My Fall Working Girl Wishlist

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Hi there! How was the rest of your summer? I've been busy  trying to move forward with some of my goals for the year. You may already know that I'm in the process of transitioning to a more creative career with my start-up interior and wardrobe consulting company.  I'm thrilled to be able to incorporate by passion for design with my background in psychology, but there are a lot of little steps I have to take to make sure that the company has a strong foundation. Also, you may not know  that I'm  an aspiring children's author and writer, and I'm excited to announce that I've recently joined on as a contributing writer for The Everygirl.  Twice a month you can check out my articles on a range of different topics related to mental health and wellness, and I've gotten some really good feedback so far. You can check out my latest article here. And as though that isn't enough, I plan to start my decorating course this fall. I'm really looking forward to it all, but I find that I'm constantly trying to find that work/home balance. Don't get me wrong, I love having three little ones at home, but like a friend told me the other day, you're not going to get all that cuteness without a cost —exhaustion! So here we are at the beginning of fall, and I absolutely love new seasons,  namely fall and spring. They're always exciting for me because it's a chance to start fresh. I especially love a fall wardrobe because there are so many opportunities for showcasing your personal style with layering and substantial pieces like boots and coats. Only there are tons of trends this season I can barely keep up. I usually peruse through magazines and websites to give me inspiration  and direction. Otherwise, I find that I don't have a sense of what I want or like, and I'm liable to buy pieces that don't move me or add umph to my wardrobe, you know what I mean? So I've put together a wishlist of sorts, some pieces are definitely out of my price range, but still useful in helping me to flesh out the look I'm aiming for this season. I've really been drawn to modern shapes and texture lately. They offer a nice alternative to more traditional silhouttes, and add a little something to a classic wardrobe. I also got bit by the over-the-knee boot craze, and I'm currently on the hunt for a pair. I don't know what it is, but all of a sudden I just wanted an over-the-knee boot. I've  seen them styled in really cute ways, and I suppose I just succumbed to the hype —isn't that always the way? After looking over my wishlist I noticed that I'm really into feminine, girly, quirky pieces. (No surprise here.) All them are ones I'd wear to work on a day that I was feeling pretty creative and chic. So I decided to call it my working girl wishlist. Check it out.

 My Fall Wishlist

It's hard to pick out a favorite since I love them all, but I absolutely adore those lace-up shoes. Everyone seems to be wearing the pointy-toe version which I like as well, but I like that there's a round toe option.  Oh, and there's something about that blush bow blouse that just reeks of pretty, and it looks great on the model. What are some of your favorite trends this season? And what goals are you trying to accomplish for the rest of the year?

bow blouse||puff sleeve sweater|| floral pants|| lace-up shoes|| ruffled blouse|| cape|| fringed sweater||leather culottes|| tweed dress|| tweed pants|| midi skirt|| over-the-knee boots

Having A Moment With Stacked Earrings

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Wearing loads of jewelry is a hallmark of disorders like Histrionic or Borderline Personality Disorder. The idea that wearing a ring on every finger is a sign you are "one of them" is a stereotype that speaks to the high level of attention people with these disorders often demand. And while most people aren't extreme attention-seekers, I think many of us have attention-seeking tendencies even it it's buried somewhere beneath our more reasonable and logical selves. We enhance our self-image with clothes and jewelry, and who wouldn't want some positive feedback at least some of the time? Some would argue that they don't dress for anyone but themselves, but any type of adornment conveys a message, whether intended or  not, that others interpret. It's a complex message that distinguishes us from or merges us with the wider culture.  Sometimes it appeals to fantasy,  other times it is very practical, and it usually conforms to our value system. As for me, I certainly enjoy dressing in ways that hint at my more fanciful side. I love classic pieces with unexpected details, or a twist in my accessories or jewelry. But at any given time, I may not care to wear any jewelry, or I might want to pile it on. It usually depends on how stressed, distracted, or inspired I am. Lately, I've been into stacked earrings. I really like the different combos I've been seeing. Pairing colorful crystals with whimsical and geometric studs, or streamlining it with multiple pairs of the same earrings in different sizes makes for some really interesting ear candy. I recall getting multiple ear pearcings in the 90's when it was all the rage, and haven't worn them for years until now. It feels like it's 1995 all over again, and I'm kind of liking it. Here is my inspiration.

