on welcoming swimsuit season

Exciting news-- summer is here, not officially, but since Memorial Day was last weekend, in my eyes, summer has arrived. As thrilled as I am that the pool season is upon us, I also have a love/hate relationship with it. I love laying pool side soaking in the sun rays. I hate putting on a swimsuit for the first time and realizing how pale I've become over the winter. I love floating around on a raft with my toes in the water. I hate swimsuit shopping. I know I'm not alone in this either. I think most women hate putting on a swimsuit. Because let's be honest, I'm not sure who they think is going to be wearing it, but ninety percent of suits I try on, sure aren't very flattering.

Body image is something I've struggled with my whole life. And I know there are lots of women (and men) who struggle with it, as well. It's such a viscous cycle and it always seems to rear its ugly head when swimsuit season comes around. And it's tough...yet, I don't know about you, but I'm not going to let it interfere with my summer. I have learned over the years, that it is more important to be healthy and joyful than it is to be thin. Now, I realize that everyone has a different definition of thin. I have often resented by athletic build. However, I have also learned that societies definition of thin isn't necessarily accurate. So wherever you find yourself today, I hope that you enjoy the swimsuit season, even if you aren't necessarily feelin' it. Put on your suit and jump in!

I am lovin' all these adorable one piece swimsuits that are coming into style. Here are a few of my faves.

via J.Crew

via shabby apple

via J.Crew

via shabby apple

Until next time...

sweaters & boots

Not sure what the weather is like where your at, but here in Indiana, it is definitely feeling like fall. The temperature has been a bit chilly the past week. It's time to put away the tank tops and shorts and pull out the sweaters, pants and, my personal favorite, BOOTS. (I may or may not have a minor obsession with boots). Just the other day I was wasting time in the best possible way I know how, shopping. Although, being the good budget minded wife that I am, I refrained from purchasing anything, which is so hard right now because they've just pulled out all their new fall lines and they're super cute. So instead of  buyings a new closet, I decided to pretend and create some new fall outfits on Polyvore.

Fall time clothes are some of my favorite because there is a lot of versatility. You can still pull off an off the shoulder sweater and not be freezing...most days. I really love a lot of the color combinations that you are see now. The beautiful jewel tones are right up my alley. Not that I didn't love all the neon that was out this summer (sarcasm). And I also hate to admits this but I do love leggings. There I said it. I admit it. They really are comfortable. Phew.

Another thing I'm loving is colored jeans. I have a pair of mint and really would love some olive green ones, too. And leaves. I love leaf necklaces.

See, you could even pull off colored pants at work. At least I would try. Maybe if I wish hard enough, this outfit will be in my closet when I get home.

This is what you will typically see me wearing. I like to think I represent a more classic look or at least thats my goal.

Happy Fall Shopping!

True Confession

True confession: 

Sometimes I wish I could have lived "back then." 

(And by "back then" I mean, the 1940's.)

Yes, I am aware that there was a war going on in those early years, but really...that's happening now. Anyway, times seemed simpler and more elegant. To me, there is something romantic about those years. Just imagine...girls being able to be girls. Big dresses, high heels, super cute hairstyles and full covered swimsuits were fashionable. How adorable! A time where femininity was embraced.

For example...Grace Kelly. She exudes femininity, poise, grace, beauty. Ah, what it would be like to be a princess. (Maybe I'm not past the royal wedding buzz yet).

Ah yes, the joy of a long, full skirt. Ok, maybe I'm being a bit idealistic. But probably most girls dream of wearing a full skirt that you can twirl in at some point in their life.

To me, Grace Kelly exhibits many characteristics of a true women in touch with her "girly" side and is completely confident about it. There was a time when I used to immensely dislike anything "girly." Lace. Pink. Dresses. Skirts. Doing my hair. I insisted that I carried a bag and not a purse. I wore big jeans and big t-shirts. I'm just really thankful that digital cameras weren't around then. Bleh!

As I grow up, I am realizing the beauty and wonder of being a girl! And how much fun it is, too! Now, I'm all about it. I love lace, dresses, getting dressed up, jewelry, having my door opened, and just plain being a lady.

Yep, I love being a true girl and I hope to someday be remembered as such.