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Locking in Moments

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Have you ever had moments where you wish that time could just stand still? Of course, we all do. I’ve always wondered why during mundane times such as being stuck in traffic, being in class or at work, every minute can feel like an hour. Time seems to pass so slowly then but time really does fly when you’re having fun. I am all about living in the moment and creating memories. Although the moments don’t seem to last, the memories tend to live on in our hearts forever.

For the past few weeks, my children (who are grown adults now) have been visiting me in Korea. It was there first time being in Korea and I was more excited for them to come than me being here. I wanted to show them everything I had been telling them about since they were little. Every day was jam packed and I hope they had as amazing time as I did. They both have since left, back to school and their prospective jobs. Although there were great memories made, I can’t help but wonder how fast the time went while they were here.

I’m an empty nester and have been for the past few years. It was incredibly difficult at first. I had to see not one, but two leave the nest. With time, it does get easier, you tend to settle into a different daily routine and mindset. I do have my moments when I do miss them horribly and that will never change no matter how long it’s been. It’s a certain type of emptiness that tends to linger. I no longer heard their familiar footsteps, or the sounds of them rummaging through the fridge for a snack. The sounds stopped completely. As moms/ parents, we spend a big portion of our lives caring and tending to our children’s well being. Our main focus and priorities revolve around them. When that wasn’t there on a daily basis, you start questioning your entire identity. I was a mom, who am I now?

When my boys were younger, I was always told “they grow up so fast.” I cannot tell you just how true those words are. I remember when they turned a week old, and wanting them to stop growing. A week turned into a year, then the teenage years and in a blink of an eye, they were adults. Yes, it really is just that fast. Every week and every year, I didn’t want my kid to keep growing. I did enjoy every moment and still do. I am defiantly that parent that would have been fine with my boys living with me until they were 40. I’ve met parents who couldn’t wait for their kids to move out and I just couldn’t wrap my mind around that. Children are such a blessing and I loved being with mine.

We do not get our yesterdays back. Once it’s passed, it’s a memory. My advice is, to not only parents, is to really make each moment count. If your child wants to go to the movies or the beach, or whatever they would like to do with you, then take them. They can’t make their childhood memories with you if these things don’t happen. There will be a day when you wish you could, but no longer can. We are not promised a tomorrow, but you’re going to wish you had your yesterdays back.

Lock in your moments, take a minute to really take everything in and appreciate the time you have. Memories are great and will always carry you, but please be fully present in the now.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Pink Sweater by H&M
Pink Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Grey Bodycon Dress by Garage
Pink Flannel by Walmart
Floral Dress by Colza
Black Sweater by H&M
Black Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Denim Jacket by One5one
Yellow Dress by Old Navy

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~Jules

Featured

Taking Photos And Social Anxiety

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Taking photos is just a part of social media, blogging, etc, and it plays a big role. The smiles, the poses but what really goes into that photo? When you’re out in public or in a crowded area or you’re with friends and take photos, or even by yourself with a selfie, you snap a few and stop. In a selfie ruled world, a lot of us really don’t like to do it in view of other people. Our Facebook. Instagram, snaps chats, social media’s profiles are filled with selfies and pics. I don’t get why, in reality, we are quick with taking photos in public and try to be as discreet as possible about it. We all do it, we snap a few and slyly look around to see if anyone is watching. If you’re in the clear, you take more and if not, you put your phones away. You don’t take too many, you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. Why the judgement when we all selfie? I really don’t know why there is such a stigma against taking multiple photos but after a short amount of shots, we stop. We all do it. You take a few and keep it moving. If you’re feeling that level of self consciousness with just a few snaps from your phone, being a blogger, when photos are key, it can be even more daunting. It’s not easy putting yourself out there like that and it really does take some guts to do it.

I wish I could snap a few shots and call it a day but it never happens that way. I can take dozens, sometimes even a couple hundred and only a few shots are even usable. Even worse, I can spend hours shooting and everything will work against me, the wind, the lighting, weather, location, my outfit, poses, crowds and I can literally walk away without any usable content. It’s frustrating to say the least, to spend hours and no pay off. I guess I can say it’s a learning experience and use it to my advantage the next time around.