stacked earrrings

The Truly Profiles: Meet New Favorite Blogger, Melissa of Simply Bohemian

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We all have our favorite superstar bloggers. You know the type. The seasoned bloggers who have been at it for years, developed their skills to perfection, and accumulated the adoration of the masses. We love them and almost can't imagine a time when they weren't larger than life. But what if we knew them way back when, before they had years of experience under their belt, before they became a household name. Would we see the "it" in them or just pass them by. It's hard to say. But I'd like to think I could recognize a talent when I see one at any point along their career journey. Case in point, newbie fashion blogger, Melissa of Simply Bohemian hasn't been blogging long, but you can't tell from her captivating (I'm not exaggerating) Instagram pics and  pretty, understated blog posts. As you may tell from the name, her style is undeniably bohemian, and she captures it in such a pure, elegant way, it's hard not stare at them. In short, this girl's got talent. I wanted to interview Melissa because I felt it was the perfect opportunity to better understand how a creative talent just starting out, makes it all happen. So when I asked Melissa for an interview, I was happy she said yes, not just so I can introduce her to my readers, but so I could pick her brain and take a few nuggets for myself (I'm a little selfish like that).  You'll want to hear what Melissa had to say about starting a blog with fear and insecurities, and what inspires her. Read the full interview below along with her beautiful Instagram pics for your viewing pleasure.

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TB: Hey Melissa! I want to first start off by saying that I love your Instagram feed and blog. It really does reflect a simple bohemian lifestyle, and it's infused with so much beauty and personal style. I understand it took a while before you decided to start your blog. What were some of your reservations, and what made you decide to just go ahead and do it?

Melissa: Thank you so much, Sarah, for your kind words! Before I hit publish for the first time, I had lots of reservations. Did I have anything to say? Would anyone care? What if I couldn't do it? Silly, I know. My husband encouraged me greatly, and I finally decided to jump in and start. To do something for me, for us, and to not let insecurities rule.

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TB: I  love that. Where do you look to for inspiration?

Melissa: I tend to find inspiration in little moments— over a quiet cup of coffee with my husband, a slow sunlit walk with my dog, a piece of music, the way a dress falls, a pale pink wall, and flowers. Always flowers! Little adventures out of the house can really spark your inspiration!

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TB: Definitely. It's those non-stressed moments when inspiration flows so easily. Speaking of non-stress, your outfits reveal a relaxed approach to dressing with a keen attention to detail. What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Melissa: I love shopping at Free People and Anthropologie. Their displays are always thoughtful, beautiful, and inspiring. I love finding that special piece there! I also love Madewell for well done basics.

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Simply. Bohemian 10TB: It's easy to see that your Instagram pics are well curated. What is one thing you learned about photography since you started your feed?

Melissa: I'm still learning every day! I think the key is consistency. Constantly going out capturing the things that catch your eye, the moments you want to remember. Keep trying new things, new perspectives, new edits until you find you. I am always looking for how I can capture what I'm seeing and feeling in this shot. Always keep honing your individual perspective.

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TB: Great info. And what advice do you have for anyone who has been thinking of starting a blog, but doesn't know where to begin?

Melissa: Start. Just start. I didn't know what I was doing, (I still don't) and I was so nervous to hit publish on the first entry! Take time to think about what makes you excited, what inspires you. Think about how you can share that with others, and maybe even inspire them to capture the moments around them.♦

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I love what Melissa had to say about starting a new venture in spite of her insecurities and fears. It goes to show you that we all, no matter how talented, have fears to overcome, and it is in the overcoming that you get the confidence to push forward. Melissa, I wish you all the best as you embark upon your new career path. I'm sure we will all be hearing more of you in the future.

