{This in That: Shades of Grey}

Don't laugh at me for the title of this post.  If you are like me and pretty much every woman out there, you have probably read, heard about, or taken a peak into the book that has taken the nation by storm.  It is so weird to me what catches on in this day in age.  If you had told me a year ago to go and write a book about wild, crazy, submissive and dominant sex, and I would become a millionnaire, I would have laughed you out of town.  So as I approach the end of my trip down submissive and dominant sex lane {I am about to finish the trilogy not giving you a weird glimpse into my sex life}, I share with you a "Mr. Grey" inspired post today.  Would rather be lounging at home in a bedroom like THIS in THAT comfy dress.  Happy Tuesday...J

{Boycotting Bag Lady}

This weekend, I declared  that I was boycotting taking any blog outift pictures.  It could have been the couch calling my name, it could have been all the planting I did in the garden, it could have been the Chinese take out, it could have been the Olympics, or it could have just been my mood.  Regardless, I was just not in the mood, so to make up for my lack of new outfit inspiration, I thought I would do a little blog bag roundup.  Did I also mentioned that my name is Jessica and I am addicted to bags?  Happy Monday...J

{The Satchel Company}, {Brahim}, {Old Navy}, {Stuart Weitzman}, {Celine}, {Vintage}, {Kate Landry}, {Louis Vuitton}, {Kate Spade}, {Fendi},  and {Vintage} 

{Love You: Michelle}

So this is turning out to be the week of buddies on DahliaLynn.  We clicked immediately at Alt. Summit last year.  With similiar personal styles and lifestyles with hubbies on the road lots for work, we always have the best chats.  I loved reading Michelle's "Love You" post to learn a little more about her.  Read on friends...

"Hi DahliaLynn readers! Michelle from Second Street East here! I normally see you guys on Thursdays for our Style Steals, so it is good to see you on Friday, too! I was so excited when Jessica asked me to participate in this amazing series not only because she is one of my favorite people, but also because she has such a good message. As women, it is so easy for us to get down on ourselves as well as breed insecurities in others (ummm...Mean Girls comes to mind?) so it is nice to take a second to think about what really makes us special! So here are a few things that I love about myself!

CourageI love that I have enough courage in myself to follow my dreams. In a few short weeks, I will be leaving my full-time job to pursue interior design full-time and build my own business. I don't want to live a life of "what ifs" so I am taking the leap and living life to the fullest!

TrustMy first inclination is always to trust other people until given a reason not to. I have been told in the past that I should approach life the other way around, but I don't see it that way and am thankful for that. I believe that, in general, people are good and aren't out to screw everyone over. Maybe it's because I'm from Oklahoma :)
LipsBy far my favorite body part. Not too big, not too small and perfect for red lipstick! What more could a girl ask for?!
DreamerI am a dreamer that married a realist and it makes for an interesting combo sometimes! But never the less, I love that about myself! Dreams are just our biggest plans waiting to happen (spoken like a true dreamer, huh?)
HairMy momma blessed with with some thick, gorgeous hair and I am SO thankful for that! She attributes it to keeping my hair cut like a boy's while I was growing up. I guess it was all worth it!

Thank you so much for having me, Jessica!"

Isn't she darlying?! I loved that Michelle talked about loving herself for having courage.  There are so many things in life that require courage.  From little everyday things, to life altering decisions, sometimes it can be hard to find the guts to do what we know we should.  So I love that Michelle is patting herself on the back for finding the courage to follow her dreams.  I am crossing my fingers that I get to be Michelle's first client for her new business.  I also love her childhooh memory of having her momma keep her hair short.  Need to tell Michelle and you all my childhood short, haircut, story.  Another day...Happy Friday Loves....J

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals}

Bed / Bedding / Table / Lamp / Flamingo Pillow / Chevron Pillow / Art

 

Dress / Necklace / Clutch / Heels

I have been lusting after this wall color for awhile.  Would love to paint my guest room this fresh mint, since the old house owners before us chose more of a key lime pie color.  As much as I know my guests enjoy feeling as if they are sleeping inside a giant pie, I think this mint green would be a welcome change.  Also loving the flamingo pillow Michelle found to go with the look.  Happy Thursday....J

{My Buddy}

So this past weekend one of my best buddies in the world was in town.  Ms. Anna of TulipLouise and I have been buddies since back in middle school.  We did lots of eating, shopping, catching up, and had waaaaay too much fun.  Along with a little unexpected adventure, the weekend could not have been more perfect.  Cannot wait until we get to spend some time together again.  Buddies are the best...J

