So, we've watched the denim on denim trend play out this spring/summer, but what we haven't talked about, is if and how the double denim trend will continue into the new season.
As the age old saying goes... "if it aint broke, don't fix it"! But every now and then a little update is necessary. After watching the SS23 shows, it's proof that denim wasn't going to go anywhere, anytime soon. Maison Margela was color-blocking denim, Y-Project was coloring denim, in very feminine silhouettes, and Bottega (and everyone else really) carried it over to their accessories. Perfect if you're not into the full denim look, or on the contrary, if you're really into the monochrome look, or if you just wanted to bring the trend into your wardrobe in a fun and minimal way. Either way, there was a version to cater to whatever your style personality is.
My street style denim on denim comes as a matching duo: cropped denim jacket and mini skirt in an old skool light wash. Rolled sleeves for a more casual feel. The high waisted mini makes it easy to play around with shoe options. Keeping all accessories light and in the neutral family, chic black boots to play with proportions- very important when going for a monochrome look. Keeping all accessories that are in line with my denim in silver but pops of gold in my earrings which connect with the gold detailing on my boots. Gold shades for some allure- and she's ready for the streets of Palm Springs. Update, she's now in Tennessee, so...ready for the streets of Nashville.
Here are some ways our favorite fashion girls are doing street style denim on denim in this transitional season. Save this post so you can reference these looks for outfit inspo at any time.
What's your take on the decked out denim look? Does it bring back frightening memories of the Britney and Justin era? Or are we long passed that and respecting it as an ode to the effortless 90's? Head over to my Instagram to leave me a comment, let me know what you think and shop my denim on denim edit/inspo in my LTK shop.
As always, sending you all the good vibes. Until next time...
Out of all the love stories I've heard, ours is by far my favorite.
8 years, 3 months. That's how long we were together before the engagement. I know a lot of people would say that's an eternity to be in a relationship without the officialness, but our timing was ideal for us.
We would always talk about what we wanted our engagement and wedding to look like. I didn't want a grand, public engagement. The thought of that made me cringe. And Milan being...well...Milan, he wasn't going to compromise on the grand part and wanted it to be intentional and thoughtful in the way that it happened.
The first detail to what I like to call, the biggest surprise of my life, was a couples' trip to Venice. This would be the first trip we take, just the two of us, in 5 years. It goes without saying that we enjoy traveling as a family, but those who know, know that a vacation with a kid in tow doesn't always feel like a vacation.
We arrived in the morning to an absolutely stunning walk up apartment. A garden terrace featuring magical views of the Grande Canal, that would later be the backdrop of many late nights and early mornings and eventually, our engagement photos. The interior was adorned with 16th century furniture, setting the scene for a whimsical but romantic feel. It couldn't have been anymore perfect than that. We spent that evening strolling the neighborhood, stopping to watch the gondolas pass under the bridges. A casual dinner at one of the restaurants along the canal by the Realto Bridge, as we bore witness to the fleeting sunset skies. After dinner, we took our time walking back towards the apartment, but not before stopping at the wine bar and ending our night with a bottle on the terrace.
The next morning, Milan went down to the coffee shop and brought us back coffee that we enjoyed, again, on the terrace. Unbeknownst to me, also plotting and confirming what will go down in our history as one of the biggest surprises of my life. He told me that he made reservations at a nice restaurant so "dress nice" and proceeded to cue the music and delivered it to me in the bathroom on a mini speaker as I did my hair and make-up.
I was the only foolish fez wearing heels through the city that day. Had I known we were going to be taking a walking tour, I would've opted for a more comfortable option, but I can't deny how pretty I felt. My love and I, dressed up, hand-in-hand walking in one of the most remarkable cities in the world! And after embarking on a summer of healing for the both of us, I think it would be fair to say falling in love all over again.
Our first stop on this day was lunch at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, an elegant rooftop dining experience watching boats and water taxis come and go in the Venetian Lagoon. We stared across the waters at the church steeple on San Giorgio's island as a light breeze wrapped us up in fairytale bliss. Though I taunted Milan at the bite sized meals, the food was exceptional. I had never had scallops so good in my entire life. In fact, I had never had scallops before that moment, and let me tell you, so good! The lamb ragu was a close second best.
