Live Life to the Maxi

I’m all about companies with a mission. In fact, I prefer fashion that gives back. When I discovered Francis + Benedict I knew this was something special.

For those who are unfamiliar with Francis + Benedict: “As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Francis + Benedict exists to empower and equip skilled Togolese seamstresses by providing them with dignified and sustainable employment.  In addition, our profits are used to resource community leaders in Togo, enabling them to continue projects that benefit orphans, widows, and those suffering in poverty.

Our handmade clothing marries American style with West African wax print textiles in order to create fashion-forward apparel for the modern woman. 

We aim to make a lasting global impact by using our love for people and fashion to change communities … One outfit at a time.”

This is the Marion Maxi from the Celestine Collection. This 100% cotton skirt is made from high-quality wax print fabric indigenous to West Africa, that is absolutely stunning. AND IT HAS POCKETS.

It just makes you want to twirl!

Unfortunately the Marion is all sold out, but you there are lots of amazing options here:

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Botany Midi | Jeanne Maxi (What a beautiful print and color!) | Hamden Maxi

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Paired with a vibrant clutch, and these amazing handmade earrings, it’s the perfect early summer outfit!

The quality truly is amazing, and as a special bonus you get a little card signed by the woman who made your skirt. Juliette made mine, and when I say it’s a work of art, it’s a work of art. The cotton is durable enough to romp around and not worry about being see through, too hot, or too thin. It’s juuuuuuuuussssttttttttt right.

Do yourself a favor and check out their website. They are more expensive, but frankly, it’s 100% worth it. I will be purchasing from them again, and I hope you do to!

BLOOPERS: 

Be a fashion blogger they said. You will always look so elegant they said.

May the Force be with you

Star Wars is one of my favorite things ever. Strong females, Jedi Knights, and Scruffy Looking Nerf Herders, it’s amazingness all rolled into one.

Naturally, May the 4th, is my national holiday, and this year I had something special planned.

Classic rockabilly style, but with a major twist. Why? It’s all about the details. Have you noticed anything interesting yet?

Maybe the fans, but how about I turn around and show you.

This super fun Gap jean jacket has been spiffed up with these amazing patches. It’s such an easy  way to add your own personal style and flair to a jacket. The creative possibilities are literally endless, and it’s just fun!

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Jacket (All Sold Out) | High Waisted Ankle Pants | Sandals | Necklace

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I have one more surprise, have you noticed yet?

Only this amazing Lightsaber necklace. The weapon of a Jedi Knight.

So May the Force be with all my nerd and nerdette’s out there! Do you celebrate Star Wars day? Show my your outfits in the comment section below.

BLOOPERS

Ya’ll this is probably the best one yet, but let’s just appreciate this ColourPop highlighter coming THROUGH.

Classically Modern

There are some things you just don’t mess with: classic movies, songs, and silhouettes. They are classics for a reason…they are really f-ing amazing.

When I happened upon this amazing spring dress, my heart leapt. It had to be mine, and mine it is.

The flirty silhouette hugs you in all the right places, extenuating your figure. The neck line gives your bust a beautiful form, reminiscent of a 1930s starlet.

The slit and the print brings the dress back to 2018 and wraps you in its easy elegance.

I mean how could you resist right?!

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Asos Dress | Gold Necklace | Nude Sandals | Square Frames

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Can you resist another classic line- here’s looking at you kid.

UnBelizable Ending

Do yourself a favor and book all your snorkeling trips with Island Dream Tours. Our first day we were laying out on our dock, we heard the speech of Kevin from Island Dream Tours, and Alyse and I knew we had to book a day trip with them. They were full until our last full day, we jumped on the opportunity and booked the ‘Chill Cruise’ and spoiler alert it was easily the best part of the trip.

The chill cruise included:

• Food all day
• Full bar
• Snorkling at Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
• Anchor at a Chill Spot to Relax

We gathered on the dock early Thursday morning to listen to Kevin speak about Belize. This is a country that runs on its tourism revenue. The country is simply not big enough for them to cultivate more exports. The ocean is how the people of this country make their living, both on the islands and on the mainland. However, there is a serious issue. The ocean and wildlife are not respected: Trash lines the beaches, seaweed lies in heaps at the edge of the water, the smells are nauseating, and now the Belizean government could begin off shore oil drilling.