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A lot of us already know that the ideal time to take photos is when there is no one around and not crowded. So we head off at the best time before this particular spot becomes congested. If something opens up at 9, I will probably get there around 8 or even earlier. Thank you google for showing the busiest times at locations. But then you have the prime golden hour, which is the most magical lighting, but everyone is around. When I am in a highly populated area, I can feel silly and quite self conscious as people are passing by.

Taking photos around others isn’t as easy at looks. What you don’t see beyond the smile and pose, is all the people walking around. Some stare, some gawk, point, honk their horn, laugh, roll their eyes, and some ask what you’re doing. These things really do happen. It’s not always bad, I’ve met some supportive people along the way. It can be difficult to be in your element and just do your thing. We all want to take our friendship or selfie shots as soon as we can and get it over with, but I have to keep taking photo after photo to get that best shot. Even if it means there’s a crowd milling around and at that point, I feel ridiculously vain taking photos, setting up my tripod for just myself. What I’ve learned is to ignore it or smile at the passerbys. Most of the time, they smile back, so this definitely works. Or I pretend I am fiddling around with my camera, making adjustments until they leave and this works too.

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What I have learned, that works the best, is just to face it head on. I try not over think it, and tell myself that I don’t know these people and they don’t know me. I’ll probably never see them again and keep on posing and smiling untill I have the photos I need. It can be unnerving having people watch you. You have to dig deep and pretend you don’t see them and not let it affect you. Sometimes I have to blast Eminem or my girl Cardi B through my headphones just to get into that mode and mindset. Stop getting in my own head if I want to get it done. Taking photos is public places can be embarrassing and sometimes I just want to pack up my stuff and leave. But I make myself stay, I push through it and remind myself that it’s not their opinion of me that makes a difference in who I am.

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I tell myself, you got this, who cares what they think, stay confident, you’re strong, you’re a boss babe, just go take those photos. Sometimes I can be quite harsh and not so nice to myself and say “just stfu, quit being a baby, who cares about those people and just go do it. I literally have to tell my brain to shut up , turn my thoughts off and make myself. Its important that I set my purpose and know I have reason for doing this. I have a goal and it’s something I have to remind myself.

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Does anyone else have anxiety when taking photos in public places? How did you overcome it?

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Blue Floral Dress by Colza (Japanese Fashion)
Pink Korean Traditional Dress (Hanbok)- no brand
Sequined Heart Pullover by Blooming Jelly
Scalloped Lace Pink Dress by Speechless
Blazer by IFNE (Korean Fashion)

In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

Featured

Colors and Camo

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Hello everyone, I hope you’re doing well. It’s my favorite part of the week… the weekend! Today, I’m going to do a combined post of 2 outfits I wore this week. I’m not one to shy away from colors and prints; the brighter and bolder, the better!

I have a true love affair for animal prints, leopard, cheetah, zebra, snakeskin and camouflage is notably on this list as well. Camo prints can be subtle but really a standout piece on its own. I’m thrilled that it’s come out of the woodwork and join the ranks as a coveted fashion statement. For the risk of looking too military or a look right out of the hunting section, I didn’t want to wear camo with the typical black, brown or green pieces. Of course, I had to add my own touch to it and played around with my favorite color… pink. I thought this was a great contrast, yet unexpected shade to pair with camouflage.

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Moving on to color. Colorful prints are a boost of energy, like a Vitamin c shot, in clothing form. Can you really be so unhappy with such vibrant hues that envelope you? Bright colors and bold hues certainly makes me smile and I’m convinced it will make all those around you smile too. You’re basically a walking rainbow and who doesn’t love rainbows? It’s good luck that follows you around all day and just waiting to happen.

Hope you like these two outfit ideas. Consider enriching your days with some color or camo! I can’t promise you true happiness but at the very least, you’ll feel great wearing it.

