Happy Thursday, everyone! I can’t believe it’s August, that means fall begins next month! It never fails… the minute I find my summer style groove, cooler temps are right around the corner. Luckily this summer in Oregon has been incredibly mild, so you won’t hear any complaints from me. BUT the one thing that has made this summer especially easy breezy has been the great selection of light weight dresses at Chicwish. During the summer months, comfort and breathability always get my vote.

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post.

Photography by Emily Petri Photography

I can’t get enough of this maxi skirt (under $50!) so you better get use to seeing it! I love the touch of glam it gives to even the simplest of looks. Even if you wore a basic tee or tank with this skirt you’d have an effortlessly chic look to take from day to night.

Photography by @emilypetriphotography

1. Blogging is hard work: When I say blogging is hard work, please know, I’m not complaining. I started blogging as a creative outlet and years later, it’s still the outlet I need to keep me sane. Just like anything in life though, you can’t expect results over night. Growing a brand takes time, work and patience.

2. Loop giveaways hurt your engagement: as someone who once participated in loop giveaways, this is a sensitive subject for me. Why? Because I feel guilty for buying in to them. I can proudly say I’ve been loop giveaway free for years now and I’ll never get wrapped up in them again. P.S.A: giveaways are not a substitute for hard work and your brand is more than a number. Since I started blogging, I’ve hardly taken any time off. Even when I was participating in the occasional giveaway, I never used them as a crutch or a means of playing catch up after not putting in the work. I was always putting in the work and maybe that’s why quitting them cold turkey was so easy. Fact, most giveaways cost anywhere from $25 to $150, if a blogger is running one giveaway a week, do the math. I recently read Poor Little It Girl’s blog post titled “Why I Don’t Follow Bloggers Who Cheat Their Way To the Top Instagram” and it resonated with me. I’m not sure when and how giveaways became a means of “ethical growth,” you’re buying followers and most of them won’t stick around. Please know I don’t condone any bloggers who participate in these giveaways, they’re just not for me. Over the years, I’ve learned, investing in photography for my blog is way more rewarding than wasting money on giveaways. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more frustrating than working your derrière off only to watch others cut corners, but remember this – hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

3. Create what you love: when it seems like influencers are just influencing each other, it’s easy to start questioning your content. There have definitely been moments when I’ve felt pressured to drink more Starbucks, shop at Target and pose in more flower fields, but that’s not me. I’ve realized that creating content that’s true to me keeps me wanting to create, it has also prevented the infamous burn out I hear so many bloggers talking about. Creating what you love, is simply fuel for creating.

4. Blogging can feel a little like high school sometimes : when I first started blogging, I was a bit naive. I thought every blogger would live by the motto “community over competition, “ but I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. This harsh realization was actually a gift though, it forced me to seek out and truly appreciate creatives with the same mindset as me. Amazing things happen when we just work together.

5. Work with brands you’re passionate about: if you’re familiar with my blog, you’ve probably noticed I wear a lot of the same brands. Why? Because I love them! Commission or no commission I’m going to wear what I want. Fact: I don’t even say yes to every collaboration or sponsored post that comes my way. If it’s not a good fit, I politely pass. My brand is my image and I’ve vowed to stay true to myself.

6. Invest in your blog and other available platforms: we’ve all heard the saying “don’t put your eggs in one basket,” but it’s so easy to do that!! I’m totally guilty of doing that, but I’m trying to break the habit. Remember the Instagram blackout that occurred earlier this year?? We couldn’t post and we all freaked, remember that? I do, and it was eye opening!! Not having access to Instagram forced me to think about a world without it. What other means do I have for getting my content out there? Well, I have my blog, Twitter and even Pinterest. Having a diversified blog or even laying the foundation for one, is only going to set yourself up for success in my opinion.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this post, so be sure to leave me a comment. Have a great week, everyone!

I totally stepped out of my comfort zone for this post….Happy Birthday America! Seriously, I am so insecure in swimsuits! I had a vision for a pinup inspired look for the 4th though, so I just went with it 😂.

I found this swimsuit on Amazon after running a search for “retro swimwear” and purchased it immediately. I loved cut, the skirt and of course the red, white & blue!

While working on this post, I started researching the evolution of women’s swimwear. I was specifically looking for information regarding the “skirt panel” I loved so much on this suit. Come to find out, in 1942 the United States War Production Board issued regulation L-85 which rationed the use of fabrics. This resulted in the modest two piece and swimwear without the usual skirt panel!

And there you have it, a 4th of July post with a little history lesson. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Photography by @littlephotofox

Wicker bags have been my spring/summer go to for years now. I love the classic touch they add to my summer outfits and they tend to match everything. Although all of the woven bags you’ll see on my Instagram are true vintage, there are so many vintage inspired bags out there right now. So….if you’re still looking for the perfect summer handbag, you’re in luck! I’ve rounded up my top 5 favorites on Amazon and they’re all $50 and under. Shop the post : 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

When Nike makes a cute and comfy jumpsuit, you better believe I’m gonna buy it!! I actually purchased it in black first, loved it so much that my husband surprised me with the Barbie pink one and now I want them all.

