#CELEBRATE 2019

We made it to 2019! Can you believe it? In a world full of up’s and down’s, making it to a new year truly does feel like an accomplishment! Especially when you dedicate a year to your own self-discovery.

It feels like just yesterday I started my 2018 new year’s vulnerability journey. *Footnote: If you haven’t read that post, you can here.

During 2018, I worked hard to be my most vulnerable self. Vulnerability is always something I have struggled with, and I was tired to living my life through the windowpane of anxiety. So to combat my tendencies (and it will always be something I have to work on) I started living my life truly as myself.

I met my travel goals by going to Belize and lived my dream of travelling to Iceland solo! I promised to be open to new things and experiences, and (what feels like the most simple, but one of the most difficult goals), to be honest with myself. It was a good year, and I wanted to continue on that journey, but with a slight twist.

It was my golden birthday this year. I turned 27 on the 27th of November, and I could feel the energy shift around me. My dearest friend, Emma, went above and beyond to make my birthday special and got me a frame with the saying:

“You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go DO THEM.”

After reading those words and looking at them everyday since, I could feel the energy shift around me. Whether or not you believe in vibes, energy, divine intervention, or if it’s all in my head is frankly, subjective. But I will tell you what I am going to do: CELEBRATE THEM.

And that my friends is with this year is all about.

Celebrating everything that comes your way.

Celebrating the good and the bad.

Celebrating wants, dreams, and desires.

Celebrating who you are, ardently and unapologetically.

#CELEBRATE.

So what am I celebrating about myself? I’m celebrating my passion, joy, giggles, goofiness, fire, and that little bit of ‘extraness.’ How could I possible find a way to celebrate all of those adjectives? I’ll tell you how….with sequins, fur, balloons, and a fabulous photo shoot with Johnson Photography.

This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and why not?! Cayla from Johnson Photography did an amazing job of capturing the 2019 CELEBRATION, don’t you think?!

Nothing says celebrate like a 1970’s inspired rose gold jumpsuit. It’s one of those special outfits that when you wear it, you become who you always wanted to be. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to glow from within and without. 

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Sequin Jumpsuit | Fur Vest | Heels 

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I truly believe that 2019 is going to be the best year. This is the time to be your best self, to be your most glowing self, and to celebrate what you love about you.

So those things you’ve always wanted to do?….go celebrate and do them. 

All Birds

Comfort doesn’t have to mean you have to sacrifice style. You can still be your comfiest self, but look put together and on trend.

Don’t believe me?

Take this basic black t-shirt dress. Top knot- Check. Necklace- Check. Large Reusable Starbucks Bottle- Check. But something’s missing, something that makes it all work.

Never fear. All Birds are here.

These shoes are the cat’s pajamas and I will tell you why.

• They are amazingly soft and comfortable. So soft and comfortable in fact, they can be worn sockless.
• They are made from Merino Wool. I know it sounds odd, but it’s what makes them so amazing. They are moisture wicking, cool in the hear/warm in the cold, and they minimize odor.
• My favorite feature is they have a low-carbon footprint. In New Zealand, sheep outnumber humans about six to one. Thanks to their wool, their process uses 60% less energy than materials used in typical synthetic shoes. Also the sheep live good lives (YAY). The laces are made from recycled bottles, Castor bean oil is used for the insoles, and 90% of their packaging is made from recycled cardboard.

They come in all different styles and colors too! I went with the Natural Heather Grey, but you can choose whatever you like.

So, do you believe me now?

Style & comfort truly go hand in hand….errrr foot on foot?

True Blue

When it comes to friends, I am truly lucky to say I have won the blue ribbon. I love my ladies, and am so honored to be able to share in their life’s adventures.

On this occasion, the lovely girls and I got together to celebrate our dear friend Kelsey’s bridal shower.

I pulled out my new ‘forever’ favorite dress. It’s clean, sophisticated, and frankly it looks freaking good on everyone. “But what you don’t know is that is not just blue, it’s not turquoise. It’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean.”

Well, the wall at least.

Gal Meets Glam, you clever girl. This is a dress that I could literally see myself as a 60-year-old woman, enjoying a sunset, while sipping champagne on a Greek Island. I mean how many dresses do you own, where you can say that?

Well, the Annie Scruba Dress is that dress.

Ready for this?

IT. DOESN’T. WRINKLE.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Pack it up. Throw it on. Look fabulous.

Add a wide belt & a pop of color for an upscale retro look.

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Gal Meets Glam ‘Annie’ Dress | Peep Toe Pumps (Similar, and Oooh might have dot snatch these up) | Wide Belt (Similar) | Pink Bag (Similar)

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Of course, specialist occasions call for specialist photo shoots.

