That's Darling

That's Darling

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

 Top: Thrifted (Ralph Lauren)

Skirt: Me Made

Shoes: Charlotte Ruse 

Necklace: Target

Bandanna: Hobby Lobby 

**Pictures by my sister**

You have no clue how "In Love" I am with the crazy combo for this ensemble! I mean, really I am in love with nearly every ensemble I post on the blog but this ensemble is so unique in its mixed prints that I can't help but LOVE it and smile. Besides the fact that this top and skirt are now two of my favorite pieces (honestly I tend to say that about everything) they are also GREATLY inspired by Elana from the blog Room 334 whose simple and classic ensembles have been inspiring me lately and prompted me to make this skirt. 

Truthfully, I have found myself being inspired more and more by fellow bloggers as of late! Just this past weekend, for instance,  I was thrift shopping and the whole time I had flashes of darling ensembles running through my head from a particular blogger I love and nearly every piece of clothing I bought that day was a piece I could see this specific blogger wearing.....it was as if I were shopping her closet! 

Often what we wear is inspired by how we feel and our own personality, but it is intriguing to find other bloggers who have a style similar to your own and who then inspire you with the combinations they themselves put together! Sometimes finding a blogger who shares a fashion style similar to your own can even help you discover new combinations for ensembles or even yield helpful inspiration whenever you are at a lack for what to wear. I have a feeling like this summer will be filled with ensembles inspired by many fabulous bloggers! 

On another note, if you haven't ever heard of DARLING magazine you should totally go check them out right now! Not only is their magazine filled with wonderful articles to fill up the spare moments of your day or weekend, but it is also a magazine cultivated through real life women with inspiring stories. Not to mention that the magazine itself if to just to die for in its construction, cover, photography, and added bonus of being a photo prop:)

Do you have a blogger who shares your same style?

Do you ever find your style being inspired by what you see other bloggers wearing?

-Madison

**This post was not sponsored by DARLING magazine, all thoughts are my own**

The Colors of The Sun

The Colors of The Sun

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Skirt: Minnie's Menagerie (vintage)

Shirt: Thrifted (Anthropologie)

Belt: Minnie's Menagerie (Vintage)

Shoes:Thrifted 

Necklace: Icings

**Pictures by me & Betsy my Camera**

I might not venture outside for long periods of time as often as I should because life tends to get a bit crazy and I often sacrifice time being outdoors exploring for homework, To Do lists, and other such busy work. However, there is always a mystery and magic that the outdoors exudes in its rustling trees, sprouting plants, many crisp colors, and wildlife all around. The times I do get a free chance to venture outside (especially into the less populated and wooded areas) my mind immediately becomes a buzz of daydreams and I almost feel transported to a fairytale, or what I would more recognizably consider an "Anne" moment..........because we all know Anne and her imagination, especially with the outdoors. 

Maybe it is the silence with the songs and whispers of the forest, or maybe its the beauty in the life and flowers around me, but being in nature fills me with a since of warmth and inspiration that makes me want to sit down and write a novel or lie down in the grass and bask in the sun's warm rays for a nap (though I would wake up red as a tomato). 

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I am pretty sure my ankles were scratched up and my shoes filled with grass and seeds by the time I was done snapping these pictures, but it was completely worth it and this ensemble combination made everything even better and vibrant! 

Apparently this shirt is from Anthropologie.....who knew! I thrifted this shirt back around spring break and immediately fell in love with the color, print, and feel of the fabric (what is better than a lemon printed rayon blouse...nothing!). Then, come to find out this same shirt is worn by Riley in the TV show Baby Daddy (for any of you familiar with that show) and then while searching for its origin for this post, I find out its from Anthropoligie! Therefore, I now have one clothing piece from Anthropologie and I thrifted it for $4.....I would call that a steal and a treasure. 

A few years ago I hardly wore any yellow and now my closet has a number of pieces colored like the sun, including four yellow themed sundresses all made out of sheets! I have heard it said that while yellow is supposed to make you feel vibrant and energized it can often make one feel irritated......I however don't hold a negative view towards the color what so ever as it reminds me of the sun and its glistening rays! 

Apparently blue and yellow pair quite nicely together as I quickly threw this outfit together while running late to work, but it turned out fabulous and I think this combo will be on repeat this summer :) 

Do you like the color yellow or do you have any yellow pieces in your closet? 

