Blue Crush

Coat: Nordstrom; Dress: Random boutique; Shoes: Shoe Republic LA c/o LuLus.com; Photos by: Tim Wong 

Is it just me, or does my hair seem to have already grown out quite a bit since my cut? I feel like it will be long again in no time! Maybe it's time to start thinking about what to do next... Anyhoo, here are some quick snaps of a dress that I've been getting a lot of wear out of. Excuse the first shot where it looks like I have a tummy poof! I love the simplicity of the dress --the chunky stripes, the classic colors, and the skinny belt. While I can see myself wearing it in many ways (fun collared shirt underneath, sweater over top, layered outerwear), this is probably the way you'll see me wear it most. The shoes were a gift from LuLu's and they are easily one of my favorite pairs at the moment. They're not just easy on the eyes either! The chunky platform makes these sky high babies fairly comfortable, so they're easy on my feet! This week is a really busy one for me, but I'm excited to share with you what's going on when I can. Until then, hope you all have a great start to the week!

Wisdom Wednesday

"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." -- Arthur Ashe

"Rockin' Everywhere" Look book, LF Stores, Spring 2012 

You never know when the moment is going to hit you. What moment? The moment that lives in your dreams. The moment that changes everything. The moment. So, while you are busy dreaming up that moment, dream up your drafts on how you will get there and how you will make darn sure that once it arrives, you are ready, in every single way, to take it. And not just take it. Take it; run with it; make it yours. Success is such a loaded word, as I've often discussed. But, one component of being successful is being confident. Successful people know, confidently (and not cockily), that their dreams aren't just dreams...they are realities waiting to happen. And how are they so sure? Because, they're not just waiting for their dreams to happen. They are working towards those dreams each and every day, planting the seeds, making them grow, slowly, but surely. Successful people are confident that they are going to make things happen. Confident people are prepared to make things happen. And what about the "luck" factor? Well, really, what is "luck?" It's opportunity meeting preparation. The moment that changes everything often only comes once. You have to be confident in your abilities to seize the moment, but more importantly, you must be prepared enough to handle it once it is there.

Wisdom Wednesday

“When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.” -- Plato

"The Weekender" Look book, Love and Bravery 

Today's post is going to be a short one. I'm a bit under the weather and any minute now, the two spoonfuls of Tylenol cold & flu cough syrup I took will set in before I have enough time to write a coherent post. In any case, today's wisdom is a just a simple reminder to live a life you will be proud of when it's time to look back on it. In the end, I truly believe it won't matter where you went to college, what kind of job you had, how much money you made, or what kind of stuff you had. What will matter is the content of your character and how you treated others. So, live a kind life. I guarantee that when you are kind, good things will always come your way.  No one forgets a kind heart.

Bewitching Bows with LuLus.com

Gift Basket Taupe Shift Dress: c/o LuLus.com; Kitten Heels: Nine West (similar style); Necklace &; Ring: Forever 21; Watch: Kenneth Cole; Tights: Target; Photos by: Tim Wong

LuLus.com sent me this darling Gift Basket Taupe Shift Dress and it quickly became one of my favorite ones to wear. I love the color combos, and the fact that the dress is simple, but still alluring in the the details. But what do I love most? That beautiful back bow! I can't express enough how easy it is to slip this dress on and just walk out the door feeling comfortable and complete. It was sold out for a while, but luckily for you, LuLu's just restocked! And don't worry if taupe isn't your color,  because it also comes in red, blue, and mint green! I'm already contemplating getting it in another color... hmm.

This is my final look in my series with LuLus.com. If you missed any of the other other posts, you can check out them out here and here. A big and special thanks to the lovely team at LuLu's for the opportunity!! 

And, for all of you, get 15% off your total purchase when you enter PANCAKE at checkout! If I were you, I'd start with this dress ;) Valid from 3/29/12 - 4/05/12 for US and Canada residents only.

Wisdom Wednesday

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.” -- Wayne Dyer

"Springside Bowl" Look Book, LuLu's, Spring 2012

The other day, I read this quote that a friend had posted as a status. I sat there for a few minutes really contemplating whether or not I liked the quote. Then I came to the conclusion that its raw and tough-love-like nature was a perfect reminder for all to hear.

I can never understand why people always complain so much. Here we have a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black, because I'm quite guilty of whining over things from time to time. I would like to think that I have been much more mindful of it, as of late, but that might just be wishful thinking. In any case, complaining can only take you so far. You whine, you feel sort of better after letting go of some inner angst, and then you think about it again and feel upset. Sound familiar? If not, it certainly does with me. But really think about the act of complaining. What does it get you aside from maybe 10 minutes of relief after you've expressed your dissatisfaction for a certain situation or a certain someone? Nothing, really. So why not just channel all the anger, sadness, worry, pain, whatever it is you feel towards something better? Let it motivate you. Let it help you. Do not wallow in pain and don't let someone dictate how you feel. You are in charge of you. Be better. Waste your time crying over spilled milk, or clean up the milk and get moving to get some more. In the end, all the choices we make are our own. So, be miserable, or be motivated.

>> And as a special Wednesday treat, don't forget that you still have time to get 15% off your total order when you enter STACKER at checkout on LuLus.com! Valid from 3/22/12-3/29 for US and Canada Residents only. <<