What I Wore
Camouflage Skirt by Forever21
Pale Pink Denim Jacket by H&M
Pink Shirt by American Eagle Outfitters
Multi Color Maxi Dress by The Dress Barn

Thanks so so much for stopping by!

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

Featured

The Blogger Tuck

”It’s always ice cream o’clock somewhere.”

Mini getaways are the best, especially when it’s in your home state and only a drive and a ferry ride away. I live for these types of getaways because they’re affordable, fun and can seem a world away from what you’re used to seeing on a daily basis. It blows my mind when people choose to stay home and binge watch tv all day. Don’t get me wrong, I have my moments too, I binged watched the first season of Selling Sunset on Netflix recently, but I digress. My point is, life is short…. get out there and see what this world has to offer. Live and love your life so there won’t be any room left for the could have, should have and would haves.

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Let’s talk about the “blogger tuck” for a moment. The blogger tuck is a shirt that is always shown tucked in pants or a skirt. It’s on social media, in fashion magazines, either a full on tuck or a partial (just the middle with sides hanging freely.) Bloggers and influencers make it look so chic, cool and effortless. Meanwhile, I’ve struggled with it. I found myself constantly adjusting and readjusting multiple times throughout the day. If the front was perfect, then the back was bunched up or the whole tuck was uneven. The tuck, as easy as it sounds, was hard for me to pull off. It wasn’t until I started my own blog that I started to embrace it. I’ve been “anti-tuck” that dates back to as far as I can remember.

Being “anti tuck” started when I was a wee little girl. My mom would make me stretch my shirt down until it was taut, and then tucking it securely inside my underwear. This felt incredibly restrictive then, I was too busy having fun on the playground and recess to mess with it. To be honest, this has become my go to method now…. thanks, Mom. Then came high school, when you’re really starting to discover yourself, your likes and getting into fashion and trends. I went to a private school, while we didn’t have uniforms, the dress code was rather strict. One of the rules, was that all shirts must be tucked in. If the shirt had buttons, it had to be buttoned up and tucked in as well. So, those cute flannel shirts we liked to wear open as a light jacket or tied around the waist, had to be buttoned up and tucked in. And so began my disdain for tucking, I would not tuck here nor there nor anywhere. Needless to say, I had my fill of tucking in anything. As an adult, making my own rules and choices, I became “anti-tuck.”

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It took a little while, but I’m now on board with the blogger tuck. Im not good with the partial in the front, I just don’t think it’s a flattering look on myself, personally, but I know others who can pull it off well. Kind of like the collar, some look amazing in a popped collar, I am also not one those people. A good tuck makes me feel more polished and put together and I never thought I would feel that way.

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Hope you like the look and thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve included photos of this same chambray blouse tucked vs untucked. Same outfit but different looks and I think it makes a world of difference. What are your thoughts…. to tuck or not to tuck? Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are.

** What I Wore ** * White Denim Jacket by The Gap * * Chambray Blouse by Madewell * * Skirt by Ann Taylor Loft *

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

Featured

White Out

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“I will never be the woman with perfect hair, who can wear white without spilling on it.” -Carrie Bradshaw

I adore white but I don’t wear it often and I don’t have many white pieces in my wardrobe. Why? Because I’ve ruined all of them. I am clumsy to a fault and anyone that knows me can attest to that. I know that I should have more faith in myself, and I do. I do believe, that I will for certain, stain my pretty white dress. In fact, I spilled coffee on the front of this dress, just 5 minutes after this photo was taken. Beauties, what are your secrets for wearing white? Starve and sip water all day? Tip toe around gracefully? Should I carry around a stain stick or spray scotch-guard from head to toe? Ironically, all my towels and sheets in my home are white because it’s easy to throw in some bleach in the wash for crisp and clean linens. One would think that I would carry over that same logic with my white clothing, right?

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White is crisp, clean, and so innocent. I think it looks amazing in the spring and summer months. Add in a touch of eyelet material and I feel so pretty, angelic, almost bride like. There is that old “rule”, no white after Labor Day and I do abide by that somewhat. I feel out of place wearing white in the fall or winter. It’s probably all in my head bit I feel more comfortable wearing white in the warmer months.