Since jeans are my least favorite clothing item, (year round but especially during the summer 😂) I love adding COMFY pieces to my wardrobe that I can easily dress up or dress down. What I love most about this jumpsuit (or romper per Nike) is the fabric! The soft French terry is incredibly breathable and keeps me feeling cool on warm days.

Also, can I just say this jumpsuit is proof that comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style?! You can be comfortable AND still look put together!! Hmm, maybe that’s what I love most about this jumpsuit 🤔 … Anyway, I almost forgot to mention it’s currently on SALE!!

P.S. This post was not sponsored in any way, shape or form. I’m just genuinely obsessed with these jumpsuits.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Photography by Emily Petri Photography

“Camp is the attempt to do something extraordinary. But extraordinary in the sense, often, of being special, glamorous.” – Susan Sontag

Creating unique content is one of my favorite things about blogging. I love creating images and styling unique looks that take me away from everyday life. Fashion has always been a form of escapism for me and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I truly believe when it comes to blogging (and Instagram) you have to stay true to your creative style. Honestly, coming to the realization that I’d rather be unfollowed for staying true to myself than followed for being someone I’m not, has just fueled my desire to create.

When I was planning the concept for this shoot, I remember telling Emily Petri, of Emily Petri Photography, that I wanted to go somewhere super casual where I could just be extra aka unapologetically myself. There’s something freeing about truly owning your sense of style and if I can inspire one person to wear something quintessentially “them,” I’ve done my job as an influencer.

In closing, ( if I haven’t made my case for fashion yet 🤣) Rachel Zoe once said “style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak,” and I think there’s so much truth in that. If fashion speaks louder than words, what does your style say about you?

Outfit details : top (currently on sale at Zara) skirt Chicwish, gold clutch (vintage) similar here , headpiece (made by yours truly for under $20) , Amazon sunglasses

Photography by Emily Petri Photography

Every year around this time, I start reminiscing about summers growing up. You know, the good old days when you had two months off to have fun in sun? Yep, those days…

Before every start of summer, I try to make a mental list of weekend activities that get me outside and make me feel like a kid again. Since most of my summer breaks, as a child, were spent at the beach or pool, spending time by water always seems to make my “Summer To Do List.”

As far as summer outfits are concerned, I’m loving flowy dresses, patterned skirts, stripes and of course all things nautical!

Happy first day of Summer AND happy Friday, everyone! Let me know what you have planned this summer or this weekend in the comments, I’d love to hear!

Outfit details: top, scarf and handbag from Most Everything Vintage. Amazon shorts (True to size. I’m wearing size small and they fit perfectly.)

Photography by @littlephotofox

Today of all days, I want to celebrate the life of Norma Jeane Baker aka Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn was an incredibly strong woman who overcame great odds to achieve wonderful things.

For almost 20 years I’ve been trying to uncover the truth about her life and I believe true Marilyn fans already know she was an intelligent , hard working woman with a very big heart. It’s important to know that Marilyn was Norma Jeane’s alter ego. Marilyn was an image, a part she played on screen and she played the part so well- that people thought that’s who she really was. Those close to Norma Jean have said she could switch Marilyn on and off like a light and often referred to Marilyn in the third person.

With so much focus on her death, her incredible achievements are often overlooked. During my search to uncover the truth about Marilyn, I discovered she was a humanitarian. She loved animals and people of all walks of life. She was passionate about Civil Rights and even participated in Freedom Rides protesting the loss of minority rights. Marilyn also donated her time, money and fame to charitable foundations such as St. Jude’s , Toys for Tots and the March of Dimes.

More than anything Marilyn wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. She was serious about her craft and worked hard to perfect it. She was known for taking acting, dance, elocution and voice lessons -sometimes all in the same day. Marilyn never stopped bettering herself artistically and intellectually. She dedicated her life to working hard without lowering her principles.

When asked about Marilyn’s present day popularity on Good Night Marilyn Radio, Dr. Joe Dispenza, expert on change, the brain, mind & human potential said “Marilyn’s legacy says a lot about energy because energy in the universe never dies.”

We’re all drawn to Marilyn for different reasons but there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not inspired by her grace and resilience. Even this week with the passing of my fur baby, I thought about Marilyn smiling through so much pain and it gave me strength. Today, on what would have been Marilyn’s 93rd birthday, let’s celebrate the truth not the conspiracies.

Happy Birthday, Marilyn.

Photography by Emily Petri Photography

Chicwish has so many amazing dresses in stock right now and this is one of them! Initially I was a little worried about this dress being too short but it’s actually pretty perfect and as you can see, it’s “finger tip rule” friendly. Does anyone else still live by the finger tip rule 😂 ? Ok, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, it basically means the hem of your skirt should be three inches below the tops of your fingers as you stand straight with your hands by your side. What can I say? I’m old fashioned and I love pretty dresses.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post.

Photography by Emily Petri Photography.