We had so much fun celebrating our beautiful bride to be. Some absolute blue ribbon girls right here.

Adventure is Out There

Is there anything better than adventure? The answer is always no. Adventure is always around us, we just have to be open and ready to see it.

I am definitely ready for my next expedition in this fabulous romper.

Paired with mules, classic aviators, and this fantastically unique camel clutch, I’m ready to brunch or walk through the Sahara.

There is an ease about this romper. Not only in the quality, but in its universal structure. Utilitarian. Chic. Timeless.  Qualities I find as I get older,  I value more than a trend.

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Safari Romper (I got mine on sale for $35, watch it as it is sure to be marked down again!) | Mules | Aviators | Beaded Camel Clutch

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I’m ready for my next destination. Are you?

Build Me Up Buttercup

“WHY DO YOU BUILD ME UP? BUTTERCUP BABY!”

That Julia Engel has done it again. Her Gal Meets Glam Dress collection has been getting me in a lot of trouble, and when I saw this soft yellow, linen dress my heart skipped a beat.

The perfect yellow is not an easy feat, especially for a very fair lady like myself. But the yellow seems to glow, adding a fabulous radiance that would look fabulous on everyone.

When it comes to simple silhouettes it’s all about the details. The tailoring is sublime, the buttons elevate the dress, the pockets make it modern, and the sash adds a sassy detail that screams summer.

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Gal Meets Glam Vanessa Dress | Wedges | Woven Purse 

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The fabric is light, so in the heat of summer you will not overheat. One dislike is that it is not lined, but easily fixed by adding a slip.

Paired with some fun wedges and a cute woven cross body, I am ready for any summer adventure.

How would you style this dress? Let me know in the comments below!

Life’s a Picnic

If I was a print I would be gingham. Why you ask? To me it is the print that emulates class, style, and sophistication.

So when I find a gingham dress I have been dreaming of, I have to celebrate with a picnic & my favorite books.

This fit & flare gingham dress is something everyone needs in their wardrobe. It’s  will never go out of style because of its classic construction. The feminine & flirty details can take you from picnic in the park to night on the town. Just switch from woven sandals to strappy heels and you are ready to be CHECKED out. *Face palm*

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Gingham Dress | Sandals 

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This afternoon, I was just happy to enjoy the summer breeze with my good friend Shakespeare. But now, it’s time to pack up and put on our dancing shoes. Who is with me?

Hopeless Wanderer

The early summer is fantastic. The days are hot, everyone has a slight golden glow, music seems to be blowing through the air (Mumford & Sons has been on repeat),  and the urge to dance is overwhelming.

It’s pretty great right? How could anything compare or be compatible?

Well,  this yellow polka dot two piece from Lulu’s certainly holds up.

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Yellow Polka Dot Two Piece | Mules (similar) | Floppy Hat

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This dress is perfect for the summer. It’s light and airy without feeling too thin or heavy. The peekaboo mid-drift is a great way to feel sexy and the ruffles are perfect for emulating the ‘Red Dress Girl emoji.’

Paired with some colorful mules and a floppy hat, its festival chic meets summer time glam.

“She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka dot two-piece.”

What do you love about early summer?

Royal Wedding in a Secret Garden

Who else is still glowing from Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding?!

*Waves hands furiously in the air*

Yes, I woke up at 5 a.m. to watch it. Yes, my dear friend Emma and I had a pajama tea party. Yes, I got emotional a few times. Yes, Meghan looked STUNNING. Yes, Harry was adorable. Yes, it was perfect.

Let’s get real for a minute, this wedding was a beautiful example of diversity, inclusion and pure love. If you didn’t watch it, please watch Bishop Michael Curry’s amazing sermon on love. Then watch the gospel choir that scooped us up in love with their version of ‘Stand by Me.’

Heck, please just watch their wedding! You will not regret it!

If you haven’t guessed, I have always been enamoured with the Royals.  It seems despite my *cough obsession cough* my invitation to the Duke & Duchess of Sussex’s wedding was misplaced…

*sigh*

…so I decided to dress for the event and throw my own celebration in an enchanted secret garden.

This detailed soft pink dress glides on creating a romantic silhouette. The piping lines your curves, flattering your figure and the black detail adds the perfect contrast. Paired with my big flower fascinator, this is an outfit fit for a true British Lady.

The fluttered sleeves add the perfect formal feminine touch for any royal wedding.

Teardrop earrings and pearls pull this all together, and my transformation is complete.

“Someday my prince will come…” Feeling enchanted? I certainly feel like a Disney Princess!