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How do you keep from accidental spills from ruining your favorite white pieces? I swear, this is the only color I struggle with. I seem to become a magnet for stains whenever I wear it. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated! I would love to wear white more often.

Hope you liked the look today and thanks so much for stopping by!

**What I Wore** * White Eyelet Dress from Amazon * * Pink Denim Jacket by Forever21 *

In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

Featured

Stuff and Fluff (Pt I)

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Seattle is getting caught up in a snow storm this weekend. I thought, what better time to do a “get to know me” post. Beyond my love for dresses and the color pink, I’ll be sharing 10 things about me, some “real stuff” and some “fun fluff.” Let’s start with the first 5, so be sure to check my upcoming post for Part II.

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1. I’m quite shy. On the exterior, you may never guess it, I can smile, make small talk and engage in conversations. On the inside, I’m rattled and having a mini social anxiety moment. I’m not one to be the center of attention although what’s on the outside doesn’t always reflect that. I like to wear bright colors and standout patterns and you would think that I have a loud, outgoing and boisterous personality. However, I’m quite the opposite. Maybe the things I am wearing on the outside is just myself projecting who I want to be internally. My love of pink and animal prints may well be a good reflection of who I really am underneath and this is my way of bringing her out.

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2. When I was younger, my dream was to be a model and a writer. I went about it the unconventional and non traditional way, but I can actually say that I’m living my dream. This may not be everyone else’s idea of being a model/ writer, but it’s mine. This is making me happy and I’m falling in love with the process. I get to wear my dresses and write about it! Always be your own star! Therefore, in my eyes, I’m model and a writer.

3. I’m hopelessly directionally challenged. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been there a dozen times or if my GPS is on. Chances are, Ill take the street right before, miss an exit or just take a wrong turn in general. I’m not sure how it happens, but if you want to be late or lost, I’m your girl. I try, I really do.

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4. I love coffee! I’m not sure if it’s a prerequisite to love coffee if you are a Seattle-ite, given that there are Starbucks and barista stands on every corner. I started when my son was a toddler, just to keep up with all of his energy. Years later, I’m still finding excuses for my morning cup of joe. There is nothing quite like a jolt of java that gets me going into high gear.

5. I’m a vegetarian. At times, i can be a “flexitarian” but generally I choose to go meatless. It was a choice I made a few years ago and I’m genuinely happy with my lifestyle change. Don’t get me wrong, vegetarian doesn’t always mean healthy. I can’t turn down cheese and indulge in more than my fair share of chips and candy. With meat though, I just don’t have a taste for it.

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Thanks for stopping! What are some fun facts about you? Do we share some things in common? Let me know!

***What I Wore***

Black A line Dress by Lulus
White Jacket by Aeropostale
Bright Pink Tall Gloss Rainboots by Hunter Boots
Floral leggings by Lularoe

In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

Featured

Fabulous Faux Fur

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Jackets and coats are meant to keep us warm in the winter and they can take your dresses up a notch. Unless you live some where always warm or tropical, it’s inevitable. You just can’t walk around in dresses all day in the winter without a coat. This has been my favorite season for coats and jackets. I’ve been fawning over the faux furs, sherpas and teddy bear coats. I love this blush faux fur coat and have worn this on repeat several times! I’m still on the look out for the perfect teddy bear jacket/ coat and it is on the top of my wishlist.

For traveling purposes, I find that dresses are simple to pack and you can add so much more in your carry on/ suitcase rather than multiple pants/ shirts. I roll my dresses rather than fold them and I haven’t had any issues with wrinkling. Dresses are a dream for packing and traveling!

I’ve been in Las Vegas quite a few times but never to “The Sign”. This was high on my things to see and do list and seized the moment to play the cheesy tourist! I wore a marbled grey dress with pleats and my new favorite faux fur. Hope you liked the look!

***What I Wore***

Blush pink faux fur coat by Love Letters
Grey Marbled pleated Dress by Dilliards (no longer available, purchased many moons ago….)

In a world full of pants, be a dress!

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