Happy Friday! We made it! I am so excited for the weekend because our pace will slow down and I get to spend quality time with my husband and kids doing the things we want. No more being tethered to school schedules, after-school activities and mid-week obligations. It is time to set this wild spirit — FREE!
I am so excited to share with you these fun pictures from my recent photo shoot with my amazing photographer Shawna Henrie of Bleudogfotography. Gratitude is what I feel for her because she has been my rock and support from day one. Shawna has been there from the very beginning of my blogging journey.
There were so many reasons why I dragged my feet in becoming a fashion blogger despite knowing it was my calling at this time in my life. I believe this discussion is worthy of a blog post so let me know if you are interested in hearing it. One debilitating mindset I had was my insecurity of being too different.
Don’t Let Your Thoughts Bully You
You see I am from Orange County, CA where everyone seems to be a size 0, tall, skinny and a blonde. I am complete opposite of that. I have been all sizes of the spectrum, I am short, I am thick and I have dark hair (which I used to color to make lighter but now I am embracing the dark side).
I told Shawna all of my insecurities, who mind you — is from Orange County, gorgeous, and a blonde herself! I just laid it out there in text fashion trying to decipher if she is the right photographer for me. Because, for those fashion bloggers out there you know that your relationship with your photographer needs to be built on trust.
She said so many poignant things that buoyed my spirit. Words that became a balm to my broken soul and self-limited thoughts. Shawna said the camera doesn’t lie and that I needed to start this path and to trust her. Because I was different I needed to step up and share my voice, passion, and beauty. That there are women are there who are looking for someone like me to connect with and receive inspiration from.
This Is Your Time To Shine
I was so humbled by her words. I knew that God was directing our paths and this connection was not a coincidence. It was my time to step forth and shine. This was not an easy thing for me to embrace because my natural inclination is step back, observe, and even hide sometimes! I am honestly comfortable with not standing out. But, I knew in my heart God didn’t want me to live my life like this anymore.
This style post is more than about the latest trends for me. It is symbolic of embracing who I am, having complete faith in me and my abilities. Loving everything about me. The flaws, weaknesses, insecurities, and imperfections make me beautiful. To understand that I am a work in progress. I am incredible because I am God’s creation.
Is it hard for you to step out of your comfort zone and take that leap of faith? Share with me a recent fear you conquered and was there someone cheering you on too? I would love to hear from you!
Photography by Bleudogfotography
My Talbots Style
[shop] [/shop]Jegging: c/o Talbots. I am in love with this Flawless Five-Pocket Jegging in Cadet Grey, $95! This ulta form-fitting style has the best super-soft fabric designed to keep its shape all day long! Talbots Sale: $20 off regular-priced pants when you buy one. Buy 2 or more regularly price pants get $25 off each. Valid through 9-13-2017. Stock up for FALL!
Handbag: c/o Talbots. Animal print drives me crazy! A super stylish bag that has many pockets for organization. This particular bag is from last season but similar soft haircalf handbag here and here.
[shop]
Top: c/o Shein. Love this Crochet Lace Hallow Out Top! The high neckline has a great Victorian flair. It is only $16!
Boots: c/o Zooshoo. Obsessed with these tan leather boots, $95. The fringe dances with you and I will be wearing this all season long!
Embroidered Floppy Hat: Nectar Boutique in Laguna Niguel, CA. I bought the last one and adore the boho vibe! Love this one from Forever21 and Shein too.
Earrings: Zulily (old). Turquoise and me go together! I love the look of this gorgeous stone with any outfit. These earrings here and here are super cute too!
Sunglasses: Quay. Love these retro-inspired aviator frames, only $55!
Thank you always for stopping by and wishing you a fantastic weekend! Do share with me your thoughts about today’s fashion post!
Love this post girl 🙂 So happy that you are embracing the beautiful YOU!!
Thank you so much Brittany for reading this! Means a lot! xo
You are beautiful! I totally understand the daily struggle that you do not feel good enough! Keep up the self-love.
Thank you so much Marie! Have a great weekend! Thanks for the love!
I love the honesty and I love that you are embracing who you are! You go girl!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Love that your embracing you and sharing this. Keep it up! xo
Such an inspiring and honest post! Loving that embroidery detail on the hat, so pretty!
You look fabulous in this trendy outfit I totally love your entire style. 🙂
Such a beautiful message! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
You look amazing! I’m totally loving this post and it its definitely so relatable. Also, I am obsessed with the white lace top, such a cute and unique piece!
Yes! Gotta embrace all of you! Glad you are at that point! Love the boots!
Honeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy you are gorgeous!!! You dont need to blend in at all. Just keep doing you and those boots are fabulous!
You are beautiful! I love your style. The top and boots are so gorgeous on you. Keep up the great work and embrace!!!
Beautiful post and beautiful outfit. There are a lot of times I don’t want share because I am plus size. I am always worried that someone who is skinnier than I am will look down on me or say something fake to me just to try to be nice. I definitely needed to read this today!
The secret to everything is L.O.V.E. yourself FIRST. And I think you’re already on that path. Just be you, because you’re gorgeous 🙂 And love the outfit, it looks great on you!
Brigita
http://www.mjzfashion.si
I love this post! Comparison is the thief of joy but keep your head up and know that you are beautiful inside and out! Thank you so much for sharing!
xo, Sara
This outfit is so cute! You defiantly have to love yourself and that’s where it is! Love the boots!
That’s awesome that you have such a great photographer that not only takes amazing photos of you but that actually cares enough to keep your spirits up and supports/encourages you! And I think what makes you beautiful is your unique look, I think you look great and you rock that outfit perfectly! keep up with your fashion blog because it IS your turn to shine! (you’re doing fabulous )
Girl you are just killing it in those pants! Can I please have your legs?? #forealtho
I definitely fall victim to negative thinking 🙁 but I think most of us do – especially since we put so much of ourself out there!
Birdie Shoots
I 100% relate, I struggle a lot with criticizing myself and making myself feel ugly and like I am never good enough, but girl you look incredible!
so pretty girl! love that top!
xo megan
OMG you look so dang HOT, Deb! Love this look on you! Great styling as always!
Thanks for sharing! Have a fabulous week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
Beautiful post — you are inspiring others and you look damn good doing it! Thanks for sharing! x
Thank you for sharing this inspiring post! I can relate to you in some ways, we all have flaws and insecurities about ourselves…I was always negative about myself for the longest time and it took me awhile to look on the positive! I know no one is meant to be made perfect but we all do our best. You are beautiful the way you are and your dark hair is just perfect for you…don’t ever change…keep being you❤️ xo
such a great inspirational post!!
I am glad that my words affected you. I just told you the truth, and Im glad you believed me! My camera does NOT lie and we are need to celebrate who we are and all of the wonderful unique qualities we all share. Kudos to you to put yourself out there and help other women be who THEY really are. Keep it up, honey. You are a dream to photograph and I love our shoots! Hey, come tho think of it…when is our next one! 😉 XXOO
What a wonderful post! I so enjoyed reading this! Also- those fringe boots are darling. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring post! XO
Debbie what a gorgeous outfit in you, such helpful self redlection. Thank you so much for sharing! Love you!
What an inspiring post and I think you look beautiful!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
everything about YOU is fabulous! Love this post darling! Rock on!
xoxo,
Andi
http://www.ouiwegirl.com
Wow! Unreal! Your body is perfection! Amazing thighs and booty! So hot!