Give Me All The Watermelon

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Skirt: Hannah Everly (sold out)
Shirt: Thrifted (Anne Taylor)
Shoes: Target
Purse: ebay


When summer rolls around all I want to do is eat watermelon (or any other summer associated treats), so when Hannah launched her spring skirt line I knew I just HAD TO HAVE this fabulous watermelon skirt! I have always been a fan of Hannah's skirts (see here, and here) and knew it was time to add another to my closet. 

Watermelon is the perfect novelty print for summer because what truly says summer more than watermelon? We cut it up and eat it at BBQs, we ice cakes to look like them, we cover our tables in watermelon printed table cloths, and babies run around in watermelon bathing suits.......I would almost say watermelon is an american summer emblem:) In our house we are huge fans of watermelon and always eat it in the summer or create new "watermelon" treats like homemade watermelon lemonade slushies (talk about delicious)! 

Regardless of whether or not you like watermelon, I can't get enough of it in my closet:) After I ordered this skirt I knew that I would be sharing it on the blog and immediately went to find a watermelon purse online to pair with it, and this little number that I found on ebay is the cutest summer accessory ever! As per Hannah Everly fashion I decided to mix a striped top with my skirt for a fun outfit combo and paired it with my white ked style sneakers from Target. And you can't really see it in these pictures but I am even wearing watermelon earrings...LOL

I might be a bit obsessed with this fruit......WARNING.....you might even see more of it on the blog this summer!

Are you a fan of watermelon?

-Madison

My Picks: Modest Summer Suits

Thursday, June 22, 2017



Shop My Other Favorite Suits: 


In my latest post I talked about summer heat and swimsuit season, and because of that I thought it would be fun for me to talk a bit more about swimsuits, share my tips for how I pick them, my favorite styles, and places you fan find cute and modest suits!

Now, like I said in my last post, I might have different swimsuit standards than you, but regardless of that I love each of my summer swimsuits and feel equally covered, confident, and modest in each one:) I have slightly evolved in my swimsuit styles over the years and have started going more with classic and retro styles (which fits with my personal style). When I was growing up my summer suits typically consisted of a swim skirt and a modest tankini top, but over the years I have discovered other suits that fit my style more accurately and still align with my modesty standards. 

Truthfully, there is often a fine line between modest and immodest when it comes to swimsuits and ones standards. Some people choose to wear swim shorts with a swim shirt, some a swim skirt and swim top, and others like me a modest one piece or tankini. It really comes down to what you are comfortable in and what your standards for modesty are. Thus, while it is sometimes hard to find a suit that fits into your standards, if you look hard enough or find brands with a focus on modesty the hunt will be a bit easier. 

With that being said, I have come to discover that there are a decent amount of one piece swimsuits that cover all that I want to be covered.....what I mean by this is that they are not super low cutting, they have padding (which I love for extra support), and they have a retro (#5)/short style bottom (#7) (I sometimes call them grandma bottoms) which simply means they cover my backside (unlike typical bikini or swimsuit bottoms). With all of those standards in place there are a lot of options depending on the kind of suit I want. I could go a swim dress route, pick a retro style one piece, or a two piece like my Jessica Rey suit (#2).....and in all honesty I have one of each style I just mentioned:) 

I will say however, that my #1 TIP for finding a good quality and well fitting modest one piece is to shop in the women's section. You will never find (for the most part) anything that covers in its fit in the junior section, so the women's department is always where I look. Nonetheless,  if you want something more trendy without sacrificing modesty, take a look at Jessica Rey, who my sister and I are both wearing this year (and LOVE). Their styles are to die for, they are all made in the USA (bonus points for being ethical), some are vintage inspired (and even named after Audrey Hepburn characters) and one of their sayings is "it doesn't have to be itsy bitsy" which fits perfectly in line with my swimsuit views!

Hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into my swimsuit thoughts and can't wait to share more summer pool style!

-Madison

Seaside Sailor Suit

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Swimsuit: Thrifted
Sunglasses: c/o Madewell

SHOP THE LOOK: 


Ahhhh...the beach! I am a big proponent of beach trips, vacations, walks, movies, sounds, etc.....basically anything to do with the beach! In fact, our family just got back from camping at the beach this past weekend and it was so lovely to be back at one of our favorite places, sitting on the sand, listening to the ocean, fishing, reading (for me), and enjoying time together. 

However, with summer comes the heat which means we are all looking for a way to cool off be it at the beach, at the pool, or in our own backyard, and with that comes swimsuits. In the past I haven't shared much of my beach/pool style on the blog, but that is going to change this summer and I am so excited to share those looks. 