This ‘quick fix’ would hardly be worth it, in terms of income and would destroy the reef, the wildlife, and the major tourism draw. We need to do something about this. Kevin encouraged us to take photos with the ‘No means no for oil drilling sign,’ and share on our social media.

So photos we took and share we did.

Island Dreams didn’t just educate us about the dangers of oil drilling, feed us, and keep the booze flowing, they even had underwater camera for us to use! They uploaded them to a drop box and e-mailed us the link a week or so later, and the results were awesome.

Shout out to Alyse for being the best photographer ever!

She’s an actual mermaid!

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L.L. Bean Rashguard | When I say you need these shirts, you really need these shirts! We wore these snorkeling a few times and NEVER burned on our backs. It’s a must for any tropical vacation.

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After our amazing snorkeling visits in Hol Chan & Shark Ray alley (Which are a must if you are traveling to Belize) we enjoyed a relaxing cruise to our ‘Chill spot.’ Hence the name, the ‘Chill Cruise.’

We dropped anchor in a beautiful area, with clear waist deep water. I mean look at the color. How could you resist?

We floated, swam, and drank in the warm water soaking in our last of the tropical sun.

I of course, could not resist a photo shoot in this fantastic vintage inspired bikini.

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High Waisted Bikini (AMAZING PRICE!) | Floppy Hat | Sunglasses

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The light peachiness of the suit compliments your tan, making you positively radiate with a summer glow. The rouching of the bottoms hides any tummy problems, and the top pushes the girls up making you feel like Marilyn Monroe.

Soon it was time to go, and we cruised back to the dock, with new friends in tow.

If traveling has taught me anything, It’s that the world is an amazing place. How could you not smile? What traveling also brings is a responsibility to raise awareness and be a voice. No means no for oil drilling! We only have one planet, and we need to protect it. We are all humans and we all share this earth. Let’s be a voice and protect what we have to others may enjoy traveling for generations to come.

This bloggers advice for Belize?

• Get a Rashguard shirt. You will thank me after a few days of snorkeling.
• If you are not staying at a resort, be prepared for the reality of the dirty shore. The beaches are not usable, unless at a resort.
• Bring cash! They accept USD, so bring it. Most places do accept major credit cards, but cash is so much easier.
• Try and book your day adventures before hand, especially if you are going in tourist season (January- April).
• Have I said sunscreen and after sun lotion yet? No! Well bring them! Sun bum is my personal favorite for both products.
• If your staying on San Pedro, definitely book Island Dream Tours ‘Yolo’ Boat trips. The crew is fantastic, you are well taken care of, and it’s a BLAST. I would return to go on more trips with this company.

Overall it was an amazing vacation, with amazing people, and I will cherish it forever!

Have you ever been to Central America? If so, where? If you could go once place in Central America, where would you go?

Belizean Mermaid

I want to be where the people are, I want to see, want to see them dancing!

There’s something magical about putting on a swimsuit. What adds to that magic? A tropical and breathtaking view. As you take in the beauty of the water,  you can almost feel your fins.  The sound of the water, calms you, and calls you to the sea.

Maybe it’s just me, but Gingham ALWAYS taps into my inner Disney princess.  This classic one piece surprises with a deliciously low back.

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Gingham Swimsuit | Hat | Sunglasses 

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What a view.

If there is one thing that Belize does right, it’s water, calling me home.

Eat your heart out

It’s the day after Valentine’s day & do you know what that means? CANDY IS HALF OFF. Run, don’t walk to your nearest store and eat your heart out. Why? Treat yo’ self.

What’s another treat yo’ self? Take some time to have a photo shoot, in your most luxurious dress, celebrating the love for….YOURSELF!

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Velvet Wrap Dress | Disc Earrings | Necklace (Heirloom) | Eye Shadow Palette

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Life’s too short to care what people think! Get your tripod, lay on the floor, pretend to bite candy, be vulnerable, and take the photos.

Rebel Rebel

I love clothes, I love nerdy things, and I love feeling good. I truly believe that when you dress in something you love, you feel better. Think about it. Whenever you get a new workout outfit doesn’t it make you want to exercise?

Well, when I ordered this amazing Star Wars purse/wallet, I was inspired.  Inspired to embody some Planet Hoth rebel realness. And yes, I did make my mom take at least 40 pictures. (Hey I am being honest and vulnerable right?).

