the cool side of spring // spring coats & jackets

The last two springs I’ve written about my melodramatic purple coat [2019 / 2018] because it is my favorite for the season. It’s warm for when the temperatures inevitably dip back down, but it also, as I’ve mentioned before, doesn’t feel too wintry. This year I have added this knitted one into my repertoire, and while it is probably a little on the heavier side, the bright colors lighten it up a cool spring day. Honestly, it reminded me of my Grammie’s quilts she would keep on her sofa, which is why I wanted it most.

So in keeping with tradition, I’ve added a fresh selection of spring coats for the midwesterners, because while we may be social distancing, thankfully we’re still able to get out and stretch our legs for some fresh air, albeit a little chilly this weekend.

Good Friday // He is RISEN

I always hated growing up how Good Friday was a makeup snow day in school, because living in Indiana, it was inevitably utilized as such. I also hate as an adult that I have to use a vacation day to hold it in reverence. This year, however, is a weird year, I think we can all agree. But the GOOD NEWS is we get to observe today, whether working from home, unemployed, schooling at home, or whatever status quarantine finds you.

Good Friday is the day that The Savior hung on a tree, pierced for our transgressions, and ultimately gave what no one else could give, so that we could find freedom in His name. The price He paid today matters everyday, but I encourage you to take some time today for reflection of what that really means. And if you don’t yet have a relationship with Him, today is a great day to begin one! Because this Easter weekend is a celebration of Him seeking that relationship with you.

We call it Good Friday, even though the events were all but good, yet He holds the victory. Death could not contain Him. He is the one and only Living God. Can you imagine though, how those around Him, who were closest to Him, felt today? How discouraged they must have felt watching Him suffer? Even though He had encouraged them He would rise again, death feels final, and they struggled to believe and recall His promises. How often do I find myself in their shoes? I know He is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. I know He uses ALL things for good for those who have been called according to His purpose. I know He wants the best for us. I know He has purpose for us in all the uncertainty of #quarantinelife, but when you are in it, in the middle of your battle or storm, in the valley, it can be hard to believe what will come on the other side. But in three days, He rose again. So that we could live forever with Him in eternity.

Today is not the day we celebrate. Today is the day we mourn. And there is a lot of death, literally and figuratively, in our world right now. We are mourning those who have been lost to disease. We are mourning the loss of graduations, senior seasons, jobs, businesses, birthday parties, vacations, weddings, celebrations of life, and time with families. There is a lot of loss. But the GOOD NEWS is He was resurrected. And there will come a time, though we don’t yet know when, the cross has the victory, and our world will come back to life. We will still be mourning the lives lost, but it is also why a relationship with The Savior is more important than ever. Don’t wait. Now is the time to share your life with Him because then we can have full restoration and reunite with Him, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Now is the time to share why we have certain hope with those who may not yet know Jesus, because we don’t know exactly how long we have. We have to be living every day like there may not be a tomorrow to share, because coronavirus or not, our time on earth is fleeting. Our current situation only magnifies that which is always true.

He rose in three days. Sunday we celebrate the life that comes from knowing Him. But don’t forget that today, He gave His life so we could experience wholeness in Him. We all have sinned and fall short. But this is the ultimate redemption story! In Jesus’ name, we will find resurrection and an empty tomb on Sunday! He loves you, He cares for you, God sacrificed His only Son, Jesus, for you, and He who conquered DEATH and is more than capable, wants to fight your battle for you! He already holds the VICTORY!

Two lines from this song stand out to me today:

“I’m gonna worship through this battle.” & “The God I serve knows only how to triumph.”

march 2020

I haven’t posted in this space yet in 2020. It’s been sort of a whirlwind year it seems, but now it’s obviously taken a turn most of us didn’t quite expect. I initially started this post at the beginning of last week, but it’s been hard to press “publish.” We’re all dealing this in different ways, and I think even the unknown of how long this will actually last makes it harder to process. As a blogger primarily sharing fashion, it’s been challenging to find the line between sensitivity and continuing to produce content true to my brand, but honestly my brand has been sharing what’s on my heart, so whether fashion, beauty, or dealing with self isolation and a coronavirus, here we are.