Buzzing from our lunch-time wine, we took a little walk through the narrow streets browsing shop windows, at least that's what I thought we were doing. In reality it was all apart of Milan's masterplan. We walked and paused every once in a while, peeking into store fronts letting the AC cool us down even for just a second. Out jumped an extremely expressive man who called me beautiful and welcomed me to the city. I had no idea what he was saying, but I thanked him and hurried away.
"Principessa, benvenuta a Venezia. Today is going to be your beautiful day, keep walking this way..."
We walked on over to grab coffee at Caffe Florian Venezia, the oldest cafe in the world. With the infamous San Marco's square serving as the backdrop and before us a well organized orchestra playing classical tunes on piano and violins alike. We sat in the center of the crowded tables and ordered a double espresso for him and a cappuccino for myself. At that moment, a white tuxedo wearing waiter approached us and said "Miss, if you don't mind the band would like to play something for you." When I replay this moment, I feel like I should've known something was brewing, but I was so caught up in the ambience, in the cafe, in the city, in this mood. I confusingly obliged and sat in the moment feeling so full with the love of my life right next to me.
Even in a crowded cafe, I felt like there was only us.
We finished up, and began walking towards the Lagoon, with nowhere really in mind, just walking, again holding hands, beaming from ear to ear. Me from trying to understand how was this my real life and him from his mastermind plan going accordingly. As we continue to stroll, the quintessential Italian man, you know the one, with the hair and everything, approached and asked us to "follow him, he wanted to show us something." I started to tell him no while looking at Milan who was already walking in his direction. That is not like him. Like at all. Reluctantly, I follow suit to a boat almost waiting on us. The man jumped in, turned around, and reached for my hand. "Please watch your step." If I wasn't confused before, now I definitely was! Mostly that Milan was ok jumping into some strange Italian guy's boat. He starts the engine and I lean over to Milan and whisper "he's gonna charge the sh*t out of us for this." I figured he wasn't bothered, so I leaned back in my seat and savored the moment. He pulled up to San Giorgio's Island where we disembarked and he drove away into the distance.
The day was only getting more weird by the minute, and of course I was oblivious under the spontaneity and randomness of it all. I was with my man, what was there to worry about? We stepped down from the taxi port and was instantly greeted by a violinist. I tried to avoid eye contact as to not usher him our way, but it was too late. "Do you like music, Miss? Something romantic maybe?" I chuckled awkwardly as the vibe had now shifted and everything started to feel strange. Internal alarms were blaring but I dismissed them almost immediately. We continued to walk with the violinist not too far behind us. Looking over at Venice, Milan cradling me from behind sharing a story of what he later explained to me to be about love, passion and doing anything for the person you love. But at the time, The Greeks, the horses and cities burning down, wasn't making any sense to me.
So many things were going on around us at one point. A man running for his life, from a dog who was barking, a videographer and photographer ducking in the shadows, are they shooting a movie or something? Then there was this man, down, in front of me on his knee.
Every movement, every sound that was deafening before, ceased.
My chest tightened and I turned away. Suddenly finding it hard to breathe. Panic. Deep breath. Was I tripping? I turned back to him, and indeed, there he was. Handsome as ever and still in the same position. Patiently waiting.
He spoke for a good 2 minutes, I could see his lips moving, but I didn't hear a thing. He reaches into his pocket and that's when it hits me, oh my God, it's happening.
Shocked and in complete disbelief, I start replaying the whole day in my head. He didn't rush me while I was getting dressed, the amazing lunch, the weird guy in the alley, the orchestra, the boat guy with the good hair, the violinist who wouldn't go away and now this camera crew!? How!? When!? And then he whispered "Oh sh*t!" dropping his head in defeat, I looked into his eyes and then we both started laughing...
