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Harsh Criticism

Recently, I went on a lunch date with an old friend of mine. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so of course, there was quite a bit of catching up to do. I showed her my social media and I wasn’t expecting the response I received. She had put down most of my photos and didn’t like at least 75% of the dresses I wore. She mocked me for wearing longer styles and said I looked like a missionary or a Mormon. (No offense at all to those who are, I’m only repeating what was said to show context of this conversation that took place.) Ironically, some of my dresses are, in fact, from Mormon clothing sites. She asked me why I didn’t show more skin and why I chose to be so covered up.

At first, I was taken a back, a little offended even. I knew it wasn’t coming from a bad place, she’s a brutally honest friend that speaks her mind and doesn’t hold back. We really do have different tastes. However, it did sting a little. Was she right? Was she seeing something everyone else did and I was blind to it? After a while of pondering on it, I realized that while putting myself out there, I need to take the criticism whether it be good or bad. If there was a time to develop thick skin, this was it. I’m not always going to get positive reactions and it’s through the negatives that I can learn and do better. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, some prefer coffee. Not everyone is going to love what you do or wear. It’s easy to hear the glowing compliments, but hard to listen to the negatives. What can I learn from this? How can I improve? Sometimes criticism just serves to build greater strength. If I think I’m on the right track and still feel passionate about the direction I’m headed, I’ll drown out that noise and keep going. Be your own cheerleader and your own biggest fan.

Take the criticism, learn, grow and use it to become your best possible self. Sure, you’re not going to please everyone. I had to remind myself that this is what I like, and doing what I love is the most important thing. If you feel passionate about something, no one is going to be able put those flames out. Listening to the negatives that others have to say will only drag you down. It did drag me down, but only momentarily. I got back up and adjusted my crown, as all queens should do.

What I Wore:
Black Heart Tee by Target
Pink Ruffled Skirt by JW Style
White Eyelet Dress by Momento
Pink Polka Dot Dress by Tj Maxx

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

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The Road To Happiness

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life- to be happy, it’s all that matters.” Audrey Hepburn

Most people want to be happy and many just don’t know how to achieve it. I’ve spent many years being unhappy and the longer I was, it just never seemed possible to get out of the head space I was stuck in. Years ago, I wanted to quit something so badly. I was young, afraid and miserable. Someone told me to fake being happy and eventually I would actually really feel happy. This stayed with me for many years, but I didn’t follow through with the advice. Although I didn’t quit, I was still quite miserable.

The faking bit can apply to many things, happiness, confidence… we all know the ‘fake it till you make it’ phrase. Even though I didn’t take the advice then, I’ve completely embraced it now. I mean, nothing else worked, why not give this a try?

Every day, we make choices. We choose to start our day with a cup of coffee, we choose to excercise and we choose our decisions that are going affect us. So why not choose to be happy?

There are things in life that’s going to bring us down, even daily sometimes. Divorce, sickness, death and finances, sometimes these things are completely out of our control. I know that things happen for a reason and we may come to realize it later. However, there are things that’s happened in my life that makes me wonder if they had to happen at all? What was the learning experience or possible benefit from something so painful or negative? I may never understand but I do know that I’m alive today and that alone is something to be excited about. It’s not guaranteed but I’ve been blessed with another day.

Instead of living day after day feeling miserable, it only serves as wasted time and energy. The biggest regret people have is what they should have done. Even I have those regrets as I reflect back on my own wasted time and energy, spent on the wrong people, places and things.

As much negative energy that we put in to being sad and miserable, the same could be said for putting in positive energy. I’ve learned, it doesn’t happen overnight and it’s most definately a choice, even if you have to start by faking it. It’s a new mindset and you’ve got to be consistent with it.

Here are some ways to find your inner happy place. Begin by loving yourself first. Treat yourself, spoil yourself, indulge yourself, even if there is no one out there that will, do it for you. You are with you 24/7, and you cannot escape yourself, it’s impossible. Do things you love to do. Go for walks, enjoy the sunset, read your favorite books, paint, write, travel, and pet your dog. There’s plenty for you to do and most don’t cost anything. If you stop doing the things that you love, you start feeling unhappy.

Motion is emotion. Keep on moving, you’re not going to find what you’re looking for in front of the tv, or sitting on your porch watching the world go by. Make your own happiness, just keep it in motion. Being sedentary is stale and that’s what your life will reflect.