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Faux Fur Jacket (Similar) – Red Beret – Thigh High Boots – Loungefly x Star Wars: The Last Jedi Purse & Wallet

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I guess I got something right, because Loungefly (the company that made the purse/wallet) shared my photo on their Instagram. Which of course has made my week! I normally wouldn’t share this with the public because I feel like it’s ‘bragging.’ But, why should I feel that way? It’s something to be proud of, not to hide.

If you accomplished a task, and is not hurting anyone/yourself, then SHARE IT!

Let’s make a pack to be proud of our accomplishments and not let ‘propriety’ get in the way.

Today’s Vulnerability- Sharing with you Loungefly’s repost.

Prints in the Park

If you read my previous post, you’ll know that my mom and I were throughly exhausted after the Lavender festival…Well, not too exhausted to go shopping.

We swung by a popular department store and I was starting to fad fast. Until, I saw this beautiful jumpsuit.

Chic, bold, and work appropriate? I had to say yes! I styled it with big brassy jewelry and simple sandals.

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Jumpsuit (Similar) — Shoes — Bracelet — Earrings— Bag (Similar)

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This jumpsuit has another trick up its sleeve. Just turn around to see!

The deep v- back surprises for a sassy look that is still work appropriate, and the small cut out in the back is great for on-trend style.

As a tall lady, I am always nervous to try on playsuits and jumpsuits. The dreaded camel toe is a looming image. However, once in a great while, I will come across a diamond in the rough and this baby is it. I would definitely say tall girl approved!

Do you have any diamond in the rough outfits? Share with me in the comments below!

Linens in Lavender

When I saw an ad on Facebook for a Lavender Festival I immediately called my mom and said, “We’re going!”

An afternoon wandering around a Lavender farm full of artisan vendors, music, and lavender infused food and drinks? Yes, please.

The 15th Annual Michigan Lavender Fest is in Armada, Michigan. This festival was July 14- 16 weekend. The theme this year was ‘A Symphony of the Senses.” My mom and I woke up early and made the drive, giddy to see (and smell) all of the Lavender. The festival opened at 10 a.m. and I was very thankful we got there early. The crowds were already fairly large, but we didn’t mind.

This festival does have a $7 admission fee, but the parking is free and many vendors give free samples, along with demonstrations.

We headed in, and were tickled pink…er lavender…at all amazing floras.

Fresh bundles were around every corner, scenting the summer breeze with their soothing smell. It was magical.

On top of all the amazing soaps, scrubs and fresh flowers were the decadent treats. We gorged ourselves on lavender shortbread (incredible!), lavender sugar cookies, lavender lemonade, lavender ice cream, lavender granola, lavender balsamic vinegar, and lavender fudge. To say that I was a happy camper, is an understatement.

Bellies full, we decided it was time to head to the ‘U-Pick’ Lavender farm. We hopped on the tracker anticipating fields of purple to waltz around in like a girl in the french country side. What we were met with was a small plot of land that had been fairly picked over…

My favorite quote of the day went something like this:

• Me: “Oh…there it is.”
• Mom: “Where?”
• Me: “Right there, were those people are standing.”
• Mom: “Where?”

I am going to be honest, this was fairly disappointing. However, that doesn’t mean we didn’t make the most of our time in that fragrant field. Like learning this cool factoid, did you know there are three types of lavender? I didn’t!

The field may have been disappointing in person, but it sure did photograph well.

This linen dress is my new summer favorite. It’s light, airy and long enough to romp around in and not have to worry about anything. Basically, I am buying it in every color.

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Dress — Sandals (similar) — Sunglasses (similar)—Earrings

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The ‘U- Pick’ field cost $5 for 25- 26 stems of lavender. My mom and I decided this was not a good deal, and made of most of our bundles of lavender for photos.

Stocked to the brim with bunches of lavender, food, and other goodies we said our goodbyes to the fragrant farm and headed home.

So, would I recommend this festival? Absolutely! It’s fun and you will leave feeling utterly relaxed after a day in the sun with lavender wafting through the breeze. However, don’t expect any giant fields, it’s truly only a plot.

If you are interested in learning more check out their website here: Michigan Lavender Festival. Some quick tips, get there early, bring a basket (especially if you want to buy bundles of lavender), and don’t forget the sunscreen! No need to worry about cash, the parking is free and all the vendors and the farm except credit cards.

I think this may be a new annual event for me. I am feeling lavender blue dilly dilly.