In the stress of it all, making sure everything was happening as it should, he grabbed the wrong ring box. The box that held the box. A very classic Milan move, not at all apart of his grandiose plan, but in the end turned out to work in our favor because we ended up having to call the boat guy, who whizzed us up the Grande Canal and back to our Airbnb, where we got some epic photos and was able to continue the proposal with a ring this time. Sealing the deal on our once-in-a-lifetime Venice trip.
We popped a bottle of champagne, laughed, cried and tried to piece together everything that had just unraveled in the last few hours. 'Til this day, I find myself staring at him in disbelief, wondering how in the hell he pulled the whole thing off without me even suspecting anything. The planning, the coordinating, the execution. Blown away. Speechless. Amazed. And in awe of how committed and determined he was to do all of that for me. For us.
Back at the apartment, we squeezed in a few more moments. The interior had too many pockets of perfection not to take advantage of in such an occasion. On the terrace we reenacted the "getting down on one knee" but this time, with the ring! Annnd here come all the emotions again. I loved my ring, I loved that moment, I loved the thoughtful details and my perfect gentleman. There's nothing that I would've changed from that day.
Summer is my favorite season, and for someone who finds joy in simplicity, I appreciate dressing for the summer because warmer weather forces you to do less when it comes to your wardrobe-even if you are a maximalist at heart. Que the dresses, the shorts and tank combos and sometimes maybe even just a swimsuit and cover up.
Summer also happens to be the season of all the things, from graduations, birthdays, weddings and honestly...beautiful weather that just makes you want to get outside and be outside.
Loose silhouettes, breathable materials, light colors if you're into more neutral looks, bright colors if you're more daring, but one thing for certain a summer staple is a fun, flirty dress. Maxi, midi, mini-you name it. In today's blog post I am rounding up 10 of my current favorite summer dresses this season.
Soft, stretchy knit, bold swirl patterns and feather details that is reminiscent of the famous pink and teal Saint Laurent dress worn by pregnant Rih Rih last spring, you know the one. With colors in the same color-family, it's easy for neutralistas to style without getting overwhelmed. Currently in the Net-A-Porter sales featuring discounts up to 50% off.
2. Figure shaping but comfortable, this elevated denim is easy to wear and bonus! it can take you through to the fall. Dress it up with rhinestoned heels and a metallic clutch for night time allure. Or all white sneakers with statement earrings to be daytime appropriate. And for under $100 this definitely a summer must-have.
3. The Phoebe Maxi by SNDYS, it's ribbed, it's maxi, it's chic with a little edge. The striped print in neutral colors make it an easy, pull-on outfit that wears through all occassions. With sandals it says a day exploring a country side garden and with heels it doubles for a super feminine dinner date outfit.
4. Nothing says "summer dress" like a flowy, cotton, back-out number. This silhouette suits all body shapes. In this shade of yellow it'll bring life to any backyard shindig you've got lined up. Some neutral flat sandals, an oversized rafia tote and some shades to complete the look, you'll be voted belle of the bbq by everyone in attendance.
5. This dress is foreshadowing a future of an amazing night out, turned into watching the sun come up with a McDonald's #9 in lap and feeling intense gratitude for the life you live. Hey! I'm just the messenger. I love a mini-knee high boot combo, even in the middle of summer because we love balance over here. A leather jacket thrown over the shoulders and a small clutch that's not going to get in the way, ties the whole look together.
6. Minimal efforts, maximum effects. If those are words you live by, this dress gives all of that and more. Dressed up or down, this colorful wardrobe addition brings the fun and the flirt. Keep the look simple and chic with white sneakers for day time and add some fun with metallic details like a clutch or bold jewelry to take this look into the evening.
7. A wardrobe staple and a seasons carry-over this satin cami dress is subtle, sophisticated and very versatile. It's one of those outfits that don't need very much to make a statement, it IS the statement. Continue the metalic trend with barely-there sandals in a metalic finish, some over stated earrings and you're good to go. The disco ball has nothing on you!
8. Strapless, ruched and with soft pastel colors? They definitely had spring/summer in mind with this number. Keep it chic for a daytime picnic in some black sandals, a tote bag with black details and sunnies in an orange/yellow tint. Easy, breezy, beautiful AND summer time fine.
