November 13, 2017

A Weekend In Chicago – Where We Stayed, What We Did, and What I Bought

How We got There

This past weekend, my sister in law and I, headed out for a quick weekend trip to Chicago. We decided to do things on the inexpensive side so that we could conserve every penny for shopping! Taking the train to Chicago seemed like the best route due to price and ease of getting into the city and not having to rent a car. It was only 69$ roundtrip for one ticket. That’s not bad! I had no idea what to expect because I have never taken the train, but I gotta say, for a weekend trip that’s semi near by, it’s the way to go. There is pretty much no regulation for the train. You can bring however many bags, food/drink, and seating is open and quite comfortable. Way better than an airplane, in that regard. I didn’t have t stress about my bag being over the weight limit, woohoo!! Especially since I’d be shopping, I knew it would come back even heavier lol.

The train going to Chicago was running very late. That was ok at first, but by 2pm, we just wanted to be there already. They left STL late and that pushed us to the lower end of the totem pole and we had to wait for several trains to pass along the way. We finally made it into Chicago around 4. The train home was the complete opposite. It was on time and even got us home early. I would definitely take the train again. It would also be a great option for little ones traveling, because you wouldn’t have to worry about air pressure for their ears, and they could stand up and roam around, if needed. It was a very laid back experience.

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November 6, 2017

Suzanne Betro Blouse – With A Pop Of Color

Lace Top C/O HERE

Denim HERE

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October 16, 2017

All The Fall Feels

 

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September 28, 2017

Red Blazer – A Pop Of Color For Fall

 

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September 22, 2017

Polka Dots & Some Thoughts

Happy Friday, friends!!! We finally made it to Friday! I’ve had some thoughts lately about blogging and yesterday an Instagram friend of mine, Morgan, posted something sharing her heart, and it motivated me to share mine too. I see bloggers on the daily post all their new purchases, and I keep wondering how on earth can they not only afford all that “stuff”, but where do they put it all, if they are buying constantly?

Being a blogger is unique because we share our style, if people love what they see on us, they want to buy it. Well if you aren’t constantly posting something new, people can’t buy it, if it’s not available anymore. So I think a lot of bloggers feel this pressure to buy buy buy, so that they can link link link! Lately it’s been making me feel like I can’t keep up. I can’t be buying something everyday, just so I can have something to link. If you have followed me for any length of time, you have noticed I wear things over and over. I love to get use out of what I buy, and I am just not a “wear once” kind of person. I spend our hard earned money on something, so I’m going to wear that piece several different ways. I think that’s probably what most people do. I don’t know of too many people that only wear something once. It’s just not attainable.

My goal when I started my blog, was to show how to use your entire closet, over and over. I had a passion for showing different ways to wear things that you already have. Now it’s no secret I have a slight shopping addiction, so I routinely add pieces to my wardrobe, but I still find multiple ways to wear it all. This top I’m wearing, for instance. I love this top! I got it last season from Everly Oak, and have worn it (and posted it) several times. I think it’s a great classic top that can be styled multiple ways. I have paired it with several pairs of denim and also with a midi skirt. I’m not going to lie, I love trends. I think it’s fun to try out a new trend, but I also love classic pieces too. I am not one to buy designer labels or expensive items, either. It’s just not me! I have a passion for finding affordable clothing.

My goal is to show you different ways to style something. My goal is not to make you shop constantly, and think you have to have all these new pieces. I hate the amount of consumption on Instagram. It feels like one giant add and I get sick of seeing it, and also, I get sick of being a giant add myself! I know when I see a blogger wearing something, I want that exact item, but I’m sure there’s something similar in my closet that I could try and recreate, and even put my own spin on it. That’s the beauty of fashion! We get inspired and then create an outfit around that inspiration that we feel great in.

If I ever post something and you are dying to have it but don’t want to spend any money or simply don’t have it in your budget to shop, message me and we will come up with an outfit similar with pieces you already have! Or, if you have a small budget, we can find some affordable pieces that make up several different outfits. I’m here to help! However you need it 🙂

I say all this lightly because this post isn’t meant to bash other bloggers or shame their game. It’s not that AT ALL. I think to each their own, and you do you. I am not one to judge. This is just something that I have been struggling with lately and it’s the feeling of “I can’t keep up” with everyone posting all their new stuff on the daily. I also don’t ever want to make you, my follower and reader, feel that way either! I want to inspire you to put together an outfit that you feel great in. Because we all know that when you feel great in an outfit, it changes your whole demeanor!

I am setting a goal for myself over the next few months to not shop. I am starting small, like maybe for 2 months lol. I have plenty of clothes and I want to challenge myself to make new outfits out of what I already have. If you see a piece of mine that isn’t available anymore, I will try and find something that’s similar to link.

Anyone want to take on this no shopping challenge with me?! I could start a Facebook group and we could all help each other pick out outfits with the clothes we already have! Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in.

Thanks for reading my novel 😉 and I hope that my thoughts came across clearly and not judgy. Please feel free to comment below if you have any thoughts, or as a follower how you feel about bloggers pushing product. I’m curious your take on it!

XO,

Mary ♥

 

Denim HERE / Top HERE / Shoes sold out, similar HERE / Bag sold out, similar HERE

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August 8, 2017

Shades of Blue

 

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December 21, 2016

Buffalo Plaid Off the Shoulder

 

Top c/o HERE, Earrings HERE

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