My road to happiness was a long one. Start with loving you first and surrounding yourself with what you love. Fake it, put a smile on your face or laugh, even if you don’t want to. Eventually, it won’t be a fake smile, you’re literally going to feel that happy bursting inside of you. When you’ve reached a happiness point in your life, share it with others. Make yourself happy first, that’s where it begins. It’s not selfish, it’s your life and you only have one chance at it. Make it your best life.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I wish you all the happiness in the world. It’s out there, you just have to choose it.

What I Wore:
White Top by H&M
White Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Black/ White Maxi Dress by Joinus
Blue Top by H&M
Blue Tulle Skirt by Migliore

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

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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

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This Is How I Denim

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Many of you already know, I don’t wear jeans or pants, and while I don’t necessarily feel as though I’m missing out, I do love denim. Other than jeans, denim is easy to find in jackets and shirts but not quite so available in skirt or dress forms. Let’s be honest, many denim skirts and dresses can tend to lean towards being outdated, matronly or demure. My clothing choices do reflect my personality and what I showcase to the world about myself.

As my shirt says, “I rule my world” and this is how I denim. As per my previous post, “The Blogger Tuck”, I’ve recently embraced tucking in my shirts. I decided to give it a go with this denim skirt and really liked how cool and casual this outfit turned out.

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I hope you enjoy this take on denim, as much as I enjoyed wearing it. Maybe you will take a break from the typical denim jeans and try a fun denim skirt this summer! Thanks so much for stopping by!

**What I Wore * Distressed Denim Skirt by Wild Fable (Target) * Striped Shirt by EV1 (Walmart)

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

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Throwback Ootd

Its Throwback Thursday and I thought it would be fun to post some pics that were forgotten along the way. Vacations are some of the best, especially if you have photos to remind of you of those memories. I’m missing Vegas and the palm trees and can’t wait until my next trip.

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Besides pink, yellow would be my next runner up in choice of favorite colors. Yellow is so cheery, sunny and uplifting! I paired the bell sleeve sweater with a polka dot maxi skirt for a fun look. Polka dots are fun, carefree and whimsical. A lot of times, red is paired with black/ white polka dots. I do love the red combo sometimes, but more often than not, I feel as though I am trying to resemble Minnie Mouse with the polka dots. I try and veer towards other colors such as yellows, pinks and blues for that reason. I hope you liked the look and thanks for stopping by my throwback post!

* What I Wore *
Chenille Mustard Yellow sweater by Rainbow shops
Ruffled Hem Polka Dot skirt by Downeast basics

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

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Not A Dress Snob

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Something I get asked frequently is “Where do you get all your dresses from?” I’m asked as if I’m about to disclose my favorite shop and I have one main supplier. Friends, I’ll let you in on my secret…..I buy my dresses everywhere and anywhere. I have dresses from Walmart, Target, mall stores, department stores, from friends, boutiques, flea markets, discount stores,online and more. I don’t have a favorite store and have been pleasantly surprised by some of the dresses and skirts I’ve aquired from some of these places. I don’t discriminate and that is how I built my dress wardrobe. I’m not a dress snob, I just love dresses regardless of where I’ve bought them from. There are some dresses that I have had in my collection for years and still wear today because of how timeless and classic they are, even with today’s fast fashion and modern trends.

I tend to shop more traditionally, I prefer brick and mortar stores over online shopping. With so many different styles, lengths and dress options out there, not everything looks like it does on the model, from your monitor. Just as if you were browsing in store, you should definately try on before you buy. Sometimes a dress could look gorgeous on the hanger and left little to be desired after trying it on.

For today’s look, I’m wearing a neutral beige dress with pockets. For the love of pockets, I get so excited about that small detail. To keep warm and keeping it in season with a plaid scarf. The scarf was actually my one and only purchase from Black Friday 2018. I’ve been wearing with a lot this past winter. Do you have a favorite go to store that doesn’t let you down or do you shop around like I do? Let me know in the comments!

***What I Wore***

Beige dress with pockets by Ann Taylor
Plaid scarf by Old Navy

In a world full of pants be a dress ~ Jules

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Plaid, Pearls and Resolutions

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Christmas has come and gone so quickly and the New Year will be here in just a matter of days. Most people have New Years Resolutions in hopes for their best year yet. I haven’t made any resolutions and I haven’t done so for the past few years. Instead, I come up with a word and live accordingly to that word for the year.