I saw a meme last week that said “2020 is being run by the same people that put on the fyre festival.”

While I definitely appreciate finding the humor in all of this, and I greatly hope that in the coming weeks, because of these necessary precautions, we will mostly all be able to look back and just remember where we found ourselves quarantined without sports in March of 2020. But there are also harsh realities because these cases are real people with real families and real fears.

What warms my heart most in this season is seeing the way we’re all coming together. For the greater good. To protect generations that protected us before we were spoken into existence. Our nation in particular has been battling division for awhile, but in recent days, all I keep hearing in my head are the words of High School Musical: “We’re all in this together.” We are separated, social distancing, and self quarantining, but really, we’re all in this together. We are taking these steps together. And thanks to social media and FaceTime, I don’t really feel all that isolated. Granted I also have my best friend to share my space with, and some have found themselves very alone, and it is those we need to be thinking about and checking in on and supporting.

I am so grateful for the generations before me that have paved the way for me to live the life of freedom and luxury I do. But it is my grandparents, my parents, Cassidy’s grandparents and parents, that I am the most concerned about. My grandpa fought in World War II and he and my grandma eloped before he left for the war and kept their marriage a secret until his return. They are a wealth of experience and compassion I’m not ready to lose.

All of these steps and precautions, they are to save human life. While it may seem silly to some on this end, we are doing this to protect generations so that they are not gasping for air, fighting for their lives, because we don’t have enough respirators and our healthcare system is having to play God, choosing who gets one and who doesn’t. I know I am praying this never reaches them. That it never comes to fruition because we all took action.

It is scary. Never in our lives have we seen our nation, communities, friends and neighbors in this state. But what I want to share with you is that God is God. The name of Jesus conquers all! That was the point of Him dying on the cross. Because He loves you and wants to spend eternity with you. So come what may, but my blessed assurance is that my grandparents love Jesus. Life on this earth is fleeting. Eternity is forever. I have faith that my SAVIOR will save us, no matter what happens. His name is also above sickness and disease. He is a good God and He loves us. I am praying protection over our families and your loved ones.

“I’m still in your hands. This is my confidence. You never failed me yet.” - Do It Again by Elevation Worship

a casual colorful christmas

My Instagram story poll today asked if you had your holiday shopping finished yet…? I am ALMOST wrapped up… Well wrapped up in shopping… Still need to do the wrapping upon arrival… But I feel pretty proud of myself for getting it done this early. Typically I’m overnight shipping, but I only had to pay for one to be rushed this year!

As much as I love to glitz + glam for the holidays, there’s also something to be said for a simple sweater and jeans.

… Or a not so simple sweater… and jeans.

When we got this alpaca sweater in at Anthropologie, I knew I had to have it. It’s so quirky and fun (and pink), I couldn’t resist. I’m sure one day I’ll be wearing it to an “ugly Christmas sweater” party, but today, it’s just ridiculous enough to be cute. I love both playing down it’s boldness with jeans (although it looks adorbs with this metallic skirt too) and playing into it’s conversational quality with a pop of sock. This pearl headband I’ve had on repeat through the season also gives a little feminine uptick.

Do you have a more casual holiday style, or do you like to go full sparkle?

december greetings

A lot of new beginnings and times of reflection converge for me in December. With the holiday season, I think we all take more time for meditation on what we’re truly grateful for, changes the last year may or may not have brought, and then there’s obviously reflection and resolutions with the new year. For me, I also turn another year older in December.

People often ask how I like having a December birthday, and to be honest, I’ve never known it any other way. Personally, I appreciate it because it’s such a magical time of year for everyone! There are always fun things to do and experience, and there’s a little extra sparkle in the air with the decorations and twinkle lights. Everyone is festive and jovial (most of the time… unless waiting in line to buy a last minute gift). Plus, there’s the added bonus (for me particularly) that in December, being a little extra in fashion choices (i.e. sequins, textures, and all the sparkly things) is highly encouraged.

Therefore, I’ve been wearing this skirt staple I selected for my winter wardrobe as much as possible. Because why should metallics be limited to the holidays?!