I am, by nature, equal parts goofy and equal parts serious. In recent years, however, I feel like my serious side has really taken over. Probably because I’m usually so focused on getting stuff done. Raising three kids and being a working mom is no joke. There is always a to-do list as long as my arm. Most nights my husband and I go to bed wishing there were more hours in the day (and that we had a magic night maid to come do all the laundry).
The problem with my serious side eclipsing my fun side is that it starts to bleed over to my closet in a serious way (see what I did there?). When I am making purchases or selecting items from brands I work with, the word PRACTICAL, PRACTICAL, PRACTICAL is always scrolling across my brain.
Will it work around my kids? Will it fit under my winter coat? Will I be too cold? Will I be too hot? Will it show too much skin? Will I look too over the top?
But I finally realized that sometimes I need to quiet that voice, and go for the WHIMSICAL, and embrace items that serve me in more than just the ‘practical’ ways.
Will I feel beautiful in it? Will I feel vibrant and alive? Will it make me want to flirt with my husband more? Will I walk confidently into a room? Will I want to twirl outside with my daughters? Will I turn up with music in the car just a little bit louder?
This spring I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a little bit, I’m embracing cropped tops, big ruffles and long ties. I’m letting the practical take a pause here and there and I’m embracing whimsy and the dance moves that come with it.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Button-Up Bow Top (XS/S), c/o Hackwith Design House (use code ‘Seasons10’ to save 10% through March 3/4/19) | Pants (6), Jesse Kamm (similar for less) | Mariella Mule, c/o Nisolo | Laura Bag, c/o MOIMOI
This post contains affiliate links, this means if you see something you like and make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no extra charge to you. All photography by Kiara Rose.
Love this, and love that top! I have to ask – where were these photos taken? Looks so cozy.
Hi Stacy! We took these at the Prince Coffee location in north Portland. :)
Yes embrace the whimsy! I wonder if you paired this with that peachy/orange long skirt that you have, it would be too much whimsy? Lol :)
Yes, I daresay it would Elaine!!!! Definitely going to try that out one of these days.
I love the top! We all need some whimsy in our lives!
Here, here!
I have been feeling exactly the same way lately, and I too have been trying to infuse a little more joy (OG joy, not Kondo joy) into my life (read: closet). Embracing more color and pattern and hoping for the best!
I wonder if it correlates with the nearness of spring?
The whole outfit is gorgeous. I love the top with the Jesse Kamm pants. So beautiful. I have the Jesse Kamm pants in tobacco and they are one of my best purchases.
I love hearing this Janet! The tobacco color is just so unique and rich! Hoping I wear mine as much as you wear yours!
You look beautiful, Andrea! I love this idea of embracing more whimsy in your style. Always love every look you curate!
Aw, thanks so much Emily! I feel beautiful too, which isn’t always the case this deep into winter. Hope you’re enjoying your Instagram sabbatical!
I admire your color scheme, practical and ethical outfit purchase.. Now if want to buy a bag or a cloth, I’ll check your color scheme first :)
The color of the bags you’re wearing is either black, tan, brown or cream. May I know, do you have blue bags, and how you coordinate with the whole outfit? I find a bit difficult to put on blue bag, except I’m wearing blue shirt. But then I dont know what shoes to wear. Blue has many shades, and sometimes they don’t match.
If you are not into blue, then I wouldn’t either :D
Blue bags can be tricky! But I do think blue and brown (particularly cognac) pair really well together. Perhaps you could try a brown shoe!
Your outfit is SO beautiful, but also looks so unbelievably comfy!
Thanks Kathrine! <3
I love it! Your blog is my favorite ethical style blog out there by far! I feel like you’re experiencing so many of the same thoughts I am! Ie: Okay, I’ve got three kids, a husband that travels for work, my own work, a house to take care of and I’m crazy busy a lot of other commitments and priorities. I spend so much time thinking about what it most practical but I’ve recently started feeling like I’ve given up some of the joy and whimsy and magic of just living by being so practical in a lot of ways including my wardrobe. So here’s to a) simplifying my life a bit and b) finding the time to feel the every day magic that I see my kids exemplify so much. Wonderful post!
Hi Alexandria, your comment got caught in my spam filter, and I’m so glad I found it. Thank you for this lovely, encouraging comment. I LOVE your goals, simplifying a bit (which is hard, but intention goes a long way, right?) and finding the time for every day magic! It sounds a little cheesy, but I am seeing my life and the childhood of my kids’ pass right before my eyes, and I want to live in that every day magic and thrive, not just survive. Cheers to sharing this!!
I love this shirt, and actually went ahead a purchased it today at 20% off!
Can I convince you to post a blog on the different ways you would wear it? I love the outfit you posted on this blog, but I am scared I’ll run out of ideas!
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you snagged it! I think that’s a great idea, and I’ll definitely keep that in mind!