9. Get ahead of the tailored suit fall trend, this summer in this suit-dress from Zara. The soft pink shade makes it very spring/summer appropriate. Continue the color palette with fuchsia shoes for evening, or crisp white sneakers that goes perfect with almost everything daytime. An oversized bag; a node to the "workwear" look in a lighter color palette. Because of the masculine nature in the suit-dress, play up on jewelry to bring back it's feminine element.
10. A chic spin on the boho vibes, with this crochet midi dress. Keep all your accessories black for city chic, and white for a more beachy look. Pull it all together with a brown pair of oversized sunnies and small gold hoops and bracelet.
What's "The Murky Middle" And How The Heck Do I Get Out Of It?
"The Murky Middle" like Imposter Syndrome but instead of the feeling of not being good enough, or smart enough, you feel as though the talent or skill you do have isn't being used in the way you want it to be. Frustration stems from you feeling misaligned.
That's how Christina Whittaker explained it on her TEDxAlpharettaWomen talk on Youtube. A video I accidentally clicked on looking for deeper insight on Imposter Syndrome and how other people identified with it.
For me, there were always some relatable traits on how my "imposter syndrome" played out, except the descriptions kept mentioning not feeling adequate in the work place specifically. Feeling like a fraud for landing in rooms or among people you would consider smarter, or more experienced. It was always career geared. What about when it's not only work place related?
The same feelings but not that you're not enough, instead, that the opportunities placed in front of you, or the rooms you do land in does not exactly allow you to flex the muscle you'd like. You feel stuck in spaces that don't give you the satisfaction of feeling accomplished because they're not exactly in-line with the goals you've set out for yourself, or the conversation you'd like to be apart of.
To me, it's slightly worse than self-doubt. It's saying I know I can but I can't see it for me right here, right now. "The Murky Middle" is Imposter Syndrome's cousin who's staying over for the weekend but never wants to do what everyone else is doing.
The depressive state I spent last year fighting off, was in large part due to this exact feeling. Feeling like I hadn't been able to fully express myself through my work. Whether it be time, space, resources, and most timesall those thingsat once. Not feeling creative enough, or just not being in the right headspace out of frustration or mental exhaustion. And then it becomes a revolving cycle.
Home life was constantly conflicting with my need get out there and get creative. My husband always had to work, therefore a lot of the parenting and household duties fell on me and by the time I had time to tend to my things, I was beat! And burnt out. Aside from the fact that Milan's work is what was and still is paying the bills there really wasn't much room for me to demand that time-or at least, that's how I felt.
Late 2021 we made some big purchases and spent that year and the following year in debt and engulfed in pressure, wondering if we could handle it. Where most people sold their homes and all their belongings to kick start their RV life, we didn't have that option. So money and spending it became a cringey subject, let alone to fund this dream of mine which at one point was my lifestyle.
That feeling of being close to a breakthrough and then have it halt all of a sudden was a shock, not knowing how to express that and most times feeling like I had to suppress those feelings was suffocating. Not being on the same wave length regarding this and essentially other things with your partner can leave you in a whirlwind of emotion and doubt and well...need I say more.
Last summer was a summer of healing. Deep-digging, soul-searching healing. It's forced me to look at what I want my life to look like for me. Understanding the content I share or the subjects I speak on should be a direct reflection of my story and where I am mentally, emotionally and even spiritually in the present. But forcing or expecting perfection and not wanting to do anything until it's achieved, will only perpetuate the stagnancy I feel.
"The Murky Middle" wanders through every so often, I'm just in a better headspace to navigate those feelings a little better. I've drafted up somewhat of a strategy to get to where I want to be and I am fully committed to pouring into all that comes to my spirit when it comes to my craft.
I also, more than ever understand that being teachable is a superpower but being open and willing to being a self-starter will unlock some doors too. For someone who hasn't had concrete industry experience for a long time, it's something that I hold insecure feelings around. For someone who has grown up in a world where education and a degree does not hold the value it once did, I'm on a quest to learn as I go and figure out how to implement it whichever way it applies.
