The Perfect Spring Top

Wearing // Chicwish top, Old Navy jeans, Steve Madden sandals, Kendra Scott earrings, Clare V bag

Beauty //  Lips in M.A.C. "Hot Gossip" mixed with Glo Skin Beauty gloss in "Pueblo"

Hey ladies, I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother's Day over the weekend. Nate's parents are enjoying a whirlwind trip throughout Europe so it was a low-key celebration this year with my mom. We took her out to brunch and then stopped at the wineries, naturally. It's so hard to resist spending time there when everything is in bloom and it's literally perfect outside!

I'm still in that transitional phase of Spring where I feel most comfortable in jeans, but I've switched out my sweaters in favor of breezy little tops. I love ones like this that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. When I don't know what to wear, my best bet is to throw on a variation of a t-shirt and jeans, but done in a more feminine silhouette. This top is really nice because it doesn't require a cami underneath. It is partially lined, and I wish all brands would pay attention to details like that when designing their pieces. It truly is a "throw on and go" blouse but with a little more flair. The result is pulled-together and polished (which should really be my blog name at this point!)

How's Spring coming along where you live? I wish I could travel right now and take a vacation somewhere before the heat sticks around.

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Finding My Balance With Social Media

As I mentioned in my May updates, I took a couple weeks off from social media in an effort to disconnect from all the noise. I never realized how consumed I had truly become. I took time off from Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (although I rarely check in there anyway). At first it was difficult. I felt completely out of the loop, not just with other bloggers but even with my own friends. In some ways, I almost felt I was being rude if I didn't invest my time to check in with people. But after the first couple of days, I started to feel better about the disconnect. I texted my friends instead of liking their pictures, I became more present in my daily rituals, and I used the time I spent mindlessly scrolling to work on other things I had been putting off. It was absolutely a great way to put things into perspective. I needed to find my balance.

It's not just social media either, it's technology in general. I never feel like I can completely disconnect and as someone who used to really value privacy, this lead to a ridiculous amount of worry about not returning a text quickly enough, or not immediately checking an email. It morphed into a vicious cycle.

This is of course the reality we live in now. I just think it's important to take little breaks from all the noise. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, I'm using that time to write. Not just for this blog, but also for my own clarity. I've never been good at articulating my thoughts, but writing them down is a way for me to release everything. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially before bedtime so that your mind is clear at the end of the day.

I'm not saying that I can cut out social media altogether, nor do I think other people should either. It's a great tool, and I love connecting with people. But. there should be some balance for those of us who feel negatively affected by its overuse.  Posting a little less frequently seems to be working for me at the moment, and I'm using my time more wisely. I hope you guys have found your balance as well.

How do you feel about this topic? Have a great Friday!

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New Spring Try-Ons

I love reading fitting room reviews, but I never think to do my own when I'm out and about shopping. Plus, I don't go into stores that often anymore as I'd much prefer ordering online.

There have been a lot of great sales lately, and I decided to add a couple new things to my Spring and Summer wardrobe. Below, I linked everything that is "new." I'm really happy with my additions and I can't wait to show each piece in detail in upcoming posts.

ChicWish top, Old Navy jeans, Target flats

I have been eyeing this gorgeous lace top since seeing it on a few of my favorite bloggers including Amy Ann. I was nervous about the sizing but I got a L/XL and it fits like a size 8/10 which is typically what I am. The quality is much better than I expected, so I'm keeping ChicWish on my radar. The flats are from Target and they are so comfortable! The jeans are a second identical pair that I already own from Old Navy. The fit and style are perfect, and with a sale, I got them for $25. 

1. State camisole

This camisole is pricey, but I wear them so often that the cost per wear justifies the price. I am wearing a size medium and it's true to size. 

Ann Taylor dress

I got this during a 40 % off sale. For sizing reference, this is an 8 petite and it fits true to size. It's the softest material and ultra-flattering with the cinched waist and tiered paneling. My inclination is to dress it up, but I can also see myself dressing it down with sandals and a large tote. It's just beautiful!

Do you guys like this type of post once in awhile? I hope you're having a great week!

Linking up with I Do DeClaire

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Mental Health Awareness

If you've been reading here any length of time, then you probably know that mental health is a topic near and dear to my heart. Mental illness runs in my family, and it's something I manage on a daily basis. If you'd like a bit of a backstory, I discuss these things in detail, written last year. 

A little summary: I had panic attacks as a kid, and then it morphed into generalized anxiety and depression. I've been to several therapists, have been on and off medication, and recently decided to go back on because I couldn't get myself together a couple months ago. I've been back on for about a month again and am feeling much better. I have a degree in Human Development and have worked in an outpatient drug rehab and in a group home. Helping others has helped in my own healing.

May is mental health awareness month and every Friday in May, I will be discussing a topic related to mental health. 

It's my hope that I can spread awareness in any small way that I can. It isn't easy to talk or write about, but since I have a platform, why not? There is still such a stigma surrounding this issue and putting some focus on it will hopefully help in tearing down those walls that keep people from speaking out.

I've never done a series like this before, and I hope you don't mind delving deeper with me in between my usual style and beauty posts! Hey, we're multi-faceted right? Feel free to email me with any personal stories if you feel too shy to publicly comment. I'm always here to talk.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Have a great weekend 💗

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