Ever thrifted anthropologie for a steal? 

What are your feelings towards the outdoors?

-Madison

Peonies Please

Peonies Please

Monday, May 23, 2016

Top: Forever 21 

Skirt: Made (Similar)

Shoes: Cato's

Hat: Forever 21

Bag: Hobby Lobby

DARLING Magazine

**Pictures by my sister Taylor**

As you all might guess I have a weakness for flowers in every shape and size! Usually that involves stopping to pick wildflowers on the side of the road but at times it involves driving 15 minutes to Trader Joe's on a Sunday afternoon just so I can buy a bunch of pink Peonies that they recently got in stock! I don't know about you but Peonies are about the most fabulous flower in color, scent, uniqueness, and beauty. They start out as a tight round bud that looks completely unappealing and quickly blossom and bloom into the most beautiful flower with a slew of unfurling petals. 

To be honest, since I had decided to traipse and go buy Peonies I persuaded my sister to tag along to take pictures for me (she was thrilled.....sarcastic comment). Therefore, I of course had to plan an ensemble that would pair perfectly with my Peonies :) I discovered this lavender pin stripped skirt hidden in my closet that I had made back when I was probably 15. As someone who loves stripes, lavender, and bows it surprises me that I had forgotten about this gem which also happens to look very similar to a Hannah Everly skirt (whom I didn't even know about at the time I designed this skirt). I wore this skirt to work on Friday and got so many compliments so I guess I should resurrect it for my spring wardrobe.....though I don't think you will hear any argument from me because this skirt has captured my heart once again and was the perfect piece to pair with a bunch of peonies. Top off the look with a hat, "Totes Adorbs" bag, DARLING magazine, and a dozen macaroons and I was good to go! 

I hope all of you lovely readers are enjoying your spring so far and take time to pick a handful of wild flowers or take a trip to the store (even if it means driving a distance) and pick up some delightful blooming flowers to brighten your day! 

"Earth laughs in Flowers" 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do you like Peonies? 

Have you bought Peonies this year?

Do you buy flowers when you have extra money (or even when you don't)?

-Madison

Hipster Coffee Spots

Hipster Coffee Spots

Thursday, May 19, 2016

 Last summer our town got the cutest and most fabulously hipster coffee shop called Jane and John Dough's and it has quickly become the "spot" that all the homeschoolers, hipsters, and college students in our area go to hang out, do Bible studies, or work on homework. Up until recently the only coffee place we had was a Starbucks, but there is just something special about those "one of a kind" coffee shops/bakeries that are tucked in the corner of town and give an ambience like no other coffee shop can give. 

Every time I visit the coffee shop I can never get over the little details that make it one of my favorite places! Whether it be the hand written menu, stamped coffee cups, eclectic furniture or flowers. Though I was only able to capture the outside feel of the place the other day I will have to capture the interior next time because it is soooooo perfect! 

Ever since my first visit to Jane and John Dough's it quickly became my go to when my friends and I wanted a place to hang out, catch up, or meet for a Bible study. Thus, now that all of our spring semesters are finished yesterday seemed like a perfect day to visit our favorite spot and catch up on all that has happened over our semesters. Over Lattes and baked goods we laughed and listened to each others stories and soaked in the time we had to spend together. 

It is often hard when you reach college age and everyone goes in different directions. Sometimes you can loose touch with everyone, but thankfully I am blessed with a group of friends that still manage to stay in touch here and there in the midst of our busy lives; and even when we go five months without seeing each other we still manage to pick up where we left off which is such a blessing. 

I must admit that I am becoming one of those blogger/photographer enthusiasts that totes her camera everywhere she goes and is constantly snapping pictures (even if that means standing on your chair for ten minutes). While I might look like a complete nut and my friends might get tired of me forcing them to smile, be normal as I take candid shots, or even make them take pictures of me, the more chances I get to take pictures the more comfortable I will become with using my camera in a variety of settings and therefore the better I will become at increasing my photography skills. I think that is one thing I am looking forward to this summer, in doing more photography! 

Do you have a unique coffee shop in your town?

Are you able to stay in contact with any of your college friends/friends who live elsewhere?

Are you someone who carries their camera around with them?

-Madison