Reflections on the Day of Birth

Tomorrow's my birthday *Dec. 29th*, and it's always been really fascinating and fitting to me that it's right between Christmas and New Years.

Mixes

It was a friend's birthday party. A party where you're supposed to bring an appetizer to share with everyone. She messaged me the week before and asked if instead of bringing an appetizer, I would make her birthday playlist. She had been to the dance parties I hosted with my curated list, and she asked if I would create an upbeat list with some of her favorite indie rock mixed in.

Hot Pink TIFF Party Dress

TIFF parties have been rampant, and I've gone to my fair share. Wish I could've shared all the outfits with you, but sometimes the day just got overwhelming.

You Say That Like It's a Bad Thing

Many people, most really, when they first meet me are surprised to learn about the raging nerd I am.

Castaway

The day alternated between sudden bursts of rain - darkening the skies and raising the winds to a howling volume - to the gentle warmth of the sunshine bright and warm on the skin.

Good Fear

We all feel it. We all react to it. It's fight or flight, right? We either run towards, or away from it. Fear, in some way or another, motivates us. I don't think it's all bad either. It's just a part of our being. An emotion, both good and bad. It can hold us back, but it can also motivate us forward.

Finding Something

What is it that we're trying to find? What is it? What is that thing we're all looking for?  Some say it's happiness. Others contentment. Some says it's excitement. Others peace. Some say it's silence. Others the noise of life.

Chase You?

Remember the chase?  That whole chase between men and women. The whole dance of he moves, and you either move with him or shut it down.  I like that chase.

Messy Hair, Don't Care

There's this image that bloggers, mostly fashion and lifestyle, present.

Mind Games

A friend and I were talking briefly about mind games. Mainly how people seem to play them a lot. And we both agreed that this is part of the reason we have such difficulty navigating the world sometimes - because I hate mind games. I don't get it. I don't like it. And I by nature do not engage in them. I usually take people at face value. But I've learned to reign in that instinct, because I've been burned.

But at the same time, mind games take up so much energy and are frankly, draining. Often, we spend hours obsessing over something - say a crush - instead of just saying, "Hey, this is how I feel, how 'bout it?" That takes waaaaay less energy and is not confusing at all.

So raise a toast to the folks who don't engage in mind games. To the ladies, like myself, who are a 'what you see, is what you get' kind of gal.

Now let's go dance.

Dress - Sheinside  //  Necklace - Gypsy Love Store  //  Shoes - Payless //  Bralette - F21

Cheeky

Who doesn't love being a little cheeky?  A little coy and innocent on the outside but a tempest of wit and salaciousness inside?
Enter the French brand, Lochers.  Because who else does the cheeky innocent better than the French.

Top - Lochers // Skirt - One Rad Girl  //  Shoes - Aldo  //  Sunnies - F21  //  Bracelet & Earrings - Ruche

Sometimes the World

Sometimes our brains freeze up.  At least mine does.
Sometimes I don't know who I am supposed to be, and have trouble reconciling that with who I am.
Sometimes my heart feels too many feels and then I become confused about what I'm feeling.
Sometimes I feel like a little girl, not knowing which way to go, and thinking everyone is an adult around me and has it all figured out.
Sometimes I just need to stop and dance.

Top - Auguste  //  Jeans - Lucky Brand  //  Necklace - Fair Trade Show  //  Sandals - I forget *old*

Takin' It All In Stride.

Saturday: my girl's birthday party.
Saturday eve: our games night.
Saturday middle of the night: Carbon monoxide detector goes off and we spend a total of two hours outside while the fire department comes, checks our house, concludes it's a malfunction and false alarm, and leaves.
Sunday: coffee.

Sunday after coffee: if this is the problem I'm dealing with right now, life's pretty okay. People are being persecuted and hunted around the world just for being alive. Which is right up there with me losing a couple hours sleep right? *that was sarcasm in case you missed it*

Here's to perspective. Happy week everyone.

Pants & Shoes - ThreadSence  //  Tee & Cardigan - UO  //  Necklace - Homegrown Boutique

Yeah Baby!

That whole '60s/'70s feel. That whole loose waves, fringe and mini dress thang.  All of that.  I'm in love.  There's a party?  I'm bringing my fringe, backless, and curls to shake shake shake it off.  Yes, I threw a little Taylor Swift in there.  Because it's all about being who you truly are in all your complex glory.

And this fringed hippie loves her a little Taylor.

Dress - Spell Designs  // Belt & Boots - F21 *old*  //  Sunnies - UO //  Rings - F21 and others *old*

Adventuring in Kimonos

I shared a hotel room with two lovely ladies: the Groom's sister and cousin. The first was the sweetest woman, and the second was the coolest, so I felt pretty lucky. They both enjoyed staying up later than I *I've never been one for staying up late as I love being awake and having adventures during the day*  So, that meant that early in the morning I tried to quietly get dressed and vacate the room so they could continue sleeping.

It also meant that I was awake and walking around the resort earlier than a lot of people.  But I kind of loved this time. The beaches were clear of people, and the only ones awake and bustling about were the lovely Jamaican people themselves.  It meant I could walk about and explore areas, and take photos, with relatively few people caring about what I was doing.

Though to be fair, I think by this time I had earned myself the "crazy photographer lady" title as on the wedding day and the day before during the detail shots I was both a contortionist and throwing little ants out of my shot. People generally just gave me a wide berth, after all I might snap at any second. Even the ants did not escape my wrath.

Maxi Kimono - Spell Designs  //  Top - SheInside  //  Pants - Jens Pirate Booty via ThreadSence *sold out*

*linking up with Passion for Fashion, and Style Elixir*

Jamaica Bound!

That's right. You read that right. I'm headed to that lovely land.  Actually, I'm there right now, and I'll be home on Thursday very very late.  Expect some fabulous shots from Jamaica next week, 'cause weather permitting I'll be on the beach.

Also, I've been looking for that great pair of neutral sandals for a while now, and I'm so thankful to Easy Spirit for providing them.  These are gonna go with everything, and I love that they have just a touch of a heel.

In the meantime, get those dresses out, get those frilly tops, and let's all enjoy the sunshine.
Love to you all.

Top - UO  //  Pants - ThreadSence  //  Sandals - c/o Easy Spirit  //  Necklace & Bag - Lucky Brand

See you all on the flipside.