Willing to Burn

top: minkpink (similar here)// skirt: vintage (loving this one) // jacket: vintage (loving this one) // shoes: schutz (similar here) // bag: loeffler randall (on sale here!)
photos by common dove photography

"She was never crazy. She just didn't let her heart settle in a cage. She was born wild, and sometimes we need people like her. For it's the horrors in her heart which cause the flames in ours. And she was always willing to burn for everything she has ever loved."

Despite all of my big talk about being strong and putting up walls I'm actually an incredibly sensitive and passionate person. In the past I used to beat myself up about not being stronger, especially over the last several months trying to prove to everyone that despite going through a divorce and my life being turned upside down that I'm "ok."

Well, you know what, its exhausting trying to be strong all of the time. I feel things so intensely that sometimes I don't know how to come back from them.

Recently some important people in my life made me realize its ok to let myself be affected by things the way I do and that being constantly stoic is not healthy. Using what you have been given instead of trying to hide it away is always a better alternative…… This year I'm using my empathy and sympathy for greater causes because with everything going on lately I let myself crawl into a selfish hole.

My walls are still up guarding my heart because its not just me that is affected by who I choose to love…..but its time to start embracing my annoyingly passionate disposition.

Growth

sweater: madewell (similar here) // shorts: flying tomato via james clothing boutique (similar here) // boots: schutz (similar here) // hat: world market (available here)
photos by common dove photography

"Be present. Make love. Make tea. Avoid small talk. Embrace conversation. Buy a plant, water it. Make your bed. Makes someone else's bed. Have a smart mouth, and quick wit. Run. Make art. Create. Swim in the ocean. Swim in the rain. Take chances. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Learn. Know your worth. Love fiercely. Forgive quickly. Let go of what doesn't make you happy. Grow"

If there was ever a year for growth 2014 was it. There was certainly no shortage of life altering changes this year that provided the basis for mental, emotional and (because of all of the stress eating) physical growth.  During the past several months I have learned how to love and live again and I'm ready to keep growing, especially spiritually. Now that the year is soon coming to an end let's make the next couple of weeks the best yet :)

PS if you haven't checked out Sheree from Its Not That Deep's vintage store that she recently opened then stop what you are doing and go check it out….right meow.

Armor

top: madewell (similar here) // shorts: zara (similar here) // jacket: vintage (loving this one) // shoes: schutz (available here) // sunnies: ray-ban (similar here)
photos by common dove photography

I recently read a quote that hit pretty close to home…"Sunshine all the time makes a desert." As much as we would like to avoid hard times and just have sunshine and happiness all of the time life just doesn't work that way. I always remind myself that in order to appreciate the good times you have to let bad times hit you, often like a ton of bricks. You build a certain armor….much like this vintage moto jacket has become my outer armor when I'm not quite feeling like myself. I throw this on and immediately feel a little stronger. I'm still working on the inner armor……but nothing comes over night right?

Patiently Waiting

dress: castles couture // shoes: schutz (similar here)
photos by common dove photography

I don't know about you guys….but I'm one of those people that will purchase an item and keep it for months….even years…..in my closet until its the right time. This Castles Couture dress has been with me for several months now patiently waiting and it finally made its debut. Actually, its about to make its debut at a bachelorette weekend in Savannah this weekend….but I couldn't wait to share it on the blog first. In wardrobe choices AND in life patience is a virtue…..I'm still working on the patience when it comes to life…that's for sure.