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Pink Dress- TJ Maxx Find (Similar here & here) | Blush Heels | Fascinator (similar) | Teardrop Earrings | Heart Bag 

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The heart-shaped bag is my little nod to the late Princess Diana. Known as the Queen of Hearts, she truly is one of my biggest inspirations and aspirations. She was a glowing example of always being herself, and doing the right thing. She was a bright light and she would be so proud of both her son’s.

Wedding facts for you!

• Meghan’s bouquet had flowers which Harry hand-picked from Diana’s private garden.
• Harry left a seat open for Diana at the ceremony.
• One of the Hymn’s they sang was sung at Diana’s funeral.

Are you crying yet?! I AM. AGAIN.

All in all, whether you like the Royals or not there is something about love. Seeing such a wonderful representation of love is memorable. Isn’t it funny how much more powerful love is than hate? Think of one time you were angry, then think of another time you felt surrounded by love. Which was better?

I’m going to answer that for you. Love. Every time.

So whether you watched it or not, here’s what you can take away from it.

“If humanity ever captured the energy of love, it would be the second time in history that we have discovered fire.” -Bishop Michael B. Curry

Did you watch the wedding? What did you think?

Bonjour Paris

Ever find a dress so special, it inspires you to buy fresh flowers? Sounds like an odd thing right? But life breathe life, and when you find something that makes you feel alive you want something equally as alive.

This is my ‘Oh la la, I didn’t see you there” pose.

This light cotton shirt dress is my new favorite, and let me tell you why.

A. It’s blue and white, my favorite color combination.

B. It’s a classic cut, and a piece where all you do it throw it on and you are instantly chic.

C. It’s detailed print is beautiful and make me wish I was wondering the French country side.

These beautiful fresh ranunculus definitely help me live out my French country fantasy.

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TJ Maxx Dress | Target Sandals |Horrock’s Fresh Ranunculus 

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A crisp, fresh dress, for a perfect spring day. What’s your favorite color combination that makes you glow the most? Let me know down below, I would love to hear from you!

Hamilton in Chicago

My girlfriends Brittney, Emma, and I are MASSIVE fans of Hamilton. You’ve heard of the tiny musical called Hamilton right? *wink.*

We have been listening to the music, and coveting tickets for what feels liks years. Finally, the stars aligned and over coffee one morning we decided it was time to make our musical dreams come true.

We bought tickets for a Saturday matinée show, with plans to drive into Chicago in the morning, watch Hamilton, and then drive back home.

Such a special day, needs an equally special dress: The Marilyn Gal Meets Glam Collection dress.

It’s easy elegance, wraps you in its silky silhouette giving you instant 1940s glam. The material is light, flowy, and perfect from taking you from brunch, to a show, to out on the town.

I paired it with these easy sandals, and for an extra special vintage flair, my Great Grandmother’s handbag from the 1950s.

The details of the dress are breathtaking. Julia (Gal Meets Glam) absolutely nailed the look and feel of classic elegance. The dress doesn’t wear you, YOU wear the dress, and you instantly feel like the most interesting girl in the world!

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Marilyn Gal Meets Glam Dress | Strappy Sandals | Purse (Vintage) 

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I highly recommend looking at her collection and purchasing a dress. I know it’s definitely going to be a staple in this blogger’s wardrobe.

When we arrived, we started off with brunch at The Dearborn. If you’re ever in Chicago check out this restaurant. The food is amazing, the staff are wonderful, and the mimosa’s are to die for. It’s the perfect trifecta.

After stuffing ourselves to the brim, we walked around the city, and of course having our photo shoot fun.

I definitely feel like a fish in the right water when I am in a big city. Can you tell by my cheeser grins?!

Finally, the moment had arrived. We were giddy school girls, young, scrappy, hungry, and ready for the musical to blow us all away.

The Schuyler Sisters! WORK!

Not throwing away my shot!

In the room where it happened….I was left speechless. The show was everything I had ever hoped it would be. The cast was amazing (Shout out to George Washington!), the set was beautiful, the execution flawless, the tears were flowing; I was and still am stunned.

If you haven’t listened to the music, or if you are unfamiliar with the story of our founding father, Alexander Hamilton, I recommend you immediately educate yourself. You will be blown away, by the story and Lin- Manuel Miranda’s music.

*Pro tip- No matter where you see it, bring the tissues. You’ll thank me later!

Absolutely high on life, and with puffy eyes, we made our way to one last stop. Magnolia Bakery. They are famous for their banana pudding, and other treats. Dessert and coffee give me life. Can you tell?

What a perfect end to the perfect day. I love my ladies so much, and I can’t wait for our next adventure.

Have you seen Hamilton yet or do you have any tips on where I should go in Chicago next? Let me know your thoughts below!