wearing, you can pull it off

Thanks Morgan! 

Inspired // I believe in distressed denim, half tucks, and neutral tops

There won't be a Style Profile this week and for that I am very sad. I have two beautiful girls lined up for the coming weeks though so have no fear, the Style Profile is still here. I just had to take a break. I love Style Profile's but they require a lot of work for both parties. Formatting and editing isn't always fun. Plus, let's get real, homework is a real witch with a capital b, amirightladies? So here are some outfits I've been inspired by lately. All pics can be found on my Pinterest boards. 

Question of the day: Should I do a Style Profile? Lemme know. 

1 // I don't even know who this woman is, but I want to be her. She looks so relaxed, so happy with herself, so effortless. 

2 // This outfit is so simple, but it's dynamic. It's put together with some great pieces. If you have basic white sneakers, a grey beanie and a navy merino sweater all you need is the polka dot jeans. It's awesome! 

3 // Mom jeans and a simple white tee are revolutionizing lazy Saturday mornings where you forgot you had to be at brunch with your friends so you hopped out of bed and off you went. 

4 // Because Kimberly Pesch could do no wrong. I aspire to be her layered looks. No, not her. Her layered looks. 

5 // Because I want to incorporate color into my outfits. I have always gravitated towards jeweled maroons and the blushiest pink! Plus, those brogues! LOVE! 

6 // Black and white is such a classic combination that can go from Breakfast with Tiffany's to edgy and street style cool. 

7 // Can we talk about striped shirts and black ripped-at-the-knee jeans? Can we please talk about this combination. #praisehands 

8 // The black jeans don't even need to be ripped. You can just look straight up awesome and artistic and like a fancy architect in black and white combos. Plus the checkered look is always a classic. 

9 // The edgy black-hearted girl I've always wanted to be. 

10 // See what I'm saying about jeans and white t-shirt? Seeeeeeeeeee???

11 // STYLE GOALS! SO MANY STYLE GOALS! When I have children I want to dress like this. Yes, I'll rock white jeans when I have kids. I just want to dress like this my whole life. 

12 // Lastly, a college girl outfit I can roll with. Everyone on campus has white converse, distressed jeans and a pretty button up to wear a sweater over. It's a necessary "we have the same outfit" evil. 

Stay inspired, lovelies! 

Saturday Stuff // Change

//

So as you all know, I normally don't write on Saturdays, but today I just felt like I needed to write. I needed to let some feelings out. And those feelings are about change. For a few years now, I've watched YouTube videos. I have watched people's lives on YouTube. Yeah, I know. I'm one of those people. And I've really enjoyed it. Well recently, one of my favorites YouTubers, Ingrid, posted this video about her January Favorites, but it wasn't like any other favorites where she only talked about makeup, music, and clothes. This one was about change. It was about life and the transitions we go through when it comes down to it. At the end of her video she asked a question to her viewers. She asked what we think change is. Is it something that we should seek out or is it something that we should let run its course, and it really brought my thoughts in a whirl because I'm always thinking about change. I am. Change is all around me. Change is real. Change is good. Change is bad. Change is ever-evolving. Change is unexpected and change is expected all at the same time.

So do I seek after it? Or do I let it happen when it needs to and just like Ingrid, I think it's all in the middle. Change is the middle man. The liaison. The pain. The joy. The new beginning. Change can be your best friend or it can be the knife driven through your back.

In my life, there have been times where all I've done is seek out change. I've yearned for it. I've desired change so deeply that it has brought the saltiest of tears to my eyes and the strongest of anguish. And of course there was an opposite. There have been times where I've pushed any change away. I've knashed my teeth at it. I've tried to strike it away. And oh yes...

Oh yes there have been times where I've just accepted it, where I have greeted it like an old friend that has come around again.

I think we all need change. It's a must in life. She also mentioned reflection. Yes, reflection. I hate it and love it all at the same time. Reflection makes me vulnerable because it makes me realize where I fall short, but it also tells me where I've succeeded and where I'm going and who I'm becoming. Thank goodness for reflection. Change brings about reflection. So thank goodness for change too. Thank goodness for something that makes me think. Thank goodness for change that makes me want to be better.

