To: The Posh and Popular Dolls

From: Me

Date:  September 17, 2014

Subject: Pleated Skirts and Prints, and this thing called LIFE

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It’s been exactly one year since I started the Posh and Popular blog, but it feels like it was just yesterday.  Since that time, I’ve been able to grow in freely expressing myself through my personal style. So for the blog’s one year anniversary, I wanted to say goodbye to summer in the most fashionable way I could think of… A bicycle and a pleated skirt! Sure it looks cute, but riding a bike in a long flowing skirt is hard work! Which brings me to my point, just because something looks good, doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy task to complete.

I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned about my personal style, different aspects of life, and what I’ve learned about myself over the last year, that  literally all tie together . I used to be afraid of disappointing people, whether it was my family or my friends. I always wanted people to see me for who I really was… Like really see me. And I wanted what I contributed to society to mean something. I’ve often struggled with doing things to please others rather than doing what made me happy. And more often than not, I put other individual’s wants and needs ahead of my own. I was a fan of, YES, instead of no. But what I’ve come to learn over this past year, is that, it’s okay… I mean REALLY OKAY, to let certain things and people go. Whether it’s that old skirt I haven’t thought about wearing in years, or even relationships with people that no longer have the same fit. It’s okay to say no to others and YES to yourself. If you don’t take care of, and appreciate you first, others will see that, and take advantage of that which you considered to be kindness, for weakness.  Just like fashion evolves so should your life.  Every piece of clothing cannot go with you in every stage of your life, but there are always those classic pieces you have a love for that will endure from season to season. The same is true for our lives… Sometimes it’s important to clean out the closet and start fresh, but remember to keep what’s most important to you close.

Anytime your starting something new and different and completely out of your comfort zone it can sometimes feel like the worst time in your life… You often question yourself about whether or not you actually made the right decision.  Kind of like wearing leather overalls because they are “in style” but you know better than anybody that they do nothing for your shape.  It’s like your getting complimented for the work you’re putting in, but you’re often wondering, “is it worth it?” Are the sleepless nights writing all this stuff really worth it? Are people actually interest in what I’m doing or what I’m saying or are they just being nice? It’s kind of like when someone tells you those overalls are cute, but you’re not really sure if they meant you actually looked cute in them, or if they just like the overalls! Just because you’re doing something and it looks nice doesn’t mean there isn’t a process behind what you’re putting out there. I was doing something that would leave me vulnerable and open to the world for judgement and critiques. But when you realize you’re actually doing something that’s bigger than you, you understand it’s definitely worth it.

Starting this blog meant more to me than just posting pretty pictures of well put together looks and stylish accessories.  It was about proving to myself that I am capable of doing everything I was placed on this earth to do, even starting a little ol’ fashion blog to give some people I know a little inspiration.  It was about not being afraid to take a risk and do something a little different then how other people have done it in the past. The same is true even with fashion. Just because someone wore the same skirt I did, doesn’t mean it’s going to have the same fit, and it doesn’t mean they are going to style it the way I would. We are all different, and it’s okay to be unapologetic about who you are and how you “style” things. Launching Posh and Popular last year confirmed for me, that as long as I continue to do me, everything will happen exactly the way it should for me. The same is true for all of us! Never be afraid to be who you are. In fashion or in life. Live proudly, and walk boldly in those five inch stilettos doll.  If you want to dress up to go to the grocery store, don’t let ANYBODY stop you! DO YOU BOO!   I refuse to not be myself so that someone else is comfortable! I have to be comfortable. That’s what fashion and life are all about… Being uniquely you… And completely comfortable in the process… Even if that means riding a bicycle with a long pleated skirt on!

Now that I’m off my soap box… Let’s get back to the fashion…. Boop!

 

This is one of my favorite looks because I love having fun with colors, prints, and accessories, so being able to mix three of my favorite things in one look to end the summer was so much fun! Prints and patterns are definitely on trend for the upcoming fall season, so I wanted to get an early start on some of the action.

I am still as madly in love with my blue C-through clutch this year as I was last year! It’s the perfect purse to wear when I’m planning a day of fun! Besides, who needs a big purse when you’re enjoying such a beautiful day? Plus I like to see my lipstick and make-up compact when I look at the bag! #ThingsGirlsSay

I don’t get to wear these sandals very often, but when I do, they make a statement all their own.  When you buy great quality shoes and accessories they endure until the end of time. I’ve owned these sandals since 2008 and they are still as classic and beautiful as they were the day I bought them 6 years ago.  A perfect match to my free and flowing pleated skirt.. Nothing is more freeing then having your heels and your toes out… I’m just saying. #ThingsGirlsSay

A great pair of sunnies can make any look, super cool. The right pair can take your entire look from girly and soft to trendy and chic. Make sure when you’re trying out new frames that you try different shapes and sizes, you’ll never know what you can wear until you actually try several pair out. And remember to take an honest friend with you, a real friend will tell you when a frame looks great and when it doesn’t!

And what look is complete without a little vintage jewelry?  This bracelet makes a statement all by itself, and the mix of greens and blues throughout the look really tied everything together.  Accessories should make a statement… If your accessories don’t bring your look to life, than it’s time to try some that will! Check out the vintage shops in your area, you’d be surprised what you’d come across.

I cannot believe the summer is ending, but I am even more excited about the fashion this fall has in store.

Good Bye Summer… Hello Autumn! Another season to take a few more fashion risks!

 

• BCBG Jacket
• Banana Republic Skirt
• Casadei Sandals
• Miu Miu Sunglasses
• Fly Behavior Boutique Clear Blue Clutch
• 616 Couture Earrings
• Vintage Jade and Gold Cuffs
•  Vintage Leaf Broach

 

Make-Up: Cassandra Ward, Owner of Pink and White Salon

Photography: Breann White