{Looking Up}

I have so few words to share as I struggle to comprehend the events of last week, including the unexpected lost of a family friend.  I know there is so little that we can say or do to make those experiencing unthinkable loss feel better.  It is hard fore me to even express the saddness I feel because I know I am so very removed from the crippling pain that others are experiencing.  It is hard even to show others the tears I have{which is unusual for me} because I know my saddness pales in comparison to the saddness and emptiness so many families are feeling in this moment.  

So I knew today with all these conflicting emotions that I would struggle to find the words, so I figured I would share this picture.  Because after all doesn't the saying go, "a picture is worth a thousand words?"  Not even sure how I stumbled upon this sweet image, but it truly captured the feeling of the only way I feel I can give to others right now.  So I will take comfort in lifting others UP in prayer, I will ease the saddness by looking UP to remember that those who have left us behind have gone to a better place, I will keep my chin UP to be brave and strong for those who cannot, and I will look UP in remembrance of all those memories that we have of those loved and lost.  May you rest in peace...Jessica  

{Love You: Sally Ann}

So I don't know if any of you sweet people anticipated that today would be the wonderful part 2 "Love You" from the second half of the amazing blog "A Piece of Toast," Ms. Sally Ann.  I have never had the pleasure of meeting Sally Ann, but I can't wait to catch up with her this year in SLC.  And after reading this post, I can only imagine what a delight it will be to meet her. 

 

"1. I love that I am patient.  As a teacher, nanny, and the oldest in a huge family, one can imagine that I am quite the patient person.  I don't know if I was patient as a child or when this trait developed later on in life but it is something that I truly appreciate and that makes me who I am today.  I am slow to anger, appreciate all of the people and relationships in my life for who and what they are, and I really try to consciously think about the position that others may be in.  These three things are definitely what I can accredit the patience to:)
 

2. I love being tall.  I am about 5'7" or 5'8" on a good day and there is not a day in my life that I haven't loved it.  I didn't shoot up until high school so I was never one of those awkward giants in middle school.  My height came at just the right time where I could really appreciate it.  I can honestly say that I have never had to hem a pair of pants or dress in my life.
 

3. Going off of being patient, I love that I am from a big family.  I honestly would not have had it any other way.  In describing my family, I often say, "there is never a dull moment" and I mean it in the most endearing way.  Being from a big family has really made me appreciate the little things in life and the importance of family and spending time with them.  I still get homesick and cry each time I leave our hometown.  My boyfriend often asks me if I will still do that when I am married.  I hope to someday have children of my own that love my family and being at home as much as that.  (And yes, I do plan to have a big family of my own:)
 

4. I love being named after my sweet grandmother, Sally Ann.  It has always felt like a special little connection that we've had throughout the years.  Almost like our little "secret" or something.  When the family is all together, there are two Sallys in the room and I don't mind it one bit.  I also enjoy hearing my Papa call her "Sal", just like others call me:)
 

5. I love that I like to read.  Reading is one of those things that you never lose and never forget, yet it is often undervalued by people.  I am so happy that my parents instilled in me an absolute love for reading at such a young age.  Sundays after church were spent browsing the shelves in the children's section at Barnes and Noble where we were each allowed to chose one book.  (Babysitters Club were my personal favorite)  I know that this love of reading will stay with me until I am old and grey which is perfect because I think many books can keep you young and fresh and your mind sharp."

 

Well I don't know about you all, but after reading those "loves" don't you just want to take this sweet woman out for a cup of coffee to chat.  Even through her post I can tell that she is so kind, supportive, and patient.  I love so much how Sally Ann shared her love of family and family memories in so many of her loves.  We get so used to our roles in our families, I think we can forget sometimes how we each play a very important role in our family units, and Sally Ann has certainly reminded me to show myself the love for the big sister I am.  Thank you so much sweet Sally Ann for sharing with us today.  Lotsa love....J

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals }

Striped Chair / Leather Chair / Coffee Table / Side Table / Rug / Blinds / Art / Pillow

Clutch / Skinnies / Earrings / Jacket / Top / Booties / Scarf

I love, love the room that Michelle picked today.  It is so elegant and worn in that it strikes the perfect balance.  My favorite pics today are the leather chair and the highwaisted skinnies.  Happy almost weekend...J

Cougar Town

{P.S. Tons of new jewels in the DL Etsy shop like this pretty that would have gone perfect with my outfit.}

 So did I mention that my car is in the shop because the favorite person in my life {I won't name names} accidently backed my car into the word's largest cement post in downtown Nashville?  No...well I am mentioning it now.  I was just thankful that that person, who shall remain nameles, was safe and sound.  Accidents happen, that is life, just thankful no one was hurt.  Nevertheless, it has left me driving a rental this week.  I always like to get fun rentals, red hot mustang...yes please, giant black truck...sure I need to haul some things, funny little convertible....who doesn't want to look like they are having a midlife crisis.  