This fun nautical beach look is the first of its kind and I couldn't be more obsessed with it! I am a huge fan of anything "nautical" and when I found this suit I couldn't believe how perfect it was. The print is a dainty braided rope stripe on a navy background which is perfect for any beach trip. I actually altered this suit a bit by raising the neckline and adding a second panel in the back, for a bit more modesty. The main reason I LOVE this suit though is because the bottoms are a retro cut which makes them extra comfortable and covering :)

But in all seriousness can we talk about how exciting it is that summer is here! I am looking forward to many more walks on the beach, wades in the ocean, book after book, lemonade, watermelon, swimsuits, and adventurous vacations. 

(I will put out a disclaimer that my swimsuit standards might be different than yours....be it in my choice not to wear a bikini or maybe even not covering as much as others choose to) 

-Madison

Orange Creamsicle

Friday, June 16, 2017

Dress: Thrifted (Anthropologie: same on Poshmark)
Shoes: Modcloth
Hat: DIY

Shop The Look:

I've never been a big fan of the color orange.....truly I really don't like it and typically avoid wearing it whenever possible, which is kind of funny considering the color for my college was orange (which I honestly hated). However, when I was shopping at Goodwill earlier this spring I happened upon this orange striped midi dress. When I first found it I was immediately intrigued by the length, but almost put it back on the rack because it was orange. Thankfully though, the desperate need for a longer length of dress prompted me to try it on and I was pleasantly surprised! 

When I tried it on I fell in love with the length, the key hole tie back, and the comfort of the stretchy fabric (its literally the comfiest dress ever). You can imagine my surprise then when I took it off and started looking at the tags and realized that it was an anthropologie dress! That simple fact sold the dress for me. However, the best part about it was going to purchase it and finding out it was only $5 when most dresses at Goodwill all go for $9.99, so that was a very happy and successful shopping day. 

The main reason I love this dress (besides the fact that it's crazy comfortable) is that it can be worn anywhere! I wore it to a friends graduation already, and if I had any weddings to go to this summer it would definitely be worn to one of them. Of course, you could even throw a denim jacket over it and grab a pair of sneakers to make it super casual so it could easily take you from day to night simply by changing your shoes and accessories!

What is one color you are not a fan of?

-Madison

10 Lessons Social Media Has Taught Me

Wednesday, June 14, 2017


If you are anything like me, you know that there are both pros and cons to social media. I've mentioned before that I used to be HIGHLY opposed to the idea of "social media" and putting myself out there on the internet, but after starting my blog a few years ago I have come to see that it wasn't all I made it out to be. In fact, while social media can take up to much of my time (lets be honest...its kind of a side job I don't get paid for...#blogger), it can have a number of benefits and I have come to see that I have learned a number of lessons through it's adoption into my life:


  1. YOUR LIFE ISN'T GOING TO BE PERFECT......so you had better accept that right now! Often times I might look at other peoples "perfect" feeds and life and try to compare myself to them and everything they are doing, but at the end of the day I have to accept me for me! Sure, I can look at others accomplishments and learn from their successes in order to apply their lessons to my life, but I can never become someone who wishes to be someone else. I have to remind myself that I am right where I need to be and be content that my present life is perfect!
  2. HEARTBREAK AND TRAGEDIES OF LIFE ARE REAL.....I can't tell you the number of times I have scrolled through Instagram and come across a story that breaks my heart. There are so many (incredible) ladies whom I follow that have miscarried, lost husbands, had broken engagements, deal with health issues, etc. Seeing and knowing that other people are going through trials reminds me that life isn't always easy, that prayer is vital, and that I should always be thankful for what God has blessed me with.
  3. HEALING REALLY IS POSSIBLE (in regards to #2).....yes....heartbreak and tragedies come our way, but even in the darkness and brokenness there is healing and people (we) are stronger than we realize! While not everyone chooses to share their trials and heartbreak on social media, many do, and I have come to GREATLY respect those who choose to share and constantly learn from their strength, joy, authenticity, and determination to never give up! 
  4. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE......I remember when I was growing up and always feeling like no one understood me, or no one liked the same things I did. Social media totally changes that and gave me an outlet to meet people who have the same interests as me, or are the same type of person (where are my fellow Introverts?). I think this many times come down the the amazing community created through social media, be it with bloggers, creatives, photographers, seamstresses, etc. 
  5. ONLINE FRIENDS ARE REAL THINGS.....five years ago I probably wouldn't have believed you if you had told me I would meet some incredible friends through social media! I guess I didn't think connections could be made over the internet that could lead to friendships, but I was wrong. Thanks to messaging options and the ability to comment I have come to meet some of the sweetest ladies who really are kindred spirits. Its even cooler when you get to meet online friends in person and you totally hit it off over coffee :)
  6. THERE ARE DEFINITELY WEIRD AND DIFFERENT PEOPLE OUT THERE......lets be honest...we have all had those "interesting" people follow us, or comment on a post, or request to be our friend....but that is precicely what the BLOCK button is for. Am I right or am I right?!?!
  7. YOU CAN EXPRESS YOURSELF IN WRITING AND PEOPLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONNECT......I can't tell you the number of times I have shared a lengthy post about life or something personal and had people comment with encouragement, understanding, or words of wisdom. I constantly see people on social media who use words to express how they feel and those words will always connect with someone who reads it, reminding them that they are not alone (#4).
  8. IF YOU EVER THOUGHT YOU WERE INVISIBLE NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE SEEN.....just like #4, I always (and sometimes still do in daily life) felt as if I were invisible to those around me, be it their lack of vocalization to my presence, or their inability to acknowledge or start a conversation with me. However, in joining the world of "social media" I have had to learn that people actually see me.....like they see what I do, what I wear, the things I love and they like it! Thus social media allows me to be "ME" and connect with others who recognize that uniqueness just like I recognize theirs:) And for those people who already know me, and just happen to follow me on social media, they often see another side to me that they might never have seen in person. 
  9. YOU WILL CONSTANTLY GROW, LEARN, AND CREATE......wow...this one is such a great lesson! Through social media I have seen myself grow be it in my skills, my blog, my interests, communication, or even in how I run the PR side of my blog and grow my audience and reach. However, that wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the things I am constantly learning through watching other bloggers, reading books, or getting advice from people I know. I am able to see what works for other people and apply those skills to my life. And culminating all of those together I have learned that using social media for what I do gives me an outlet to be creative in photography, writing, and design and I love that I have the chance to utilize creativity in such a unique way. 
  10. PEOPLE GENERALLY LOVE TO CELEBRATE OTHERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TALENTS.....you might think (sometimes) that people just use social media to brag about themselves (which might be the case for some), but I have found that if you do what you do because you love it, accept compliments humbly, and remove all pride and self absorption from your life people really do want to celebrate with you when you succeed at something! I love to see the people I follow pursuing their dream, accomplishing something grand, or announcing something exciting! Life is something to celebrate, so why not celebrate it every chance you get:) I think this one again, also comes down to the community we create with those we follow and those that follow us. It's so cool to see what other people are pursuing and its also so cool to share the things going on in our life knowing that someone else is either going through the same thing or has a few words of wisdom or encouragement to keep you reminded of how lovely life can truly be and how splendid people really are! 
Have you learned any of these lessons through social media?
What are some lessons you have learned?

-Madison

A Bit of French

Monday, June 12, 2017

  
Culottes: Thrifted (old)
Shirt: borrowed from sister
Neck Scarf: Vintage (gift)
Shoes: Old Navy
Earrings: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted (Coach)
Lipstick: Revlon (Ultra HD Matte Lip Color)

I may not be the most "french" person there is (really I lack many things french), but I do love any style inspired by french fashion and culture! With that being said, I love how straight forward French style tends to be (its really so predictable). When I think "french" style, I think stripes, solid colors, neck scarves, and classic gold jewelry. Of course, its always fun to mix it up a bit, so for this look I opted to make it more french fashion meets 2017 spring styles :)

This season has had me dreaming of travel nearly every day! I have always wanted to travel, but recently the urge has been more readily surfacing and I find myself thinking of all the different places I could go, the amazing sights to see, and the styles that would accompany me:) France is definitely on my bucket list because it has so much to offer and there is so much art, history, and culture to be had. I think travel is a great way for us to not only learn about the different cultures around us, but it is also a great way for us to further culture ourselves with different cuisine, traditions, and lifestyles. 

With travel on the mind, and France as my inspiration, I chose to wear black coulotte pants for a comfy and classic look as well as to also take advantage of the spring "coulotte" trend. Of course with black pants stripes are a must, but I went a different route than normal with these also, and borrowed this flowy ruffle sleeve top from my sister which is the cutest (and comfiest) shirt ever! A french inspired ensemble is never complete without a neck scarf and I love everything about this vintage scarf that was gifted to me by a friend. I finished off the look with my old navy clogs, a classic hammered gold dangle hoop earring, and my vintage brown satchel coach purse. 

Looking back at this, I think I am ready to hop on a plane to France! 

Have you ever been to France?
Are you dreaming of travel like me?

-Madison
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