Yeah, I know...sometimes change is the worst. Sometimes our bodies change in ways we don't want them to. Sometimes change rips our heart out. Sometimes it leaves us worn out, but I know that the sun rises the next day and that things work out. They really do.

So if there is a change you want to make or see  in your life, GO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Go get that change. Go embrace it!

And if there is a change happening right now in your life that's just getting the best of you, that's making you think that you're not good enough, or that's dimming your glorious and everlasting light, grab it by the horns and turn it. Turn it for your own good. Look it right in the eye and say, "You're not conquering me today, there is no way. Today you are MINE!" Then conquer it!

If you need the extra strength, let me be that strength. Let me be your shoulder. I will be that.

Hello Change, I'm ready for you.

Style Profile // Karlee

 

Oh my goodness, friends, I am so excited for this blog post. Words cannot describe. Karlee is one of the most stylish, funny, and perfect human beings I know. She's beyond beautiful and she would look good in a potato sack. True story. Actually, I've never seen her in one, but I'm sure she would rock it. Her style is in full force awesome and her hair is a force to be reckoned with. I should have been best friends with this girl in high school but I was totally lame! Anyway...

One of the best things about Karlee though is that she has an incredible heart. She is kind and she shows genuine interest and care for you. Plus, she has the most adorable german shepherd pup named Ozzy and a husband named Tyler.  You know how I feel about Tylers.

Want to see Karlee in other places? Visit her blog, VSCO Grid, Tumblr, Pinterest (oh my heavens, her pinterest), and Twitter. You won't be sorry. She's going places.

Thanks Karlee for taking the time to do this style profile. Thank you for the pictures and thank you Kiersten Jones Photography for taking fabulous photos of this girl and letting me share them on here.

How would you describe your personal style? 

What one would typically wear to a funeral... all black...hah! Just kidding—I would say somewhere between street style and edgy.

How did you "find" your personal style?

Growing up my mom was a make-up artist for Neiman Marcus,so she was always dressed in black, white or grey. Every morning I saw her I thought she looked so graceful, and most of all, confident. So as I got older, I put my own style into what I already knew. I studied Pinterest and Tumblr— I avoided trends and still tend to do that. I just started taking risks. 

How do you plan your outfits or put them together? 

That's funny you ask, because I was just thinking about how much time I spend lying in bed planning out outfit ideas in my head... most of the time I think of my staple piece so lets say, a leather jacket, and then I throw in pieces from there.

Do you have any style "splurges"? 

LEATHER. Good, fine leather. It's just so timeless and such a beneficial investment for me that I don't feel guilty about because over time it only looks better, in my opinion. The wear and tear shows character. Oh, and booties. Ya...booties. 

How does wearing your "uniform/favorite outfit" make you feel? 

Confident and comfy. I can't enjoy my day unless I am comfortable or else I'll be thinking about the minute I will be able to change, nonstop. My outfits are very minimalistic in a sense... the more complex I try to make it the less I feel myself. Just stick to your basics and add small pops like lipstick or a trench coat. 

What do you like about your sense of style?

It is simple, yet bold. Low key, but makes a loud statement. I'm a platinum blonde brunette and I wear bold color lipstick, so because I make such a loud statement in my hair and lips, I simplify my outfits. I like that the simplicity makes a statement. 

And style secrets we should know about? 

Winged eyeliner. Life is too short not to. Oversized white v-necks (dont tell…but, I wear the men's white Hanes v-necks in a large and you'd never notice) they're always my go-to, as well as roots —ha! Silly I know, but in my opinion the more roots you have showing in your hair the better.

Any signature piece?

A long cardigan or leather jacket, lipstick, denim cutoffs and black skinnies.

Any trends you tried and regretted?

Yes! Of course. I regret how I styled what I wore more than I regret what I actually wore. Except, remember that trend in like the 8th and 9th grade where it was cool to mix and match your colored old navy flip flops?! Yeah... the worst. 

Anything you absolutely won't wear?

You probably will never see my in the color yellow. I just feel like it doesn't set well on me. Nothing that falls at an awkward length either. I will wear just about anything else though, especially if it comes in black/white/or grey. 

Do you have an overall fashion philosphy?

Take risks within your personal style. If you like it, wear it. Try new things and if you fall in love with it- run with it. If you find yourself hating it, forget it. Wear anything that makes you feel pretty and gives you confidence. 