I take time to pick my word of the year and it’s related to what is going on in my life at the time. Here are my words I’ve used in the past and I can truly say that I did my absolute best to live by them.

2016- Fabulous
2017-Strength
2018- Live

I am days away from New Years and I still haven’t picked my word yet. I’m torn between 2….. Sparkle or Focus. Will I sparkle or be more focused in 2019? What word would you pick to live by for the next year?

***What I Wore*** *Grey Knit with Pearl Bell Bottom Sleeves Shirt by Macy’s * Plaid Skirt by Jcrew *Pearl Hair Bow by Macy’s

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Faux Pearls Faux Suede

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I can’t get enough of skirts and OTK (over the knee boots). I’ve been wearing them untill the weather dictates it’s time for tights/stockings/ leggings. Fortunately, I live in Seattle and while it’s definately been rainy, it hasn’t been freezing cold yet.

My Wednesday “hump day”, Outfit of the day is a faux pearl cream sweater and a faux suede camel skirt. Honestly. I feel that both the sweater and the skirt are closet essentials. They’re both so versitile, and you can wear or mix/ match with so much of what you already have. I usually lean towards bold, bright colors and prints but I’m learning that neutrals can make a statement too.

Hope your middle of the week is going fabulous. Thanks for stopping by!

***What I Wore*** *Faux pearl embellished cream sweater by H&M *Faux suede Camel skirt by Forever21

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

Jules

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Maximize Your Mini

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“Look in the mirror and ask yourself-what do I want to do everyday for the rest of my life? Then go do that.” Gary Vaynerchuk

Rise and grind… it’s Monday, grab your morning coffee and start your day. My morning routine typically starts at 530 am with a cup of coffee, and either music or a tv show playing in the background as I’m getting ready. Feeding your mind is so important, that I decided to change things up a little. I didn’t give up my coffee but I did change the things I listened to. I began listening to Gary V while I was doing my hair/ makeup and Zig Ziegler on my commutes. Instead of a jumpstart on my day, I felt a jumpstart on my life. For myself, I wanted to stay motivated, inspired and enrich my mind. This has been a way for me to maximize my time even when I’m busy with other things.

The mini skirt…. it’s brazen, it’s bold, its a sexy look. It’s not just for going out, you can rock the mini day or night. Wearing a mini skirt, can make you feel a little exposed. Adding a cardigan or jacket makes it a cute and wearable look. A body suit underneath keeps everything in place all day without adjusting.

Maximize your day and rock that mini! What are your morning rituals and tips to stay motivated? Don’t let that mini skirt hide in your closet…. be bold, maximize it!

***What I Wore*** *Pink bodysuit by Forever 21 * White lace bralette by Aerie * Black zip up corduroy mini skirt by Forever21 * Leopard/ Cheetah cardigan by Mossimo(Target)

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

Jules

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Bodysuit Bliss

Hello and hope your start of the week is going great! As the weather has been getting cooler, I’ve been reaching for my skirts more often. I tend to wear skirts more in the fall/ winter seasons because it’s easier to layer.

Finding a gorgeous skirt to wear is the easy part. Pairing the skirt with a shirt can get a little tricky. Different shirts can be too bulky, doesn’t stay tucked in, bunches up or just doesn’t look right with that perfect skirt. I’m guilty of getting a fabulous skirt and then it ends up sitting in the closet because unworn and unloved because I didn’t have a shirt that looked cohesive. Enter the world of bodysuits…

Bodysuits are my version of the essential T shirt. I consider them staples in my wardrobe. They come in a plethora of colors to mix / match and coordinate a lot of of what’s already in your closet. Bodysuits are form fitting and I love how they stay in place, without tugging or the awkward adjusting throughout the day.

Pink is my favorite color and I adore all versions of it. A bold fuchsia gives a pop of flair, in time for the holiday festivities. I love a good pleated skirt and I really enjoyed the movement with ever step!

Hope you liked the look! Thank you for stopping by!

*** What I Wore: * Black bodysuit by Commando (Nordstrom) * Fucshia Pleated Skirt by A new day (Target)

~In a world of pants, be a dress~

Jules

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