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All of the pics can be found on Melissa's Instagram here.♥

My Top 10 Fashion Picks for Summer

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Now that we're well into the summer season, I've had a chance to figure out what I want and what I don't. I don't know about you, but I usually try to hold back on buying a bunch of clothes  in the beginning of the summer season when we're inundated with trends to avoid buying things that are not really going to be useful to me. But right around this time, I'm usually certain of what I need, and feeling the sting of what my closet is missing if I don't have it. So I took the time to round up ten pieces I think will serve me well this summer. Everything from a watermelon cooler, which I luckily bought at the beginning of the season, to a high-waisted jean skirt which I still need to get. Top Ten Summer Picks

 

1. Romper 2. Modcloth Beach Hat 3. DVF Sunnies 4. UO Gladiator Sandals  5. Free People Striped Off the Shoulder Top 6.  Tiger Beach Towel  7. Madewell Jean Skirt  8.Modcloth Weekender 9. Cut-out Bathing Suit 10. Shopbando Watercooler

That bathing suit has my name written all over it. What are your favorite picks this season?

5 Good Qualities Jealous People Have (But Don't Know It)

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Jealousy is not a coveted character trait. There's the jealous girl in the movies who we all love to hate. Or the jealous friend who stopped talking to us when we got the job she wanted. How about the jealous classmate who always seems to be prying in our business and constantly trying to one-up us in class. No one wants to be that girl (or guy). Jealous people are bitter, resentful, and plain old pathetic. And in a perfect world, that is NOT us. We like to think of ourselves as pretty good people. So to consider the possibility that we may harbor jealous feelings, even some of the time, doesn't sit well with us. It creates what is known as cognitive dissonance. That's the discomfort we feel when we hold two opposing ideas. One of the ways we deal with the discomfort is to explain it away, or suppress it. In fact, we may not even be consciously aware of our own jealous feelings and behaviors. But jealousy doesn't go away just because we ignore it. Instead it grows, and shows itself in ugly, mean-spirited ways. Of course, feeling jealous does not necessarily mean we are bad people. The key is to use jealous feelings to make ourselves better by dealing with it directly. And to help with this process, I came up with five good qualities you probably have if you catch yourself feeling jealous. jealousy

1. Jealous people are sensitive. Essentially, jealousy is the feeling that someone has something you want, but can't seem to get. There is a feeling of lack, and it creates the sense that life has not been fair to you. This makes you more sensitive to situations in which you are treated unfairly. In fact, you notice things people don't. You may even find yourself seeking out proof of personal injustices just to support your belief that things are not fair to you. No, none of this feels good. But if you look a little closer, your sensitivity can be a valuable asset. Just as you are sensitive to injustices, you can also be sensitive to those moments when things go your way, when you get blessings you didn't necessarily deserve, or when someone makes a kind gesture on your behalf. With your keen eye, you have the ability to notice things that make you feel grateful rather than hateful.

2. Jealous people are creative. Jealous people are known for blowing single incidents out of proportion and making sweeping generalizations. It's called catastrophizing. Let's say your boss didn't notice all the hard work you put into a project, and instead raved about your co-worker's project whom you know didn't work half as hard as you. But instead of brushing it off, you're feeling a whole lot of jealous, and before you know it, the "I can't believe (s)he didn't notice me" and "Why did (s)he get noticed" turns into "No one ever notices me" and "Everyone else always gets noticed but me." The one incident tends to take on a larger than life quality, and this is how many jealous people cope with feeling fed up. Sometimes it feels easier to wallow in the idea that life is against us because it's too painful to hope for the best and get let down. But few of us realize how much creativity (and not to mention energy) it takes to make our experiences fit into a negative worldview. Just like an expert weaver, we have to tease, pick, and parcel out all the half-truths and inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts we've gathered from negative experiences all while ignoring the positive ones, just to create a worldview we think is easier to manage. It's so much work— no wonder why we feel drained. But just as we can create a negative worldview based upon negative experiences, we can create a positive worldview based upon positive ones. Since so many of our circumstances are outside of our control anyway, why not focus on the positive experiences more often. It will make you feel much happier and way less tired.

