Ciao to 2014, Ciao to 2015

Happy 2015!  I really cannot believe that a full month has passed in the new year, and I am just now putting pen to paper  finger to keyboard on my first post.  As the first days of 2015 began to pass quickly, more quickly than anticipated I should add, I started to feel terrible that I had not blogged.  Not a great way to start out the year with one of my favorite hobbies, but life happens.  

As I was thinking about this post, I started to ask myself, "Why do I keep blogging?"  I certainly am not a blogger who has thousands of bloggers to answer to, I am not always sure that people think my outfits are inspiring, and sometimes the fashion blogger world can seem a little materialistic.  And I think I have landed on the answer.  It is very important to me to be true to myself, authentic, and vulnerable....all with the hope that I can inspire others and give them the permission to do the same.  That is why I try to share my thoughts, feelings, and crazy outfits with you all here and with everyone in my life.

At my job this past year, I have sometimes struggled with this, as it seems there is a certain way you should dress and conduct yourself.  There are unspoken rules that sometimes just don't feel like....well...me.  But I have challenged myself to push past what "seems" to be right and just be myself, and I think (for better or worse) it has rubbed off on a few people.  My colleagues will say to me, "I thought of you this morning when I decided to wear these Aladdin inspired pants.  I probably should not wear them to work, but I thought...Jessica will love these."  It seems small, but makes me happy to know I am helping both myself and others be who they want to be.

If you are still with me...I should share that I am about to jump on a plane to Italy.  My first real  vacation since starting my new job over a year ago.  I will be there for two weeks with my best friend, and I hope to come back with lots of fun pictures, stories, and inspiration.  I also will be kicking things off when I return with an amazing giveaway.  While in Italy we will also celebrate my birthday.  So when I return, you will be reading the words of a 30 year old.  Miss you already.

Ciao...J

Pants & Top (Riffraff), Pink Jacket (Savoir-Faire), Leather Jacket (Lola), Heels (Coach), Necklace (Grey Dog Vintage Boutique), Bag (Fendi)