My favorite quote is by Ms. Coco Chanel and she says, 

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

+ t h a n k s // k a r l e e

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d

Inspired // Lovely bits

1 // I am always trying to be kinder. Sometimes I find myself making some snarky remark about something expecting a laugh or two or the sweetest satisfaction, but that's the thing about unkind words. You never get the sincere laugh, only the nervous, do-i-have-to-agree-with-you ones or the pit in your stomach feel that leaves you feeling as unsatisfied as ever. So be kind.

2 // I love the idea of a graphic hoodie, a long jersey skirt with with a long woolen coat. It just screams relaxed yet stylish street apparel.

3 // Muppet jackets were one of those things that I thought would have a long dark fall into trend oblivion, but they keep coming back, and if they keep coming back in black...then I just might have to find a cheap buy at Forever 21 or H&M.

4 // An all black look with a fresh and beautiful haircut. That seems really nice right now.

5 // Layers. I love all of them. The best part about it is the woman wearing the outfit. She's from Milan, and she is glowing with grace and her smile exudes the warmth she's probably feeling from being so bundled up.

6 // Instead of complaining, show up. People will admire you for it and the sympathy will follow.

7 // A beautiful wardrobe capsule that I want to imitate. Only 25 pieces. Yeesh! I am really thinking about doing this...I wouldn't be able to narrow it down to 25 pieces with church and all but my every day wear could definitely be slimmed down. Fashion goals! *sigh*

8 // The perfect makeup look for any occasion. Really though, berry wine lips are so good. Golden eyes? Classic.

9 // Me in a dream.

10 // A great, every day outfit easy to replicate. Scarves like that are $2.50 at H&M and surprisingly good quality.

+ s t a y // i n s p i r e d 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d

Monday Muse{ing}: Leandra Medine

Whoa! Another series? Will it be as frequent? Will it last forever? Probably not!

Today's Monday Muse is Leandra Medine from only the best online website/blog of all time: Man Repeller.

Type fast because the reads are delightful and the fashion is good.

P.S. All photos are from Pinterest. Next time I'll get all sources, if you for some reason are reading this and know the sources, feel free to do the work for me and comment below. I don't own anything!

1 // You don't know Leandra if you don't know Man Repeller, so I suggest you start reading up. I highly recommend these posts right HERE. *language warnings enforced* P.S. All of the other writers, especially Amelia, are absolutely phenomenal as well. Be ready to laugh, cry, gasp, get inspired, and pillage through your closet look to create outfit replicas. I'LL TAKE THE SEQUIN PANTS PLEASE!

2 // She also hosts a little video series called The Chatroom. It's sponsored by NARS (provocative) and she talks to the most beautiful (inside and out) and stylish people. I could just sit on those stairs with her and talk about chunky clogs and ombre sweaters AND her haircut. Can't forget that awesome bob she's got going on.

3 // She's not afraid to not wear makeup. She's not afraid to mix prints. She's not afraid to be completely obscure and hilarious. She's a BOMB writer. Like so good at writing. And she's not afraid to wear a boxy top with billowing pants.

4 //  She makes you believe in mixing gold, over-the-top heels with a flouncy floral mini skirt, a tribal necklace, and an american flag sweatshirt.

5 // And if we all dressed like this, we'd have the most stylish summers.

6 // She's a classic.

7 // Again, her hair and the neutrals and just the overall "i'm a new york girl with a french girl attitude" aura about her.

8 // She rocks fashion week street style every single time.

9 // And she wears outfits that every girl want so pin on pinterest every single five seconds. This outfit is greeeeeat. I'll take the LOT!

10 // And she'll create an outfit that is so poised and well done but add a necklace that would totally throw it off for Utah standards, but it totally works in all other standards. Ultimately she makes me want to defy the fashion standards around me. You don't have to wear J.Crew all the time, you don't have to wear thrift store clothes all the time, you don't even have to follow trends.

11 // THIS. All. of. This. replicating right now.

12 // And finally a glowing smile with lots of denim makes you ten times more likable.

13 // Oh and since i'm cutting my hair this Friday...she gave me courage. 

+ h a p p y // m o n d a y 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d