This time I went with a jet black Sebring convertible.....I know you are soooo jealous.  As I was cruising around this morning in my new ride, I couldn't help feeling like a cougar.  Not the big cat, but the hot older ladies looking for a young cub.  I wasn't looking for any young cubs to hit on, but I was just feeling very older womanish in my new ride.  Then I realized that my post today had me in a skirt that is closest to the lingerie look I will probably every get.  What is going on with me?  I really think the Sebring is sending me subliminal messages to look like an old, hottie.  I just hope she is not too disappointed.  Happy Wednesday...J

*I hope I have not offended anyone who has a Sebring.  I actually am growing to like the little thing.  Though I don't tend to lean towards the midlife crisis car, I will say that I gravitate towards large crossovers or SUV's that would be labeled Mommy mobiles.  And at the end of the day, I am just happy to have wheels to get me going from place to place. Ok that is enough, Happy Day again....J! 

You Pull It Off..

So I am super excited about today because I am trying out a new Tuesday feature on DahliaLynn.  I was chatting with my buddy recently about some of our crazy fashion choices, and we started sharing stories, and it got me thinking.  Usually when someone compliments a look I have put together they say something like, "Gosh I love that look, but I could never pull it off."  Or "I wish I could wear those pants, but only you could pull that off."  Even when I chat with people about some of the major fashion blogs, I will hear the common phrase "I love her look, but I could never pull it off." 

Now I must say that I am a huge supporter of creating your own look, and style.  However, not wearing a certain look, item, or trendy piece should always be a choice because you don't like the look or it is not you.  It should never be because you don't know how to "pull it off."   I will also say I realize that sometimes when people say "I love your look, but I could never pull it off,"  they really mean, "She looks nuts, I would never wear that."  This new little feature is not for those people.  It is for my buddies, who truly want to give some of those nutty, different, and fashion crazed looks a try.  I will do my best not to limit the looks I talk about to one's that I prefer, but will do my very best to pick a plethora of looks and options for all of those beautiful shapes and sizes.

So if you are still reading, I bring you the first "You Pull It Off" featuring printed, skinny jeans.  Being a floral lover, I was thrilled to see the floral trend pop up {which is why I chose these garden beauties today}, and the bold patterned look lives on this season with more patterned pants than I could have dreamed up.  But even though I have mad love for these crazy pieces they can be tough to pull off.  So here are my suggestions to easing in to the trend... 

(1) Pick a print that you genuinely like.  If you don't like floral go with a different pattern.  If you are not sure, try a small floral pattern.  If you don't like ANY prints, then you probably will not like your life size legs and tush in a print, so maybe stop reading and check in next week:) 

(2) If you are just trying things out, pick a print with the same color tons or in neutrals tons.  If the pattern is a big change for you, throwing in a bunch of colors might put you over the edge. 

(3)  I suggest a neutral top, shoes, and bag to tone down the pattern.  Think of your body as a couch.  If you are not used to a lot of pattern you don't cover the whole couch in a bold pattern, you try a pillow out first.  So if the patterned pant equals the pillow, then the rest of the look needs to be the couch.  Make sense? 

(4)  If you want additional color {because I usually do}, add that in your jewels or maybe with a scarf  that compliments the pattern to tie the look together.   

(5)  Choose a top that is comfortable and flattering to your shape, and with patterned pants for me this usually means something that covers my trunk  {I won't say junk in the trunk because I just don't have much junk in the trunk, sadly}.  I also highly recommend a longer top if you are nervous about the big print because you are showing less print, which helps you get used to all that crazy print going on. 

(6)  If you do not go with a top that is more covering around the hips and butt, make sure that you are choosing a pant that has a really flattering fit for your body type.  Now if you are tiny this might not be tough for you, so rock on, but if you are like me you might have to put a little more thought in to it.  For example, I have large hips for my frame and a bit of extra love in the middle, so I have to be very careful that the pants I choose help show off my waste and never give me a muffin top.   