3. Jealous people are tenacious. You may spend your time focusing on the successes of others because you can't get past the unfairness of it all. But you're smart, and already know the effort you're expending on those you deem more privileged isn't logical; yet you feel stuck, and like a bad case of magical thinking, there's the sense that mulling over it will change things somehow. While it isn't healthy to be consumed with the lives of others (although social media makes it so darn easy), the intensity with which you do it, is actually a misuse of your tenacious spirit. I mean, imagine what you can accomplish if you refocused that energy inward? How much more would your gifts, talents, and creativity flourish?

4. Jealous people are analytical. Not only do you catch yourself focusing too much on the successes of others, but you make comparisons with a fine-tooth comb to explain why things haven't worked out. Thoughts like "Oh she had more opportunity to practice than I did, " or "I had three jobs and couldn't get anything done but he didn't have to work," or "She had help, I didn't," probably sound really familiar. We do this to make ourselves feel better, yet many of us fail to realize the critical thinking skills we are using. This is because unresolved insecurities causes us to let our emotions override our intellect and ability to think thoughts that are way more helpful, accurate, and healthy. If we made good use of our intellect and used those analytical skills to compensate for emotional weaknesses, it can really go a long way to resolving those "chips on the shoulder" (is that a term?). It may be difficult to do at first, but remember you have tenacity, *wink*.

5. Jealous people are strong. I know it doesn't always feel like it, but the truth is most people who find themselves feeling jealous have been in a struggle, a struggle to overcome long-standing insecurities and self-doubt that was never conquered. But the very fact that you are in a struggle, means you are trying to deal with it. And when we deal with feelings of jealousy instead of trying to pretend it isn't there, jealousy will begin to lose it's power. Then we can realize the strength we had along along, but didn't know it. ♥

Different Time, Same Style: 70's Working Mom

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Hi Folks! It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted and I'm so happy to be posting again. I didn't intend to be gone these last couple of weeks. I've just been really busy with work and family responsibilities. Sometimes it can be difficult when you're trying to do it all, but I'm committed to making things work, even when it feels like there's not enough time in the day, or enough resources to do what needs to get done. Sometimes all we have is motivation and determination, and if so, well Gosh Darnit, I say make the best of it.

This week I'm excited to share another installment of Different Time, Same Style or what I'd like to call DTSS. It's among my favorite to write, yet also one of the most challenging. I'm fascinated by history and have always been intrigued by how people dressed and did things in the past. So I thought it would be cool to reinterpret the style and wardrobe of people in past eras based upon what I'd think they would wear if they were the same age today. Of course, no one really knows for sure how we would dress in a different time period. I'd like to think I'd be chic and stylish, but that would depend upon a combination of factors such as the social-cultural standards of the day, the expectations imposed by my family or immediate environment, my financial status, and the list goes on. As you can see, figuring out what I'd wear is no easy feat. But it's not so much about being accurate as much as it's about conveying a thoughtful reinterpretation of styles from past eras. And isn't that what inspires the collections of countless fashion designers? My ability to create a thoughtful re-interpretation stretches as far as my creativity will take me, and taking creative liberties is the best part.

So without further ado, meet my newest DTSS muse, my friend's mom. She has such a graceful and endearing quality, and when I saw pics of her in the 70's, it all made sense. I mean, of course she was a chic and modern working mom of two! I did some digging and learned that in the 70's, she worked as the personal secretary to Governor Shapp of PA. He started the Peace Corp as a way to help provide technical assistance to other countries, and expose the US to different cultures. Nowhow's that for a fun fact. I imagine my friend's mom being immersed in an atmosphere where worldliness and a blending of ideas from different cultures were strongly encouraged. Still, the 1970's was a transitional time for moms. The June Cleaver image was fading away, but the concept of a working mom was considered cutting edge, and from her attire, it's clear my friend's mom was part of the new wave of stylish, working moms. Think Mary Tyler Moore minus two kids.

Below are pics of my friend's mom going to the Governor's ball (1), out and about with the Governor at a construction site (2), with her children (3), and spending some time at the water front (4). She's super cute, and if she was the same age today, I bet her wardrobe would be no less modern. In fact, most of the current trends reference the 70's so if she was transported to 2015, I'd bet her wardrobe would be an ode to her 70's self. Don't you think? See how I interpreted DTSS for her below.

DTSS: 70's Working Mom