Branching Out

This past year (or not quite a year) has been a challenge for me.  It's not necessarily one particular thing that has challenged me, but a variety of things.  Friendships, dating relationships, relations with coworkers...  I've been challenged in a lot of ways, good and bad.  I've learned a lot about myself and a lot about the people around me.  I've learned who I can truly trust and depend on though good and bad and I've learned who really has my back.  I've developed friendships with some very unlikely people that I would have missed out on had I not opened myself up to new opportunities.

I feel like these challenges have caused me to branch out of my comfort zone in a lot of ways.  I've put myself out there in ways that I haven't before...  In some ways the result has been good and in others it's backfired on me.  I'm learning to trust God and I know that he's doing these things to make me stronger and wiser.  

Loft Romper Styling 

This isn't a fashion post necessarily, but in all of this I've also branched out a bit with my style.  I consider myself to be a reasonably stylish person, but there are some things that I look at and think, "No way!  Not on this girl!"  But really, what have you got to lose when you grab that cute item in the store and aren't quite sure if it's you?  Try it on and just SEE!  Branch out and try something new!

I had this happen last week...  I went into Loft to get another cotton tee.  Something basic, safe, and (of course) on sale.  As I was wandering around the store, I noticed this cute floral romper...  Totally cute, but totally not something I would typically go for.  I decided there was nothing to lose, though, and tried it on.  I loved it!  Out of my normal element?  Yes!  But, that's part of why I love it so much.  (And did I get another tee?  Nope!  I decided to go for something DIFFERENT!)

Now, I'm not saying that God teaches me lessons while shopping, but this connection did occur to me.  I'm not the same person I was a year ago.  I've learned a lot, cried a lot, and grown a lot.  I've learned to branch out of my comfort zone.  It's not always 100% comfortable, but it can be a very rewarding experience.  :)

Fashion Friday: Pick Yourself Up & Get Dressed!

Bright colors always boost my mood!

I'm trying to get back into regular posts, but for some reason that's been easier said than done.  I don't get on my computer a whole lot at home these days, so that kinda makes me forget about blogging.

Anyway, I think some of my favorite posts are Fashion Friday, so that's probably what you're going to be getting from me for the next month or so until school ends!

Getting dressed is probably one of my favorite parts of my day...  Sometimes knowing that I've got a cute outfit waiting for me is what gets me excited about my day.  It's really not in a shallow "I want to look better than everyone else." way, but rather it's something that I'm doing for me. 

Stripes, florals, and bubble necklaces...  Oh my!

I'm going to be completely honest and tell you all that picking out my outfits has become something really important to me, more so in the past few months than before.  Here's why...

Not to get too sappy and girly dramatic on you, but I dated a guy that I teach with during the first half of the school year.  But, that relationship ended right before Christmas break...  As much as I wanted to curl up in sweats and hate the world after that breakup, as I faced going back to work after our long Christmas break, I found myself wanting to look good.  Really good.  I've always liked putting together outfits and looking cute, but it kind of took on a new meaning in January.  I've known quite a few girls who give up on themselves after a breakup...  No makeup, sweats, ice cream tub in tow, but that wasn't me.  I was determined not to be that girl.

I love adding a little sparkle with my accessories!

 Part of it is to maybe rub it in his face and show him what he gave up (just being completely honest), part of it is the show him that I'm not giving up on myself, but a big part of it is for me...  It's something that I can do to help me feel good again and bring back some self esteem.  Seeing your ex 5 days a week is definitely motivation to look good, but even those other 2 days when I don't have to see him I still want to look polished and put together.  For me.


Even if you're not dealing with breakups and having to see your ex everyday, it's important to remember that sometimes making that extra effort to look nice is all it takes to boost you mood.  I joked with my principal on the first day of state testing that it didn't matter how awful the testing was, I loved my new outfit that day and wasn't going to let computer problems ruin my mood.  I'd rather have a crumby day and look nice than have a crumby day and look crumby as well.

My first day back to school outfit.  I looked HOT!

You don't have to look like a supermodel 24-7, but making that teensy bit of effort to look pulled-together or add a little lip gloss may be just what it takes to boost your mood a little bit.  Even just adding a cute necklace or a scarf can take an outfit up a notch.  It's part of what makes being a girl a little bit more fun! :)

Without further ado...  Here's a peek at some of my recent outfits (that I look the time to document)!

Showing my K-State pride in style.

Taking a break from my neon to show my softer side.

I love a good jewelry bargain!  Accessories can totally make your outfit!

My "assessment day" outfit...  The tests may have been crap, but I was going to look good no matter what!

My favorite necklace!

I developed a new love for dresses and boots this past winter.

My new favorite dress from Loft.

And a favorite new pin...