Vulnerability isn't second nature to me, it's definitely a muscle I've had to work at developing, but I find that when I can speak on what's cooped up in this head of mine, it sounds less crazy and I feel a little less ridiculous. Sharing this vulnerability can be crippling at times, but I started this blog with the purpose of being transparent and open in hopes of connecting with and inspiring someone who may be feeling somethings and not knowing exactly how to word them. Because too many times I've been that somebody.
...and if you are that somebody (Aaliyah voice), I pray this phase you are in comes to pass, but first I pray you learn to embrace it, understand it and take something earthshakingly valuable from it before you let it go.
Leaving you with a quote that I thought was very fitting. Until next time...
First and foremost, hi! I hope you've all been well. For some of us life has been life'ing at 100mph and left us gripping the handle bars and bracing for impact. What I've learned, or continue to learn is just because things are out of our control, it doesn't always have to mean "bracing for impact" metaphorically or in real life, for something to come crashing down.
Life has been life'ing for me but in a good way, a beautiful way. In a way that I can tell it's been God or the universe (because I truly believe in both) orchestrating and talking to me directly. So many life changes and level ups that can only be a direct effect of the prayers I've prayed and the energy and words I've been putting out into the universe. Which has all been equally a wonderment and an intimidating thing to see happening.
In about a 9 month span I have, been fighting off a depressive state, almost lost my family, lost myself, found myself again, gone through couples therapy, got engaged, proceeded with our move back to the US, found out I was going to be an aunty for the first time, planned an entire wedding in just under 4 months, got married and now here I am celebrating my 34th-birthday.
After the year I've had, I'm happy to be able to sit here in reflection and understand that none of what I overcame was in vain. I understand fully the trigger(s) of my depressive state and work hard, every single day to recognize the moments that do and do not make me feel the greatest and actively concentrate on the moments that DO.
After almost 9 years together my now husband (;P) and I are recognizably on the firmest foundation we've been on since becoming parents and adjusting to new norms. The shift from childless couple to new parents is huge and I don't feel like we talk about that dynamic enough. The continuous struggles of parenting through the different stages makes it that much harder to fully understand because of the constant adjustments that trick you into thinking you've finally got a grip on things, when you don't. I meeeean... it only took us 6 years to recognize that, but the point is we got it now, or are in a good space figuring it all out and the direction we'd like to take moving forward.
Damn. I feel like every time I come here to give a little life update we end up delving deeper than I initially wanted and the vulnerability is screaming! It's not entirely a bad thing, I just hope the message reaches who it needs to reach. If it's you girl, there is a big pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you've just gotta keep going believing that it's there and with the intention to get to it. Always with intention.
All that to say, 34 feels calm and peaceful. All the choices I've made to get to this space are based on intentional and informed decisions. And I'm proud. And grateful. And happy. Fuuuuck! I'm happy. I am at peace in my mind, and with myself on a soul level.
Last year was heavy.
But here, where I am, where we are, I owe a lot of that to my Milan. 'Cause yes, I've had to do the inner work, the sitting with self and all, but he has gone above and beyond to create the space and environment for all of those things to unravel, and for the pieces to be put back together again. He walked with me through figuring it all out. Selflessly, patiently and full of love. So if ever there was a question of his love and commitment to me, I know that answer now.
Our story is a beautiful one, and one that I hope to share with you all on this platform in the coming weeks. Bare with me, I'm also figthing a silent battle of not wanting to overshare. That's another thing that's kind of shown up out of nowhere... the strong feeling of wanting to preserve our privacy and protecting my family, however, I see the value in being transparent as a young family that have their own struggles. To pull the sheets back on the perception of anyone having the perfect life, or that anyone is exempt from struggles no matter how trivial they may seem. We're all human beings, trying to raise small human beings while wanting to be better. Or at least that's the vibe over here.
So thank you all for the birthday love and wishes, what beautiful energy to be showered with. I hope you feel it back when you come to my little corner on the internet. In the meantime, we are over on instagram. Until next time...