Dress {Forever 21}, Heels {Lucky}, Jewels {DahlidaLynn}

{THIS in THAT: Lazy Girl}

With the delivery of our new Chesterfield leather couch days away, I am dreaming of long weekends of lounging.  With two dogs, one 70-pounder that has a love of couches, we knew we couldn't go with a cloth couch for our main family room, and we were looking for a mix of rustic, elegant, and utility.  A distressed leather Chesterfield was a match made in heaven.  To not feel bad about all the lounging I know we will do, I plan on wearing sequins around the house more often, that is why today I wish I was lounging in THAT room in THIS dress.  Happy Tuesday...J

{Hats Off}

Hats off to a lovely weekend with wonderful family and friends.  Happy Monday Sweets....J

{Love You: Chelsea}

So today I am so honored to have sweet and G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S, Chelsea of  Buckets and Bunches to share what she loves about herself.  If you have not checked out her amazing site, head that way after reading her post to feast your eyes on more sparkles and fun than you can handle.  I have to tell you I am in awe of Chelsea's post. Read on to see why...

"I love the concept of this series our Jessica has come up with. I really encourage everyone to sit down and think about the things they love about themselves. It is a challenge that is totally worthwhile. Thank you so much for having me over here today! I am a chronic over-sharer, so this series gave me the perfect excuse.

(1) Overdressed Mess After feeling overdressed for most of my life, I decided that I am just a fancy kinda girl, and I am totally about embracing it these days. I love throwing on pjs at the end of the day, don't get me wrong. But I love getting dressed up even more- rhinestone accessories, lipstick, the whole nine yards. These days I just adore feeling fabulously fancy. Even if I am the only one. I let the movie play out in my head of a fabulous life being lived through sparkly earrings and party dresses.
(2)   Mirror Mirror The video that inspired Jessica's series is about girls who give up on the activities they love because of bad body image. The numbers were shocking- six out of ten girls will give up gymnastics, ballet, etc. because they feel bad about the way they look. So, I want to talk about my body for a minute. I don't love it that much. Wait, wait for it. I have struggled with an eating disorder since I was young, and I was that girl who quit because she wasn't perfect, wasn't the best at it, and didn't look the way she wanted in her leotard.These days, I can find things I love about my body. I love my freckles, strong eyebrows, nice nail beds, green eyes. Somedays I work up even further, perhaps to loving my entire face that day. I have been challenging myself, on the most difficult of body image days, to find something I love and play it up. Most importantly, I am trying not to let those tricky days stop me from doing the things I want to do.
(3) Ya'll Ready For This Last year I went into residential treatment for an eating disorder, self-harm, depression, and anxiety. After nearly a year of residential and out-patient treatment I found out that I am stronger than I knew. I am good at challenging myself. I push myself more and more to learn, to try things, to interact. I thought that I would always let my issues define me in a negative way that did not allow me to live my life. Now I face them (most days) and work on strategies for moving forward. Sometimes in tiny steps and sometimes with huge challenges. The thing is, I am trying.
(4) Funny Girl I think I am hilarious. Witty and sometimes just slap-stick silly. I know I have a small audience. My husband, David, is pretty much the only one who gets me all the time. But, man, when he laughs! I feel like the most adorable/wacky/silly thing and it makes me happy too.
(5) Hidden Talent I have an uncanny ability to predict the plotlines in television. Maybe its because I watch too much tv, but I swear if I ever tried my hand at writing a tv show, drama or comedy, I would rock it."

I have so many more warm feelings toward Chelsea after reading her post.  First off, I love to find a kindred spirit in the "OverDressed Mess" department.  And I am here to tell you, Chelsea you are not the only one!!  Second, I am honored that Chelsea opened up about her struggles with body image, even though she describes herself as a big sharer, and let me tell you why.  When I met Chelsea at Alt. I was struck with her beauty, bold style, sweet personality, and ability to have such a strong and amazing presence.  She was one of those ladies that left me feeling, hey I need to be more like Chelsea.  So it was sobering to hear that Chelsea too struggles with self love, like so many of us, but inspiring at the same time because it feeds in to the notion that we all have so much to love about ourselves if we take time to think about it.  Does not mean that it is rainbows and sprinkles all the time, but it is a place to start.  Chelsea if I can embrace my love to dress the way I like, be the funny girl {even if it is for a small audience}, and embrace my hidden talents like you have, I can die a happy lady.  Thank you so much for being you.  Love...J

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals}

Settee / Bookshelf / Garden Stool / Table / Pillow / Mirror / Painting

 Top / Skirt / Necklace / Wedges / Clutch

I loved the inspiration that Michelle picked out for today.  I found myself so drawn to the wall art in the photo, and I was excited to see that both of us worked the watercolor look into our looks.  Wish I could stay home from work today and curl up in this little reading nook in this breezy outfit.  Happy Thursday...J