So there you have it!  Some tips so you can take those printed pants and show them who's boss.  So now "You Pull It Off"...J     

Knit sweater
$63 - witchery.com.au

Skinny leg jeans
nastygal.com

ALDO ballet flat
aldoshoes.com

Zara shopping tote bag
zara.com

J Crew j crew jewelry
net-a-porter.com

Scarve
boutiquetoyou.com

{Tried}

Try: to attempt to do or accomplish.  So I was going to try to make the argument today that I "tried" just a little with this outfit, but it just felt kind of wrong.  Because when you get right down to it, putting this outfit together went something like this on Sunday.  

"Me:  I need to put some clothes on so we can go see the noon "Playing for Keeps."

Myself:  I would rather just weather my nightgown. 

Me:  That would be weird, so I guess I should get up.

Myself:  Where are my ripped jeans?  Stuart's wrinkled button up looks comfy.

Me:  Goshhh...this is comfy.  Now if I could only wear my slippers, moccasins are kind of like slippers.

Myself:  Now get something sparkly to dress it up.  And maybe add some dry shampoo to my hair so it give the allusion I washed it."

Sure I could have told you I was trying for lumberjack chic, and sometimes I am, but this past Sunday the only thing I was trying to do was to be comfortable and appropriate for public.  So I guess I did try to do something, and on reflection I feel like trying to be appropriate in public is not that bad of a goal for the day.  Happy Monday...J  

{Love You: Molly}

Happy Friday sweet friends!  This has quickly become my favorite day on the blog.   I have really started to look forward to sharing the new "loves" that my friends have shared each week because it is such a pick-me-up, I think.  Today I have, Molly, one of the wonderful sisters of the amazing duo that run A Piece of Toast.  You might remember when Molly was kind enough to ask me to be a part of APOT's She Wishes She Was Wearing series.  APOT is one of those sparkly spots on the web that you can go to always find the perfect post to brighten your day.  So without a moment more read on to see what Molly is loving about herself today.

"1.  I love my ability to trust my instincts.  For whatever reason, I make decisions easily (even difficult ones) and can honestly say that I can't remember a time when I've had regret based on my own choices.  You know how people tell you to listen to your gut?  Well I do!  And I feel happiest when I listen to myself versus rethinking decisions every which way... I know I'm lucky to have this inner "trust" and it's definitely something I have become increasingly appreciative of over the past several years.

2.  I love that I'm type A.  It's a double edged sword - there's no doubt about it - but I like that I am organized, neat, and sort of a clean freak.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed, I go on a cleaning spree or spend a few hours organizing.  There are worse things, right?!  No...My vacuum isn't my best friend and I'm not compulsive about things being neat 100% of the time - but I do like making my bed each morning so I can climb in "crisp" sheets each night and it makes me happy when things are in their place.  Maybe in my next life I will be a professional organizer, ha!

3.  I love my eyelashes.  They are my one beauty vice and I'm shamelessly obsessed...I feel naked without mascara (even thought I get my lashes dyed each month) and can't leave the house till they are curled and ready to go.  Even if someday I'm bald, I'll always feel pretty with my long and full eye lashes!  P.S. my secret to extra length is Neulash; a serious miracle worker.  I can't live without waterproof mascara (currently still searching for a favorite) and my Tarte eyelash curler.

4.  I love that I'm affectionate.  Phone calls can't end without an "I love you" - whether I'm talking to my family or friends - and I love giving and receiving hugs (and kisses when they are from my guy).  My mom always said I was a big cuddler when I was little and I love that I haven't outgrown it!"

Is she not the cutest?!  I feel like I am right there with her listening to her "loves" the way Molly writes.  It is hard to highlight just one love, so I won't.  I will highlight two:).  I simply love that Molly has a love for her instincts.  I feel like life is filled with decisions big and small every hour of every day, so having strong instincts that you trust is so important.  I also love that Molly loves her eyelashes.  So often we forget those little pieces of us that make us - well - us!  Freckles, dimples, eyelashes...there are so many little things that make us special, and I am so glad that Molly reminds us all of that.  A big thank you to Molly for sharing with us today.  Hope everyone has an amazing weekend.  Lotsa love....J