{Orange Crush}

It has been so hot lately, I really prefer to spend my time in dresses that are light, airy, and preferable not touching my body.  Since I can't wear moo moo's to work everyday, I often end up in something like this.  I snagged this dress on a recent haul to Zara, where I practically stole 2 dresses and 3 clutches for an amazing bargain.  If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peak at those clutches and this dress a couple of days ago.  If you don't follow me, you should at DahliaLynn.  Also, allow me to introduce you to my new best gals, these platforms heels.  Thy are amazingly tall, comfortable, cute, match so many things, and at about 5'8 with them on I feel like no body can push me around.  Not that I let anyone do that anyways, but the extra inches help out.  Happy Wednesday sweet people....J

Dress {Zara}, Heels {Lucky Brand}, Bag {LV}, Bracelet {All little street purchases from Miami and Monaco}

{The Gimmies: Sunbeam Curtains}

 

Sooo...I have a new obsession.  The thought of yellow curtains in my living room.  Not like light yellow, but bright yellow.  With cream/white furniture, a cowhide rug, and a burst of color at the windows, I can't get the image out of my head.  Help...am I crazy?  Happy Tuesday...J

{Bohemian Moo Moo for Painting}

Will I ever stop wearing unflattering Moo Moo inspired dresses? Hmmmm....Probably not.  But today's Moo Moo was styled extra special with this amazing turban the sweet girls at Savoir-Faire sent over.  For some reason, I still cannot figure out, I thought this would be a great outfit to paint my new porch table and chairs in.  Don't worry the turban and jewels came out unscathed, but I can't say the same of my skirt dress.  Will think through the painting outfit a bit better next time.  Hope everyone had an amazing weekend....J

Skirt as Dress {Zara}, Heels {Lucky}, Turban {Savoir-Faire}, Jewels {DahliaLynn & Forever 21}

{Love You: Katie}

Hi Friends! Today I have Katie from the fun lifestyle blog ModernEve sharing with us what she loves about herself.  So without making you wait a moment more, read on to see what Katie loves most about herself.

"I was thrilled when Jessica asked me to join in on her 'Love You' series. It breaks my heart that so many people, women especially, feel not only unloved by others, but have difficulty loving themselves. Insecurity, body image issues, and lack of confidence are battles we all will face from time to time, but learning appreciate our uniqueness, celebrating our strengths and acknowledging our God-given beauty is something we should all be more intentional about! I loved going through this exercise and highly recommend it. Here we go...

1. I love my eyes. They're hazel/greenish and they've always been my favorite physical feature. And as long as I dove right into talking about my body and physical attributes... in general I'm pretty happy. I love that I am tall. I love how I look both naturally as a light brunette and also with blonde highlights. And I love that I tan easily. And I actually love the general shape of my body. There's nothing special about it, but I don't have difficulty finding clothing styles that fit me well. And since I love fashion, I love that.

2. I love that I am committed to marriage. And that my marriage happens to be to an amazing man. My parents divorced when I was a young child. While it was decently amicable and I maintained strong, healthy relationships with both of my parents, it was extremely hard on me. At a young age, I remember declaring that I will never get a divorce. And I meant it. My passion for healthy marriages and families has followed my entire life and has truly helped shape the woman I have become. From reading marriage education books, to serving in our church's pre-marital class, to not being ashamed to going to counseling when Husband and I are conflicting poorly, working on my own marriage and encouraging others in theirs is my number one passion. And in a society that doesn't seem to value 'til death due us part any more, I love that about myself and my sweet husband.

3. I love that I make friends easily. I am outgoing, confident and deeply interested in people. These three traits combine to allow me to proactively pursue conversations and relationships with others. Whether it's reaching out to someone on Twitter, starting up a conversation with a stranger at a party or maintaining relationships with old friends, I love how I am willing to risk rejection in order to connect with others. I've met so many of my favorite people, people who have inspired me and who I have learned much from, through situations that may have never happened if I hadn't put myself out there. And I love that I did."

My favorite part {since you know I love picking a favorite}....I loved that Katie shared with us her love for her commitment to marriage.  I think for many married individuals being married becomes such a part of our over all life, we forget to stop and apprecaite the special bond we have with our partner and the work it takes to keep the commitment strong as our relationship grows.  It is easy to also forget that not everyone in the United States has the privelge to be married in the eyse of the law to their chosen partner...yet, so I really apprecaite Katie's reminder that we should make sure marriage is somthing we never take for granted and work to strengthen everyday.  A big thank you to Katie for sharing all the wonderful things she loves about herself.  Love....J